Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Help Homeless Kids Start the School Year Off Right
Photo/Project Cool
Dear friends,
For children dealing with the daily chaos of homelessness, school can be an important source of stability.
Every fall through Project Cool, Coalition members and volunteers make sure that hundreds of homeless children and youth start the school year off right, and this year, my office is partnering with the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness to help homeless students who may have lost most or all of their personal possessions get the school supplies they need to feel confident and be prepared.
Included with every backpack a student receives is a Know-Your-Rights flyer on the educational rights for homeless students outlined in the McKinney Vento Act. The Coalition also regularly provides training for staff working with youth and unaccompanied minors to help them advocate for and support the educational rights of homeless students.
Over 24 years, Project Cool has helped more than 23,000 homeless students be ready for the first day of school, and today you can help us fill students’ backpacks by purchasing supplies off of the Wish List!
My office, Windermere Mount Baker, is hosting a school supply drive from June 13 through July 5, and there are four ways to participate:
- Make a tax-deductible contribution on-line
- Mail a check to: “Project Cool/SKCCH” at 77 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104
- Contact me to come pick up donations from the wish list below
- Swing by and drop your donations off at the Windermere Real Estate Mount Baker Office at 4919 South Genesee Street in South Seattle (206.725.7255)
WISH LIST
- 5-Tab Dividers
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Floss
- Wide-Ruled Notebooks
- College-Ruled Notebooks
- Wide-Ruled Filler Paper
- College-Ruled Filler Paper
- Crayola Crayons (24 Ct.)
- Crayola Colored Pencils (12 Ct.)
- Crayola Markers (8 Ct.)
- Highlighters
- Ballpoint Pens (black or blue)
- #2 Pencils
- Pink Erasers
- Glue Sticks (non-toxic)
Thanks, everyone!
NEW LISTING: Columbia City Cape Cod in Primo Location
4903 48th Ave S, Seattle 98118
Listed at $575,000
Honey I’m home! Check out this sun-dappled updated Columbia City Cape Cod in a primo location on a huge west facing, private, corner lot. Lots of light-filled living spaces, dining room flows onto big covered deck, it’s BBQ time all year round! 2 bedrooms/1 bath on main, plus a bedroom/family room in the big daylight high ceilinged basement that is ripe for further expansion. Fully fenced back yard with plenty of space to play and garden. Huge detached 2 car garage/ studio/ workshop, DADU?
Specs:
- 1,720 SF
- .165 ac/7,200 sf
- 3 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathroom
- Territorial view
- Fruit trees
- Level garden space
- Detached garage
- Heat: Forced air
- 2015 taxes: $3,211
- Year built: 1948
- MLS #949580
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
SIFF in South Seattle: So Many Movies, So Little Time
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
For the first time ever, Seattle International Film Festival–the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the United States–is coming to South Seattle.
“Expanding our presence west, north, and south to embrace Ballard, Shoreline, and Columbia City makes perfect sense,” says SIFF’s Artistic Director Carl Spence. “Our new venue partners have embraced this groundbreaking collaboration and will be invaluable ambassadors as we bring the world-class roster of SIFF 2016 films to movie lovers of our region.”
The fun starts this week as the 42nd annual event brings an impressive line-up of 18 films (see list below) to the little neighborhood cinema that could–Ark Lodge Cinemas in the heart of historic Columbia City.
“We are so proud to be able to bring SIFF to your neighborhood movie theater,” said ALC owner David McRae (who credits ALC General Manager Tammy Williams with helping to make it happen). “It’s great to see the line up of 18 films includes a documentary about Sam Choy titled ‘Sam Choy’s Poké to the Max’ just as he and Max have opened their first brick and mortar restaurant right here in Hillman City!”
He says he’s especially looking forward to seeing Anna Rose Holmer’s ‘The Fits’, Stephan Kijak’s hard rock documentary about the 1980’s Japanese rock band X in ‘We are X’ and one more.
“The highlight for me will be to have director Bob Hercules attending to present his documentary ‘Maya Angelou and Still I Rise’ on June 9 at 6:30 pm,” he says.
