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In early December, the Leschi Community Council holds their annual holiday party at the Central Area Senior Center or The Central as it is becoming known. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year and recognize Leschi Stars, those individuals who have stepped forward to take on important tasks to enhance the community. Leschi Market donates a roast turkey and LCC provides a ham and beverages. Attendees bring potluck dishes to round out what has always been a very generous meal. A raffle offers items from local businesses and the raffle ticket proceeds supplement our LCC budget to pay for the newsletter and the event itself.

Leschi’s annual Halloween Spooktacular moved to Leschi Park this year with the loan of a beautiful tent from Dr. Michael Bilikas. And were we lucky to be in a tent! The off and on drizzles turned into full force rain at one point! We loved seeing the neighborhood turn out in costume, especially when the parents were also dressed up! We served apple cider and donut holes and treated the kids with the usual candies, apples and plastic monster teeth. The apples were especially handy when we were visited by six horses on an early evening canter from Rainier Beach. Thanks to all who helped erect the tent and take it down after the event; to Leschi Market for straw bales and corn husks and to Ann Conroy and Cara Ross for their annual planning skills!

Halloween Spooktacular is another joint event between the Leschi Business Association and the Leschi Community Council. Aimed at younger kids, the event takes place between 4 and 6 pm on Halloween with local lakefront businesses offering treats. Hay bales and giant pumpkins offer an appropriate background for picture taking of little costumed gremlins.

What better reason to celebrate than the renovation of a blighted urban corner into a safe and modern playground for neighborhood children? Every May we celebrate the small park at the corner of 28th and Jackson. We celebrate both the park’s namesake, Floresina Ware, and the renovation of the park in 2004. Flo Ware was a resident of the area and a community activist. She helped to improve the schools in the Central Area, she brought the Meals on Wheels program to the city’s senior residents, she raised numerous foster children and her philosophy was that of community and diversity. She urged folks to come together to make a better life for all. The city originally named this small park for Flo Ware in 1982, but by the early 2000’s, the park was in a state of disrepair and was mostly a gathering place for young gang members. The Leschi Community Council, under the guidance of President Thurston Muskelly, undertook a major renovation. $500,000 was raised and volunteers put in extensive sweat equity to create a park with modern, safe playground equipment, a half basketball court and small chess tables. Now on sunny days, one sees mothers with young children using the swings and young boys practicing hoop shots. Our annual celebration includes a potluck and entertainment. The East Precinct has participated in many years and our local officers take over the grilling of the hot dogs and hot links. Watch the events on our website for the date of this event each year!

May 6, 2014—MEMORANDUM To: Christopher Williams, Superintendent, Seattle Parks & Recreation From: Leschi Project Advisory Team (PAT) Re: Recommendations for Leschi Moorages The Leschi Marina Project Advisory Team (PAT) is pleased to present recommendations that will lead to safe, affordable and quality moorage facilities for recreational boaters and the public for generations to come. The Leschi marinas are a unique and valuable public resource but dock conditions have deteriorated over many years with limited investments or repairs by the City. The current concession management model only provided for minor maintenance and failed to address ongoing asset replacement. Little has been done to ensure the facilities are safe and functional despite a consistent revenue stream provided by tenants. Our PAT’s goal has been to articulate an achievable and sustainable operating and maintenance model for the future of North and South Leschi marinas. In producing our recommendations we have studied operational practices at other marinas and market data; management of other City of Seattle Park facilities; identified current assets and needs; and taken into account extensive input provided by tenants and the surrounding community. Our recommendations are based on ideas broadly supported by the full PAT. Other important ideas that merit acknowledgement and were discussed during our process, but that did not make it into the final recommendations include: factoring in the effect on global warming as a key part of the decision-making process going forward; placing sailboats at the north moorage and powerboats at the south moorage; and banning powerboats. Much remains to be done to produce an actual moorage design and important milestones lay ahead including environmental permitting but our recommendations will set the moorages on