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A recent meeting of the stewards of the Leschi Natural Area resulted in a fundraising plan to hire the Conservation Corps or a similar group to work in the newly acquired area where Parks removed the residence and walkway. An authorized crew needs to be hired, as Parks won’t allow volunteers into the area. Parks’ latest directive indicated that they would return in the fall to plant native species BUT NOT TAKE OUT EXISTING INVASIVES! The group is hoping to raise enough money to be able to get a crew in there between now and then to remove as much as possible; the cost is about $1500 per day. No funds are needed to purchase plants; Forterra will supply those from the group’s list. (Forterra is an organization that works in conservation and sustainability.) Plants will be delivered in the fall, and work parties are planned to get them into areas not involved with the Parks’ restoration area. The Natural Area has been fortunate in getting volunteers from one of the University of Washington clubs: FIUTS, an organization that works with international students, connecting them with local community. Jim Bushyhead is taking the lead on fundraising and hopes to visit not only neighbors in the area but other larger groups/businesses who might be willing to provide some substantial funding. ~Betsy Zickler, Leschi Natural Area

May 10, 2016—Attending: Yousef Shulman, Yuki Igarashi, Amy Fink, Diane Morris and Diane Snell. Janet Oliver came to say good-bye as she is leaving the Board and to congratulate the new Board. John Barber was attending the Colman Park meeting; Tracy Bier in Alaska. Minutes to be approved by email. Treasury report: Amy has the records and software for QuickBooks. She will bring everything up to date and make a formal report in June. Amy brought up concerns about safety for cyclists with all the construction going on at the lake. She will connect with cyclists to hear their concerns so we can take steps. She also felt we needed some traffic police during Seafair Thursday through Sunday. It was decided to publish the Bicycle Sundays schedule in the June newsletter as well as Bicycle Rules of the Road. Parks: Although John could not attend this Board meeting due to conflict, he did submit a written report. John discovered that Michael Shiosaki of Parks wants us to raise $700 toward a Spray Park rather than open the wading pools. At this point, the Garfield CC, Madrona CC and Squire Park CC all support Leschi’s desire for the wading pools to be reopened. Letters of support will be directed to Shiosaki with copies to Jesus Aguirre (Parks Superintendent) and Kshama Sawant, District 3 City Councilmember. John has not heard back from Steve Wilson yet about the stipulation of a large donation several years ago to expand the North Leschi Marina, but permit only sail boats in that marina. A former neighbor in John’s area owns a steep, wooded lot and now wants to build a house there, to sell on completion. Both John and neighbors are concerned due to environmental issues and this lot is part of privately owned lands identified in the Leschi Natural Area to save by conservation or purchase by the Parks Department. John wants to schedule some work parties to help maintain green spaces in Leschi, especially the shoreline street ends and the Leschi (Lake Washington Boulevard) Gateway Project. Website: Yousef. He submitted Kirsten’s proposal for moving the website to new host and redoing it in WordPress for easier updates. Yousef is familiar with WordPress and felt he could handle the updates. Vote: four ayes; one abstention. Stairway: Diane Morris. June: Randolph stairs. She will scope out other stairways for our summer months: July and August. Newsletter: Early deadline due to June meeting being on June 1. Need bio info for both newsletter and website, as well as contact info for masthead and internal Board use. Community Concerns: A-frame signs for businesses; safety at Jackson and 23rd; Colman Neighborhood had requested letter of support for their application, but Board had many questions; will learn more at CANDC meeting on May 12. Next Meeting: Yousef said we will set goals for the year; he will appoint chairs of committees. ~Respectfully submitted by Diane Snell

