Ann Goos

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

On Monday, October 31^st, the Seattle Redistricting Commission voted 4-1 to advance a new council district map that splits Magnolia into two council districts. The final vote is November 8^th, and the new council district map will then be filed with King County auditors. The primary boundary will be 28^th Ave W. Magnolia residents living west of 28^th Ave W. will be in District 6, and those living east will be in District 7. See the proposed map for the northern and southern boundaries, and the Commission continues to take public comment on the draft map.

The line at 28^th Ave. W. ensures that Magnolia Village is entirely in the 6^th District. However, the Magnolia and Dravus bridges are in the 7^th District. The Emerson Street Bridge is straddled between the 6^th and 7^th Districts. Interbay along 15^th Ave W., from Smith Cove to the Ballard Bridge, will be in the 7^th District.

Recap of Commission Deliberations. The Commission heard from Magnolia residents challenging the proposed fracturing of the neighborhood. However, the Commission was not swayed. This is partly due to perceived differences of opinion on the rules for redistricting and the city charter guiding the redistricting process. An array of other issues apparently also informed decision-making by the Commission. This includes the role of redistricting in addressing generational racial and housing equity and diversity in Seattle, the support for the Redistricting Justice Coalition and its proposed redistricting map, and concerns over resident-driven recommendations for splitting other neighborhoods to keep Magnolia whole.

Next Steps. Magnolia-based discussions have focused on how and if to address the final proposed map that will fracture Magnolia. The Magnolia Community Council is seeking community feedback on the next steps. You can share your opinion, advice, and counsel by emailing magnoliacommunityclub@gmail.com. In the meantime, residents can continue to engage with the Commission and offer public comment through November 15^th.

The Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee met on November 2^nd and reaffirmed that the Chamber would continue collaborating with the Magnolia Community Council in the weeks ahead.

The Chamber also looks forward to developing strategies and scheduling meetings with District 6 Councilman Dan Strauss and District 7 Councilman Andrew Lewis. Both council seats are up in 2023, and unclear at this juncture if one or both are running for re-election. Bottomline, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and collaborate with our members to promote and protect the interests of our Magnolia business and family members with Council members Strauss and Lewis. And, we will support our members living in both the 6th and 7th districts. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Jason at jason@discovermagnolia.org or 206-618-1589.

OCTOBER 27, 2022

On Wednesday, October 26, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods issued a press release and announcement on behalf of the Seattle Redistricting Commission. The Commission is now offering three different “discussion maps” along with to the Malaba Map now titled the “Amended Draft Map.” The Amended Draft Map is the official draft map following a 4 to 1 vote by the Commission on October 18th. The three “discussion maps” were discussed at the October 25th meeting of the Commission.

The Commission is planning to vote on a final map on November 8th. They will hold a special meeting on October 31st that the public is invited to attend online. The Commission will take additional public comments on the four different maps. Two maps are extremely similar and split Magnolia between two districts (Amended Draft Map and the “Juarez Discussion Map“). The two other maps keep Magnolia whole (“Nickels Discussion Map” and “O’Sullivan Sponsored Discussion Map.”)

To learn more about the amended draft map and the three discussion maps, click here. The Nickels Discussion Map and the O’Sullivan Sponsored Discussion Map keep Magnolia whole. To offer comments to the Commission, click here.

To participate in the special meeting of the Seattle Redistricting Commission on October 31st, from noon to 1:30 pm, click here.

To sign the “Keep Magnolia Whole” petition prepared by the Magnolia Community Council, click here.

OCTOBER 24 – TIME SENSITIVE

The Seattle Redistricting Commission meets for its final vote to create new city council districts on Tuesday, October 25th, at noon: see agenda, here (Zoom link provided to participate in the meeting).

As reported, the Commission shocked Magnolia and other residents of the city on October 18th by voting to fracture Magnolia with the removal of the O’Sullivan-Shah map proposal and the passing of the Malaba map proposal. It was a surprise move, and unclear exactly why it was done, but the results are less than desirable for Magnolia.

We strongly urge all Magnolia residents to log on to Keep Magnolia Whole and sign thee petition in support of keeping Magnolia in one council district. As of 9:00 am on Monday, October 24th, Magnolia has just over 600 signatories to the petition. It is vital that the Commission hear from Magnolia residents, both in written testimony and by signing the petition.

OCTOBER 19, 2022

On Tuesday, October 18^th, the Seattle Redistricting Commission voted 4-1 to support the so-called Malaba Map that fractures Magnolia into two separate districts. Former Mayor Greg Nickels cast the lone “no” vote.

In a surprise twist, the O’Sullivan-Shah Map that kept Magnolia whole in a newly configured 6^th District was pulled from consideration by both Commissioners O’Sullivan and Shah, the map’s proponents and authors. The reasoning was that the map placed Fremont into the 7^th District, and the outcry from the Fremont neighborhood was persuasive. Four Commissioners also believed the Seattle Redistricting Justice group effectively demonstrated city-wide support for the RJS map. The draft Malaba Map can be accessed here.

The Magnolia Chamber of Commerce continues to support the O’Sullivan-Shah Map and wants it back into consideration for the final vote on October 25^th. Notably, the final map must be reviewed, edited as needed, approved by King County Elections and other auditing departments and personnel, and filed with the city clerk. To see the timeline remaining in the redistricting process, please click here.