the path of greater functionality and financial sustainability. We applaud Seattle Parks and Recreation’s commitment to stimulate meaningful public engagement and protect historic use of the marinas. We wish to thank and recognize the leadership and support of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s professional staff including Nathan Torgelson, Paula Hoff and Paul Wilkinson throughout this important process. Thank you for the opportunity to help frame a vision for the future of Leschi marina! Recommendations of the Leschi Moorage Project Advisory Team (PAT), April 2014 Context Leschi Moorage has 214 wet and 119 dry moorage slips created in the mid-20th Century. Seattle Parks and Recreation has started the permitting process for improvements to South Leschi and North Leschi, assuming minimal expansion of the pier footprint. Approximately 38 of the slips are currently not usable due to the poor conditions of the docks. Reid Middleton has been retained to help with the permitting and design process and Grette Associates for environmental planning (biological and fish habitat evaluation). Parks has submitted a JARPA (Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application) and a Biologic Evaluation and Essential Fish Habitat Evaluation to the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the State Department of Ecology (DOE). The Corps and DOE issued a notice on November 25, 2013. The comment period ended on December 25, 2013 and no comments were received. Tribes are informed of the project and will participate in the design process. Seattle Parks is required to come to an agreement with the Tribes. Vision The activities described above are positive but no long-term vision or direction currently exists for Leschi marina. We propose the following: Leschi Marina provides safe, affordable and quality moorage for recreational boaters and public access to Lake Washington. In a city surrounded by water, it is a rare public resource, and must be professionally managed and financially sustainable in order to protect the environment and preserve enjoyment of Lake Washington for generations to come. Operational Recommendations Following are recommendations that will help make the vision become a reality. 1. Update the marina with the end users in mind. Leschi marina should remain an affordable resource for a diverse group of recreational users. We need to acknowledge our diverse range of boats, and ensure that the facility accommodates the long-term users of the marina, (racing programs, dragon boats, disabled sailing, etc.) The design should allow for sailboats sailing into and out of the marina; Dragon boats; and possibly larger vessels at the end of the docks. The focus of the facilities should be on smaller boats. Key features should include: An effective breakwater system Non-slip decking without holes, nails and other hazards Power and water for tenants Direct access from parking areas, including handicap accessibility Dock carts and storage Dry storage on floats and 24–26 foot slips to support the current racing programs with room for expansion Side-tie moorage for dragon boats Small boat launching ramp suitable for launching dollies (versus trailers), potentially available for the general public Security for tenants Restrooms for tenants Public access to a dock or breakwater Short-term daytime tie-ups Desirable features may include: Shoreside meeting/multipurpose space Watercraft rentals Boatwash facilities – connection to sanitary sewer Shower facilities for tenants Public viewpoints Pump-out station Design considerations: Sample slip configurations Decrease shadow to the underwater environment Improved bathroom facilities at north end (shower) Paired slips with wider finger piers Emergency ladders at each pair of slips Low level dock lighting to minimize glare Shallower ramp angles Bus access Clear views into and across the marina from the Boulevard, with seating areas A design/build contract could be desirable for this project North Leschi for sailboats and South Leschi for powerboats Recognize the Olmstead legacy of the adjacent Lake Washington Boulevard and Leschi Park Integrate the design with the surrounding Leschi community Apply green design and construction practices to all aspects of the project Include community considerations in the design and operation of the facility It is assumed that the moorage facilities will continue to cater to both sailboats and powerboats, in order to meet customer demand and to achieve financial stability. In accommodating both types of users, it may be preferable to identify certain sections of the marina that are more appropriate for powerboats. The facilities need to be safe and attractive but should not be fancy in order to safeguard affordability. Leschi should not be a country club; it is a community resource. Water access for the general public, including accessibility to walk parts of the docks, could be desirable. 