Made over a four-year period, and featuring interviews with the iconic writer herself, “Maya Angelou and Still I Rise” uses an effective chronological approach to celebrate the beloved poet and her work.
SIFF 2016 at Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City:
Aisha
Tanzania | 2015 | 112 minutes | Chande Omar
When a Tanzanian businesswoman experiences a brutal attack upon returning to her home village, she discovers that friends and family are willing to turn a blind eye to the abuse that women suffer and decides to fight for justice no matter the consequence. (June 5 at 6 pm)
Battle of Sevastopol
Bitva za Sebastopol
Ukraine | 2015 | 122 minutes | Sergey Mokritskiy
An epic war biopic about Ukrainian sharpshooter Lyudmila Pavlichenko, who earned the nickname “Lady Death” for her prowess in battle, was sent by Joseph Stalin in 1942 to convince the U.S. to join the war, and formed a lasting friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. (June 5 at 3:30 pm)
Battledream Chronicle
Martinique | 2015 | 108 minutes | Alain Bidard
In a futuristic world where humans have been reduced to virtual-reality slaves, a young woman fights for her freedom in a dazzling and inventive sci-fi adventure, the first feature-length animated film from the Caribbean island of Martinique. (June 6 at 6:30 pm)
The Black Hen
Kalo Pothi
Nepal | 2015 | 90 minutes | Min Bahadur Bham
In a Nepalese village ravaged by civil war, two boys from different castes become close friends while bonding over raising an egg-laying hen, but find their plans derailed and their lives upended as they become caught in a clash between fighting forces. (June 7 at 9 pm)
The Complexity of Happiness
La felicità è un sistema complesso
Italy | 2015 | 117 minutes | Gianni Zanasi
Enrico is a persuasive “fixer” who’ll do whatever it takes to convince incompetent executives to quit their jobs before they sink their own companies, until he meets a pair of teenage orphans who make him question his choices. (June 4 at 5:30 pm)
Family Film
Rodinny Film
Czech Republic | 2015 | 95 minutes | Olmo Omerzu
The members of a Czech family find themselves lost at sea, literally and figuratively, when a couple leave their children alone to go on vacation in this droll black comedy where everyone, even the family dog, must face the dangers of independence. (June 9 at 9:15 pm)
The Fits
USA | 2015 | 72 minutes | Anna Rose Holmer
Toni is a young tomboy in a black Cincinnati neighborhood who joins an elite after-school dance with a peculiar rite of passage known as “the fits,” mysterious outbreaks of fainting and swooning spells that make Toni question how far she will go to fit in. (June 8 at 6:30 pm)
Free in Deed
USA | 2015 | 98 minutes | Jake Mahaffy
This provocative drama, winner of Best Film in the Horizons competition at the Venice International Film Festival, takes place in the rarely seen world of Memphis’ storefront churches, where a single mother and a faith healer struggle to cure her autistic son. (June 7 at 6:30 pm)
The High Sun
Zvizdan
Croatia | 2015 | 123 minutes | Dalibor Matani
Three separate romances take place over three decades in a pair of war-torn Balkan villages, with the same actors changing characters for each story, for a moving illustration of the fragility, and enduring strength, of love. (June 6 at 9 pm)
Insatiable: The Homaro Cantu Story
USA | 2016 | 98 minutes | Brett A. Schwartz
Follow the journey of famed chef, inventor, and food activist Homaro Cantu, who rose from a childhood of poverty and abuse to open his first restaurant, Chicago’s Moto, at age 27, revolutionizing molecular gastronomy. (June 3 at 6:30 pm)
Lamb
Ethiopia | 2015 | 94 minutes | Yared Zeleke
After he is sent to live with his uncle in a small farming village, 9-year-old Ephraim must protect his beloved pet lamb from a traditional holiday sacrifice. Meanwhile, his headstrong female cousin challenges customs in her own way. (June 8 at 8:30 pm)
The Land
USA | 2016 | 97 minutes | Steven Caple Jr.
