Stories for Dec. 30, 2009

Best of 2009: What would Jane Jacobs do about the Viaduct?

Wed, Dec 30, 10:12 p.m.

The patron saint of livable, walkable cities is being invoked on both sides of the debate over Seattle's Viaduct solution. Would Jacobs be a tunnel supporter, or a surface option fan?

New McGinnings: the police chief hunt

Wed, Dec 30, 5:51 p.m.

By David Brewster

A few signs of how much the McGinn era, at least at first, will be a continuity regime.

Republican hopes are rising for 2010

Wed, Dec 30, 10:25 a.m.

By Chris Vance

Democratic polling numbers are sinking, and GOP candidates are stirring. Key names will be Susan Hutchison (possible challenger to Sen. Murray), Jaime Herrara (for the open Brian Baird seat), and John Koster (challenger to Rep. Rick Larsen)

Best of 2009: Does 'smart growth' also create more sprawl?

Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Knute Berger

Urban density, a Seattle and Portland mantra, is supposed to constrain sprawl, but a new analysis suggests that vital, dense cities produce bigger suburbs too.

Best of 2009: How I learned to love the bag fee

Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Douglas B. MacDonald

When you look into the oceans of problems plastic bags create, the case for Seattle's well-crafted grocery-bag fee becomes overwhelming. And the opponents' arguments are underwhelming.