2. Achieve financial sustainability through a coherent, long-term operational plan, committed City management and common-sense practices. The City’s current $4 million budget will provide a critical jump-start for capital improvements to South Leschi but those funds should explicitly fit into a broader long-term development plan. It would be misguided—and a lost opportunity—to rebuild the breakwater, dock structures or any other moorage features without knowing what comes next. The City should complete a business plan in order to achieve plausible operational objectives. Potential elements of the plan include: Reinvest rents into the property versus the City’s and/or Park’s general fund Bring rents closer to market rates Differentiate seasonal, annual and live-aboard rates Different rates for Seattle residents and non-residents Partnership opportunities with mission-driven non-profit organizations and users who wish to use the facility “in bulk” over the long-term Effectively marketing recreational opportunities available through the marina Other revenue generating activities to consider include shore-side facilities such as a meeting room, kayak leasing or similar. Grants may be available for a pump-out station. 3. Model governance and operations after the City’s successful golf program. Marinas and golf courses have different operational needs but the basic idea of identifying a third party to operate the moorage while the City remains the lead on capital improvements is sound. This is the current model at Leschi but it has not worked because there has not been hands-on oversight or accountability such as there is for the City’s golf program; major maintenance has not been provided by the City or the operator; and revenues generated by tenant rent have not been reinvested in the facility. The City should issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a marina operator for a new contractual agreement. Key operational requirements should include: A tight, well-articulated and detailed contract between the City and chosen operator Good financial and operational records; operating guidelines and monthly reports Leadership at Parks and oversight of the contract (the manager of golf programs for the city has already been identified for this role with the marinas—which is a huge, positive step forward) Consideration should be given to one entity providing day-to-day operations at both Leschi and Lakewood moorages. Notwithstanding the fact that there are different short-term needs, over the long-term this could provide economies of scale, coordinated marketing and the feasibility of a higher level of staff provided by the operator due to potentially greater earnings. An ongoing tenant/community advisory team could help to facilitate communication between the Moorage Manager, tenants and the community. Critical management activities including selection of operating concessionaire, capital improvements, standards of maintenance and lease rates should be communicated through the advisory team. 4. Immediately address management and maintenance shortcomings at the facility. It will likely take some time to issue the RFQ, select a concessionaire, and then negotiate a contract. In the meantime, conditions at the marina continue to deteriorate, maintenance is being deferred, and the facility is being operated in an unsafe, substandard manner. To address this situation, Parks should immediately increase its oversight of the facility, identify a near term list of critical repairs and essential maintenance practices, and then ensure that those repairs are made and practices are adhered to. Improving operations in the short term will enable the longer term vision and recommendations presented in this document to be implemented at least cost. Timeline May 2014—PAT recommendations to Parks Superintendent Summer 2014—Potential new RFQ issued By December 31, 2014—City selects concessionaire and negotiates contract. City Council approves the Management Agreement with selected concessionaire. May 31, 2014—Current concessionaire month-to-month lease agreement ends (or ends sooner if a new agreement is reached as a result of an RFP process) No later than August 1, 2014—Interim Progress Report due to City Council No later than December 1, 2014—Final Report due to City Council 2014-2015—Capital improvements decided; JARPA and City permits issued Appendix A. Leschi Construction Costs The $4 million authorized for capital improvements at Leschi will be an important springboard but overall construction costs have been estimated by Reid Middleton to in the range of $11 million. Leschi moorages (north and south combined) generated $557,000 in 2013 and $584,000 in 2012. These revenues could potentially increase if an effort is made to reduce vacancies through year-round (versus seasonal) rates and if rates are brought closer to market. In addition, about 18% of the wet slips have been unusable because they are so dilapidated but they will be able to generate revenue once the marina is updated. The PAT believes that issuing bonds could be an effective way to secure a portion of the needed capital coupled with better management and operational changes such as reinvesting a portion of rent paid back into facility maintenance versus going to the