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When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

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View updates on the neighborhood emphasis walks

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Community members and City staff discuss issues during emphasis walk in the Fremont neighborhood

Message from Andrés Mantilla, Director

Mayor Durkan recently launched a pre-summer emphasis program in seven neighborhoods to improve public safety and address community maintenance needs. Directors from numerous City departments joined business and community members for business area walks in May to identify ongoing issues. To address these issues, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and City departments are deploying additional resources and taking immediate steps to enhance SPD response and address small-scale maintenance needs, like replacing streetlights, trimming trees, removing graffiti, and removing illegally dumped debris.

I want to share with you updates on what has taken place since the walks occurred. A report was developed about each walk. These reports include an “issue tracker” compiled from comments gathered from walk participants detailing issues raised and reviewed along with the current status of each issue.  The reports also share resource tips and links to City services, so anyone can access available services to help keep your neighborhood safe, clean, and vibrant. There will be another update as longer-term issues are addressed.

Community Walk Update Reports

These pre-summer emphasis walks are just one strategy to advance livability and public safety in our city through data-driven, proactive strategies and listening to community. You’ll hear more about additional programs to partner with communities to make them cleaner, safer, and more vibrant.

Communities that Work Together, Win Together

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Communities that Work Together, Win Together (An Independence Day Reminder)

By Quint Studer

          Freedom, independence, self-sufficiency: these are great and glorious concepts. We celebrate them this time of year, whether we process it that way or not, because they’re so deeply engrained in our image of America. We see ourselves as a nation of rugged individualists: seizing the bull by the horns, charting our own course, walking alone into the forest with an axe slung over our shoulder.

Yes, it’s a romantic notion. But it’s not an accurate one. America is a nation of small, tight-knit communities and always has been. The more we cooperate, share, defer to others, and work together, the more successful we are.

I spend my days traveling from one American community to another. Some are bustling larger cities. Others are quiet small towns. What they all have in common is the burning desire to revitalize themselves: to become more vibrant, prosperous, livable, and loveable than they are right now. And as I work with these diverse groups of Americans, I see a theme emerge: Those communities that work together, win together.

When citizens and leaders come together, put their self-interest on the back burner and work as a team, things get done. When they don’t, nothing gets done.

The more you think about the myth of the self-reliant early American, the less likely it seems. Our ancestors must have huddled together in small groups and worked to protect each other from a harsh and unforgiving environment. They must have joined forces, shared what they had, and leaned on each other when times were tough.

And on the larger stage, our nation’s founders had to work together in a similar fashion to bring America into being. They were working toward independence as a new nation, but they had to rely on interdependence to get there. And as leaders of communities of all shapes and sizes and demographics and political persuasions, we can all learn a lot from them.

Here are four big “history lessons” we should all heed as we seek to move our communities toward vibrancy:

Set aside your self-interest and create something that works for everyone. Lots of different professions, industries, and interests were present at the birth of America. Cabinet makers weren’t fixated only on the wood industry, nor silver smiths on the silver trade. Everyone was fired up to contribute to something bigger than themselves. They bought into the overarching mission, and weren’t bogged down by endless debate over the short-term costs of their plan.

In other words, don’t be overly concerned with your own wellbeing. Setting aside your own short-term best interests may accomplish far more for everyone in the long run. Because a rising tide lifts all boats, this includes you.

Don’t let ideological differences stop you from achieving something tangible. Despite bitter disputes and differences of opinion, a group of people with little in common other than their shared determination that change was needed were able to get mobilized and get something done. While there was much to be decided about the way things would function in the new nation, they all recognized that there wouldn’t even BE a new nation if they didn’t set aside their disagreements and move the ball down the court.

It’s important to know what matters. Don’t let petty disputes about how things should get done sabotage the greater task at hand.

Don’t be constantly trying to steal the spotlight from each other. It’s okay to let someone else be “the one in charge.” No one complained that John Hancock’s signature was bigger than theirs, or that so-and-so got to sign the Declaration before they did. (Okay, it’s possible, but we can see by the document that resides in the National Archives that it got done anyway!) The founders kept their focus on the ambitious mission/vision of standing up to one of the most powerful authorities in the world: the King of England.

When we try to make it about ourselves, we can get off track and let our self-absorption derail the project or initiative. Keep the greater goal in mind and stay focused on that.

Don’t wait on the government to “fix it.” Instead, join together and take bold action at the local level. The changes desired by American colonists weren’t coming from Great Britain. And so, in the summer of 1776 delegates from each of the Thirteen Colonies took it upon themselves to challenge British authorities and make change happen—their way.

