One of the most well-known aspects of influenza, more commonly known as the ‘flu,’ is that it occurs in yearly, seasonal outbreaks, with infections increasing as much as ten times from their summer minimums during the dark days of winter. This is also true with the common cold, which is not a specific virus like the influenza virus but is an umbrella term for a mild upper-respiratory infection caused by over 200 virus types. The fact that these viruses favor winter has been attributed to people spending more time indoors and thus facilitating person-to-person transmission of the virus, and the colder, drier weather may also be a more favorable environment for the viruses themselves. The cold/dry weather and reduced UV radiation allows viruses to survive longer on exposed surfaces, and these same cold and dry conditions dehydrate mucous membranes and make them more susceptible to infection. Finally, kids are in school during the winter months, and if there’s anybody who knows how to spread germs around, it’s those little rascals! Coronaviruses are relatively common and are responsible for approximately 15% of all cases of the cold. But the novel coronavirus that has resulted in thousands of deaths, hundreds of millions quarantined, and a record sell-off in global equities has proven to be a particularly virulent strain. This novel coronavirus, known officially as “Coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-2019), has approximately a 1-2% mortality rate, approximately 5 times less than the 2003 SARS outbreak in China, another coronavirus, but 10-20 times higher than the mortality rate for the seasonal flu. One significant question regarding COVID-19 is whether the disease will abate with the turn to warmer weather this spring and summer. According to the CDC, “it is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19.” To be clear, I’m taking the CDC’s position here; this is a novel virus with unique characteristics, and it is impossible to know if warmer weather would ameliorate its spread at this time. However, I thought it would still be worthwhile to study the seasonality of some past pandemics and how they differ from the ebb and flow of the endemic viruses that traverse the hemispheres through the seasons, and if we could at least draw some conclusions about their spread rate relative to the seasons. The Greatest Pandemic in Modern History: The Spanish Flu of 1918 The greatest viral pandemic in modern history was the Spanish Flu of 1918. According to the CDC, approximately 1/3 of the world’s 1.8-1.9 billion people contacted the virus, and at least 50 million people died from it. To be sure, the Spanish Flu was an extraordinarily virulent and contagious version of the influenza virus, but the pandemic was substantially amplified by World War I, as the combination of close quarters, unsanitary conditions, and mobile troops spreading the virus worldwide created a perfect storm for a global pandemic to ensue. There were three “waves” of the Spanish Flu - the initial outbreak in spring/summer 1918, the second, deadliest outbreak during autumn 1918, and a third outbreak in winter/spring 1919 that was somewhere between the first and second outbreaks in severity. The Spanish Flu did not follow the typical “seasonal flu” profile; the second, deadliest wave began in August, peaked in late October/early November, and was over by December. As mentioned earlier, it is true that influenza viruses last a much shorter time on warm, humid surfaces and are easily killed by UV radiation, and that the behavioral shifts in winter (such as spending more time indoors) are more efficient at spreading contagious diseases. However, the Spanish Flu was far more contagious than the seasonal flu since most people had little-to-no-immunity to the virus and was able to easily overcome these seasonal barriers. The 1918 Spanish Flu was so virulent that young, healthy adults could die less than 12 hours after showing their first symptoms. Most viruses of this virulence do not grow into a pandemic, as they kill their hosts before their hosts can spread the virus to others. The Spanish Flu thrived in large part because it was sustained in the trenches; the trenches were a perfect environment for the virus to spread among pre-existing soldiers, and new, uninfected soldiers were constantly being deployed to replace those that had died, either from battle or from the virus. Soldiers then interacted with the local population, spreading the virus and allowing it to subsequently ravage other communities. COVID-19 is the first coronavirus pandemic, but many of us remember two other coronavirus epidemics - SARS from November 2002 to June 2003, and MERS in 2012 and 2015. SARS has been completely contained, while MERS continues to circulate at low levels. Because SARS lasted only one season, we can’t really infer any seasonality from it, and MERS does not have a predictable seasonal pattern. When we take a holistic look at all 20th/21st century influenza/coronavirus pandemics and epidemics, we do not find a clear, seasonal factor like we do with endemic influenza and the common cold. I can only infer that this is because these influenza/coronavirus strains are ‘novel’ viruses with which there is little or no pre-existing immunity, and they can be easily spread throughout the population regardless of the season. To reiterate the CDC: we do not know enough about COVID-19 yet to know if it has a seasonal cycle. But if past upper-respiratory (namely, influenza and coronavirus) pandemics are any