Queen Anne News 4-17-2024

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Gratitude, empowerment at King County Council

By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer

Jeanne Kohl-Welles is one of Seattle’s greatest public servants. Her time in office began when she was appointed as a State Representative in 1992 and concluded last year when she retired from her seat on King County Council. She served in both the Washington House and

Senate, and was elected to the King County Council in 2016.

Kohl-Welles has been known as a tireless champion for Title IX, lowincome housing, tenant’s rights, childcare subsidies, and women in politics. During last month’s celebration of Women’s History Month, a tradition she introduced in her first year on the council, she was honored as the inaugural recipient of the council’s Women

Uplifting Women Award.

Sarah Reyneveld is the acting chair of the King County Women’s Advisory Board and Managing Assistant Attorney General. As a woman who has personally been uplifted by Jeanne KohlWelles, Reyneveld said she was “honored to help present the Women Uplifting Women Award

Survey shows no support for new taxes as Seattle faces growing budget deficit

By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

Survey results show Seattle officials may not receive much support from taxpayers as the city deals with a growing budget deficit.

The Seattle Office of Economic and Revenue Forecasts presented new data on Monday that revealed that the city’s general fund is now expected to be $44.7 million higher than originally budgeted in 2024, with expectations that city revenues will continue growing in 2025 and 2026.

But the city is still facing a projected budget deficit of $245 million next year, in part, as a result of the new labor contract with city employees to increase wages by 9.7% through 2024, and residents are in no mood for new taxes to help close the gap.

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s latest survey of Seattle voters revealed that more than three-fourths of voting taxpayers do not want taxes raised in order to address the deficit. The survey was conducted in March when the city's projected budget deficit was $230 million.

The chamber’s survey – titled “The Index” – presented two statements to registered voters who participated in the survey. The first statement read “The city should work to offset the deficit by prioritizing government basics, supporting our city’s most vulnerable residents, and reducing non-critical spending before considering tax increases.”

The other statement read “The city should maintain the spending levels and programs in place today and raise new taxes to cover this [at the time] estimated $230 million deficit.”

The latter statement was only supported by 23% of the 700 completed interviews conducted last month.

“80% of voters believe the city of Seattle has enough money to address important priorities, it just needs to spend tax dollars

Courtesy Kendall Rock Photography

Claudia Balducci, Sarah Reyneveld, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Sarah Perry, and Teresa Mosqueda celebrating former King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles as the inaugural recipient of the Women Uplifting Women Award at March 21 at the King County Chinook Building.

All are welcome & warmly invited to join these healing services For best audio results, please join by clicking on the link from your computer or smartphone and choose “Call Over Internet” All Zoom Services Meeting ID: 418 806 2637 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4188062637 Sunday Services 11:00am – 12noon Pacific Wednesday Testimonies 7:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Christian

206.283.2300

ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com

QUEEN ANNE HELPLINE NEWS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Join Queen Anne Helpline on Saturday, June 15, for an all ages 5k around Queen Anne. To register and for more information, https://www. queenannehelpline.org/

LIBRARY EVENT

We're partnering with our friends at the Seattle Public Library to host an event on Sunday, April 21 from 1-3 p.m. where you can learn more about our work in the community while picking up your books! Bring your gently-used clothing donations

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and curiosity about how to build community and help your neighbors. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER, CHIRAG!

Chirag Vedullapalli moved to Queen Anne after graduating from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business with majors in Finance and Political Science, and a minor in Education. Originally from the Snoqualmie Valley, he has since worked on political campaigns for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith and WA

to Councilmember Kohl-Welles, King County’s own Badass Feminist Icon.”

Reyneveld was appointed to the Women’s Advisory Board by Kohl-Welles and commented on the many ways Kohl-Welles has shown up and delivered meaningful policy changes to deliver results for the women of King County. The themes of shrewd policy maker and helpful mentor have been constant throughout her career.

Some of her other awards include: Queen Anne Magnolia News Citizen of the Decade in 2002; Most Effective Democrat in the Washington State Senate in 2014; Legislator of the Year by The Humane Society of the United States, Progressive States Network, SEIU 775, AFT-WA, Washington Student Lobby; and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Metropolitan Democratic Caucus in 2013 and Low Income Housing Alliance in 2015.