May 4, 2016—Meeting began with the Leschi Star Awards to residents who have made a difference. Our speaker was Grant Ballingham, acting East Precinct Captain while Capt. Paul McDonagh is away. He covered the new reporting mechanism for the Seattle Police department: SeaStat. One can view the statistics online, but internally they capture a picture of the most prevalent crimes, what is up and what is down compared to last month and the year before, and the Captain decides what is to be done about it. He spoke about the prevalence of car break-ins as seen on NextDoor Leschi. Even when nothing of value is in sight, folks are finding their windows smashed and things of little value (except to the owner) taken, like workout clothes in a gym bag in the trunk. Grant felt that these crimes are driven by addiction, even though the gains can be small. Again, he encouraged folks not to leave valuables in their cars, but this is a hard one for the police to deal with unless they hear about a robbery in progress. Most folks discover it the next morning or even a few days later. He urged reporting it even if you have not seen anything suspicious. He had been asked about the coming long hot summer, when we often have gunfire near our favorite parks. The Chief is planning for increased staff to be visible near the hot spots and the East Precinct is planning to hold their summer picnic at Powell Barnett Park this year: July 16. Grant answered some audience questions and we had a short discussion about what is “suspicious activity.” He agreed that it was situational and one person’s suspicious activity might not be the same for someone in a high traffic area. Elections After 3 months of declaring the upcoming elections in the Leschi News, the biennial elections were finally held. Current officers were term limited and the Board did not feel that changing the by-laws was appropriate. A slate had been prepared: President: Yousef Shulman Vice-President: Yuki Igarashi Secretary: Diane Snell Treasurer: Amy Fink Each prospective Board member introduced themselves and spoke briefly about their background. A motion was made by Darrell Howe to vote on the slate as a whole; Diane Morris offered the second. The vote was unanimous in support. The two Dianes thanked the community for their support during their two terms and both expressed their gratitude for representing a community where residents pitch in and help! Diane Morris took time to announce the next Stairway project: Randolph stairs from East Alder up to Randolph, a series of 3 sets of stairs. ~Respectfully submitted by Diane Snell

Every once in a while, I need to revisit my childhood memories and this was accomplished at St. Cloud’s recently. We went to dinner with daughter and son-in-law while the young ‘uns were at Safeco Field receiving Bobbleheads and watching the Mariners lose. I shared (sort of) the Hot Fudge Sundae and sank into blissful reverie, going back in time to Flint, MI. and the Paris Café. Those once a year visits were the highlight of my preteen years. I highly recommend this dessert, although my son-in-law would recommend the 6-layer cake. I doubt there is anything at St Cloud’s that wouldn’t satisfy a foodie. St. Cloud’s 1131 34th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 726-1522 www.stclouds.com ~Diane Snell

Sizzling summer staples are here! From “porch-pounders” to backyard BBQs, there’s a little something here for everyone. Enjoy these reds, whites and pinks to get you through the summer satisfied. Have a fun and safe summer Leschi! Red Wines 2013 Avennia Arnaut Syrah Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley ($46) “The 2013 is a rock star. Offering sensational purity in its meaty, dark fruits, olive brine, beef blood, currants and hints of violets, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, impressive concentration and a great finish, where it shows additional minerality. Coming from the two oldest blocks at Boushey Vineyard, this is a serious, age-worthy Syrah.” –Wine Advocate, 93-95 points. 