clue, seasonality might not play that big of a factor. One thing is for sure: how countries respond to the virus has a much, much greater impact on its spread than the season. Just compare the graphs of confirmed cases in China vs the U.S. After initial exponential growth, the Chinese government issued draconian but highly successful lockdowns on major cities and got testing kits to millions of people, and the virus is now effectively contained with now only dozens of new cases per day. But even with months of lead time, the US was woefully unprepared, and cases continue to grow at an exponential rate. Australia is also currently seeing an exponential increase in cases, even though it is late summer there. This virus has exposed how healthcare is not a service, or even a right; it is a national security issue that holds the fabric of our economy and society together. The US may have been able to sidestep a severe recession if we had the resources to provide free, public COVID-19 tests to all citizens, as South Korea has done. Unfortunately, we were not prepared, and we now must practice isolation and social distancing instead, which is far more damaging to our economy and society. Please take care of yourselves, and focus diligently on washing your hands, not touching your face, and limiting social interaction/exposure over the next several months. Life is already beginning to return to normal in China, and if we do this right – and I have faith that we will – our lives should eventually return to normal within several months. ~Charlie Phillips Charlie Phillips, a Madrona resident, received his B.S. in atmospheric sciences from the University of Washington and works in Portland as a meteorologist. Check out his weather website at charlie.weathertogether.net.

[The following is excerpted from the City of Seattle Monthly Tree Newsletter (March)] As one of the few deciduous trees native to the Pacific Northwest, big leaf maple’s contributions are many – including edibility! Maple syrup? Yes. It takes 60 – 100 gallons of big leaf maple sap to make 1 gallon of tasty and nutritious syrup. The industry is just starting to take off here in Washington, where you can find local maple syrup in some restaurants and bars. Big leaf maple flowers are edible as well. The yellow-green flowers emerge in March through April. The flowers have a complex sweet / bitter green flavor that is best when they are young and haven’t fully elongated. Try them in salads, stir-fries, wraps, fritters, or as a garnish in soups. You know what else those flowers are good for? Honey. When the hillsides are lit up with their chartreuse glow, the honeybees are busy collecting the nectar. Maple flower honey is a treat found throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our wildlife friends love eating big leaf maples too. While not edible for us, the seeds inside the winged fruit are enjoyed by squirrels and birds. Times are tough for big leaf maples right now. Our hotter, dryer summers are proving to be stressful, leaving them vulnerable to insects and disease, and in the end, decline. Our big leaf maples give so much. Why not give back by helping them stay healthy.

Leschi in a Time of Crisis Greetings to all my Leschi Friends and Neighbors, As I write this to you, I want to reach your hearts. This time of unprecedented upheaval is profound and has touched all of us globally. There is no distinction. It has reached all corners of life as we know it. Literally it has brought countries to their knees. The silver lining right now is that it has united people. Neighbors are reaching out to each other and helping. There is genuine concern and abundant kindness that sometimes gets left out in the general pace of life we live in this country. As this edition of the newsletter goes to publication, we learned of Steve Shulman’s hospitalization and subsequent passing the evening of March 18, 2020. Steve’s family business, the Leschi Market, has been an anchor of the Leschi community for 72 years. Our hearts go out to Yousef, his family, and the entire Leschi Market family. Steve experienced a fall Friday, March 13th at his home and when X-raying him for spinal injuries, discovered spots on his lungs. Steve had underlying health issues but lost the Coronavirus battle. He had been in ICU at Harborview. Yes, this virus is real.” I want to take this time to encourage you to maintain relationships within our community. The Leschi Market, BluWater, Meet The Moon, Daniel’s Broiler, Starbucks, Grocery Outlet - to name a few are making accommodations to do business within the confines of restrictions made to minimize the spread of this virus. Please continue to patronize to the very best of your ability, as we all work together to come out the other side of this massive change in our daily lives. For the moment, our Leschi Community Council programs are in suspense. Please follow the CDC guidelines of limiting contact with groups, which at the moment is 10. Please follow us on Facebook or our website for updates. For other general communications NextDoor Leschi will have updated news releases as they come in. In the meantime, please know that we at the LCC care about each of you. As we live in such an electronic age, we are fortunate to have the ability to communicate with each other. But as a thought, take this time to slow down, hand write a letter, pick up the telephone to inquire as to someone else’s well-being, write letters to servicemen and women, and even notes of encouragement to the healthcare, police, fire and first responders who are overwhelmed right now. It is a time we reach out to each other. A loving heart, small gestures of kindness, and genuine caring are all free, but can touch people’s lives in ways you can never even imagine. Love wins out every time over fear. My sincerest wishes for you to embrace the challenges of this time with courage, patience and a look to a brighter future. And don’t forget to wash your hands and follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC to minimize the impact in your lives. Sincerely, Janice Merrill Brown President, Leschi Community Council