Yearning to escape the mean streets of Cleveland, four teenage skateboarders turn to petty crime only to run afoul of a local drug queenpin. Featuring supporting work from Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire”) and Grammy-winning singer Erykah Badu. (June 3 at 9 pm)
Maya Angelou and Still I Rise
USA | 2016 | 115 minutes | Bob Hercules, Rita Coburn Whack
Made over a four-year period, and featuring interviews with the iconic writer herself, this inspirational and informative documentary uses an effective chronological approach to celebrate beloved poet Maya Angelou and her work. (June 9 at 6:30 pm)
Oddball
Australia | 2015 | 93 minutes | Stuart McDonald
When a wild penguin sanctuary is threatened by hungry foxes, their only chance for survival might be an eccentric chicken farmer and his mischievous sheep dog in this Down Under family delight. Recommended for ages 5+ (mild language and doggy mayhem). (June 5 at 1 pm)
Ovarian Psycos
USA | 2016 | 72 minutes | Joanna Sokolowski, Kate Trumbull-LaValle
The Ovarian Psycos Cycle Brigade, a new generation of women of color in East Los Angeles, confront the violence in their lives, redefine identity, and build community by putting their feminist ideals in motion with raucous, irreverent activism. (June 4 at 8 pm)
The Pretty Ones
Las Lindas
Argentina | 2016 | 77 minutes | Melisa Liebenthal
24-year-old filmmaker Melisa Liebenthal gathers her friends to reflect on modern societal pressures concerning beauty, friendship, and their uncomfortable relationships with their appearance and sexuality—especially in the age of selfies and social media. (June 4 at 3 pm)
Sam Choy’s Poké to the Max
USA | 2016 | 40 minutes | Terrence Jeffrey Santos
Poké is a Hawaiian fish dish known around the world thanks to the “Godfather of Poké,” Food Network chef Sam Choy, who was born to a family of cooks and turned his passion into a craze that is about to take over Seattle with a wave of food trucks. (June 4 at 1 pm)
We Are X
USA | 2016 | 89 minutes | Stephen Kijak
Hugely influential in Japan, but relatively unknown in the U.S., flamboyant hard rock band X Japan ignited a musical revolution in the late ’80s, known as Visual-Kei, before ending in a tragedy-fueled split. Now enigmatic leader Yoshiki is staging a comeback. (June 5 at 8:30 pm)
We Survived Another Winter & Columbia City Farmers Market is Back!
Dear friends,
A big thanks to everyone who joined us for Windermere’s 5th annual free recycling and paper shredding event in April, where more than 200 carloads of paper, clothing, computers and major appliances were shredded, recycled and donated!
Also in the community, we survived another winter, and the Columbia City Farmers Market – one of the largest farmers markets in the Northwest – is back for its 18th year in the heart of South Seattle. My office, Windermere Mount Baker, is a proud sponsor of this favorite neighborhood gem.
In other news, Seattle’s housing market heat wave continues with a citywide increase of 17% overall. Yes, folks, the average selling price today is $720,000 compared to $562,000 at the same time last year. The same three issues prevail:
- lack of inventory,
- thousands of new buyers moving to Seattle, often from more expensive cities, and
- continued low interest rates, we may see them drop even further and the Feds are giving no indication of a rate hike soon.
South Seattle appreciation rates are little lower: my listings have sold with multiple offers for between 11-15% which seems to be the average for the area. Now that the light rail goes to the U District, we will see even more demand from buyers who can’t afford housing in the even pricier north end.
Finally, if you haven’t already, please check out my new and improved Facebook page where you’ll find all sorts of fun and even useful tidbits of information to impress your friends with.
As always, thank you for your support, referrals are the mainstay of my business, and I am truly grateful for your trust in me.
Sincerely,
Serena
Local Market Update: Increased Inventory; Still A Seller’s Market
The supply of homes for sale in April was up over March, indicating that more sellers are deciding to list their homes. But with less than a month of inventory available in the area, it’s still a seller’s market. While prices were up over last year, the increases aren’t as lofty as they were in the first quarter of this year. Buyers looking for affordable housing continue to push their search outside the more expensive urban cores.