Citizen-powered change is the most powerful change. If it’s to be, it’s up to you and me, not government agencies. (Local governments tend not to have the budget to drive fundamental change, and due to election cycles, officials come and go. Many won’t be around to see long term projects through.)

Yes, early communities needed each other and that drove a lot of their interactions. We went through a period of time where we started to believe we didn’t need each other and that clearly isn’t true. We now realize that working together is the only way we can make our cities and towns thrive.

No one is saying America’s founders were perfect. They were far from it, as we are. But one thing they got right was the knowledge that they needed to work together for a common cause. Teamwork is a powerful force. We couldn’t have built a nation without it, and we can’t build a better community without it either.

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Quint Studer is the author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and founder of Pensacola’s Studer Community Institute. For more information, visit www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www.studeri.org.

The Bite Cooks! Showcasing the Best Chefs in the Northwest

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Take a look inside a professional chef’s kitchen at The Bite Cooks! presented by Thai Select and Albert Lee Appliance, at the Albert Lee Appliance Bite of Seattle® from Friday through Sunday, July 19th-21st, 2019, at Seattle Center, in Seattle Washington.

The Bite Cooks! will feature high-energy mystery ingredient cook-offs and culinary demonstrations by some of the Seattle area’s best and entertaining chefs. The Bite Cooks! lineup changes each day, with chefs eager to share their delicious handpicked recipes, and showcase their quick-thinking in the mystery ingredient cook-offs.

The Bite Cooks! features ‘more mystery cook-off’s this year. The competing chefs will be given 30 minutes to create a masterpiece from three mystery ingredients, a basic pantry, and a large selection of produce, kindly donated by Charlie’s Produce.

Three lucky audience members will be selected to critique each chef on their dish and performance. The criteria: creative use of ingredients, presentation, tastiness and overall entertainment. The winning chef will be announced live, and will receive a $100 donation in their name towards the charity of their choice. 2018 winners donated to charities including FareStart, Food Lifeline, and Mary’s Place.

Notable chefs participating on The Bite Cooks! stage include return crowd favorites, Wayne Johnson (FareStart), Saffron Hodgson “The Aussie’ (bushcooking.com), Brittany Bardeleben (Dahlia Bakery), and Warnessa Victorian (Lizzie Lou’s), and new to The Bite Cooks!, Aaron Willis (The Generous Chef), Emme Collins (Alcove Dining Room), Young Cho (Phorale) and, for the first time in The Bite Cooks! history, junior chef-in-the-making, 9-year old, Hana Kuma (Junior Sous) will perform a cooking demonstration with instructor Sara Adams.

The Bite Cooks! is also thrilled to welcome Thai Select featured chefs, who will bring the flavors and aromas of Thai cuisine into their cooking demonstration dish, and, also infuse them into mystery ingredient cook-off challenges. Thai Select chefs featured include Jutamas Kanjanamai (Bai Tong), Aratana Nualkhar and Jindanat Nualkhair (Araya’s Place), plus Kasem Saengsawang (Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine).

Chef Thierry Rautureau aka ‘The Chef in The Hat’ will return for his 12th year as emcee of The Bite Cooks!, and will bring his unique level of excitement, and extensive culinary experience to the stage.

A special thank you to media sponsors KOMO 4, Seattle Refined and KOMO News 1000.

The Bite of Seattle® is a free-to-attend community festival, and in an effort for attendees to experience the best of the Bite of Seattle®, we are excited to offer discounted food and drink packages including the Experience Bite Package which includes Craft Beer & Cider Tasting + The Alley, and, the Craft Beer & Cider Tasting Only Package.Discounted packages are on sale now online, while supplies last.

FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT SEATTLE RELEASES 2019 HOT SPOT SCHEDULE WITH LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES ALL SUMMER LONG AT PIER 58

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Friends of Waterfront Seattle has announced its 2019 waterfront summer event lineup, featuring free live music, performance, and activities for all ages. Family-friendly performances occur every Saturday and Sunday from July 6 through September 2 at Hot Spot, the event stage on Pier 58, located at 1401 Alaskan Way.