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment by attending a suffragette meeting! You can experience what our grandmother (or great-grandmothers) went through to get the right to vote. Actor Tames Alan will be our dynamic suffragette. Ms. Alan has performed at the Ashland Shakespeare festival and locally in the Living History series. Wednesday, March 4th, 7:30pm Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Ave. S, One block s of Jackson

February 10, 2002—Attending: Trevor Menagh, Tracy Bier , Diane Snell and guest Eva Hoffman Janet: sent treasury report by email; She will be back by end of this month Janice was unable to attend due to an awards ceremony where she works; she did send a reminder of ArtWalk meeting Thursday at 3:30pm at Bluwater Bistro; we don’t know if she was able to present awards to Randy & Buzz. Trevor: Welcomed Eva to the meeting. Eva: She is trying to coordinate a Block Watch and is working with Joseph Elenbaas. She has some concerns about time involved as she does not want to get overextended. Tracy shared some of her experiences. Tracy: we need to encourage young persons to join the Board. Discussion of various ideas to accomplish this. Diane: Newsletter deadline: Feb. 17 Ideas for promoting the March program; approved idea of contacting schools, i.e. history teachers. Discussed possible goals for 2020.

For almost 30 years I have enjoyed shopping at Leschi Market but I continue to discover surprises that I thought I should pass on. Yousef and his staff are always so friendly and accommodating—just walking in often gives me a life. And of course, the Ken and Tom’s wine expertise is greatly appreciated as well and the market’s growing organic fruit and vegetable section. But just this year, when I could not find our family’s favorite breakfast food (Uncle Bob’s Organic Oatmeal), I turned to Shannon to ask if it could be ordered. She explained the challenge that limited shelf space brings to the small building, but offered to custom order me a case! When I excitedly agreed, she ordered it on the spot and it was ready for pick up within a week! Our other family staples include Leschi bacon, sausages, all their seafood, and their weekend Prime Rib sandwiches with horseradish! I feel grateful that we can enjoy such a special place in our very own neighborhood. ~Karen Daubert

Hello Leschi! This month, Leschi Market dedicates the wine column to longtime Leschi resident and Leschi Market Wine Steward, Ed Raftis. Have you ever taken the time to read the colorful descriptors gracing our shelves? That would be Ed’s handiwork! Ed was also a dedicated contributor to the Leschi News for years as well. Many of you have probably enjoyed his prose in some form or another. Mr. Raftis has retired and moved closer to his family in California. Here are some thoughts and words to and about Ed, from coworkers and colleagues from over the years. *If YOU would like to send Ed a note, we encourage you to do so! Please email: wine@leschimarket.com and we’ll make sure he gets each and every one! ~Sincerely, Steve, Ken & the entire Leschi Market Wine Team “I don’t remember who we were tasting with, but it was a WA producer and Ed’s brutal honesty was so amazingly classic. He makes no bones about bad labels and bad wine!” ~Ben R., Leschi Market “Ed Raftis: Leschi’s Diehard Mariners Fan! In an age when the local baseball team seems to be perpetually rebuilding and with a record that reflects that, it’s refreshing to see that there are people still willing to commit some of their “pastime” to following the Mariners. It’s always been fun to hear about his most recent trip to spring training camp and his take on the “rebuilding lineup”, a topic about which I have no clue. Hopefully Ed you’ll be able to get down to Arizona this Spring.” ~John G., Wine Sales “I can always count on Ed for an unfiltered (yet fair) opinion on my wines. I would make a point of bringing an ‘Ed’ wine to the panel tasting appointments. While he would not like my geeky pet nats, he’d love my polished Napa Cabs. A man of refined tastes. Ed also kept me on my toes asking for updated write ups and press for my wines on the shelves. Ed understands the business and the customer base, building Leschi’s reputation as a destination for great wines over the years. I will miss you at the tasting panel, Ed! Raising a glass to you.” ~Joelle H.,Wine Sales “Some years ago, Ed took me on a trip to Walla Walla. We went to several wineries on the way there, as well as on the way back. Some of the more notable ones to me were Spring Valley Vineyards, Cote Bonneville, Va Piano and Bergevin Lane. That trip with Ed really taught me how to appreciate good wine.” ~Yousef S., Leschi Market “It was a great experience to work with Ed and learn the wine aisle from his perspective. Once he learned that we had both been Army Officers, both worked in telecommunications, and both loved wine—he was as generous as