We won’t ever really draw together themes with CHS Crow. The point is the mix. Every now and then, we’ll post a set of conversations with the people you live, work and love with on Capitol Hill. If you missed the Crow’s debut last week, catch up here. Here is what we learned from Jeremiah, Bridget and Marc.

JEREMIAH, 28

How long have you been working here [at Kaladi Brothers Coffee, on Pike]? I’ve been here since the Capitol Hill shop opened, so about six years. And before that, I worked for the Kaladi Brothers in Wasilla, Alaska.

So, I assume you’re close, personal friends with Sarah Palin? Actually, she used to come into the Kaladi Brothers when she was mayor of Wasilla. And in 2008, on the campaign trail, they filmed her going into the shop and hanging out with the locals, or whatever.

Do you think she would have as warm a greeting in the Capitol Hill location? Probably not! Besides, isn’t she in hiding or something? You never hear from her anymore.

She’s very busy, actually–counting all her money. Or maybe doing something moose-related? Which brings me to the question we must ask all Alaskans–how long does it take you to field-dress a moose? I never have, so I wouldn’t know. I’m mostly vegan, so….

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But, I thought every man, woman and child in Alaska field-dress a moose? I feel like Sarah lied to me. Actually, my dad’s a hunter. I was visiting him recently, and I had an elk burger, even though I hadn’t eaten any meat in years.

You’re, like, an elk-atarian? Something like that! I don’t really like labels—I just try to eat healthy foods.

What brought you to Seattle, other than fact that it has 100% less Sarah Palin? And more than 100% less snow! Last year, Alaska had something like 500 inches. But, originally, I came here to study graphic design at the Art Institute. But I left that program, and went to UW instead—I recently got my degree in Communications.

“Communications”? What does that mean? It’s hard to say. It could mean a lot of different things.

You mean, it’s hard to…communicate about Communications? Did you minor in Irony? Yeah, I learned to talk all smart-like! Actually, I chose Communications because it seemed a little more practical than something like English.

Good move. Major in English, and you end up…well, like me. Kind of a cautionary tale. Yeah, I’m thinking about getting my M.B.A., but I’m also interested in advertising and marketing, or maybe copywriting. 

What do you like best about working with coffee? The people, of course. And the creativity. I love making coffee art.  It depends on so many different factors—your foam has to be just the right consistency—it has to be wet enough, and you have to move your wrist in just the right way, or it won’t happen.

Are we still talking about coffee? It’s much harder than it looks!

Okay, I’m gonna leave that one alone.  What do you think is the best-kept secret on Capitol Hill? Well… us [Kaladi Brothers]! But with the new space opening next door, it won’t be a secret for long. Also, “Beer O’Clock” at Quinn’s. Every day from 3-5, it’s half-priced beer. I like to go and get a few of the super-fancy beers that I wouldn’t get otherwise, and get schnockered. 

What do you like best, and least about Capitol Hill? Best—the people, and the diversity. Worst—the hills. I’m a biker, so any way you look at it, you have to go up a huge hill to get home. That makes it hard to leave the Hill. And why would you, since just about everything you need is here?

If you could only go to one local restaurant for the rest of your life, which one would it be? I’d have to go with Plum. Not just because I’m mostly vegan—the food is great, even if you’re not.

I guess they don’t have any elk burgers at Plum? Not unless they’re made of seitan. 

Fake elk. Mmmm. 

 

BRIDGET, 30

How long have you lived on Capitol Hill? About two years. I moved here from Wallingford. 

What do you do for a living? I’m a full-time nursing student at UW. But what I really want to be is a Ninja. 

I think you can get an M.A. in Ninja Studies from Full Sail University. I’ll have to look into that.

Why a Ninja? For one, scrub nurses and ninjas have almost the same outfits. This afternoon, I’ve been practicing my flaming nun chucks, which is more fun than studying. But I should be studying.

Flaming nun chucks? Seriously? Yes! They’re like regular nun chucks, only they’re on fire.

Which makes them…safer? More fun, anyway! I’m a fire-spinner, and the nun chucks are just a variation on the theme. I’ve been practicing in the alley behind my apartment while listening to Die Antwoord’s “Enter the Ninja.”