King County
After breaking records for home prices in February and March, King County reached a new record-high in April. The median price of a single-family home was $540,000, a 12 percent increase over the same time last year. The more affordable areas in the south and north ends of the county saw the greatest increases, with home prices climbing almost 20 percent in these outlying areas.
Seattle
Seattle continues to have the tightest inventory of homes in King County. An influx of young, well-paid technology workers has fueled demand for homes close to the city. The median price of a single-family home increased 15 percent over a year ago to $637,250. But like the Eastside, that number was down slightly from February and March.
Eastside
At $730,000, the median price of a home on the Eastside was up 11 percent over last year. That figure was down slightly from February and March, suggesting that prices may be moderating. Competition for homes has not moderated. Brokers continue to report homes on the Eastside selling very quickly and often for over asking price.
Bicycle Sundays Are Back + Top 12 Bike Trail Etiquette Tips
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
Bicycle Sundays – one of South Seattle’s most beloved traditions – are back, and Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach Park and Seward Park will be closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 14 different Sundays this spring and summer (see list below). Before you head out, take a minute to review our list of bike trail etiquette tips.
Top 12 Bike Trail Etiquette Tips:
Everyone:
1. Show courtesy to other trail users at all times.
2. Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
3. Always pass on the left.
4. Respect the rights of property owners.
5. Keep dogs on leash (maximum length 8 feet) and remove pet feces from trail.
Bicyclists:
6. Yield to pedestrians.
7. Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists.
8. Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file in congested conditions, reduced visibility, and other hazardous conditions.
Pedestrians:
9. Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
10. Watch for other trail users.
11. Be especially alert when running.
12. Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users (runners and bicyclists) to pass safely.
Bicycle Sundays 2016:
- May 1, 15, 29
- June 19, 26
- July 3, 10, 17
- August 14, 28
- September 4, 11, 18, 25
Bicycle or walk along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach to the entrance to Seward Park.
New Trends in Seattle’s Housing Market
More than 100 Windermere brokers recently came together to listen to Windermere President OB Jacobi lead a panel discussion on new home construction trends in the greater Seattle area. The panelists included Mike Owen, General Manager: Macadam Floor & Design; Belinda Leppa, Sr. Designer: Macadam Floor & Design; Curtis Gelotte, Sr. Principal: Gelotte Hommas Architecture; and Eric Drivdahl, Principal: Gelotte Hommas Architecture.
Macadam Floor and Design is a new builder design center located in Kirkland and they always give us the down low on the latest trends. So, what’s in?
- Bringing the outdoors inside. Do this with larger glass windows or folding glass doors.
- Minerals as hardware.
- Large geometric tiles on floors.
- Mixing metals, such as brass and gold.
Interior paint color – Grey still has a heavy influence, but it is warming up a bit and getting softened with a stone color. Of course, the Pantone colors of the year are playing a big part with light blues and soft pinks.
Wallpaper – Always a great place to get a little crazy. Textural, geometric patterns are so in.
Carpet – 2016 is about modernizing the traditional themes. People are doing geometric shapes and soft grays. However, hardwood floors continue to be on trend. It’s not uncommon for someone to do hardwood floors throughout the whole home, others are even putting wood on the walls. Fun fact: When the economy is good, floor color tends to lighten up, and when economy is bad, floors tend to darken.
Tile – Geometry, 3D textures, and extra extra extra-large tiles. Marble counter tops are still big and concrete is becoming more common in custom homes.
Cabinets – Many are painting them white with muted tones or contrasting wood tones. Mix and match. Get venturesome, but not reckless.
Lighting – Gold has come back in (don’t worry, not the gold of the 80’s). These are different from the pendants of last year; they’re brass and gold statement pieces. Remember: lighting is the jewelry of the home.
Plumbing – Plumbing is functional art. Brass, soft gold, and black (faucet) statement pieces are where it’s at.
We also learned that home owners are going bonkers for statement dining rooms. They love having a bold, fun place to entertain their guests. These are tying into a theme, which is: Nature luxe. Like we said earlier, it’s all about bringing the outside in. Yes, we’re seeing a lot of brave ideas and statement pieces going on, but it’s important to be subtle and do it in a tasteful way.