could be. A fine tasting partner with a keen eye for a good wine label.” ~Thom D., Leschi Market “From getting terribly lost trying to find a trade tasting in Tanglewood (at a time without GPS), to tasting anything and everything poured for him, including a surprise olive oil, which led to the one of two times I witnessed him spit, to his overall “love affair” with wine, Ed has always been dedicated to doing the very best he could to make the Leschi Market Wine Department what it is today. We will miss his refined and cultured persona as he relaxes in sunny California.” ~John C., Leschi Market “I will miss Ed and it’s not for his wine knowledge; it’s for his support and encouragement of the Leschi News. I was grateful to Ed for giving me his views of his trip to Cuba which we ran in two-parts some years back. We compared notes on retirement as we both had “jobs” in our respective retirements…Ed with his wine lore as a treasured member of what I call the wine gang at Leschi Market and me with the continuation of the Leschi News after Art Mink’s retirement. I usually ran into Ed on his way in or out of the Market and he always commented on something he had read in the Leschi News. But the last time I saw him, it was in an unexpected place: the courthouse where we were two of a large number of folks waiting to see if we would be selected for a jury. We tried to stay busy while we waited and as it turned out, we were both selected for the same jury and told to come back the next day. Ever the gentleman, Ed shared his Uber ride and dropped me off on the way back to his condo. He and his Uber picked me up the next morning and we checked in only to learn in a short time that the parties had met the afternoon before and resolved their differences; there would be no trial. Once again, Ed offered an Uber ride home and we both felt released from involuntary bondage! Enjoy your second retirement, Ed, and although we will miss you, there is something to be said for being close to family!” ~Diane Snell “I just want to say ‘Thank You.’ Thank you for the time and creation of accurate and detailed shelf talkers—they are local lore. Thank you for assembling weekly and monthly email blasts to keep the neighborhood informed of all things wine. Thank you for your honest and unfiltered opinions on wine and wine labels—both good and not so good. Thank you for teaching me how great that first chilled wine of the day can be. And like a cool desert wind, thank you for taking a chance one time early on, on a wine I thought could sell well. (It did!) Ed’s contributions to the wine department over the years are immeasurable. I wish you all good things in your second retirement. Thank you Ed!” ~Ken B., Leschi Market

In December of 2017, Tom Goedde of Mt. Baker, Stephanie Tschida and Lawrence Pitre, Director of the Central Area Chamber of Commerce presented the idea of creating a giant mural on the retaining wall at the corner of 31st Ave. and Jackson St. Lawrence Pitre described his inspiration for the project: “I return daily to a retaining wall which I have walked by my whole life, located on 31st and Jackson. My vision has always been to develop a concept that would be interactive and celebrate the rich history of the community. During my lifetime, I have watched my community within the Central Area become altered because of Gentrification and economic displacement. I conceived the interactive mural as part of the concept series called “We Are One,” which became my thesis at Seattle University. The thesis reviewed how art influences communities, specifically the Central Area in Seattle. This mural is deeply personal because I was born and raised in the Central Area. It aims to “reconnect the past with the future” because my community is being erased daily. Throughout my life in the Central Area, I used art as a tool of emancipation, freedom of expression and social activism. As urban art becomes more mainstream, I believe that creating promotional campaigns and designs allow other artists and myself to showcase our distinctive artistic styles. The objectives of the mural project are to (1) advertise the welcoming nature of the Leschi area, (2) inform visitors about Leschi’s historic legacies, featuring the legend of Chief Leschi in 1858, Leschi Park that was developed into an amusement park in 1889, the Lake Washington Cable Railway’s trolley line in 1903, and the history of Frink Park in 1906, and (3) use public art to visually enhance the retaining wall to be compatible with its surroundings and the park.” Lawrence explained how Seattle University and Jacob Lawrence impacted his artistic trajectory: “I took several communication courses during my years at Seattle University Master’s in Arts Leadership program. The communication courses played an integral role in my ability to tell the story of the Central Area’s history and legacy in a dynamic way. They encouraged and insisted that I be engaged in my community and use my voice to share what I have seen, experienced and hope for. I learned to become an advocate for my community. As an African American male art major during the late ‘80’s at the University of Washington, it was lonely and discouraging. In fact, there were only two black males in the School of Art in my four years of study. As a direct result of being one of the only two, my unique style did not resonate with professors or the white student body. This negative critique of my art abilities persisted throughout my studies. That is until I took a class under Jacob Lawrence. Jacob’s