A. McLean Emenegger! That is the name of the dynamic director of the unusually titled AMcE Creative Arts gallery located at 612 19th Ave East. As I walked along 19th Street, its small storefront popped out with the ceramics by Sonja Peterson. The director herself was explaining the significance of several offbeat cookie jars by Ryan Kelly. It was clear that this dynamic woman was articulate! She told me she came from Los Angeles and had worked in all aspects of art for over 2

After a year’s delay due to bird nesting season, there’s exciting progress to share at the Leschi Natural Area—and you can see the difference. In March, a professional crew working under the guidance of the Parks Department cleared invasive blackberries from the steep slope. The results are immediate and dramatic: more light, more open space, and expanded views of the lake. What once felt overgrown and closed-in now feels brighter and more welcoming. This work was made possib

Late in the nineteenth century, the desirable part of the neighborhood later to be called Leschi was on the precipice of Mount Baker Ridge, then known as Rainier Heights. That was considered to be the best view property. People of some means built their homes there, especially along 30th Avenue South, which was called Rainier Street until Seattle’s comprehensive street renaming of 1895. Some of those fine, large structures remain to this day, among them the one now known as J

Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced that Lake Washington Boulevard will open for Bicycle Weekends every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “Seattle summers are beautiful, and we should be able to enjoy them,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “We’re opening Lake Washington Boulevard every weekend to make more space for people to bike, walk, roll, and be outside. This is your city, and it should be easy to get out and enjoy our sunny days.” Beginning Memorial Day weeke

We elect our Leschi Community Council executive board members for two-year terms in even-numbered years. To read our by-laws and learn more about positions, visit our website at leschicommunitycouncil.org and select LCC By-laws under the About tab. All active supporting members of LCC are eligible to vote. To qualify as an active supporting member, you must be current on annual dues. At the time of publication, we have three candidates nominated for Board member positions, bu

On February 27, members of the Leschi Community Council met with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) staff, neighboring condominium residents, and local Life Scouts to discuss plans for improving the Dearborn Street End. Omar Akkari, SDOT’s Shoreline Street Ends Program Coordinator, shared a draft concept plan for the site. The proposal focuses on replacing the existing lawn with native plantings and a defined pathway while also refreshing the two existing benches. Th

At first glance, the scene can be surprising: people in swimsuits emerging from a steaming cedar sauna and heading toward the cold waters of Lake Washington. Heat up. Cool down. Repeat. That’s the simple rhythm behind Bywater Sauna’s newest location at Leschi Marina, and for many participants, the appeal becomes obvious after the first session. Barrel Sauna exterior. “I feel more connected to nature, more part of the Seattle ecosystem,” says Natalie G. “It’s magical to be swi

At the start of 2026, the Leschi Community Council formed a Traffic Safety Committee. Its purpose is to push projects forward that will make Leschi a safer and more pleasant place to walk, run, bike, drive, visit and, of course, live. The committee is open to any Leschi neighbor who is interested and is led by Jim Davidson. With funding for traffic calming on Lakeside Ave earmarked in the recently approved transportation levy, we have a specific opportunity to slow down traff

The Leschi Elementary School community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Mrs. Henrietta Swan-Price, known to many of us simply as Mrs. Price, and to many others as Precious. Her obituary from the Seattle Medium is reprinted below. Henrietta Swan-Price, a beloved community figure known for her flair, faith, and dedication to service, died recently in Seattle at the age of 87. She was born June 11, 1938, in Houston to the late Henry Coy Swan and Hilda Darby-Swan. Hen

On Wednesday, March 4, Leschi residents gathered to hear updates and discuss current and future projects along the neighborhood’s shoreline. Leschi’s access to Lake Washington is one of the features that makes the neighborhood so special, and the evening offered neighbors a chance to learn about restoration efforts, upcoming improvements, and ongoing stewardship of these shared spaces. Nikola Davidson opened the discussion with an update on a series of habitat plantings along

Despite pouring rain, about 15 dedicated volunteers showed up on Saturday, February 7 for a remarkably productive work party—proof once again that Leschi stewardship doesn’t stop for the weather. Volunteers removed invasive bindweed roots and buttercup in the first overlook area, cleared weeds and dead shrubs near the second overlook, and spread generous amounts of mulch both in newly cleared areas and in places where invasives had been removed previously. The mulch will help

Esther Ervin was born in a small town in New Jersey, but moved to California at the age of 16. Her house was near the Irvine Ranch where she actually saw cowboys herding cattle. Now the Ranch has been developed into housing. She went to Palestine and Israel as an undergraduate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and went into the Peace Corps for three years from 1977 to 1980. She was assigned to Columbia where she worked with boys living on the street. She gave