City’s general fund. Additional capital investment by the City may also be needed. The PAT believes it is important for the City to retain ownership of the moorage assets. In principle, the PAT would not be opposed to third party funding and management of capital improvement but 1) it is unlikely a private partner would finance capital improvements for assets owned by the City, and 2) even if such a funder were found it would need operational and economic latitude to a degree that may not align with goals important to the City and tenants. B. Members of the Leschi Moorages Public Advisory Committee David Andrew, Footloose Sailing Association John Barber, former Parks Board Commissioner, Leschi Community Council Marc Daudon, Corinthian Yacht Club--Thistle Sailing Fleet Marc Frazer Paul Jackson Stevan Johnson, , Corinthian Yacht Club Ned Porges Rick Renaud, Club Sake Dragon Boat Club Kary Schneider Remmert Wolters, Corinthian Yacht Club

Loss of a Neighborhood Icon: DeeDee Rainbow (December 2013) We learned that long time Madrona resident, DeeDee Rainbow, died just shortly before the newsletter deadline. A native of Seattle, DeeDee moved around the country after marriage until her husband, Peter Raible, was called to be the minister of the University Unitarian Church. DeeDee was an art teacher at Meany Middle School for 29 years, and she was a walking work of art in her colorful robes, glittered hair and wand. She was a fan of jazz, and Paul deBarros in his wonderful obituary in the Seattle Times quoted jazz radio emcee Jim Wilkie: "When I was emceeing a concert, and I saw that flash of color, I knew it was an official event." We were fortunate to attend her 80th birthday, and the multitude of friends that gathered at her Madrona home were as colorful as her outfit; stimulating conversations and remembrances were heard no matter which room you found yourself in. We will miss this rainbow of light who was a welcome antidote to our frequent gray skies. A celebration of her life, including a New Orleans-style funeral march will be held at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave NE, January 4 at 1pm. The Fading of a Rainbow (January 2014) DeeDee Rainbow’s ashes were laid to rest in the memorial garden at University Unitarian Church on January 4, 2014, following a memorial service unlike any I have ever attended. We had been urged to wear something colorful, a challenge for me in the winter when my wardrobe seems to mimic the drab outside world. A rack of DeeDee’s colorful robes was provided for those color impaired, if they promised to take the garment away with them. The sanctuary was packed and latecomers (including Clarence Acox and me) were seated in the fellowship hall with sound piped in and a limited distant view of the speakers. Those who offered tributes at the church were all family members. It was interesting to hear DeeDee’s sister speak as she made it clear that DeeDee’s fascination with color and need to interact was not a late development, but began at an early age. She mentioned a family trip to the museum where once inside the building, they realized DeeDee was no longer with them, so they retraced their steps and found DeeDee (somewhere around age 4) on the front steps greeting folks as they entered and bestowing good wishes with her little wand. The father turned to the mother and asked “Where did she come from?” One of the grandsons spoke of the walks from the family home to the Hi-Spot for a scone, a trip that took about 4 hours instead of the ten minutes it should take, as they would meet and greet along the way. Musical tributes included Over the Rainbow, Rainbow Lady and Mama. The one hymn we all sang was the truly befitting Let it be a Dance. Immediately following the service, the crowd gathered on the sidewalk outside to follow the New Orleans Jazz Band around the block, waving colorful umbrellas as they marched. Once back at the church, the crowd gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a champagne toast given by the folks from California, who had marched with DeeDee in the parade that marked the beginning of each year’s Monterey Jazz festival. But that was not the end; after the reception, there was another gathering at the Wedgwood Ale House with jazz and tributes from others who knew DeeDee. All in all, it was quite a tribute to a colorful woman who taught us to enjoy this life to the fullest; she would say “This is not a dress rehearsal.” ~Diane Snell

