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At the Court of Appeals: Satterlee House case arguments
June 10, 2009 9:51 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Almost 20 years in Seattle news, and there’s always a first. Today: Our first time in the 1st Division, Washington Court of Appeals, 2nd-highest court in the state, which hears cases at One Union Square downtown. satterleelawn.jpgThe case to be argued within the next hour or so: Satterlee House owner William Conner‘s appeal of a King County Superior Court ruling last October (WSB coverage here) upholding the city decision in April 2008 (WSB coverage here) not to let him proceed with a specific proposal for three 2,000-ish-square-foot homes on the lawn of the Beach Drive house also known as “The Painted Lady” (photo left). We do not have permission to photograph here but can tell you by means of scene-setting: This is homier than the usual courtroom; the gallery where lawyers and spectators are sitting has padded bench seating and windows with natural light. Two cases are on the docket before Conner’s lawyer Richard Hill and city lawyer Judy Barbour – who have been on this case all along – get their turn before the panel of three judges, who are sitting in a raised area reminiscent of City Council chambers. (Both already are here – Hill with Conner – seated, waiting, on opposite sides of the courtroom.) Each side in each case gets 10 minutes for their oral arguments – and there’s no messing around – there’s a digital countdown clock, illuminated in red, in front of where the lawyers stand, and once a lawyer begins, it counts down from 10:00. (Of course, plenty of written casework has been submitted well in advance; this is a supplement to that, and a chance for the judges to ask questions, as we are seeing with the first case under way here this morning.) We’ll report later on what’s said here, and what happens next; the audio from the hearing also should be posted later here. 11 AM UPDATE: Arguments were over by 10:30; full story to come – no rulings today – will be checking on a likely timeframe.

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Today/tonight: Landmark fight; tunnel talk; candidates; HPIC
June 10, 2009 8:14 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Highlights from the WSB Events calendar:

LANDMARK COURT FIGHT: This morning in the Court of Appeals, 1st Division, both sides in the Satterlee House court fight get 10 minutes each for oral arguments in the two-year fight over proposed homebuilding on the landmark Beach Drive home’s lawn.

TUNNEL TALK: 6-8 pm tonight at Madison Middle School, it’s your next chance to comment on the future of the Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct corridor. Specifically, the city, state and federal governments want to hear what you think should be included in the “environmental” studies before the deep-bore tunnel can be built – but that doesn’t just mean ecological impacts. The open-house format meeting also will include displays of the latest information on the project and people who can answer whatever question you have about what’s on the drawing board and how it’ll affect the way you get around.

CANDIDATES’ FORUM: 7 pm tonight at The Hall at Fauntleroy, West Seattle’s biggest political group, the 34th District Democrats, will host candidates for every major job except County Executive (since they faced off last week across the street). It’s a prelude to their endorsement vote at next month’s meeting, but it’s your best chance this summer to get a look at the candidates in the crowded races that will be narrowed down to two in August.

(added 10:56 am) HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: HPIC meets tonight at its HQ, with potluck/social hour at 6:30 pm, meeting including installation of new officers at 7 pm.

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Admiral Neighborhood Assoc., report #2: Pedestrian Plan; park
June 10, 2009 3:35 am
|    Comments Off on Admiral Neighborhood Assoc., report #2: Pedestrian Plan; park
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

admiralogo.jpgOur first report on Tuesday night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting focused on a progress report regarding the upcoming summer concert series. Now, more from the meeting, much of which focused on a presentation about the draft Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan, an agenda item on many of the community meetings we’ve covered lately – and important because you have until next Monday (June 15) to comment on it. On behalf of the city, consultant Peg Staeheli summarized the plan’s key points; as noted before, the PMP is an online document, and as Staeheli put it, it’s worth taking some time to “wander” through the plan. It’s not only about the walkability of local neighborhoods, however – “maintenance is a huge issue,” she observed, which in turn means education of home and business owners regarding their liability for making sure the sidewalks around their properties are usable. (Did you know that whatever’s growing over your sidewalk needs to be cleared for 8 feet of headroom?) The city’s ideal street is a “complete street,” Staeheli added, saying that Morgan/Sylvan through High Point is an example — with landscaping, pedestrian features, and other components. The pedestrian-planning process was more than document creation, she added, saying that city programs/divisions are working together more than ever, looking for opportunities such as the current Fauntleroy road work, which has been preceded by curb cut/ramp creation along much of the stretch that will be repaved. Also from the meeting, Ann Limbaugh from Friends and Neighbors of North Admiral had a quick update on California Place Park, reminding attendees that a celebration of the just-concluded design process is set for one week from this Saturday. The design report from architect Karen Kiest will be made public then, she said.