2014 Darby Purple Haze Columbia Valley ($18.69) Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Syrah. When you combine the warm, ripe vintage 2014 with the keen, deft ability of Darby, you get the best wines. Big, exuberant and not overdone. Like fine architecture. 2014 Francesco Cirelli Rosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ($17.99) This is the Montepulciano grape. It delivers a nose of baking spice, cherry pie and tomato leaf. Juicy purple fruits dominate the palate but it’s made fresh by some herbal notes. Just enough structure to let you know that this wine is unmistakably Italian—no excessive fruit, everything balanced and a bit rustic. Organic farm certified by IMC. 2014 Domaine La Manarine Carignan Rouge Côtes du Rhône ($13.09) Domaine La Manarine is a small, family-owned winery established in 2001. The vines average around 35 years in age. This wine is 100% Grenache and produces a classically spicy, full-bodied wine that speaks clearly of the “garrigue” of the region. The wine is bottled without filtration. Unoaked, with aromas of dark berries and ripe, rustic tannins. White Wines 2014 DeLille Cellars “Chaleur Estate” Blanc Columbia Valley ($35.99) “An amazing nose of sweet Sauvignon Blanc provides cream, key lime and Herbs de Provence. Maybe the best descriptor is ‘wow!’ showing flavors that are rich and expansive. It’s not all about the Sauvignon Blanc though—the Semillon is evident on the palate with guava and citrus honey notes. 2014 is a vintage of classic balance and elegance reinforcing the pedigree of this wine.” –Winery notes. 2015 Butter by Jam Cellars Chardonnay California ($16.99) Made by winemaker Rob Lloyd of Rombauer fame. “Rich, bold and luscious, this is an easy-to-love creamy California Chardonnay. The fruit we choose has juicy, ripe, stone fruit and baked-lemon aromas. Cold fermented to the perfect, rich creaminess and aged in our own blend of oak, gives this wine a lovely, long, vanilla finish that’s uniquely Butter!” –Winery notes. Rosé Wines 2015 Tranche Rosé Pink Pape Blackrock Estate Vineyard Yakima ($14.99) 31% Cinsault and 23% Counoise and 46% Grenache. “Pale salmon in color with light pink hue. Delicate aromas of rose petal, honeydew melon and white peach, with lifted notes of sweet pink grapefruit and lemon peel. The wine is fresh and lively upon entry, with bright stone fruit and mountain berry flavors complemented by wet river rock minerality. Driving acidity and citrus qualities provide focus and direction, drawing out the palate to a mouthwatering finish. 637 cases made.” –Winemaker notes. New vintage. 2015 Hecht & Bannier Rosé Côtes de Provence ($14.99) “For our Côtes de Provence we take a path quite apart from the one we follow for our Languedoc Rosé with its high proportion of Syrah. We have sought a Provence Rosé of immense charm and minerality redolent of dried herbs and mountain flowers. A blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 15% Syrah.” -Gregory Hecht. 2015 Domaine de Triennes Rosé Vin de Pays de Méditerranée ($13.99) A collaboration between Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. “Pale pink. Red fruit and notes of citrus contribute to the aromatic complexity. It has the harmony and elegance that has earned worldwide appreciation of the rosés of Provence. Principally Cinsault, blended with Grenache, Syrah and Merlot.” –Winery notes. 2015 Domaine De Fontsainte Rosé Gris de Gris Corbieres Languedoc-Roussillon ($13.09) Salmon color with superb amethyst tints. Fine separate legs run slowly down the glass. Expressive and particularly tonic, the wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries - followed by exotic aromas such as pineapple and mango. Kermit Lynch Import.” –Winemaker notes. 2015 Domaine Saint Nabor Gris Rosé Vin de Pays du Gard ($9.39) “This Rosé is bright and glistening with a raspberry pink tint. It has a bouquet of red fruit aromas and honeysuckle with linden-tree nuances. The wine has a fresh acidity. It is light, crisp and easy drinking, with acidulous red fruit flavors of wild strawberries and blueberries with mineral nuances.” –Winery notes. CHEERS! ENJOY! Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket .

We just received information that the Yesler Bridge will close May 23 for structural and seismic renovation. Repairs could take up to 16 months. Bus #27 will need to detour around the bridge for the duration. Westbound - to Downtown Seattle: Regular route to WB Yesler Way & 6 Ave Left on SB 6 Av S Right on WB S Main St Right on NB 4 Av S Continue on NB Prefontaine Pl S Continue on 3rd Ave Continue on regular route The return trip has the #27 turning left from 3rd onto James heading eastward to 6th Ave S, where it will turn right and connect with Yesler where the freeway off-ramp connects. This should add to commute time, especially on the westbound downtown trip. ~Diane Snell

For the summer, I offer a quick tour of a few of the special exhibitions in our region. I have not yet seen many of these myself, but I will give you a short description to whet your appetite and remind you of some destinations while you are traveling around for other reasons. Perhaps the most unexpected exhibition is “Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration” at the Schack Art Center in Everett (until September 5, 2016.) Chuck Close has been a world-renowned artist since the early 1970s, when he first showed nine-foot-high portraits in black and white. Close was born in Everett, Washington, and this exhibition marks the first time his works have been shown there. It has been traveling the world since 2003, constantly updated with new work. The Schack Art Center version spans from 1972 –2014. Although the exhibition appears to be a series of portraits, actually, the focus of Close’s art is process, experimentation and collaboration. The portraits, all of celebrity friends in the art world, form the starting point for a dizzying array of techniques. Dive into his first mezzotint, Keith, 1972, at the beginning of the exhibition. Right next to it are details of the mouth, and other fragments, which demonstrate how rich the detail is in each part of the print. Included in the exhibition are wood cuts, silkscreens, lithographs, a few paintings, and dazzling tapestries, as well as test charts, woodblocks, pulp paper samples, linoleum, paper samples, and a brass “shim” used to create a paper pulp print. But be sure to go to the back of the last wall upstairs to see the Woodbury prints, a luscious black and white process that predates photography. Now for our quick tour of other exhibitions. First, go to the Frye Art Museum’s “Young Blood,” because it closes on June 19. It features art by two brothers both nationally known, both raised in Seattle. Noah Davis, painter, and Kahlil Joseph, filmmaker. The exhibition is also homage to Noah Davis, who died in 2015, so it is tinged with that sadness but Davis had a groundbreaking career as both an artist and a pioneer in creating alternative spaces in Los Angeles. Jen Graves of the Stranger claims “I Haven’t Seen an Art Show This Good in Seattle in a Long Time.” Go and decide for yourself. On June 18, from 2–3 pm, there will be a gallery talk by curator, Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes. Before July 4, see “Martha Rosler, Below the Surface” at the Seattle Art Museum. Two collage/photographic series by the globally renowned Rosler brilliantly collage consumerism and our brutal wars. The first series dates to the Vietnam War, the second to the Iraq war forty years later. The cold fact is that we are still consuming at home and destroying abroad. No one says it better than Rosler. The summer show at the Seattle Art Museum will be a good partner to the Chuck Close exhibition: “Graphic Masters: Durer, Rembrandt, Hogarth, Goya, Picasso, and, the unexpected, R. Crumb. You may not have heard of Crumb, best known for his role in underground comics, but you will see that he holds his own against these old masters with his amazing illustrations from the book of Genesis. If you like books as art and/or classical mythology, go to the University of Washington Special Collections, in the basement of Allen Library South for “Just One Look” (until July 29). Thirty-two new artist books inspired by classical stories such as Medea, Scheherazade, or Cupid and Psyche. About one third of the exhibition is in the lobby and easily accessible, including one of my favorite artists, Carletta Carrington Wilson. Her encaustic/mixed media book is based on the story of Thisbe. Two thirds of the exhibition is inside the Special Collections, so you need to pay attention to their hours. (10 to 4:45, closed on weekends). At the Northwest African American Museum, the renowned curator Deborah Willis created the exhibition “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” (until September 4). Well-known photographers, over the last century and up to the present, expand our understanding of “how we see ourselves and are seen by others.” Willis has been curating astute photography exhibitions for decades. (Lauren Kelley, Pickin’ , 2007, color-coupler print 23” x 23 1/8”, Courtesy of Northwest African American Museum, on view in “Posing Beauty in African American Culture”) The Wing Luke Museum presents, as always, unique exhibitions. “Khmer Americans: Naga Sheds Its Skin” reveals new perspectives on Cambodia “so much more than the Killing Fields.” “Tatau/Tattoo, Embodying Resistance” explores political aspects of tattoos in the Philippines and Pacific Islands in the context of opposing colonialism. “Do You Know Bruce: Breaking Barriers”, (part II of a three part series) provides perspective on the ways Bruce Lee countered racism as a film star/martial artist. The major exhibition in the George Tsutakawa gallery upstairs “Everything has Been Material for Scissors to Shape,” pairs the work of three contemporary Asian Pacific American artists with objects in the Museum collection and archives in order to “highlight identity, appropriation and labor.” (Stephanie Syjuco, Cargo Cult , one of a series, 2013, digital print on outdoor vinyl, 48 x 63”. Courtesy of the artist. On view at Wing Luke Museum in “Everything has Been Material for Scissors to Shape.”) At the Tacoma Art Museum see “Edvard Munch and the Sea” (until July 17), an appropriate Northwest topic with brooding Norwegian overtones, and “(Re)presenting Native Americans” (to October 30), a selection of depictions of Native American from the last century, an intriguing partner to “Posing Beauty.” If you are eager to see what artists in our region are doing today, visit “Northwest Art Now” until Sept 4. This rebranded Northwest Biennial includes 24 artists from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho who create installation, video, audio, paintings and sculptures, something for everyone. On to Portland! Inside the Portland Art Museum, the Center for Contemporary Native Art, features “Dene bāhī Naabaahii”, two contemporary native artists Demian DinéYazhi’ (Diné) and Kali Spitzer (Kaska Dena/Jewish). They offer us “a transdisciplinary and multimedia space that reaffirms their dedication to cultural revitalization through language and social engagement—a contemporary and radical act of survivance” (referring to nourishing Native culture beyond simple survival). This exhibition closes on August 28, but CCNA will have another contemporary Native art show opening in the fall. Also not to be missed at the Portland Art Museum: “Native Fashion Now” (until September 4) from the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, a pioneering small museum near Boston. The Native “maverick” fashion designers span 50 years with almost 100 works. Of course, there is much more to see! Go and Explore! But don’t miss the Friday Films in Volunteer Park on July 15, 22 and 29 that partner with the exhibition “Mood Indigo.” Music will start at 8:15pm and the film at 9pm. And then of course we have our free Shakespeare in the Park. I will leave you to find those on your own. By Susan Noyes Platt, www.artandpoliticsnow.com