Leschi’s marina has long been a favorite berthing place for sailboats, which gracefully ply the waters of Lake Washington on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those slips are threatened under the Park’s plan to bring in a private operator to repair and run the north and south marinas. The smaller berths bring in less in the way of rental fees; it is to the advantage of the company to have more large slips and reduce the number of small slips, and this was the plan that Foss submitted to Parks in their bid several years ago to become the operating entity. A delegation of concerned residents from the Lakewood area and Leschi neighborhood met with Councilmembers Sawant and Harrell this summer to define the problem and ask for assistance in freeing up the $4 million that former Mayor McGinn promised for repairs (subsequently approved by the City Council). This money sits with Parks, and the only visible sign of a “repair” is that plywood has been laid over the worst rotting areas…a safety fix, but not exactly a repair. Lakewood representatives brought data to show that based on their moorage fees, they could manage the marina without an outside operator. Following those meetings (and an unsuccessful attempt to talk with CM Godden, current chair of Parks Committee), John Barber drafted a letter requesting release of the funds for the most needed repairs; this letter was signed by Leschi CC’s co-chairs and sent to CM Godden with copies to the Mayor, and CMs Sawant and Harrell. We have received no response to this request. A call to CM Godden’s office just before press time brought forth the information that the $4 million is being saved by Parks to help pay for repairs when they select a private operator on bids they expect to receive when the RFP is released at the end of the month. So, it could easily be the end of the year before an operator is even selected. And it does not sound as though they are entertaining suggestions that the marinas be publicly managed and maintained. It appears that private/public partnerships are the chosen path even when the private part is not needed. This does not bode well for the small boat owners. ~John Barber

Happy New Year! Cheers to one and all, and here’s to wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2016. Now that holiday madness has subsided, let’s catch up on some items that you may have missed. Here are a few winter wine favorites. 2012 Cadence Red Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Red Mountain ($56) “Vibrant, focused and aristocratic, centering on generous plum, currant, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors that play out against well-modulated, crisp tannins. Shows presence and excellent length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2025. 225 cases made.” –Wine Spectator, 95 points. 2012 Colene Clemens Margo Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains ($34) Winemaker Steve Goff was the assistant at Beaux Frères for many vintages; now he makes wine for Colene Clemens, one of the hottest new Oregon wineries. “Lithe and expressive, shading black cherry fruit with glints of mint, loamy earth and walnut. Fine tannins underline a long, dancing finish. Best from 2016 through 2022. Top 100: 2015, Rank: 45.” –Wine Spectator, 93 points. 2006 La Fleur de Bouard Lalande de Pomerol Bordeaux ($34) “At present, this estate is the reference point for high quality wines from Lalande de Pomerol. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sensationally rich, with abundant quantities of blue and black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, licorice and hints of espresso roast as well as toasty oak, it is supple enough to be drunk now, or cellared for a decade.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr., 91 points. 2014 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon San Luis Obispo Central Coast California ($20) “I think even a step up over the killer 2013, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with notions of black raspberry, cassis, spice and licorice. More textured, voluptuous, layered and concentrated than all of the previous vintages. Located at one of the highest spots in the appellation, it’s worth noting this tiny microclimate of this estate and it has more in common with Napa Valley than Paso Robles. Drink 2017-2020. ” –Wine Advocate, 91-93 points. 2011 Château Laffitte-Teston Rouge Vieilles Vignes Madiran ($17) This is a burly, bloody, rustic full-bodied—a “winter wine.” Needs fully braised meats, stews or casseroles. Made from the grape variety of the appellation, Tannat. The vines are about 70 years old and are harvested by hand, for low yields that make this wine its flagship wine. A fine wine, harmonious, where one crosses small black fruit, plum, vanilla and roasted notes. On the palate it is robust, concentrated and fleshy, with a remarkable finish. 2012 Domaine de la Rablaís Rouge Touraine Chenonceaux ($16) “Our family vineyard has been handed down from generation to generation since 1790 and is located in the heart of the Loire Valley. Attacks with a fresh note and ends with a red fruits-flavored nose. It is fresh and light, low in tannin and with a peppery mouth. 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% CÔT (Malbec).” –Winery notes. 2013 Fattoria Selvapiana Vendemmia Chianti Rufina ($15) “Elegant and fragrant, this opens with aromas of pressed rose, crushed violet, wild berry and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant, focused palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, cinnamon and dried herb. It’s well balanced, with supple tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2018.” -Wine Enthusiast, 93 points. 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 .