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Fauntleroy Community Association: From ferries to feet
June 10, 2009 1:36 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

A few notes from Tuesday night’s Fauntleroy Community Association meeting: Gary Dawson briefed the board on Monday night’s Washington State Ferries community meeting in Port Orchard. His quick summary of what WSF boss David Moseley told those on hand: Good news, no foreseeable cuts in service in the near future; bad news, with continuing state money trouble, there are no foreseeable improvements in service either. Dawson also discussed the city’s draft Pedestrian Master Plan, which has been a topic at many recent community meetings, since citizen comments are being accepted now; FCA plans to take outreach action to make sure its members let the city know their opinion about where in Fauntleroy sidewalk improvements are and are not needed – deadline for comments on the plan is next Monday (here’s how to comment). Also at the meeting: FCA president Bruce Butterfield shared the letter the group had promised to write in support of Fauntleroy Community Services Agency‘s ongoing work to buy the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse from Seattle Public Schools; Lynn Olson noted that Night Out signup is under way online (as noted earlier in our report on Pigeon Point’s Monday night meeting); and it was mentioned that Arbor Heights Elementary‘s school carnival is this Saturday (3 pm). For more information on the Fauntleroy Community Association and what’s happening in the community, check out fauntleroy.net.

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And another door-to-door alert: Fake cable guys?
June 9, 2009 11:00 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Door-to-door alert | West Seattle news

Two door-to-door alerts in one night – this one’s from Chris in the Beach Drive area:Read More

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Admiral Neighborhood Association: Concert series takes shape
June 9, 2009 9:38 pm
|    Comments Off on Admiral Neighborhood Association: Concert series takes shape
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(video lost due to blip.tv shutdown)

From tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting: The ANA’s first-ever summer concert series (first reported here in April) is taking shape – with two bands lined up, four to go (and 20 possibilities from which to choose!), according to Katy Walum, who’s coordinating the series. The series of concerts on the lawn east of Hiawatha Community Center is set to start July 23rd, continuing every Thursday night through August 27th; the bands lined up so far are Tom Colwell and the Southbound Odyssey – who headlined the recent Pete Seeger 90th-birthday celebration at the Admiral Theater – and the West Seattle Big Band (shown above in a WSB clip from their performance at last year’s summer concert series at The Mount). ANA also is busy lining up sponsors to cover the costs of the free series, and is about three-fourths of the way to its goal (if you’re interested in being a sponsor, you can e-mail katy.walum@gmail.com). The working name for the concert series: Admiral Neighborhood Association’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, and you’ll hear a lot more about it as the summer progresses. (More later on other topics the Admiral group discussed tonight.)

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Tomorrow night: Speak out – and find out – about The Tunnel
June 9, 2009 8:05 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Transportation | West Seattle news

6-8 pm tomorrow at Madison Middle School, it’s your next major chance to find out — and speak out — about the plan to replace the Central Waterfront section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep-bored tunnel. Reps from the state Transportation Department (which is advertising the meeting on WSB to help get the word out) and other involved agencies/departments will be on hand both to answer your questions and to take your comments, to help shape the environmental-studies process required before tunnel-building can begin. It’s open-house format, so drop by any time between 6 and 8. And remember it’s not just about the tunnel itself – these meetings also offer information about component projects (such as the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project taking shape alongside the east section of the West Seattle Bridge). In the meantime, three working groups continue meeting to discuss specifics regarding how the tunnel and other components of the “transportation corridor” will work — read on for the latest on what they’re up to:Read More

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Pigeon Point Council: Crime-fighting reminders, Night Out, more
June 9, 2009 5:18 pm
|    Comments Off on Pigeon Point Council: Crime-fighting reminders, Night Out, more
 |   Pigeon Point | West Seattle news

High atop the heights of northeastern West Seattle, signs like that help get the word out about the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council‘s meetings – like the one we covered last night at Cooper School. The impending transition at that school was one of the topics – as was something a little further into the future, Night Out block parties (not that far away – August 4th is the date – and registration just opened) – and more immediate concerns about crime-fighting – plus the saga of the buried bunker! – read on for the highlights:Read More

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Myrtle Reservoir update: 4 months of pre-park work ahead
June 9, 2009 4:11 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks


View Larger Map

Back in March, when we checked on the status of work at Myrtle Reservoir, which has now been “covered” — with a park coming to the new open space that was created – park project manager Virginia Hassinger told us she was hopeful the site would be turned over “this fall.” Today we’ve received an update from the city, saying the rest of the work on the reservoir site will start later this month – so nearby residents should watch for a return of construction activity – to be complete “by the end of October.” Hassinger has said that once the site is turned over to Parks for construction, the park should take about three months to “build.” (Here’s the approved design.)