Gelotte Hommas Architecture kept the trend going with outdoor living. Seattleites think our climate is not the greatest for outdoor spaces, but according to Gelotte, with our mild winters and not-too-hot summers, we actually have the ideal climate for outdoor living… who knew! The most important thing to know about outdoor living is that it needs to flow from the inside to the outside. The space doesn’t need to be huge; a good rule of thumb is having your outdoor space roughly the size of your kitchen.
What’s being built? Modern, contemporary homes are still very much in demand. However, contextualizing a home into a neighborhood is really important so it doesn’t stand out too much. It’s about appropriate scale and size.
Multi-gen living is on the rise. Homes are being built to accommodate extended family which usually involves having an in-law suite. Also, bonus rooms are being made into living spaces.
When it comes to thinking green, most custom home clients are concerned with energy consumption, so they opt to get solar panels or geothermal heating.
That’s a wrap for the latest trends! How are you going to incorporate them in your home?
Quarterly Update: Western Washington Real Estate Market
The following analysis of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Washington State has seen very robust growth over the past 12 months with the addition of 102,600 new jobs, which is 224,000 more jobs than seen at the previous peak in 2008. With this robust growth, it is unsurprising to see the unemployment rate trend down to 5.8%—well below the long-term average of 6.4%. As pleasing as it is to see the unemployment rate drop, it is equally pleasing to see that the decrease comes in concert with growth in the civilian labor force, which continues to grow at a very solid pace. I continue to believe that there is no risk that we will see a statewide decline in the employment picture in 2016.
HOME SALES ACTIVITY
- There were 13,841 home sales during the first quarter of 2016, up by 3.8% from the same period in 2015. Sales activity continues to slow as a function of inventory constraints. Any spring “bounce” in listings has, thus far, failed to materialize.
- The growth in sales was most pronounced in Grays Harbor County, which increased by 35% (but represented a real increase of just 63 units). Robust increases were also seen in Kittitas, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish and Island Counties. Sales declines were seen in San Juan, Jefferson, Cowlitz and King Counties.
- Overall listing activity was down by 30.1% compared to the first quarter of 2015, and this continues to put upward pressure on home prices (discussed below).
- Economic vitality in the region, combined with interest rates that continue to retest historic lows, is driving buyer demand that simply cannot be met. I hope that we will see more inventory come online as we move through the year, but believe that any reasonable growth in inventory will still be insufficient for the demand in the market.
HOME PRICES
- Given the demand factors mentioned above, I am not surprised that prices are up by an average of 10.1% year-over-year. This is up from the 9.3% average growth in prices that was reported in the fourth quarter 2015 report.
- When compared to the first quarter of 2015, price growth was most pronounced in Jefferson County, and all but three counties saw prices increase by double digits from the previous year.
- Interestingly, there were eight counties that actually saw a drop in average sale prices between the last quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. I believe this was caused by seasonal factors, but will keep an eye on it.
- Very straightforward supply and demand factors are pushing prices higher. While this certainly favors sellers, I believe that there are some buyers who are starting to suffer from “buyers’ fatigue”. Rampant growth in inventory would sort this out but it is unlikely to occur this year.
DAYS ON MARKET
- The average number of days it took to sell a home dropped by sixteen days when compared to the first quarter of 2015.
- As was seen in the Q4 2015 report, there were just two markets where the length of time it took to sell a home did rise, but again the increases were minimal. Skagit County saw an increase of three days while San Juan County rose by nine days.
- It took an average of 86 days to sell a home in the first quarter of this year—up from the 78 days it took to sell a home in the last quarter but this is simply due to seasonality.
- Sales activity remains most brisk in the Central Puget Sound counties. Given their proximity to the major job centers, this is not a surprise.
CONCLUSIONS
This speedometer reflects the state of the region’s housing market using housing inventory, price gains, sales velocities, interest rates, and larger economics factors. For the first quarter of 2016, I have moved the needle slightly more in favor of sellers. Inventory constraints persist and this is now starting to affect sales activity, with growth in pending as well as closed sales starting to trend down. However, price growth remains well above average and interest rates are still close to historic lows.
