Mold Remediation in Seattle, WA

Seattle grew more affluent last year, with census data showing the city’s median household income hit a record $121,000. Other communities on the Eastside are even wealthier. In fact, Sammamish, with a median household income of $239,000, ranked No. 1 among all U.S. cities with a population of at least 65,000.

But certainly not everyone in this area is well-off. Newly released data for census tracts shows a huge range of incomes from neighborhood to neighborhood in Seattle and King County.

Let’s start with a look at the most affluent places in the county. We’re going to have to call it a 15-way tie, because the Census Bureau has an upper limit of $250,000 for its data on median income, and in 15 of King County’s nearly 500 census tracts, the median exceeded that figure.

Wide range of incomes across King County neighborhoods

In 15 of the nearly 500 census tracts in King County, the median household income exceeded $250,000, according to new census data. In 15 tracts, the median was below $50,000.

U.S. Census Bureau (Fiona Martin / The Seattle Times)

Two of these ultrawealthy tracts are in Seattle. One is in the Laurelhurst neighborhood and the other is primarily in Montlake and crosses over into North Capitol Hill.

The remaining 13 tracts with median household incomes crossing the $250,000 threshold are on the Eastside. They were located in Yarrow Point/Clyde Hill, parts of Bellevue (Newport/West Bellevue, Hilltop), most of Sammamish, North Redmond/English Hill, the south part of Woodinville, and most of Mercer Island.

Medina is often thought of as the wealthiest community in the area, but in terms of median household income, it just fell short of the $250,000 mark, coming in at $249,700.

The Medina tract was one of 32 with a median household income between $200,000 and $250,000. The bulk of these were on the Eastside or in eastern King County, but seven were in Seattle. These include tracts located in Broadview, Blue Ridge, Windermere, View Ridge/Ravenna, Green Lake, Magnolia and North Capitol Hill.

The median is the midway point — in other words, half the households made more and half made less.

At the other end of the income spectrum, the census data includes 15 census tracts where the median was less than $50,000.

Twelve of these tracts are in Seattle. Most of these are in the University District, where there is a high concentration of students who may have little or no income. The lowest median household income in King County was in a tract on the west side of the UW campus, at $25,100. The median age in this tract was around 19, nearly everyone who lived here was unmarried and 100% of the households were rented.

Only college students who live in off-campus housing would be included in the data. That’s because the Census Bureau produces income data for households, and dorms are considered “group quarters” rather than households.

Five of Seattle’s low-income tracts were outside the University District. Of those, the one with the lowest median income was in the Chinatown International District/Yesler Terrace area, at around $37,800. In an adjacent tract located in Pioneer Square, the median was slightly higher, at $39,100.

The other three Seattle tracts were in Beacon Hill west of Jefferson Park and the VA Medical Center, the north end of Bitter Lake, and in the Northgate neighborhood around the Hubbard Homestead Park.

The three census tracts outside of Seattle where the median was less than $50,000 were in South King County. These were located in the northern tip of Federal Way, Western Kent and North Auburn.

It’s worth taking a moment to define what the Census Bureau considers household income.

Household income includes contributions by all members of the household, whether related or not, age 15 and older. Of course, wages are a major part of household income, but it also includes interest, dividends, income from rental properties, royalties, public assistance and disability and retirement incomes (Social Security, pensions, etc.).

Because household income includes the contributions of everyone in the household, a larger household with two or more working adults can easily have a higher household income than an individual who lives alone, even if that individual has a high salary.

It also means areas with a high percentage of people who live alone, like in much of Central Seattle, could have lower median household incomes simply because a greater share of households only have one earner.

Another point to consider: These income figures are calculated by taking an average of five years’ worth of data — in other words, the new release is actually an average of the data from 2019 to 2023. The Census Bureau uses five-year averages to increase the sample size, which improves the accuracy of data for relatively small areas like census tracts.

But it also means that the figures are a little out of date, even though they were just released. Most likely, incomes in much of Seattle right now are even higher than these numbers show.

Gene Balk / FYI Guy: gbalk@seattletimes.com.

T&T Supermarket debut in WA sparks shopping frenzy

Canadian-owned T&T Supermarket just opened its first U.S. store in Bellevue, and many people are already obsessed with it.

T&T Supermarket, the largest Asian grocery store chain in Canada, has officially opened its first U.S. location in Bellevue’s Factoria Mall, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

At a whopping 76,000 square feet, it's also the largest Asian grocery store in Washington state.

If you're planning to make a trek out to the new store, we recently visited and put together a list of 10 things you must know before visiting. Keep reading to find out.