People of all ages from excited toddlers to sprightly ninety year olds gathered during the weekend of May 13-15 to protest at the Tesoro and Gulf oil refinery sites in Anacortes. Refining oil from the tar sands puts out toxic emissions that we had to breathe and smell during our protest right beside the plants. The plants are on non-ceded Swinomish land that was taken from the tribe by Ulysses Grant in 1873 by Executive Order. They have been the site of deaths of workers and health violations for many years. All of the coverage so far has focused on the small group of people that were arrested after a three-day action to stop the oil trains going to the refinery. This was exciting and important, but I want to focus here on the Indigenous Day of Action at March Point on May 14. We had over 1000 people on the march, accompanied by haunting indigenous music, singing and dancing. In addition, hundreds of kayactivists held up powerful messages on the water, both at night and during the day. (Makah and Quinault ceremony) The indigenous leaders spoke to the heart of the crisis in a way that reflected their deep connection to the natural world. They are not on the earth protesting, but of the earth, they are in a continuum with the earth in a cycle of life. This profoundly important relationship has been forgotten by colonizers who, from their first step on the continent, saw only exploitable resources. The Tesoro and Shell refineries stand as a monument to that greed. Jules James of the Lummi Treaty Sovereignty and Treaty Protection group led the march, by way of honoring the Lummi’s recent success in defeating a coal terminal. At the ceremony after the march, Swinomish elder Diana Vendiola spoke of living on the other side of the peninsula, crabbing, digging for clams, with the belief that “water is life” and sacred. Today the fish are toxic, the water polluted. “How we treat the earth will be our legacy. If earth can’t support life, there is no life.” Many tribal groups participated, the Lummi arrived by canoe, an elder from the Tulalip blessed the water, youth from the Makah spoke of respecting the teachings of our ancestors. We had other honored elders who asked us to “repay and heal mother earth.” When the Lummi canoe arrived, dozens of people helped to carry it into the center of the ceremony: it set the theme of pulling together the concerns of the community before individual concerns. Makah youth leader Patsy Bane said succinctly “forget oil, it is killing us.” Lummi leader Jules James spoke of building coalitions as the key to winning “the battle to save the earth. They tell us we can’t, but we don’t live in fear, we love the earth.” He has visited the Cheyenne, the Sioux and other tribal groups who are voting no to energy plants that poison their people. Ruben George, an honored elder from Canada, spoke of the huge Boreal forest fire in the tar sands of Canada, “we must put a stop to this era of destruction.” Our actions joined hundreds of protests around the world during the month of May that are targeting refineries and other polluting industrial sites. The impassioned and urgent declarations of the indigenous speakers, as well as the deep commitment of the many activists I met during the planning and throughout the weekend, deeply inspired me to continue to actively work to “Break Free from Fossil Fuels” with the goal of one hundred percent renewables in twenty years or less. ~Susan Noyes Platt

Leschi Community Council Elections—New Officers Our biennial election was held at the May 2016 meeting with the election of the 4 officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer), postponing the election of a Representative to the Seattle Community Council Federation. That organization has not met in over a year, and we felt that if they begin regular meetings, we could elect a representative at that time. President Yousef Shulman—My family has been living in the Central Area for almost 100 years. My Great Great Uncle Henry (Hank) Edelson and his wife Shirley started a small market on the SW corner of 22nd Ave and East Union Street in the 1930’s. In 1948, they moved their business to its current location and renamed it Leschi Market. Leschi Market and my family have been very active in the community since the opening of the store. I moved to the Leschi neighborhood when I was 13 years old. I began to work at my family business at the age of 13, being the 4th generation to work at the business. I am now currently Co-Owner and Assistant Manager of Leschi Market with my Uncle Steve Shulman and my Grandfather Leonard Shulman. In 2011, I helped start the Leschi Business Association, which has since put on a yearly Halloween “Spooktacular” and Art Walk event. In 2015, I joined the Leschi Community Council as Business Associate Chair. In May 2016, I was elected to President of the Leschi Community Council. Vice-President Yuki Igarashi—Yuki is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments and recently moved into the Leschi branch office on Lakeside Avenue. Previously, she was located in the Capitol Hill Edward Jones branch. Yuki grew up in Tennessee, fell in love with the Pacific Northwest in college at Oregon State University, moved to Seattle in 2009 and earned her MBA from UW in 2013. She currently resides in the Central District with her husband, Kyle. Secretary Diane Snell—Diane is a retired medical social worker who has lived in Leschi since 1989. She has served on the Council as Secretary several times, served as Representative to and Secretary for the Federation of Community Councils, secretary to the Central Area Neighborhood District Council and has been Leschi News editor for the past 10 years. Most recently, she served as Co-president of Leschi CC. She is very committed to community and looks out for Leschi when she sees changes coming at the city or county level; she feels her legacy to this community was bringing back bus #27. She has adopted Gandhi’s “Be the change you want to see in the world” as her mantra. Treasurer Amy Fink—Amy and her family have lived in Leschi since 1998. She served two terms as LCC Secretary and was elected to the Treasurer’s position in 2016. She wrote a column for the Leschi News and started our Stairway Clean-up project with the first joint project with Madrona CC for a stairway in their neighborhood.