ABOUT MATTHEW GARDNER
Matthew Gardner is the Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, specializing in residential market analysis, commercial/industrial market analysis, financial analysis, and land use and regional economics. He is the former Principal of Gardner Economics, and has over 25 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.
NEW LISTING: Mad Men Modern in Upper Rainier Beach
10658 63rd Ave S, Seattle 98178
Listed at $368,500
Love mid-century moderns? This one is for you, seller’s father built this solid beauty and the aesthetic has not been messed with! Lots of built-ins, hardwoods on the main, sandstone fireplace, tons of windows = great light + slider to big deck. Three bedrooms, master with own ¾ bath. Lower level has huge rec room, a fourth bedroom with full bath, plus plenty of space to expand, perfect MIL/Airbnb. Updates: 2-year roof, exterior paint, new dishwasher/stove top & interior paint. Sunny garden and big carport.
Specs:
- 2,520 Square Feet
- 6,900 Square Foot Lot
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2.75 Bathroom
- Territorial view
- Level garden space
- Attached carport
- Heat: Forced air
- 2015 taxes: $2,338
- Year built: 1962
- MLS #927248
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
As a special agent, my mission is to help you feel safe and well-tended as you make some of the most important decisions of your life, guiding you through the adventure of buying or selling a home with diligence, humor and respect.
Contact me today at 206-999-8159 or serena@windermere.com.
South Seattle Mom Puts Professional Politician on Notice
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
When Texas native and Seward Park resident Tammy Morales announced her bid for Seattle City Council against stalwart incumbent Bruce Harrell, few took her seriously.
Sure, her fearless challenge of a well-known, well-funded, lifelong Seattleite running for his third term was impressive (Councilman Harrell had already raised more money than any other incumbent or candidate), and many District 2 voters appreciated her bold approach to what some perceived as a sense of political entitlement on the part of her opponent (She once told The Stranger, “This is a democracy, [not] the house of lords. He doesn’t just get the seat. He has to fight for it like the rest of us.”), but Morales herself admitted, “No one expected this campaign to get traction.”
Indeed, she received only 25% of the votes in the August Primary to Harrell’s more than 60% lead, and trailed his fundraising efforts by two-thirds, raising only $70,741 to his $227,689.
Thus the collective shock when she came within just a few hundred votes of unseating the popular politician who had been called a “shoo-in” and “thoroughly entrenched in his South Seattle District.”
The Seattle Weekly called her “the biggest upset since Kshama Sawant,” and “the woman who put Harrell on serious notice.”
Even Harrell supporter and former Chair of the 37th District Democrats Michael Wolfe admitted, “We’re going to see a change in the way Bruce Harrell approaches being available to his community.”
In her concession speech, Morales herself asked, “Can you believe, from where we started how far we have come?”
Undeterred, she remains committed to serving her chosen community. Currently on the board of Rainier Beach Action Coalition and the Rainier Valley Community Clinic, she says she learned through her candidacy “That people appreciate the chance to share their stories and have someone listen – and that many in the south end feel like that doesn’t happen enough.”
Growing up watching her mom struggle to put food on the table, Morales is passionate about equity.
“I think I’m just naturally drawn to work that supports families like mine and that gives people power to participate in local decision-making,” she said. “There is so much potential for people to create the life they want IF there are systems in place that support it. We have work to do to change the structures that keep people down.”
This week, Morales was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for our People in Your Neighborhood column — a series of interviews with some of South Seattle’s most interesting and engaging people.
Name:
Tammy Morales
Age:
47
Neighborhood:
Seward Park
How long in South Seattle?
I’ve lived in South Seattle for 4 years. I’ve been working in South Seattle since moving here in 2000.
Where from originally?
I grew up in San Antonio. It’s a beautiful city that was really shaped by the Mexican culture. In fact, the Missions there were just designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You should go visit!