(T&T Supermarket)

1. Be ready to wait

Shannier Yang, director of prepared foods and bakery, assures that outdoor wait times should not exceed 20 minutes.

To make the experience more comfortable, management has provided portable bathrooms for visitors. Hint: these aren't your typical porta potties, but rather the nicer restrooms you'd find at shows like Cirque du Soleil at Marymoor Park.

Also, don’t forget to budget extra time for the checkout, which can take about 15 minutes. During a Wednesday afternoon visit, the line stretched from the Korean skincare aisle all the way to the frozen foods section.

2. The best time to visit is between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Crowds tend to be lighter in the mid-afternoon hours leading up to dinner. However, don’t expect the store to be quiet. According to Yang, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 shoppers have visited the store daily since the grand opening last week, with some traveling from as far as Portland.

3. Grapes are the ‘it’ produce item

Specifically, seedless Korean grapes.

Front and center as you enter the store, the Shine Muscat brand takes the spotlight. According to Yang, these juicy fruits are typically pricey, but T&T offers them at a more affordable price point.

Note: Since T&T is a Canadian-founded store, the Factoria store adheres to Canadian Food Inspection Agency guidelines.

(T&T Supermarket)

4. T&T Supermarket has an aquarium you can eat

T&T offers a truly hands-on seafood experience. Using tongs, customers can pick live lobsters, Dungeness crabs or massive geoduck clams and place them in a bucket to be weighed at the counter. Other tanks, which are strictly hands-off, showcase creatures like eels, King Crab, bullheads and a variety of other marine life.

At the seafood counter, shoppers can choose their preferred fish and request custom cuts. Standout options include catfish, lingcod and the eye-catching big red thornyhead, whimsically nicknamed the "idiot fish."

5. Hot Pot lovers will rejoice over the fish ball bar

Featuring flavors like egg roe, crab, cuttlefish and shrimp, the fish balls are perfect for a simmering broth. Some are pinstriped, while others come in bright pinks and yellows, resembling candies more than savory delights.

Note: This section is not self-serve.

6. T&T Supermarket has its own private label

T&T's own private label offers a wide range of products, including chips and an array of frozen goods.

According to Yang, the brand features affordable staples like dumplings and edamame, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

7. Most T&T Supermarket staff are bilingual

T&T Supermarket specializes in Chinese favorites, which is why many staff members speak Cantonese or Mandarin to assist customers.

The store also caters to diverse tastes with a wide selection of Korean and Japanese products.

The supermarket chain, originally founded in Canada, offers a variety of authentic Asian products, along with fresh produce, live seafood, an in-store kttchen and bakery, and Asian beauty products. (T&T Supermarket)

8. The T&T Supermarket deli is at the heart of all the action

According to Yang, the deli and adjacent bakery are undoubtedly the store’s main attractions.

During our visit, shoppers packed the area shoulder to shoulder. The Papa Crispy Chicken proved especially popular — it was already sold out by 10:30 a.m.

Another highlight was the made-to-order Taiwanese stuffed sticky rice rolls, which resemble burritos and drew a steady line of eager customers.

The deli also features a grab-and-go section and a self-serve hot bar, offering a variety of quick and delicious options.

9. The pastry case is packed, but Portuguese Tarts steal the show

The buzz online is all about T&T’s Portuguese egg tarts, and it shows. Lines quickly form at the pastry counter for these popular treats.

Customers can choose between two versions: the classic tart or the upgraded Napoleon, which Yang notes is a standout favorite.

For a closer look, check out our video review of this must-try pastry included at the top of this story.

10. Mango lovers, this is your paradise

By the time we arrived at 10:30 a.m., the highly sought-after Australian mangos had already sold out. However, mango enthusiasts with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed — the pastry case is filled with mango-inspired desserts, including a decadent mango cake.

However, if you want to get your hands on the Australian mangos, come early.

T&T Supermarket is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. To learn more, visitthe store's website.

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The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most reliable annual displays for stargazers, is expected to peak this week. However, spectators in the Pacific Northwest may struggle to see it.

Keep reading to learn more about the meteor light show, when peak activity is supposed to happen and if the weather in western Washington will cooperate during this year's show.

The Geminid meteor shower is being seen at the top of Niubei Mountain in Ya'an, Sichuan Province, China, on December 14, 2023. (Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

When is the Geminid meteor shower expected to peak?

According to FOX Weather, the Geminids start in mid-November and run through Christmas Eve. Even if we miss peak activity in western Washington, there's still a chance to see some meteors.

Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak from the night of Friday, Dec. 13 to the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14. Under the right conditions, stargazers could witness up to 120 meteors per hour.