Kohl-Welles never let these awards go to her head but said, “Somewhere along the line, it occurred to me that this was my calling in life and it has been the greatest privilege to serve the many resilient, thoughtful, and engaged communities in District Four and 36th Legislative District. I cannot thank my constituents enough for their faith in me.”

District 2’s Councilmember Girmay Zahilay said, “Councilmember Kohl-Welles has been such an important champion for our region. Her productivity on the council is unmatched, passing critical legislation on tenant rights, gender-based violence, facial recognition technology and so much more.” Adding, “she is delightful, kind, funny, courageous, and smart as hell.”

At a party to toast her retirement, Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa called her mentor a “fearless, ferocious, kind, compassionate, wise, and knife-sharp champion from LD36 and D4, representing Seattle- the nation’s progressive hub.” She also noted, “Jeanne demonstrated from the top how to manage hard work with grace, confidence, and

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more effectively,” Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President Rachel Smith said in a news release. “Now, it’s time for the mayor and city council to follow the lead of the voters, roll up their sleeves and get to work.”

The survey results may point to some doubt that

State Sen. Patty Kuderer. Chirag is also an artist, focusing on acrylic and oil on canvas, and donates the proceeds from his art sales to a variety of non-profits. Welcome to the team, Chirag!

NEEDED

We're running low on men's clothing and hygiene products (like toothbrushes). If you're able to help our neighbors with these resources, please come by to share! We're open to accept donations on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Courtesy Kendall Rock Photography King County Council's annual Women's History Month panel, focused on women who power the economy, included, from left, Ilona Lohrey, Sharmila Swenson and Lolita Uppala.

power.”

The program also included remarks from King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry. Teresa Mosqueda, one of the newest Councilmembers, moderated this year’s Women’s History Month panel centered on the women who power the economy. She commented on the wage gap and the even larger gap for Women Of Color. The panel included Ilona Lohrey, Sharmila Swenson, and Lalita Uppala. Shaunie Wheeler James, Deputy Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor Council, was intended to be on the panel but was unable to attend.

“I am excited to be part of this conversation and this esteemed panel,” said Councilmember Mosqueda. Celebrating women across this county, our state, and the globe.”

She spoke of women being on the frontline in the pandemic- keeping our economy and our communities running, keeping our communities safe and cared for, keeping our kids and elders healthy. “The work that we do is rarely about ourselves. The work that women do it about our community, our family, improving the health of the general population, and creating a more equitable economy in

a newly announced levy renewal proposal would be approved by Seattle voters this November. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently announced a transportation levy proposal that would cost a Seattle homeowner roughly $36 a month, or about $435 a year, on a median-priced home valued at $866,000. The generated revenue would be used to repair

bridges, repave streets, connect neighborhoods to the light rail and build sidewalks.

Last year, Seattle voters approved a housing levy that is anticipated to collect $970 million through 2030, or $138.6 million annually. This tax levy starts at 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $383 a year for the median Seattle homeowner.

Vino in the Village returns on April

27

The Magnolia Chamber's Spring Vino in the Village is back on April 27 from 6-9 p.m. Sponsored by The Norse Home. The village will host more than 20 wineries will pour their seasonal best in businesses throughout the Village. This event will also include cheese and chocolate tastings.

Order Vino in the Village tickets at DiscoverMagnolia.org

the wake of the pandemic,” she said.

She then asked the panelists what had been helpful in building their resiliency and confidence throughout their careers.

Ilona Lohrey, President & CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association, contributes her resiliency and confidence to her strong mother who often cautioned her to be more diplomatic.

“Fighting for rights can be lonely, so you must have a support system- friends, family, chosen family, mentors,” Lohrey said.

Sharmila Swenson is the Vice President of Public Affairs & Social Impact at Symetra. She describes women’s skills as superpowers and gave extreme gratitude for the women that came before her. “I expect to go into every room and learn a lot and I embrace that. That mindset has been extremely helpful to me,” she said.

Lalita Uppala, Executive Director & Community Program Director for Indian American Community Services, said, “Just bring your enthusiasm and authenticity.”