Kicking off the waterfront summer event season is the fourth annual KEXP Rocks the Dock concert featuring bands Dude York, Moaning, Dogbreth, and DJ & Emcee Abbie. Hosted by KEXP 90.3, Seattle’s non-commercial independent radio station, the waterfront event season kickoff begins Saturday, July 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 7 performances include live music by outstanding ensemble headliner, Banda Vagos, and other Latin artists Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana and Correo Aereo from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pier 58’s Hot Spot summer events feature vibrant cultural, educational, and recreational events and activities. Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., Sea Mar Community Health Center offers a free full hour of Zumba Fitness, taking place July 7 through Aug. 25. Other weekend waterfront events include soccer at the Seattle Sounders’ FC RAVE Foundation Soccer Octagon, summer theater by Book-It Theater and Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre, site-specific dance performances by Kinesis Project dance theater, K-Pop music and dance, a hip hop tournament-style competition by 206 Zulu, Blues music, youth-led live music and activities with The Vera Project, dance parties and competitive dance battles, a local artist music festival, and the Americana Festival. For details on the full schedule of waterfront events this summer, visit www.friendsofwaterfrontseattle.org/events.

Friends of Waterfront Seattle is the City of Seattle’s nonprofit partner helping to build the future Waterfront Park and ensure its lasting success. Following the public-benefit partnership model, we educate the public about the park and its benefits, raise philanthropic funds to build the park, and partner with the City to manage, fund, and program the park long-term. Our goal is to make the central waterfront a public mixing ground where all communities can share cultural, recreational, and civic experiences in a beautiful environment. Waterfront Seattle / Friends is a founding member of the High Line Network, a movement in cities across the world to reclaim underutilized infrastructure and reimagine it as public space. Explore the future park at our project showroom, Waterfront Space, located at 1400 Western Avenue in Seattle, and open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Ethnic Fest has been celebrating culture & community for Over 30 years!

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Metro Parks. Wright Park Ethnic Fest 2018 Photos by Russ Carmack.

July 27-28, 2019
Noon – 7 pm

Wright Park
501 South I St., Tacoma, WA

Ethnic Fest has been celebrating culture & community for Over 30 years! Enjoy two full days of music, dance, art, and foods from around the world.

Since 1986 Ethnic Fest has grown to become the largest celebration of culture and community in Tacoma. Voted the best festival of the South Sound; this year Ethnic Fest takes place Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, July 28 from Noon to 7 pm at historic Wright Park in Tacoma, WA.

This family-friendly, free festival has grown in size and hosts Kid’s Zones, hands-on cultural activities and experiences, performer stage, as well as numerous specialty arts and crafts, food, and information vendor booths. This year’s festival will also include a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, for Youth (15U) and Adaptive Recreation divisions.

Vendors and performers

Basketball Tournament

 

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament-Hoop It Up @ Ethnic Fest July 26-28

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Learn More About:

  • 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament-Hoop It Up @ Ethnic Fest July 26-28Date: July 26-28

Price:$85-$95

Register Your Team Today! Deadline July 19

Teams will be sorted by grade level.

3rd-8th Grade​ Registration

sign up online-button​

 

9th-12th and Family Divisions Registration

sign up online-button

 

 

 

Already Participating?

Metro Parks Tacoma Youth Sports provides recreational league play in five different sports during the year for boys and girls ages 5-12.

Coaches:
All teams are coached by volunteers who are background checked at national and state levels. MPT Youth Sports staff also provides guidance for any individuals willing to coach, including potential full team practice plans and coach training. Teams and players are registered as coaches are available. For more information please visit this page.

Sports Instruction:

  • MPT Youth Sports also provides instructional opportunities. Kidz Love Soccer and Skyhawks Sports Academy have contracted instructors that provide sports quality instruction on Metro Parks Tacoma fields and facilities.
  • Kidz Love Soccer provides year-round instruction in multiple-week sessions.
  • Skyhawks offers one-week tennis camps during the summer months at Stadium High School and Point Defiance Park.
  • MPT staff also provide instructional camps during the summer for basketball, soccer, flag football, and others.

Help SHA choose priorities for its 2020 budget

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You can help SHA choose priorities for its 2020 budget by completing this survey by July 15th.

The survey asks questions related to each of Seattle Housing Authority’s three Strategic Directions and its Key Objectives. It also asks for your thoughts on SHA and its properties, how to budget if federal funding is cut, and how to improve the survey and better reach under-represented communities.

Thank you for your participation. Please encourage others to fill out the survey. Your views and priorities matter to us

Take the survey now

Best Starts for Kids: Camps, drop-in programs, and career opportunities for young people all summer long

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With many area schools adjourning for the summer this week, King County is funding youth programs across the region through the Best Starts for Kids initiative.