Tell us about your day job:
I’m trained as a planner, but my work is focused on managing community economic development projects. That means I support residents and organizations that want to be involved in making decisions about investment in their neighborhoods. I think it’s important that residents have a voice when local government is making plans for economic activity.
What do you like most about your day job?
I love that I get to help build healthy communities and help people understand how to engage their leaders.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Coffee.
Tell us about your work in the community.
My work is about creating opportunity for people. I’m on the board of Rainier Beach Action Coalition. Right now we’re focused on developing a Food Innovation District that could support small-scale food manufacturing and help start job-training opportunities and new businesses in the south end. I’m also on the board of the Rainier Valley Community Clinic, which is providing culturally-appropriate midwifery care for women in the Valley. We have the most incredible midwives and healthcare providers working to create a nurturing environment. It’s inspiring to be part of it.
What motivates you to do this work?
I grew up watching my mom struggle to put food on the table. I think I’m just naturally drawn to work that supports families like mine and that gives people power to participate in local decision-making.
What did you learn from your candidacy?
That people appreciate the chance to share their stories and have someone listen – and that many in the south end feel like that doesn’t happen enough.
Will you run again?
Four years is a long way off. I’m focused on serving the community right now.
What are you passionate about?
Equity! There is so much potential for people to create the life they want IF there are systems in place that support it. We have work to do to change the structures that keep people down.
What are your hobbies?
I love to dance. Salsa, cumbia, swing, it all makes me happy. I also spend a lot of time in my vegetable garden. My kids like to experiment so we grow different kinds of beans or tomatoes to see what happens.
Tell us about your family:
My family is a big crazy bunch. Both my parents were one of 7, so I have lots of memories of running around my grandmother’s house in the summer with cousins everywhere. I have an extended, blended family with 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I love that my kids get to experience summer at grandma’s with all their cousins.
What’s your most favorite thing about South Seattle?
I love the entrepreneurial spirit in South Seattle. Neighbors work hard to make this a beautiful, safe space for families.
What’s your least favorite thing about South Seattle?
That the perception is there are no assets here. It’s changing slowly, but the south end has been an afterthought too often when City decisions are made.
Where is your favorite place to go in South Seattle?
Just one place? Let’s see, if I’m with my kids, we love to go to Jefferson Park or the pool at Rainier Beach Community Center or Full Tilt. My husband and I try to sneak out once it a while for a date night – Ark Lodge, Jude’s, Kezira. We have a LOT of options!
If you could live anywhere besides South Seattle, where would it be?
Why would I Iive anywhere else?
If there was one thing you could change about South Seattle, what would it be?
That everyone had the opportunities they need to provide well for themselves and their families.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by the people I see in the community every day. We have activists, parents, community leaders who are committed to making South Seattle a more just place to be. They fight the fight to make things better for all of us because they just can’t help it.
What was the last thing you read?
“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Everyone should read it.
Tell us something about you that not many people know:
I lived in New York for a year and stopped a pickpocket on the subway. Also, I’ve been declared Guacamole Queen in three states. My friends declared it, but still. I make a mean guacamole.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
An uninterrupted Sunday morning with coffee and the paper. My youngest is five years old, so I may be waiting a while.
What is your greatest fear?
I both love and fear being in the ocean.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
We all have shortcomings. I try to cut myself and others some slack.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Again, I think it’s important to practice tolerance.
What is your greatest regret?
I wish I had traveled after college. I wanted to spend six months seeing the world. Instead I felt obligated to get a job quickly so I could pay my student loan bills. I’m STILL paying them.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My children and my husband, Harry. He puts up with me like no one else will. I love that he challenges me to be thoughtful and stridently disagrees with me on some things.
What is your current state of mind?
Cautiously optimistic. I’m anticipating the Democratic caucus this weekend!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising kids who are compassionate and self-sufficient.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family photos.
What do you most value in your friends?
A sense of adventure.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
We’re deep in Harry Potter land at my house right now, so I’ll say Hermione Granger. She’s smart and thinks on her feet.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Women like my mom.
What is it that you most dislike?
Intolerance and entitlement.
What else should we know about you?
I’m desperate to learn how to play the guitar.
Photos/Tammy Morales
