University Link Extension to Open in March and More News

According to the Seattle Transit Blog, the University Link light rail extension will officially open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. To celebrate the grand opening, Sound Transit is hosting a fun and festive day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including a tailgate party at the UW station and a street festival at the Capitol Hill station. Riders will also have the opportunity to win a commemorative (and fully functional) gold-colored ORCA card (the winner of this “golden ticket” will be among some of the first riders that day). For a chance to win the golden ticket, share a photo or video about how you’ll use ULink using hashtag #ULink2016 on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, tune into KEXP (90.3), KUOW (94.9), KNDD (107.7), or KHNC (1360 AM) for details, or spend $5 or more and submit a contest form at local business such as Ugly Mug Cafe and Cedars of Lebanon.  

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced Tuesday that Washington ranks number four in the nation for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building for 2015. According to the USGBC, LEED-certified spaces use less energy and water resources, save money for families, businesses and taxpayers, reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Washington certified 101 projects representing 17,450,321 square feet of real estate in 2015, the release noted. LEED-certified projects around the state include the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room (LEED Platinum), Gonzaga University’s Hemmingson Center (LEED Gold), and UW’s Husky Stadium (LEED Silver).

If you’re on a budget this year but are still looking for a way to wow your valentine, the Palladian Hotel in Belltown is offering a Cheap Date package in honor of its upcoming one-year anniversary. The package includes a one-night stay in a king standard room for only $19.10 (the year the hotel’s building was established) on either February 5 or February 6. Mark your calendar for Monday, February 1 at noon, which is when the package is officially bookable on the site. (It’s limited to six people so plan your strategy now.) For those who don’t nab this wallet-friendly deal, its also offering a 1st Anniversary Package ($191 per night), which includes a king standard room, local whiskey, local chocolates and valet parking for stays between February 5 and April 3.

Gone, a service launched in Austin last year, is an app that enables you to get rid of all your unwanted clutter and is now available to Seattleites, according to Tech Crunch. How it works: snap a picture with your phone of the item you’re seeking to sell. Then the Gone concierge service handles the rest, including pick up, packaging, sale of the item and shipping. (Read: No dealing directly with potentially shady strangers!) Once the process is finished, you receive a check in the mail.