Will we be able to see the Geminid meteor shower in WA?

Two factors will make sky gazing difficult during the Geminid meteor shower. According to FOX Weather, the Seattle area is expected to have 100% cloud cover during peak activity Friday night. If there are breaks in the clouds, the nearly full moon's light could also obscure visibility.

However, there is a silver lining for those in the Pacific Northwest: Although peak activity occurs this week, the Geminid meteor shower will continue through Christmas. So, don’t give up hope — there’s still time to catch a glimpse of the meteors.

Where do the Geminids come from?

According to NASA, the Geminid meteor shower is one of the few showers linked to an asteroid instead of a comet. The asteroid, known as 3200 Phaethon, remains a mystery to astronomers, with some speculating it may be a "dead comet" or a new class of object known as a "rock comet".

Scientists aim to uncover more about 3200 Phaethon with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's DESTINY+ mission, set to launch in 2028. The spacecraft will fly by the asteroid to study the source of the dust that creates the Geminid shower.

FOX Weather's Emilee Speck contributed to this story.

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Air and SpaceSeattleWashingtonWeather

WASHINGTON - Several new laws in Washington state will go into effect in 2025, impacting general workers and health care.

Key changes include stronger protection for health care workers, including a ban on mandatory overtime in certain settings, expanded rights for app-based workers and a new paid sick leave law. Fines for covered license plates also go into effect in 2025, and the state’s minimum wage is set to increase as well.

Keep reading to learn more about the new laws going into effect in Washington in January 2025, and how they may impact you.

WA's new Paid Sick Leave law to take effect in 2025

Washington's new Paid Sick Leave law (SB 5793) takes effect on Jan. 1, and means that workers, including drivers for transportation companies, will have access to paid sick leave and will be protected from discrimination or retaliation when exercising their rights. Here's a more in depth breakdown:

Employers must provide at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Employees can use this leave for personal or family illness, medical treatment, preventive care or in emergencies like school or business closures.

The leave is available after 90 days of employment and can be carried over, up to 40 hours annually. Employers must also maintain transparency regarding the sick leave balance.

For absences over three days, employers may ask for verification, but it must not cause undue burden. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave when an employee leaves, except for certain construction workers. Rehired employees within 12 months will have their unused leave reinstated.

New paid sick leave rules will apply to drivers of companies like Uber or Lyft. They must accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, with the same eligibility requirements.

The compensation for sick leave will be based on average hourly earnings. Drivers can also carry over up to 40 hours of unused sick leave, and must have an accessible system to request it. Drivers will also be protected from retaliation for using sick leave.

WA's new law for app-based workers to take effect in 2025

Seattle Council Bill No. 120580 goes into effect on Jan. 1, and aims to ensure fairness and transparency in how app-based workers in Seattle are treated by companies, especially regarding deactivation that can impact their livelihoods. Here's a more in-depth breakdown:

A phone is held displaying the Uber app on Dec. 10, 2021.

The law requires network companies (those using algorithms to manage app-based workers) to have clear and reasonable policies for deactivating workers. These policies must be related to safe and efficient operations.

Workers must receive a NOD 14 days before being deactivated, unless there's egregious misconduct. In such cases, the NOD will be provided on the same day as the deactivation.

Before deactivating a worker, companies must conduct an investigation with evidence supporting the decision. The deactivation must be proportionate, consistent and non-discriminatory.

Workers can challenge their deactivation within 90 days of receiving the NOD. Companies must respond to the challenge within 14 days and provide a written statement about their decision. If the challenge is unresolved, the worker can file a complaint with the Office of Labor Standards or pursue legal action.

Workers are entitled to the records used to justify their deactivation. Any new evidence discovered after the NOD must also be shared with the worker.

The law covers companies with 250 or more workers who perform services in Seattle. Workers are covered if they have completed at least 10% of their tasks within the city in the last 180 days.

The OLS will enforce the ordinance. Initial implementation costs are estimated at $1 million annually for staffing, outreach, and translation services.

The law is designed to address disparities faced by historically disadvantaged communities, particularly Black and Latino workers. The notice of rights must be provided in the workers' primary language.

A new WA license plate law is coming in 2025

Starting January 1, having a cover over your license plate will result in a fine.

Since June 2024, the law has stated violators will only be given a written warning, with information about the law and further penalties that will begin in 2025.

Health care workers to adopt new smoke evacuation systems law in 2025

Some lifesaving surgical procedures require lasers, radio frequency devices and power tools, which can create smoke harmful to surgical staff. Substitute House Bill 1779, effective Jan. 1, requires health care employers in Washington to adopt policies requiring the use of smoke evacuation systems during these procedures.