approach was much different, because he continued to encourage me even when the white students thought my work was not traditional. Throughout my year with Professor Lawrence, I felt my abilities sharpen and expand in volume and in distinct style. Through my last quarter with Professor Lawrence, he continued to share techniques with me and continued to say ‘keep exploring’ don’t be afraid to stand up for your creativity, and promise me that you will never stop drawing, painting and creating no matter what other people tell you.” Lawrence’s inspiration comes from his life: “As I mentioned, I began working on the ‘We Are One’ series as part my thesis project. As a longtime resident born and raised in the Central Area, I’ve watched the African American community being erased visually, emotionally, and historically because of gentrification and urban renewal. I have always been taught by family, friends and neighbors that history and legacy is something that should honored and preserved. Based on this value, it was paramount that I capture the history of the Central Area starting with the indigenous people and continuing with the current changes and removal of our history.” As noted on his website: https://www.lcpitre.com/artist-bio “Personally, Lawrence sees his artistic endeavors as self-expressions depicting life experiences, which includes struggles, joy, and his love of life. Lawrence seeks to understand the process of creativity in the way a theoretical physicist seeks to understand the universe. His selection process is a spiritual layering which, when you step back seems to float within the universe we live in. He calls this process natural “intelligence”. It is a key aspect of Pitre’s philosophy as he explores different art forms, styles and unique works of art.” ~Interviewed and compiled by Esther Ervin Editor’s note: We have not been able to reschedule a meeting with Mr. Pitre.

Last month, Georgia McDade explored the concept of reparations and this month, she lists some ways in which we might make reparations. Homesteading: in 1862, enslaved persons could not get land to homestead. Imagine the value of land ceded to a family in 1862. When I learn about families owning 100s of acres or 40 or 50, I often ask how they got this land. Inherited is the answer. A person who could not get the land could not pass land to descendants. Set up a fund from which African Americans can buy, build, remodel houses. Low-interest thirty-year loans would be fitting. Housing: Many Americans became homeowners as a result of the G. I. Bill, another government action that discriminated against blacks just as they had been discriminated against in the military during each of the wars where they fought. Add the redlining practiced throughout much of the country. Why can’t persons be employed to build Habitat for Humanity houses all over the country? Everyone needs a place to live! Use the remedy above. Destruction of property: Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District, in 1921 and Rosewood, Florida, in 1923 may be the best-known black communities destroyed by jealous, resentful, racists whites, but these towns are not the only places subjected to such hatred. Low-interest loans to begin and shore up businesses could be the remedy. Education: Begin with Head Start. A preponderance of studies proves that early education is vital. Provide funds for all children to attend Head Start programs. Elementary, middle, and high schools need funds, but more importantly, they need skilled faculty who want to teach the students and believe the students can succeed. Education would extend to college where students could go to college tuition-free. Set up a fund; include funds for transportation and books. Employment: Persons relegated to low-paying, menial jobs would be in the number to get the low-interest homes. And they would get pensions. We will ignore the four African American CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. When established, the income tax excluded farmers and domestic workers, so there is a good chance many have no Social Security and certainly not pensions. The $600+ some folks get is all they have. They never made enough to save, or catastrophic incidents took the savings. Andrew Yang’s idea of $1000 per household is not so absurd. Many families could fare much better if they could count on this amount monthly. How many persons would no longer be homeless? Many folks go to work every day and live in their cars, RVs, tents, and shelters. There is no count of folks who “couch surf.” Many people could get on their feet with a little help, help that may not be necessary forever but short-term. The media is yet another place reparations can be made. The number of newspapers, radios, and television stations have been reduced significantly. “90% of the media is controlled by five [actually four] media conglomerates.” (Wikipedia) How many of these owners are African Americans or others of color? Again, funds are needed to support media controlled by African Americans—radio, television, newspapers, magazines. Persons entangled in the justice system could also use help. Both those imprisoned and those who want to help them need tremendous funds. The number, the percent of African Americans who have been abused by the justice system since before the country began is innumerable! What people do not realize nor have to live with is the impact on the families of persons imprisoned. In a way, the family goes to prison. The separation is bad; the family income