What do you like best about Capitol Hill? No, wait…before you answer, I have to say—the thing I like best about this area is that you ask a random person what they’ve been doing on a Tuesday afternoon, and the answer is “spinning flaming nun chucks.” Please go on. I like the fact that I always seem to run into someone I know, because the area is so densely populated. It gives you a sense of community.

What do you like least about the area? I don’t like the building density—you feel like you’re in an urban environment, whereas Green Lake is very residential and green.

If you could only go to one Capitol Hill bar for the rest of your life, which one would it be? That’s easy. Neighbours. Only, it would have to be 80s night every night. 

What kind of food or restaurant would you like to see the Hill, that isn’t already here? I wish we had one of those blocks with a bunch of different food trucks and picnic tables, like in Portland.  Yeah, those are great—I love the food carts in Portland. Lots of variety.And they’re cheap! It’s perfect for students.

If you were to run for local office, what would be your campaign slogan? “Come to my Backyard.” I used to work in social services, and everyone always wants a solution to the homeless problem, but nobody wants to have public housing, etc. “in their backyard.” But people have to go somewhere. And I’m not just talk—there’s actually a methadone clinic right behind my apartment. 

You make a good point. But do you think that would go over well with the local voters? No. Not at all. Which is why I’m going to be a nurse/ninja, instead of a politician.

 

MARC, 44

Do you live and/or work on Capitol Hill? Yes, both. I live in the building we’re standing in front of, and I’m the manager of all the buildings on this block, except Neumos. I’m also an artist—I do a lot of large-format painting and mixed media/3-D work. One of my pieces is in the window of Frame Central, on the corner. You can see more on my website at www.marcanthonyL.com.

Marc Anthony… Didn’t you recently divorce J. Lo? Different Marc Anthony, but, yeah…it creates some confusion.

Large-format art pieces must take up a lot of space. Do you work from home? Actually, I have studio space at Pound art studios, above Odd Duck. Having an art studio is better than a therapist. For a therapist, you might pay $100 an hour, but you don’t necessarily get anything in the end. After painting for a few hours, I come out feeling more sane, AND I have something to show for it. 

Are there a lot of other artists at Pound studios? There’s roughly 12-14 art spaces of various sizes, and 1-5 artists in each space. But obviously people aren’t there at the same time. 

Is it like Melrose Place for the Capitol Hill art crowd? I wouldn’t know. When I’m working, I’m very reclusive—I like to hole up and focus on the art. On the other hand, I’m very social when I’m not in art mode. And I have met a lot of interesting people through the studio over the years. Many come and go, but only a few stay.

Have you lived here for very long? About nine years. Before that, I lived in other parts of Seattle and Washington. But I’m from L.A., originally.

What are some of the biggest changes that you’ve seen over the past decade? You see the demographics changing. Back when the area was run-down, all the artists moved in because they didn’t mind having holes in their floors. Then, the area becomes “artsy” and cool, so the developers move in, and push the artists out. However, the area has developed some innovative ways to promote and sell art, like the Capitol Hill Art Walk, and venues that aren’t traditional galleries. That’s good for the artists, and the businesses.

What do you like the best about Capitol Hill? I like the fact that it’s still growing. The corner of Union and 10th—where the studios are—is about to be developed. That’s going to be a game changer. There’s going to be ground-level retail, which is going to change the industrial, almost abandoned feel to that whole area.

You say it’s a “game changer.” Do you think the development will be a good thing, or bad? It’s hard to say. Growth can be a detriment, but you really never know. It also brings new life, new people, new energy. Change isn’t always bad. 

What do you like least about the area? I wish something could be done about the residential.

Can I take your picture? Yes, but you don’t mind if I don’t look the camera in the eyes?

Why’s that? Years ago, I was travelling in Egypt, and the kids wouldn’t look you in the eye for photos. They thought if someone took a picture of your eyes, it would steal a piece your soul. Ever since then, I haven’t let anyone take pictures of my eyes.

Come on. If eye pictures drain your soul, then Kim Kardashian wouldn’t have any soul left .Huh?

Wait a minute. I think I see your point…

Marguerite Kennedy is a freelance writer who lives on Capitol Hill. A few years ago, she had a dream where a talking salmon told her to move to Seattle from New York City. So, naturally, she did. She blogs occasionally at marguerite-aville.com, and tweets @tweetmarguerite.