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Full City Council coming to West Seattle to hear from you
June 9, 2009 3:15 pm
|    Comments Off on Full City Council coming to West Seattle to hear from you
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

June 25, the Seattle City Council‘s coming to The Hall at Fauntleroy for a Town Hall meeting – focused on youth violence, public schools and tree protection. Thanks to Ron Angeles for sharing the announcement (which also includes word of similar meetings elsewhere in the city) – read on for details:Read More

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Showdown ahead? “Trespass notice” posted at “Nickelsville” site
June 9, 2009 2:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Is another showdown ahead at the “Nickelsville” homeless-camp site on the eastern edge of West Seattle (2nd SW and Highland Park Way, as reported here Saturday morning)? We happened to get a photo of the “trespass notice” earlier today (above) and had been checking into its implications – now we’ve received an update from Nickelsville spokesperson Revel Nt:

TODAY Washington State Department of Transportation posted an undated trespass notice at the Nickelsville encampment.

Governor Gregoire’s Senior Adviser Ron Judd visited Nickelsville and talked with campers.

Wa State Attorney General Rob McKenna said state law does not allow temporary agreements regarding state land.

At this time, Governor Gregoire hasn’t decided what is possible or not yet regarding their stay on that site.

Ron Judd is coordinating a meeting between the Mayor’s Office, Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis and Nickelsville. We don’t know whether Mayor Nickels will meet with them directly.

Nickelsville asks that everyone please contact Governor Gregoire at (360)902-4111 or e-mail: govcommoffice@gov.wa.gov, and ask the Governor for negotiations for their stay.

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Grand opening Thursday: Curious Art Kids and Curious Party Kids
June 9, 2009 1:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

This Thursday night, 6-8 pm – whether or not you’re already in The Junction for the monthly Art Walk — the owner of Curious Kidstuff (WSB sponsor), Ann Walker, invites you to drop in for the grand opening of Curious Art Kids (photo above) and Curious Party Kids (photo below). She explains:

The Little Artist Studio has closed after years of giving children a place to enjoy, learn and create. We say goodbye to Penny Bellemans Smith and wish her well; we will miss you. (We) have worked hard to remodel and get prepared to teach toddler, preschool, summer camps and art for older kids as well as birthday parties.

We have created a festive room to celebrate birthday parties that include an art class and quality birthday favors. We even have Nail Time, who will provide a group of tweens with fingernail painting and a class on fashion design. I feel very fortune to have Rachel Jensen, Christina McDonell and Maria Esztergalyos as teachers for these classes. They have worked diligently to pull all this together; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Please come Thursday, June 11th, from 6 pm to 8 pm to celebrate the opening of the studio and party room. You can sign up for classes if you would like or just have a cupcake and chat. Art Walk will be going on that evening as well. We have programs available now for art classes and birthday parties at the bottom of the stairs in Curious Kidstuff. Call and register – pay by phone if you’d like. Classes will fill up fast, so don’t wait too long.

Curious Kidstuff is at 4740 California SW (map), 206-937-8788.

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6 singers compete to win it all: “Alki Idol” finals Thursday night
June 9, 2009 12:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

That’s Clinton, one of the six finalists in the latest round of “Alki Idol,” which has been rocking Bamboo Bar and Grill on Thursdays. You can go to the Alki Idol YouTube channel to see the other five finalists – Jennifer, Angela, Anders, Robert and Janie – and/or be at Bamboo this Thursday night (9:30 pm).

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Cooper Elementary court fight: Bus schedule set for court support
June 9, 2009 11:44 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle school closure | West Seattle schools

As we’ve reported in coverage of the upcoming court hearing on the challenge to the Cooper Elementary School closure, those who’ve brought the case are asking for supporters to join them in court this Friday. Joy Anderson just sent their flyer with information on two buses that have been arranged to offer transportation downtown – see it here. The hearing on the “motion for summary judgment” is at 10:30 am Friday, King County Superior Court Judge Greg Canova‘s courtroom. (Previous stories, with links to legal documents from both sides, are here and here.)