March is Washington Wine Month. Let’s focus on what our great state has to offer. Here are 7 Washington wines that you should probably be drinking, this month and beyond. 2014 Trust Riesling Yakima Valley / Ancient Lakes ($14.99) Steve Brooks is one of the most trusted winemakers coming out of Walla Walla. Pun fully intended. The Ancient Lakes’ Evergreen Vineyard comprises 16%, while the balance of this vintage comes from Yakima Valley. Extremely well balanced and clean, with mineral notes and a dry finish. If you have sworn off Rieslings for being too sweet, think again, and Trust us. 2013 Ryan Patrick Rock Island Red Wahluke Slope ($14.99) Rich, ripe and concentrated are characteristics in the grapes coming from one of the warmest and driest growing regions, the Wahluke Slope, just north of Yakima Valley. The Rock Island is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with barely 30% a blend of Merlot, Malbec and Syrah. This wine has been a fan favorite from day 1 at Leschi Market, nearly 2 years ago now. It is an easy drinking, powerful red wine that is incomparable in quality for the price. Wilridge Winery Rachel Red ($15.99) One of Leschi and Madrona’s favorite neighborhood wineries partnering to support another Seattle institution. Wilridge Winery’s Rachel Red, named after the famous brass pig greeting everyone beneath the iconic neon Pike Place Market sign, benefits the Pike Place Market Foundation. The Foundation provides a senior center, medical clinic, shelter, preschool, daycare, and assisted living to low-income neighbors who work and live around the Market. This blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and makes for a great table wine with an even better purpose and message. 2013 Lobo Hills Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) Staying on the ultra-local kick, it doesn’t get much more local than Tony Dollar’s Lobo Hills Winery. He’s a neighbor to all, just living and working down the lakeside in Seward Park. His production is small while his wines are growing ever more wildly popular. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offers tea and sage up front, leading towards big juicy plum, cassis and anise in the finish. Rich, balanced and full of life and flavor. A Washington Cabernet for $20 that cannot be missed. 2013 Cadence Coda Red Mountain ($23.39) This current version of Cadence’s Coda is 38% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 14% Petit Verdot. Spicy yet soft. Big yet elegant. This red blend from Red Mountain has it all. An incredible wine at an even better price, where most wines from this region are coming out at least double the price. Recent accolades include 5 out of 5 stars from the Leschi Tasting Panel as well as 93-points Wine & Spirits. 2013 Walla Walla Vintners Bello Rosso ($30) A really fun blend from one of the very first wineries in our state’s history. An ode to a Super-Tuscan style at equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cranberry and raspberry on the nose mixed with herbs and pepper. Silky smooth texture leading to a dry finish. While I think all of the Walla Walla Vintners wines are well-crafted, solid offerings, there is just something different about the Bello Rosso that stands out above the rest. 2009 McCrea Syrah Boushey Vineyard ($34.99) Syrah from one of the most highly regarded vineyards in the state, in the heart of Yakima. Boushey fruit has unmistakable notes of black cherry, coffee, earth and mushroom. Combine unique fruit, with the prowess of a great winery, and this is the result. The complexity and cohesiveness between fruit, oak and acid makes this one of the best examples of Syrah out there. You really should be drinking this wine. I guess the point of all this is, it’s Washington Wine Month. Try one of the above, or something else, but give Washington wine an extra look this month, you might just find something you like! 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 .