Celebrate Flo Ware and the park dedicated to this generous woman on June 5 from 1-3, featuring: balloon artists balloon toss spin art hot dogs pizza drinks and cotton candy. Come spend time in our community park with friends and family.

Paul Wilkinson, Manager of moorage for Parks, gave us a brief update: contract negotiations continue amicably between Parks and Foss, but the technical details are complex. Parks plans to restripe the parking lot by the south Marina in the next few weeks. Summer updates will be posted on our website. The contract is expected to be ready for signing by September.

April 12, 2016—Attending: Janet Oliver, Amy Fink, Kim Murillo, Tracy Bier, Yousef Shulman, Jeff Floor, John Barber, Diane Morris and Diane Snell. Flo Ware Park: Diane Morris reported for Christine Miller. The annual Flo Ware event will be held June 11 from 1-4. It will again be a collaboration with Leschi Elementary PTA. Treasury: Kim submitted the treasurer’s report; only unusual expenses were the posters and flyers for the Powell Barnett celebration and the purchase of the awards for Leschi Stars. Parks: John Barber urged everyone to attend the April 30 event at Powell Barnett. The fence around the exercise equipment has come down and folks are trying out their skills. Colman Park: following the presentation at our April meeting, John formed a committee to be involved in reviewing this project. He thinks that the Bigleaf Maple trees can be saved by saving the strongest trunk and cutting back the other sprouts. It was pointed out that the Olmsted brothers had viewed this area after a long period of heavy clear cutting to produce the wood that built Seattle. Marinas: Steve Wilson had brought up the fact that the North Marina had been a bequest with the stipulation that it be used only for sailing. That historical piece will be researched. Earth Day: planned for April 22 at Frink Park from 10am-1pm. Meet at caretaker’s cottage. There will be food!! Wading Pools: John and Diane S. have decided to bring in other communities on the wading pool issue. Madrona is on board as is Squire Park; question on whom to contact for Garfield CC. It was decided that John Stewart would be the appropriate person. TreePAC has an April 27 event to draw together like-minded groups to push for more effective tree protection regulations. Stairway: Diane Morris is suggesting the Randolph stairs (from East Alder up to Terrace) for our May project. Moss has gathered. LURC: Jeff reported: LURC will host a meeting at Douglass-Truth (April 20, 6-7:30) on the Liberty Bank site at Union and 24th. A committee with representative from Historic Central Area Arts and Culture District (HCAACD), 23rd Avenue Action Community Team (ACT), The Central Area Collaborative and LURC is forming to look into creating Design Guidelines that would be specifically tailored to the CD. The City People’s site is a hot topic; concerns range from too much parking to not enough parking and great concerns about the size of the project on what is a sensitive slope with an underground stream. Jeff stressed that “saving” City People’s is NOT an option; they will leave by the end of the year Website: Yousef reported that we had met with Kirsten and she will be organizing the website material to move to another site (without hopping ads) and will put the document into WordPress for easy maintenance. The Technology grant did not work out as the City’s primary focus is teaching underprivileged groups to use computers. Elections in May: LCC Executive Board elections are in May. Positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary are term limited. Let Diane S. know if you are interested in running. Leschi Star Awards: The board gives Leschi Star awards to individuals who made a positive impact on the neighborhood during the year. The awards are traditionally given at the May meeting. The ‘star’ ornament we’ve given in the past is no longer available, so Diane found a similar ornament and ordered enough units to get a cost reduction. Diane asked for award nominations; several names were considered. Yousef suggested Diane Snell win this year’s award. The entire board applauded Yousef’s suggestion. ~Submitted by Amy Fink