“Summer should be a time for growth and exploration for children and young people, and Best Starts for Kids is making sure parents have lots of options throughout the region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We have camps, art studios, apprenticeship programs, and many more great ways for kids of all ages to make this a summer to remember.”

Best Starts for Kids funds a wide range of programs for kids and families throughout King County. In addition to year-round programming, the initiative provides expanded opportunities for young people to grow and explore during the summer.

“We can’t wait to see our kids play, try something new, and have some fun this summer. From learning through science or art to trying out a career in the trades, there are many amazing opportunities to learn and grow while school is out,” said Sheila Capestany, Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth. “We’re wishing all of our kids, young, people, and families a happy, safe summer from Best Starts for Kids.”

The following Best Starts for Kids-funded programs still have enrollment capacity for summer 2019 programs or are open on a drop-in basis this summer.

Summer Camps and Programs

Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC) empowers kids of color with an education in computer science, programming, and robotics, helping unlock their creativity through technology. Limited spaces are available in the summer program at TAF Bethaday Learning Community Space in White Center. There are separate programs for elementary and middle school youth.

Learn more at https://www.gokic.org/.
For more information about the summer program please contact sam@gokic.org

Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs provides a variety of specialty summer camps, travelling camps, and day programs that focus on keeping kids engaged and active throughout the summer months.

Visit their website to view programs and register online: http://www.bgcbellevue.org/a/Programs/Summer-Programs
Phone: (425) 454-6162 (Bellevue Boys and Girls Clubs administration line. See website for site phone numbers.)

WAPI Community Services’ Level Up Youth Academy Summer Beat Camp provides music education and career exploration for youth ages 10 to 18.

Learn more about WAPI Community Services at https://wapiseattle.wordpress.com/
Email levelup@wapiseattle.org to learn more about Summer Beat Camp.
Phone: (206) 223-9578; Toll-Free Number:  844-987-WAPI (9274)

Drop-in Programs

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups are weekly play groups for young children and their caregivers. Led by a trained facilitator, children enjoy culturally and developmentally appropriate play activities. Through facilitator guidance and modeling, conversation, peer learning, and hands-on experience, parents and caregivers learn what they can do at home to support children’s learning and healthy development. These free, drop in play groups take place all around King County in a variety of settings.

Click here to find a Play & Learn group close to you.

Visit https://childcare.org/family-services/find-care-ffn.aspx to learn more
Phone: (206) 329-1011 or Toll Free: 1-877-543-0059

SnoValley Power of Produce (PoP) Club is a summer program that engages children in educational food activities, conversations with local farmers, farm visits, and exposure to new kinds of fruits and vegetables at the Carnation Farmers Market. The Carnation Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 3-7pm through August.

Visit https://carnationfarmersmarket.org/pop-club/ to learn more about PoP club.

Seattle Children’s PlayGarden Open Play is an opportunity to drop by and play in a beautiful, inclusive park. During Open Play, PlayGarden staff greet your family, answer your questions, help facilitate inclusive play between kids, help you visit with the animals and can work on a construction, art or garden project with your kids. This open play time is provided free of charge. No prior registration is needed.

Open Play Hours (6/25-8/31)
Tuesday 2 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday 2-6 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Note: the PlayGarden is also open to the public the entire first week of July.

Visit https://www.childrensplaygarden.org/openplay to learn more.
Phone: (206) 325-5576
Email: info@childrensplaygarden.org
Address: 1745 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Gage Arts’ Teen Art Studios is a free, year-round, evening drop-in studio art program for young artists ages 13 to 18 that delivers quality art training to teens from all backgrounds, provides exhibition and portfolio building opportunities and encourages positive social engagement. Each month a different professional working artist teaches a specific art form, engaging teens in learning new skills, making art and developing new friendships in a supportive, safe environment.

Free Fridays are held at the South Park Community Center, Gage Capitol Hill, and Bellevue Arts Museum.
Visit https://www.gageacademy.org/teenartstudios/ to learn more.
Phone: (206) 323-4243
Email: info@gageacademy.org

The Trail Youth Coffee Home in North Bend provides young people with a safe, welcoming space to connect after school and during summer months. Young people can stop by for a free cup of coffee, connect with a volunteer mentor, learn how to be a barista, participate in free music lessons, and organize events that give back to the North Bend community.