On July 9th, a group of residents concerned about moorage met with Concilmember Kshama Sawant and then Councilmember Bruce Harrell to discuss the pertinent issues. Jeannie O’Brien of Lakewood CC and Kristin Shober who manages the Lakewood Marina came with data that showed they could manage the Lakewood Marina successfully without a private entity. Leschi Marina suffers from poor repair. Although the past Mayor with the approval of the City Council set aside $4 million to do repairs at the South Marina, none of that money has ever been spent. Although that money was approved two yeaers ago, it still sits with Parks. It is possible that Leschi could also be self-sustaining IF marina fees were used for needed upkeep rather than being transferred to the general fund as has happened in the past. Both Councilmembers Sawant and Harrell agreed to discuss this issue with Councilmember Jean Godden who heads up the Parks Committee on the Council. Leschi Parks Chair John Barber prepared the following letter to send to councilmembers and Mayor: LESCHI COMMUNITY COUNCIL 140 LAKESIDE AVE. SUITE A #2 SEATTLE, WA 98122 Leschi Community Council 140 Lakeside Avenue, Suite A, #2 Seattle, WA 98122 Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden Attn: Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries, and Gender Pay Equality Committee 600 Fourth Avenue, 2nd Floor Seattle, WA 98124-4025 Dear City Councilmember Godden, In August 2013, Parks Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams announced that $4 million had been allocated for the renovation of the South Leschi Moorage due to seriously deteriorating conditions.These funds were approved by the previous Mayor and the City Council two years ago. Very little of that budget allocation has been utilized and consequently the moorage facility is in worse shape yet. The boating community, several living in our neighborhood, are suffering from the lack of timely repair of the moorage facility at South Leschi Moorage and also with poor conditions at North Leschi Moorage. Please note also that moorage fee revenue has produced the amount of $1 million yearly for the last several years. Operating costs were covered, but maintenance was ignored. 39% was diverted for general park purposes, not moorage repairs. This is to request that the appropriated funds be implemented in short order towards the renovation of South Leschi Moorage. Sincerely, Diane Morris & Diane Snell Diane Snell and Diane Morris Co-Presidents Lesch Community Council c: Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Council Kshama Sawant, Seattle City Council Mayor Ed Murray ~John Barber

Editor’s note: We offered our editorial page to John Barber for an opinion piece he has written on dogs and parks. His views in no way represent those of the Leschi News, the editor or the Leschi Community Council Board. In January, the Seattle Parks Department will issue a report that recommends a revised policy about dogs — off-leash or on-leash — in park-owned lands. Some dog advocates have pushed for more than just more fenced off-leash areas, but also open unfenced places to take dogs off-leash, including Leschi Park and the natural areas in Leschi — Frink Park, upper Leschi Park, Peppi’s Playground, and the Leschi Natural Area. As a dog owner, daily park user and volunteer/Forest Steward, I’ve had experience since 1971 with my own dogs and with other owners and their dogs. It can be fun to watch dogs playing, but off-leash dogs here are a problem on many levels and result in conflicts between park users that are difficult to resolve: We’ve had numerous instances of park volunteers and forest stewards getting their hands and shoes smeared with dog waste. In the landscaped areas, dog owners often don’t see their dogs doing their business, and when they do see them, they can’t find the waste, or don’t look. When vegetative ground cover or long grass obscure the location of dog feces, the soil and groundwater system is polluted, park maintenance staff who weed-whack the area are imperiled, and exploring kids are exposed to the dog doo. Barking, charging dogs intimidate park users, and because there are all manner of dogs and levels of responsibility by owners, dogs are too often a threat to other dogs, animals, and park users. Some potential park users are deterred from enjoying parks because of the threat of off-leash dogs. Volunteers and forest stewards who toil to restore native vegetation see their efforts undermined by dogs tearing up the plantings and scraping the soil on a regular basis. During the wet season, dogs in Leschi’s parks (like the grassy level area next to the tennis courts) damage the grass turf and make the park areas less useful for teaching tikes to play soccer or baseball, volleyball games, informal field sports or just walking or lying on the grass. Contrary to discouraging uncontrolled dogs in open areas, fenced off-leash areas tend to simply encourage more dog owners to exercise their pets outside the fenced areas. We’ve even seen owners throwing balls over the fence to deliberately encourage their dog to jump the fence. Some cities have experimented with allowing dogs off leash in limited park areas and hours. We should learn from that experience and make sure the conditions at such areas are relevant here, before experimenting with this policy. But, overall, I think that we need to face up to the realization that we are an urban area with limited park land and various levels of responsibility by dog owners and limited ability to enforce the laws. For the safety of dogs and our fellow urban citizens and for a clean environment, I believe that dogs outside should always be leashed. Public policy should encourage residents to choose small, less needy of exercise, pets and not set up conflicts among the users of parks. ~John Barber