Watching her mother try to be the perfect woman showed her that women do not actually have to be perfect in the work that they do. She said, “Life is about authenticity and celebrating the small wins- I cherish those. I am one woman. I give gratitude to all the women who are behind.”

In keeping with the spirit of gratitude, Kohl-Welles closed the program by thanking the King County Council for continuing the tradition that she started in 2016 and said that it was thoughtful and humbling to be presented with the inaugural Women Uplifting Women Award that was named in her honor. “I loved the day and will cherish the sentiment. Thank you all!”

Courtesy The Center Square

Seattle’s 2024 cruise season projects fewer sailings; still more than pre-2020

By Spencer Pauley

The Center Square

Seattle’s 2024 cruise season launched this past weekend, with Port of Seattle officials anticipating slightly fewer sailings than last year.

Port officials project the 2024 season – which runs from April 6 to Oct. 28 – will see 275 sailings. That is 16 fewer than last year's record-setting 291 sailings.

Peter McGraw told, the port's media officer, told The Center Square that the variation in number of calls year-over-year is mostly related to the early and late season arrival to Alaska and when vessels depart for their “winter home.”

In some cases, vessels may need to go into drydock for regular maintenance which impacts their transition timing.

Additionally, some Seattle calls are “in-transit” as they head to their summer home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

“The number of these stopping in Seattle as a port call varies year-over-year, hence the variation in number,” McGraw told The Center Square in an email.

McGraw noted that the 275 projected sailings from the Seattle Port is still a bigger number than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So you can say the industry has recovered,” McGraw added.

Despite the slight drop in sailings, the port continues to estimate that cruise ships bring in around $900 million in economic activity to the Seattle region, which was how much last year’s cruise season generated.

“Cruising to Alaska is an extraordinary experience, and 63% of travelers first visiting Seattle for a cruise return for a longer stay, furthering the economic impact to local businesses,” Cruise Lines International Association Public Affairs Vice President Sally Andrews said in a news release.

This year marks 25 years of cruises traveling between Seattle and Alaska. The first ship set sail from the Port of Seattle to Alaska in May 2000. Since then, the cruise industry has grown from 36 ship calls to the 275 projected this year.

“Over the last 25 years, the cruise business has become a significant part of our local economy, contributing to hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins.

The uncertain future of natural gas in Washington state

By TJ Martinell The Center Square

There is ongoing debate over a newly-enacted law and its effect on natural gas in Washington state. The state's largest utility provider says it does not affect natural gas for new or future customers, but others argue that the new provisions set the stage for turning the shut-off valve for good.

House Bill 1589 signed by Gov. Jay Inslee last month consolidates Puget Sound Energy’s planning for both electrical and natural gas. While opponents claim it bans natural gas, PSE recently put out a fact sheet arguing that it does not. At the same time, it references provisions of a separate bill enacted in 2019, Senate Bill 5116, which requires all utilities meet various energy portfolio requirements. Under the Clean

Energy Transformation Act, utilities must have 80% nonemitting energy sources by 2030 and 100% non-emitting by 2045.

The bill also requires utilities create plans to meet those metrics, which must be submitted to the Washington Transportation and Utilities Commission.

A review of floor speeches transcripts in both the Senate and House prior to final passage of SB 5116 in 2019 found no direct reference to natural gas or any limitations and restrictions the bill might place on it.

When The Center Square reached out to PSE for comment, a spokesperson wrote that CETA does not affect consumer natural gas, either for existing or new customers.

“CETA governs our electrical supply, things like gas fired power plants, for example,” the

A reflection of five years in leadership at a nonprofit life plan community

Nancy Weinbeck

Early summer of 2001 was monumental for me. I got married and I started a new job: working at Bayview in Resident Services. I was 36 years old. In April of 2019 my world changed again when I began my tenure as Bayview’s 9th CEO. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m suddenly two and a half short years from my ability to become a Bayview resident myself! My five-year tenure as the leader of this awesome and beloved community leaves me with a myriad of emotions including gratitude, pride, as well as a sense of profound learning. And as I look back, it’s clear how lessons learned on my Bayview journey were intertwined with the broader journey of life. And there have been so many lessons. I’ll share just a few in this short reflection.