Visit https://www.trailyouth.com/ to learn more
Email: Holly@thetrailyouth.com
Phone: (425) 273-4431
Address: 226 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045

Communities of Opportunity partners are sponsoring activities to engage youth and expand positive experiences for the entire community. For example, June 29 marks the summer opening of the 2019 Rainier Beach Farm Stand. Led by youth, the farm stand offers activities for youth and families while promoting access to healthy food. Young people can visit the farm stand to learn more and get involved.

Farm stand hours: 10 am to 2 pm
Address: Ethiopian Community in Seattle, 8323 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98118
For more information on the farm stand contact: Claire West, claire@rbactioncoalition.org

Career Development Opportunities

ReConnect to Opportunity

Reconnect to Opportunity supports young people ages 16 to 24, who have not finished high school, and those who finished, but are unsure about the next steps. ReOpp can connect youth with education, employment, and post-secondary training opportunities.

Visit https://reopp.org/ to learn more and connect to resources.
Phone: (206) 263-8244
Address: 645 Andover Park West Tukwila, Washington 98188

Pre-apprenticeship training programs

Direct Access to Laborers Education & Careers (DALEC) is a four-week training program for young people ages 18-24. The program begins on July 8. Trainings are held at Laborers Union Local 242 in Des Moines. Space is still available to enroll.

To learn more or enroll contact Dale Bright, dalerbright@gmail.com
Phone: (206) 751-3311

ANEW Trades Rotation Program and Pre-Apprenticeship and Construction Education (PACE) are high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs that support young people ages 18-24 to gain the knowledge, physical, and technical trades skills needed to successfully apply and be accepted into an apprenticeship. The 10-week Trades Rotation Program begins July 15 at ANEW’s training facility in Kent. The 11-week PACE program begins August 28 at the PACE training facility in North Seattle.

To learn more or enroll contact Michelle Miller, michelle@anewaop.org
Visit https://anewaop.org/ to learn more about Trades Rotation Program and PACE

 

YMCA Expands Foster Care Work with Free Memberships for Kids

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The YMCA of Greater Seattle, a licensed foster care agency, expands its offerings with free memberships for kids in foster care.

“No child chooses to go into foster care,” said Loria Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “But we can make foster care a better experience for our children who need us most.”

The Y is expanding its foster care services by offering King County kids in foster care free memberships at any of their locations. The Y has 13 branches throughout King County, with a new location opening in Kent this fall.

This announcement builds upon the Y’s long history of licensing and supporting foster care families. For over 30 years the Y has offered foster parent training, behavioral health counseling, cultural competency training, and 24-hour crisis consultations. The Y also combats homelessness, a problem that affects one in three young adults exiting foster care, by offering free case management and housing resources.

Parents who choose to foster through the Y receive free memberships, child care during workouts, access to Parents Night Out program, weight loss and disease prevention programs and so much more. The Y offers income based pricing so that no family is ever turned away.

“Two years ago we celebrated 30 years as a licensed child placing agency. We’ve learned a lot about the best ways to build our foster care community and provide support for foster families. Offering free memberships ensures all kids and families have the resources and opportunities for healthy, thriving lives,” explained Yeadon. “Further we are always looking for partners who can help us do even more.”

Learn how you can support the Y’s foster care program and details about a foster care membership online.

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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 253,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 142,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of service hours each year. Visit seattleymca.org.

About the Y’s Foster Care Program

The YMCA of Greater Seattle has been a licensed child placing agency for over 30 years, providing holistic support to youth in foster care and their foster families. The Y also provides services for youth aging out of foster care, helping them with the transition into adulthood through case management support to find housing, graduate from school, and secure employment. In 2018, 504 youth and young adults were served through the Y’s foster care program.

City of Seattle Joins Over 12 Other Regional Agencies to Recognize Smoke Ready Communities Day

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Mayor Durkan and the City of Seattle joined with organizations from across the Puget Sound to host a resource fair at the Rainier Beach Community Center to help residents learn how to protect their health during wildfire smoke season.

Wildfire smoke has become increasingly normal in the Seattle area during summertime. Last year, wildfire smoke led to 24 days of poor air quality. This year, the air could get even worse.

In response, Smoke Ready Communities Day was created to ensure that our diverse communities will have the resources they need to stay healthy and safe when our air quality is poor. Smoke Ready Communities Day comes as a joint effort between Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties, Mayors of cities in all four counties, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, Emergency Management departments across the counties, the Washington Department of Health, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

As an outdoors-loving city and region, we must ensure that while we do enjoy nature and the outdoors, we stay safe and inside during heavily smoky times. Stay safe this season!