is decreased; the absence of a parent in the home affects countless aspects of a family. More innocence projects with more persons working to free innocent persons and persons long in prison for minor offenses should be funded. One day in prison is too long. The voting system needs an equally large overhaul. The US has a history of excluding citizens from voting. Before 1870, few blacks voted, but soon whites, especially in the South, began terrorizing would-be voters. Imagine how different states could be had blacks been allowed to vote! Not until 1965 was there a voting rights law with teeth in it, and the Supreme Court removed most of those teeth in 2013. Gerrymandering, as far back as at least 1812, has been part of the system all over the country! Encouraging, training, supporting more persons of color to vote and run for office would improve voting. Voting schools, candidate schools could help improve the system. With such forces, no one should be surprised black life expectancy has always lagged behind that of whites. (I think stress is the major culprit.) There are problems with prenatal treatment, or the lack of it; the infant mortality rate is lower than that of some underdeveloped countries. Everyone should have the option of getting treatment without worrying about the cost. The free treatment offered in Seattle shows the large numbers of persons who need care and rise early to stand in long lines. Never is everyone served. Too many people do not see a doctor, fail to fill or refill prescriptions, or take less medicine than prescribed. Blacks have more hypertension, diabetes, heart disease. Provide affordable health care. ~Georgia McDade, Ph.D. Next month, Dr. McDade writes “What about the cost?”

All indications point towards a very favorable water supply for the summer. Reservoirs are filled to the brim west of the Cascades and are above-average east of the Cascades, and the entire Pacific Northwest has above-average snowpack, including the Upper Columbia and Snake River Basins in British Columbia and Idaho/Eastern Oregon. Our snowpack got off to very slow start and was well-below-average through early January, but it increased dramatically during the second week of January as much colder and wetter/snowier weather entered the Pacific Northwest, and higher elevations continued to see snow build through the latter half of January as we remained in a wetter-than-average pattern. The atmospheric river that brought major flooding to the Cascades and record flooding to the Blue Mountains significantly reduced our snowpack below 3,500 feet but we saw dramatic gains above 6,000–7,000 feet and moderate gains overall, and a few chilly storms in the latter half of February helped restore our lower-elevation snowfall after the heavy rain washed it all away. Having a bountiful water supply is beneficial for many reasons. Power costs are cheaper due to higher streamflows through the dams and less need to run expensive fossil fuel plants, and a higher water supply reduces the risk of municipalities having to impose water rations for their citizens. To my knowledge, it does not affect the price of agriculture—water bills are regulated at a fixed price regardless of supply, and rations have never been imposed on farmers. But while cheaper utility bills and green lawns are nice, a good water supply can mean the difference between life or death for creatures that rely on ample summer streamflows and lake levels to survive. And nobody benefits more from a healthy water supply than the salmon that return to our rivers in the early autumn. After a hot summer and poor water year, streams are very low and warm just as the salmon are returning to spawn. Warm water can hold less oxygen and increases a salmon’s susceptibility to disease, so pre-spawning mortality rates (when the salmon make it up the river but die before spawning) skyrocket when temperatures are well-above-average, particularly when they approach approximately 20 degrees Celsius. In fact, Oregon governor Kate Brown recently wrote a letter to Jay Inslee calling for the removal of four Snake River dams, as these dams are resulting in significant salmon mortality by increasing water temperatures in the reservoirs behind them. I won’t get into that debate here, but it just underscores how important high, cool rivers are for salmon to successfully spawn. If we see a very warm and dry spring, we may end up with a slightly below-average water supply for summer, but given how widespread the above-average snowpack and reservoir levels are throughout the Pacific Northwest, I think it’s a pretty safe bet that we’ll have at least an average water supply this summer. Additionally, March and April can still be very snowy months even between 3,000–4,000 feet, and our region wide snowpack doesn’t typically peak until May. Unfortunately, a healthy snowpack is not correlated with reduced fire danger. If anything, a wet spring increases summer fire danger because it results in increased low-level vegetation, providing more fuel for fires when this vegetation dries in the summer. It’s too early to know how the 2020 fire season will turn out, but we can at least celebrate the high probability of an above-average water supply for the summer, both for our pocketbooks and for our beloved salmon! ~Charlie Phillips Charlie Phillips, a Madrona resident, received his B.S. in atmospheric sciences from the University of Washington and works in Portland as a meteorologist. Check out his weather website at to charlie.weathertogether.net.

