New neighborhood cafe — tougo coffee co.

This hazy Saturday afternoon, J. and I are checking out the coffee and wifi at a new independent coffeehouse nearby — tougo coffee. So far, I’m loving it. It’s in a long narrow space, an older building, with big charming sidewalk-storefront windows. It’s opening day, and even though this cafe is on a quiet off-the-beaten track street, they’ve had a stream of traffic all day. With the concrete floor and other sound-reflective surfaces, it’s a little noisy — but in a homey, lively way.

What else is happening?

* Plans are underway for a 65th Anniversary Celebration of AFSC (American Friends Service Committee)’s amazing contribution to peace and justice activities in the Pacific Northwest — save the date: Thursday, May 3.

* Len Davis, friend and talented videographer, had one of his more obscure videos, “Ladybug Sex on My Hand,” make it to #1 on YouTube — followed by a big feature write-up in the Seattle P-I. He’s launched a new oral history videography service called LiveHistory, which I’m excited about. My current fantasy is to have a screening of Len’s short videos — with accompanying stories — at Central Cinema. More of Len’s short video documentaries from around the world at YouTube, channel: lendavis

* Sarah van Gelder will be showing gorgeous slides from her 3-month sabbatical in Latin America at Emma Goldman Finishing School’s regular monthly Open House. Sarah’s trip provided research for the upcoming YES! Magazine issue on the social movements in Latin America — due out in May.