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Pre-summer slowdown? Not at West Seattle High School
June 9, 2009 11:16 am
|    Comments Off on Pre-summer slowdown? Not at West Seattle High School
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Even with graduation coming up Thursday night (5 pm at Memorial Stadium) and summer vacation around the corner, things haven’t slowed down at West Seattle High School, where local professionals answered the call again to judge competition among Michelle Sloan‘s marketing students. This time, the competition on Monday included photography and fashion merchandising as well as marketing. Gatewood’s own New York Vinnie brought the video camera to show the scene, and Highland Park’s Dina Johnson shared a whole gallery of photos (see them here) – including these two:

Some of the volunteer judges also helped out two weeks ago (here’s our followup on that). Thanks again to those who stepped forward, and speaking of volunteers, be sure to get in your nomination for recognition of West Seattle’s unsung heroes – deadline June 17!

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Another West Seattle centennial celebration: Villa Heidelberg
June 9, 2009 9:40 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

It bears saying again: With all the centennial celebrations in the past year or so, it’s clear something amazing was going on here on the peninsula in 1908-1909. Next to celebrate, Villa Heidelberg Bed and Breakfast this weekend, and you’re invited – we received this from KatieRose Oliver:

The Villa Heidelberg was built in 1909, and has been a Bed and Breakfast for several years, owned for the last 10 by Judy Burbrink. There will be an open house this Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 1-4pm. A cream tea will be served by the West Seattle Lions Club for a donation. Judy would also appreciate it if anyone with memorabilia, old photos etc., would bring them over to display.

Villa Heidelberg is at 4845 45th SW (map).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: They tried; they failed
June 8, 2009 11:53 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Dropped by the Southwest Precinct tonight to leaf through reports for the past few days. Most notable trend – four attempted car thefts. There was one actual theft, too – Sunday morning just after 10:30, a man told police his 1993 Acura Integra had been stolen sometime overnight, from its parking spot in front of his residence in the 5200 block of 46th SW. But before that, four attempts elsewhere – read on:Read More

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West Seattle scenes: Fiery sunset; not-so-little goslings
June 8, 2009 9:46 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather | Wildlife

Thanks to JayDee for sharing that photo of tonight’s sunset. We saw the amazing color after leaving the Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meeting (report to come) and wondered “where’s the fire” … JayDee’s note said “BC”; we found this link (where’s that, you ask? here’s a map). Also out of the inbox, thanks to David Hutchinson for sharing a new photo of the Canada geese he’s been chronicling this spring:

David writes:

The large family of Canada Goose goslings that have either entertained or irritated those using the strip of parks from Salty’s to Don Armeni, have made their inaugural journey from the western shores of Elliott Bay to the larger world of Puget Sound along Beach Drive. They have returned to Elliott Bay a number of times since then. At the age of just over 2 months, they still are unable to fly, so they make these trips by water. It’s getting increasingly difficult to tell the 19 young adults from the 4 adult geese that have been watching over them. Their favorite spot seems to be the fresh water source that enters the Sound at 63rd Ave SW and Beach Drive SW.

Here’s what we posted a month ago, with April and May photos.

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Next 2 festivals: Morgan Junction 6/13, Westwood Village 6/27
June 8, 2009 8:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | Westwood

We’ve been talking a lot about West Seattle Summer Fest – but two more major festivals are between now and then: This Saturday, it’s the Morgan Junction Community Festival, starting with the 10 am ceremony to dedicate the new Morgan Junction Park (just north of Beveridge Place Pub), continuing 11 am-6 pm with food, music and performances; the “Bite of Morgan” food offerings include Abbondanza, Caffe Ladro, Domino’s, Feedback Lounge, Kokoras Greek Grill, Tully’s and Zeeks Pizza. Entertainment will be in the park, while booths will be in the Zeeks parking lot just south. Here’s the schedule of events:

10:00 am Park Opening Ceremonies
11:00 am The Bubbleman – fun for kids, bubbles galore
11:30 am Seattle’s Own High Country 4-piece band playing Up-tempo Classic Country and Country-inspired originals
11:30 am start of sidewalk chalk art contest
12:30 pm announcement of results of sidewalk art contest
12:45 pm Primo and Friends 4-piece band playing Rock and Blues originals
1:30 pm entertainment in the park: belly dancing by “najma”
2:00 pm Soul Machinery 4-piece band playing Chicago-style Blues
3:15 pm The Slags 4-piece band playing Punk, Rock and Reggae originals
4:30 pm 4 outta 5 4-piece band playing Rock covers

Two weeks later, on June 27th, Westwood Village is having a street fair – 11 am-7 pm, with live performances, carnival games, a fashion show and food. (The shopping center also is promoting a new website address — WhereWestSeattleShops.com — which takes you to a page on its parent company’s site, including a list of its stores.) It’s free, but they’re asking that you bring donations for organizations including the West Seattle Food Bank and WestSide Baby.