Leschi Community Council officers have two-year terms and all positions are open in May. One officer is term limited and that is the current secretary. The other three officers have completed their first two-year term and can run again if they wish. To learn about the duties of the positions, go to Leschi CC website and select “Our Council” from the choices at the top. Then select Documents and page down through the constitution and by-laws until you come to Article V: Officers—Duties, Section 1–4. We no longer elect a representative to the Seattle Community Council Federation as this group is no longer meeting. We encourage all who are interested to send their names to leschinews@comcast.net. The president will appoint a nominating committee who will present names at the May meeting. Step up and help to guide your council through the next two years! ~Diane Snell

We had a small but lively and informative February meeting with our local Crime Prevention Officer, Joseph Elenbaas. He has been in this position for 18 months now and comfortably answered our questions. He described his position, listing the many meetings he attends in an effort to increase communication among various administrative and local groups. He is responsible for helping to form block watches and told us there are two new areas in Leschi that are interested in forming a block watch. Joseph will do security assessments for prospective block watch participants and actually anyone who requests one through email at joseph.elenbaas@seattle.gov. Each assessment lasts about 90 minutes (depending on size of house); he checks all doors and windows as well as outside vegetation. He said most doors are kicked in by burglars and there are things one can do to strengthen their doors. The difference between SPD numbers on various crimes can probably be attributed to lack of report. Joseph told us that reporting on NextDoor Leschi is NOT a police report. SPD can post events on NextDoor but cannot read the contents. He did assure us that the home photos of the act of stealing packages can result in arrests and convictions. SPD links similar photos and when stolen property reaches a total of $1000, it is seen as a felony and is easier to get a conviction. If one is concerned about calling 911 as a stolen package is not exactly an emergency, he recommended calling the non-emergency number: 206.625.1511. Filing a report gives you a case number for the incident. One submitted question concerned how to request a “wellness check”; we were advised to call 911 and know the location and give specifics which concern you. This could be a case of a neighbor who is not answering the door or the telephone and has not been seen in a while. Another question was about Personal Safety Workshops. Joseph said that there is one at the East Precinct in March and he is currently trying to find a date at the Senior Center. These programs are designed for women, but not exclusive. Anyone can attend. Information about meetings can be found on NextDoor and on Eventbrite or better yet, get a list of the planned meetings by emailing. Get a list of the planned meetings by emailing Jennifer.danner@seattle.gov. She coordinates and leads these workshops. This year’s data so far shows 50 calls for drive-bys in our precinct, 14 traffic stops, a slight increase in crimes against persons (i.e. plus 1) and a slight decrease in crimes against property. When calling 911 to report something, you will need to specify location; if you can’t see a street sign, the number on the closest light pole works. SPD can use that to determine the location. Try to have a complete description of the suspicious person; Joseph said that jackets can be ditched but shoes are NOT! Facial hair, earrings, tattoos are important characteristics to report. Our sector in the East Precinct is the George sector and our neighborhood officer is actually Officer George (Corey George). Joseph recommended the Find it/Fix it app for reporting concerns. You can actually use this app to report encampments in our parks. He also said that if you would like a car club, you can obtain one free by calling the East Precinct. He recommended signing up for SMART911 as cell phones are not linked to an address without this extra step. More about his program next month. Attendees were able to share some of their personal experiences and we learned some details about recent incidents which would make us more successful criminals if we were so inclined and we will not repeat that information here but it was entertaining! Sorry you missed it! ~Diane Snell