Leadership muscles are like any other muscles. They need to be stressed and taxed in order to get stronger. Apologies for the mixed metaphors, but I was just getting my sea legs under me, or so I thought, when a skilled nursing facility just north of us experienced the first COVID outbreak. And so, it began. What I thought was going to be a great year of sharing my vision for transformational aging became a daily endeavor of keeping residents, children in our Intergenerational Children’s Center, and our staff as safe and protected as possible. Adapting and flexing to the changing course of the pandemic while keeping the community safe and learning resilience in the face of adversity taxed my leadership muscles in unanticipated and unexpected ways, but this community has become stronger for it. And so have I.

spokesperson wrote. “CETA requires electric utilities to serve electric customers with increasing amounts of renewable and non-emitting resources.”

The PSE spokesperson also wrote that the they do not plan to cease natural gas service to new customers after a certain date, writing that “the new building codes significantly affect the ability of new customers to use natural gas to heat their homes.”

PSE also wrote that the utility “will use the planning requirements of 1589 to find the most effective solutions for customers. Right now, our studies show natural gas remains very cost effective. At the same time, customers are clearly choosing their own preferred energy solutions and we want to support those choices.”

Further, my time as CEO has underscored the importance of balance. It’s a delicate equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. And in a community like Bayview, the professional and the personal become so intertwined. But that is also part of our secret sauce. A community based on love and compassion feeds professional and personal growth. Carving out moments of pause and reflection has helped me sustain not only my effectiveness as a leader but my overall fulfillment as a 59-year old woman embracing the joys and sorrows of life.

In essence, these last five years have served as a mirror reflecting profound lessons that surpass those learned in a “job”. These lessons have not only shaped my approach to leadership but have enriched my journey of growth and self-discovery. The best part is that I get to carry these lessons forward on my own aging journey. Bayview is a beacon guiding me forward with grace, empathy, and resilience. And each new resident that becomes a part of this amazing community makes that light shine brighter.

Nancy Weinbeck is the CEO of Bayview in Queen Anne.

except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date

above-described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust as provided by statute. The sale will be made without warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on 05/17/2024. The default(s) referred to in paragraph III, must be cured by 05/06/2024 (11 days before the sale date), to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time on or before 05/06/2024 (11 days before the sale date), the default(s) as set forth in paragraph III is/are cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. The sale may be terminated any time after 05/06/2024 (11 days before the sale date), and before the sale by the Borrower, Grantor, any Guarantor or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance paying the entire principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees, and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust and curing all other defaults.

VI. A written notice of default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following addresses: See Exhibit “A” attached by both first class and certified mail on 10/16/2023 proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served on 10/17/2023, with said written notice of default or the written notice of default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in the paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting.

VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale.

VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the bid amount paid. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary or the Beneficiary’s attorney.

IX.

Anyone having any objections to the sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale.

X.

NOTICE TO OCCUPANTS OR TEN-

ANTS

The purchaser at the trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under Chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060;

XI. NOTICE TO GUARANTORS OF COMMERCIAL LOANS

(a) If you are a guarantor of the obligations secured by the deed of trust on a commercial loan, you may be liable for a deficiency judgment to the extent the sale price obtained at the trustee’s sale is less than the debt secured by the deed of trust.

(b) You have the same rights to reinstate the debt, cure the default or repay the debt as is given to the grantor in order to avoid the trustee’s sale.

(c) You will have no right to redeem the property after the trustee’s sale.

(d) Subject to such longer periods as are provided in the Washington deed of trust act, chapter 61.24 RCW, any action brought to enforce a guaranty must be commenced within one year after the trustee’s sale, or the last trustee’s sale under any other deed of trust granted to secure the same debt. THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. You have only 90 calendar days BEFORE the date of sale listed in this Notice of Trustee Sale to be referred to mediation, If this is an amended Notice of Trustee Sale

may be available at little or no cost to you.