In January we published the story of the Ronald House and how landmark status was achieved for this beautifully restored home. With the focus on restoration and jumping through the hoops for establishing the home as a landmark, we said little about the man behind the house: James Theodore Ronald. Although he would become a historical figure in Seattle, he came from humble beginnings. He was born the second of nine children to a struggling farm family in the Missouri Ozarks. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. He then traveled to California (1875) where he taught school in various small communities in the northeast (the Sierra foothills area.) He made the trip on what was called the emigrant train, not a first class adventure. One had to bring their own food along to make the 8 day trip from Omaha to Sacramento. In 1877, his beloved Rhoda Coe made the trek from Missouri with a couple they both knew, and they married in Stockton. He had first met her in 1874, when she was only 16, and in his impetuous way, he declared her “the girl of my dreams”. Rhoda was more serious and took her time making decisions, but she was obviously a plucky young woman to make that trek across country to marry him three years later and live in what were essentially frontier towns in that era.. Although he soon rose to become a principal, J T Ronald had greater ambitions. He used the summer months to study law and passed the bar in 1882. He took the advice of a traveling evangelist to go to Seattle, “a little town on Puget Sound….a town which is certain some day to become a great city.” But it was a struggle: Seattle was a town with too many lawyers and not enough paying customers. He was fortunate to be appointed a Deputy District Attorney for King County at a salary of $20 per month. He became the Prosecuting Attorney in 1885. The young couple often had to share housing with others and lived in areas that were not close to town. Rhoda never complained according to his memoirs, even though he knew she must have been lonely, especially when their good friends and neighbors decided to go back to California. It was after the great fire that he eventually built the home on 30th (which was then called Rainier Ave.) His description of the great fire is extremely interesting, as it was quite personal for him. His law office was on the third floor of a building at First & Cherry, and when it caught fire, he fully expected to lose all of his law library and his records. Miners, whom he had helped with legal matters, came to the rescue and raced up the stairs and down, bringing all his records and all his law books out of the burning building. He lost only a few books of fiction and history. For days men like these tried to rescue what they could from the burning area and instead of finding despair, he remarks that the men who lost entire buildings promised “to build it back bigger than ever“. Rhoda and other women cooked meals in makeshift kitchens for the brave men fighting the fire. Ronald describes the aftermath: “That burnt district, comprising about seventy-five acres, was a city of tents—tents everywhere—in every lot, housing businesses of all kinds.” Being from the South originally, Ronald hired an architect to design the type of house he envisioned. This was the house he and Rhoda lived in with their three daughters until Rhoda’s death. The girls went through school and the University and even married in that house. When Rhoda died in 1926, he was lonely in the house without her and moved to the Exeter Hotel until his own death over 20 years later. Ronald had a busy law practice during those years, but was persuaded to run for Mayor in 1892. He served for two years, and they were not happy years for him. There was a great recession during that time and Seattle, like many cities of the 1890’s, was filled with corruption. Ronald was a man of integrity and it was frustrating to him to be unable to rid the city of its corruption, including the Police Chief. Vested interests fought him at every turn. When his term was over, he went back to practicing law and served on the Board of Regents at the University of Washington. He was appointed to the King County Superior Court in April, 1909, where he served for forty years! This was the job that he loved the most. The Seattle P-I editorial stated on his retirement that: “his never-failing good humor, his broad sense of humanity and his wise counsel will be sorely missed.” Note: It is difficult to fully represent in such a limited space someone who had a long and illustrious career. I would encourage you to read his memoirs. If you are a history buff, you will find the trial of the Wobblies fascinating and if you’re a fan of “Then & Now” memorabilia, you will love his account of a road trip from Seattle to San Francisco in a time when roads were iffy and repair places scarce. The trip took fifteen days! Facts and quotes from Reflections Along the Wayside of Life, Judge J T Ronald’s memoirs. ~Diane Snell