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With no Elliott Bay fireworks this year – where CAN you see some?
June 8, 2009 5:54 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

We reported this more than two months ago — the Ivar’s announcement that it was canceling its annual fireworks show over Elliott Bay – the one that draws thousands to West Seattle’s north- and east-facing shores. But not everybody got the word back then; we got a question today from someone who hadn’t heard, so we’re mentioning it again: NO Elliott Bay fireworks this Fourth of July. You can sort of catch part of the Lake Union fireworks from here; not quite the same. So if you’re starting to think about the Fourth of July and wondering where you CAN see fireworks – here’s the complete statewide list (including some shows NOT on the 4th).

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Two special city meetings headed for West Seattle
June 8, 2009 5:03 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Concerned about development, quality of life, planning for our community’s future? These are two meetings you won’t want to miss. First – On June 30th, the City Council Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee chaired by Councilmember Sally Clark will meet at Youngstown Arts Center, 6 pm, for a “review and discussion of issues surrounding townhouses and other lowrise housing.” Second, just forwarded by Delridge Neighborhood District Coordinator Ron Angeles, this invite to a long-awaited Neighborhood Plan “checkup” meeting:

Please join members of the Seattle Planning Commission and the Neighborhood Planning Advisory Committee in the first of a series of two important community meetings.

These two citizen groups want to hear your thoughts. Come and tell us how your neighborhood has changed since your neighborhood plan was adopted. Your comments and input at this meeting will help the City of Seattle complete a status report that will look at how well your neighborhood plan is achieving its goals and strategies.

This first series of meetings will provide an opportunity to learn about your neighborhood plan, the projects that have been implemented, and growth and changes that have occurred since the plan was written in the late 90’s. We will explore issues such as growth, transportation, housing, economic development , basic utilities, neighborhood character, open space and parks, public services, public safety, and other issues.

July 28th: For Admiral, West Seattle Junction, Morgan Junction, Delridge, Westwood/Highland Park, Georgetown
6-8 p.m, Delridge Community Center Gym 4501 Delridge Way SW

The second meeting series, tentatively scheduled for October, will be an opportunity to review the status report.

Want to check out your Neighborhood Plan first (providing you live in an area that has one – there are West Seattle areas that don’t, such as Alki and Fauntleroy)? Go here and choose one from the pulldown menu.

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Update: City Council OK’s Restricted Parking Zone changes
June 8, 2009 4:09 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

From the Seattle PostGlobe online citywide-news site: City councilmembers have approved changes in the Restricted Parking Zone rules. The amended proposal preserves the right for neighborhoods to petition for RPZ consideration. Read the PostGlobe story here. (Fauntleroy is currently the only West Seattle neighborhood with RPZ.)

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West Seattle “All-Star” nomination – and you can vote now!
June 8, 2009 3:27 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle “All-Star” nomination – and you can vote now!
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Got word from the Seattle Mariners that Lara Davis at Youngstown Arts Center-based Arts Corps is one of three Northwest finalists in a recognition contest called “All-Stars Among Us,” being conducted in connection with the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game in St. Louis – and voting is under way now: Here’s the official bio sent by the Mariners regarding Lara:

Lara Davis works as Community Partnership Director for Arts Corps, a non-profit
arts education program in Seattle. Davis has brought her passion and expertise
in community organizing and program development to nonprofits across Seattle
including YWCA youth programs, Seattle Young People’ s Project, AFSC
Cross-Cultural LGBTQ programs, and Pacific Science Center. Since 2003, she has
been an instrumental force at Arts Corps, helping to grow a nascent arts
education program into a nationally recognized model for delivering powerful
learning through the arts to underserved youth.

If Lara wins, she gets to go to the big game in St. Louis and get a turn in the spotlight. You can vote by going to this site – click on the Mariners’ logo and that’ll take you to the page with the three NW contenders, including Lara.

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