The systems must capture and neutralize smoke before it contacts the eyes or respiratory tract of anyone in the operating room. The law applies to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers and allows flexibility in choosing the type of system.

Surgeons at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham conduct an operation on June 14, 2006, in Birmingham, England. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Hospitals must select a smoke evacuation system based on surgical needs and safety considerations. Compliance will be monitored through inspections by the Department of Labor and Industries. Certain hospitals, including critical access hospitals and those with fewer than 25 beds, will have until Jan. 1, to comply with the requirements.

To support this change, a reimbursement program has been established for eligible hospitals to receive up to $1,000 per operating room for the purchase of smoke evacuation systems. Hospitals must apply to L&I for reimbursement, with funds limited to the amount available in the state’s surgical smoke evacuation account.

WA to prohibit mandatory overtime for health care workers in 2025

Starting Jan. 1, hospitals in Washington will be prohibited from mandating overtime for certain health care workers under a new law.

This policy, issued by L&I in June, restricts mandatory overtime for hospital employees directly involved in patient care, including nurses, surgical technicians and other clinical staff. The law applies to workers who are paid hourly or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

While most hospitals must comply by January, smaller hospitals and critical access facilities have until July 1. Contract and travel staff are not covered under the new rules.

The law allows for four exceptions where overtime may still be required: in emergency situations, during pre-scheduled on-call time, when staffing shortages occur despite reasonable efforts, and when overtime is necessary to complete a patient care procedure.

Hospitals must document their efforts to avoid overtime; non-compliance may result in civil penalties. Employees can file complaints with L&I, which will investigate violations. Penalties for violations could reach up to $5,000 per infraction.

Hospitals are advised to review their policies and engage legal counsel to ensure compliance.

WA's new minimum wage in 2025

Beginning January 1, the minimum wage in Washington state will go up to $16.66 per hour, up 2.35% from 2024.

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Washington State University’s latest darling crop has a name.

Meet Sunflare, previously WA 64, the university’s newest apple. A public contest with more than 15,000 submissions earlier this year crowned the crop with a name.

It’s a pink-hued and firmly crisp apple, adorned in blush superimposed over yellow and is round, sweet and tart.

The apple’s physical qualities inspired its namesake, as Sunflare “hits all those marks,” said Jeremy Tamsen, director of the WSU Office of Commercialization, in a news release. “These pinks, oranges and yellows stand out against all the red apples on the shelf.”

Ryan Escarcega, a 49-year-old food service salesperson and chef from Centralia, submitted the variety’s winning name. He was inspired by the apple’s bright hues and the powerful solar storms that sparked northern lights visible across North America in the spring, the university said.

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“I looked at the picture of the apple for a long time, fantasizing what it was going to taste like,” Escarcega said. “It was a real eye-catcher. I saw a nice relationship between the colors and the name. And the sun has everything to do with the growth of the product.”

First bred in an orchard in Wenatchee in 1998 and known by a mix of numbers and initials until now, Sunflare is a hybrid of Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink (widely known as Pink Lady).

Sunflare was birthed from pollination and not engineered or modified in any way — “we do what the bees do,” said retired apple breeder Bruce Barritt, who launched the university breeding program in 1994.

Sunflare is a small to medium apple, slightly less hard but considerably more crisp and juicy than Cripps Pink. Its sweetness and acidity, though, are between those of its two parents, according to the university.

Trees are expected to be available to growers in 2026 — exclusive to Washington growers for at least 10 years — with the apple itself reaching stores in 2029.

Sunflare comes on the heels of the Cosmic Crisp (formerly WA 38), a WSU apple variety released to growers around 2016 and brought to the market in 2019.

How Cosmic Crisp is boosting the Washington apple harvest this year

The university holds a patent on WA 64 and has filed trademark applications for the Sunflare brand name. A committee will help develop a trademarked logo, color palette and brand look and feel, WSU said.

University scientists will continue to study and share recommendations on the best ways to grow WA 64. Royalties from the sales of the trees, budwood and, eventually, the fruit itself, will help support research and future WSU apple varieties.

As the winner of the naming contest, Escarcega received a box of Sunflare apples and will get other WSU-themed prizes, including Cougar Gold cheese, a charcuterie board engraved with the winning name, WSU spice rubs and more.

“Of course, everybody wants to know the name!” he said. “Now, I can finally tell them.”

Vonnai Phair: Vonnai Phair covers morning breaking news and enterprise for The Seattle Times.