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

As I sat in his comfortable living room, Al Doggett described his early years and then the details of his move to Seattle. Born in Brooklyn, he first showed an interest in art when he was in the second grade and he became the class artist in the fifth grade. He loved drawing and telling stories. He was fortunate to gain entry to the School of Art and Design in Manhattan where he learned how to illustrate professionally. He then went to the Fashion Institute of Technology and

Christina Wood opened the doors of Temple Pastry on South Jackson Street in 2020 and since then, it’s become a popular community gathering spot that now serves sandwiches, ice cream, pizza at night, and has a bottle shop. Last fall, Wood released her first cookbook and most recently learned she is nominated for the distinguished 2026 James Beard’s Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker award. Christina Wood I sat down with Wood to ask about her baking inspirations, her new cookbook

More than 75 neighbors filled the room at the February Leschi Community Council meeting to hear from Stephanie Johnson-Tolliver, President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS), for a powerful and informative lecture on preserving Black history in Seattle’s Central District—a history she emphasized includes Leschi. Johnson-Tolliver introduced herself as a fourth-generation Seattleite, noting that her family moved to the area in 1903. She grounded her talk in

The Leschi Community Council recently submitted a grant proposal to the Seattle Garden Club to support a new interpretive kiosk at Peppi’s Playground—a project intended to highlight and support Peppi’s Woods, the community-stewarded natural area adjacent to the playground and Leschi Elementary. This proposal grew from a suggestion by one of Peppi’s Woods volunteer Forest Stewards and reflects early concept development. If funded, the project would intentionally move into a br

Dear BFF, New Year’s resolutions are hard! How can I make mine stick? Signed, Unresolved Dear Unresolved, January is almost over. But before we throw in the towel on our new year’s resolutions, let’s take a look at how to make them stick. You can start with how you make them–the acronym S.M.A.R.T. shows you how. S.M.A.R.T. goals are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound. Let’s take a closer look! We can get a better idea what specific means by comparing v

Date and Time:  February 4, 2026, 7-8:15 p.m. Location:  Grace United Methodist Church, 722 30th Ave S, Seattle As Seattle continues to grow and change, conversations about development often focus on what comes next—new housing, new businesses, and new infrastructure. But historian and community leader Stephanie Johnson-Toliver argues that the most effective and equitable development begins with a clear understanding of what has already shaped a place. In honor of Black Histo

In early January, Leschi Community Council volunteers gathered to map out the year ahead, resulting in a 2026 calendar that brings LCC’s vision to life by blending learning, civic engagement, and community fun—creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, stay informed, and engaged as we make Leschi a better place to live and visit. The year begins on February 4th with a program focused on Black history in the Central District, grounding our work in the rich cultural and h

I’ve made these cookies repeatedly throughout the year and they are always a hit. I’ve brought them to many of our community meetings and there are never any leftovers to take home. The rainbow sprinkles are cheerful and festive, whether it’s for a holiday cookie party or a summer barbeque. Sarah (aka Broma Bakery) is delightful, and she develops delicious baking recipes. She has an awesome assortment on her website bromabakery.com  (check out the tahini banana bread). She re

Leschi residents were treated to a unique blend of music, science, and storytelling last month when former neighbors Nelda and Clif Swiggett returned to share their multimedia program, For the Birds —an intimate performance exploring how climate change is reshaping the lives of migratory birds in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Hosted in the home of Deidre Silva and Michael McCahill, who generously opened their doors and provided plant-based appetizers for guests, the eveni

Once again, the BluWater Bistro is holding its end-of-year annual fundraising effort for Leschi Elementary. You can donate any amount, but if you buy a $100 gift card to the restaurant, BluWater will make a matching donation of $100 to the school. This is the fifth year BluWater has supported neighborhood students and the waterfront Leschi eatery has now donated over $50,000 to the school since 2020. The goal is to match last year’s $10,000 gift, and Bart Evans and his staff