If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hotline for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commission: Telephone: (877) 894-4663. Website: http://www.homeownership. wa.gov The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: Telephone: (800) 569-4287. Website: http:// www.hud.gov The statewide civil legal aid hotline for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attorneys: Telephone:(800) 606-4819. Website: http://nwjustice.org/get-legal-help DATE: December 28, 2023 Trustee: Western Progressive Washington, Inc. Trustee address:

More Space for Bulbs

Aalways feels like Seattle is bursting with abundance. The buds are bursting and birds are singing, ferns are unfolding (unfronding?), and especially, the bulbs are popping.

Coming in fits and starts, first the snowdrops startle us with their plucky determination to bloom despite February’s icy gloom. Crocus follow, then species tulips, chinodoxa, muscari, and narcissi. And let’s not forget the star of the Skagit Valley, the tulips that are opening in time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (although if you go in March, be bathed in gold as the daffodils come up).

Every day is a new amazement, when I am surprised by how beautiful anemones are, or the tiny painted blooms of Dutch iris, and I think, “Why don’t I grow more of these?”

The answer lies in being creative. Bulbs are efficient beings, with all that flower potential somehow packed into a small space. They are small and have few roots. You can fit many more than should be possible into a one-foot-wide planting hole.

Take a tip from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival designers, who always pack their designs full-tobursting with daffodils and tulips. Now is the time to

At the Bellevue

walk your garden and flag the perfect spots where you can cram in more bulbs in the fall. This can be in your mind, your garden journal, or physically outdoors with stones or a marker. Look around, and you’ll start seeing endless places to fit them in.

All I ask is:

• Think about color – plan simple schemes that maximize your surroundings at this time

• Buy large amounts of fewer varieties for high impact

• Buy twice as many bulbs as

you think you need, and • Plant them close together – they can even be touching

Here are some great places to start:

YOUR LAWN

This is number one, because, really, it’s not doing anything else. You will add flower power, and if you choose pollinatorattracting blossoms like crocus, muscari and narcissus you’ll boost the biodiversity in your yard and feed bees during the lean weeks of spring. The easiest way to do this is with a bulb auger to drill many holes quickly, tossing the bulbs in.

UNDER AND AROUND DECIDUOUS SHRUBS AND TREES

In winter, your hydrangeas, lilac, and apple trees don’t look like much – they shine

other times of year. Planting some colorful bulbs can elevate that space in winter, adding verve while the shrubs are sleeping. Even for deciduous shrubs and trees with nice winter interest, like Japanese maples, corokia, and witch hazels (Hamammelis species), bulbs will accentuate them like jewelry. One neighbor has a paperbark maple underplanted with orange tulips that light up that rust-colored bark. Look for color echoes in emerging leaves to paint beautiful pictures – an emerging spirea may be chartreuse, rust, and magenta – there’s a tulip for that. Or go the other way dancing with contrast using blue or purple flowers.

IN

FRONT OF DECIDUOUS GRASSES AND EMERGING PERENNIALS

After enjoying the straw tassels of Maiden Grass and Feather Reed Grass in winter, I usually cut back my deciduous grasses around February and March to allow the new growth to come in unencumbered. This leaves a big bare spot, which could easily be filled with? You guessed it! Meanwhile, seek out color pairings for emerging perennial leaves, like fresh green hostas and colorful heucheras. As the bulbs’ foliage fades, the perennials and grasses will graciously cover it up.

IN FRONT OF EVERGREEN TREES, SHRUBS AND GRASSES

You know what makes dark, glossy leaves pop?

Bright and light-colored bulbs! Play off your conifers, black mondo grass, and golden carex with all your favorite colors. Dark green and black look classic with white or orange, dreamy with peach or pink, and zazzy with yellow. Burgundy, like certain maples, nandina, and barberries, sings against most colors, but especially red, yellow, orange, or magenta. Blue (seen in crocus, grape hyacinth, dutch iris, hyacinth, chinodoxa and anemone) and chartreuse (some daffodils and “green” tulips) look great with most every other color.

So, what have we learned?

While they need adequate winter sun and well-drained soil, there’s a potential place for bulbs everywhere in your garden beds, even in your lawn. Start making your list now while you have time before the rest of the garden wakes up and grabs all your attention – you’ll want to be ordering your bulbs by June-ish.

Erica Browne Grivas Get Growing

Erica Browne Grivas

Botanical Garden, bulbs have their moment mingled among grasses and evergreens.