Magnolia residents and businesses who want to keep the neighborhood, Interbay along 15^th Avenue W., and all three bridges that provide access in and out of Magnolia, MUST continue to advocate the Commission for the O’Sullivan-Shah Map. We have one week to advocate for “One Magnolia.” Comments supporting the O’Sullivan-Shah Map are simple: please reconsider the O’Sullivan-Shah Map, as it best recognizes Magnolia as a community of interest. Provide your comments here.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in this issue and your advocacy for keeping Magnolia whole and as “One Magnolia.”

UPDATED OCTOBER 13, 2022

The Seattle Redistricting Commission is marching ahead to finalize a city council map by mid-November. Please support the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map to keep Magnolia in one council district.

Background. On October 18^th, the Commission will vote on three different draft redistricting maps. The map that receives the MOST votes from the Commission’s five members will be the preferred council district map. There will be one more round of public comment on the preferred map, and the process will be finalized no later than November 15th.

Members of the Redistricting Justice Coalition strongly favor splitting Magnolia. Indeed, the coalition’s preferred map fracturing Magnolia is one of the three maps being considered by the Commission. The coalition has achieved its redistricting goals for newly designed Districts 1 & 2, which we support. The two proposed districts ensure better equity and justice in representation for the BIPOC communities in south Seattle. However, they continue vigorously lobbying to crack Magnolia into two districts.

TAKE ACTION. Support the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map. One of the amended maps that the Commission will discuss on Oct. 18^th keeps Magnolia whole. Please support the “O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map” that keeps the entirety of Magnolia and Interbay in a newly refigured District 6.

Below are suggested talking points for your comments:

• I support the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map that keeps Magnolia whole in one council district. I favor a redistricting outcome that makes Seattle a more equitable, just, and inclusive place for residents to engage with their elected council members. A unified Magnolia aligns with this vision for Seattle while also recognizing other communities’ needs and the redistricting charter’s goals.

• The O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map acknowledges that Magnolia is a definable “community of interest” consistent with redistricting rules. Residents of our close-knit community depend solely on three bridges built and maintained by the city of Seattle and funded by the Seattle City Council. Please recognize the unique geographic circumstances, Magnolia’s ongoing bridge maintenance needs, and its need to stay connected in one council district to the Interbay area and 15^th Ave W.

• Thank you for your hard work and public service. Redistricting is an essential tool in representative democracy and an important milestone in the evolution of the Seattle City Council.

We join the Magnolia Community Council recommending you submit your positive, supportive comment online, any time through this portal.

Even if you have previously sent in comments, share your thoughts about how the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map helps Magnolia remain a neighborhood. 

Share this information with neighbors and friends. Urge them to submit positive public comments too.

If you have questions, please call Jason at 206-618-1589 or email jason@discovermagnolia.org

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Crib Notes! The Seattle Redistricting Process in a Nutshell. The Seattle Redistricting Commission is tasked with redrawing the city’s seven Council districts and is expected to vote on a final amended draft map on October 18^th. Redistricting occurs every decade and accounts for population shifts measured by the Census. The Seattle Redistricting Commission has received hundreds of written and oral comments since the Spring of 2022.

The map drawing process will end no later than November 15^th, and the new lines will go into place for the next seven City Council elections in 2023.

The council lines determine how Seattle’s communities and neighborhoods are grouped and represented by the seven City Council members (two council members are at-large positions and voted on by the entirety of the city’s electorate) with implications for decisions about city funding, land use, and legislation. A preliminary map was first released in August. It triggered many passionate responses from all corners of Seattle, especially Magnolia residents who shared concerns that Magnolia was fractured in the first draft map and our voting power diminished.

A new draft was proposed on September 27^th that kept Magnolia whole and moved into District 6. The Commission debated the map’s merits and held public hearings to seek input and guidance. Following a public forum on October 8^th, the Commission offered three proposed changes to the September 27^th map. We strongly support the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map.

To support the O’Sullivan/Shah Proposed Changes Map, review our suggested talking points above and PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS HERE

The Magnolia Community Council released a statement and provides analyses and information regarding the Seattle Redistricting Commission’s recommendations to split Magnolia into two separate city council districts.

The Magnolia Community Council’s comments coincide with the Seattle Redistricting Commission’s regularly scheduled public meeting on Tuesday, September 6th starting at 12 noon through 1:30 pm. The meeting can be accessed by visiting the Redistricting Commission’s website.

We note that the Commission’s website continues to offer ever-changing dates for public forums. Today’s regular meeting of the Commission will hopefully finalize dates and times for public forums so more of the public can be engaged in the redistricting process.

Access the Magnolia Community Council’s comments by clicking here.

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Win-win opportunities abound this August for the new family, individual, or business members who join the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. You become a part of Magnolia’s inner circle AND receive a $30 in-store credit as you shop Modele’s for unique high-end brands and gently used furniture, home accessories, and one-of-a-kind gift items.  

Modele’s Home Furnishings, located in the heart of Magnolia Village, and the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce are teaming up from August 1 to the 31 to encourage Magnolia Chamber memberships while showcasing one of Magnolia’s most beautiful retail stores in our community. Modele’s is a proud member of the Chamber and knows the value of membership firsthand.

“I receive so much support from the Magnolia Chamber,” says Modele’s owner Deb Bluestein. “It is because of the Chamber’s networking opportunities, business resources, and ample opportunities for meaningful community involvement that I am excited to sponsor the ‘Chambership has its privileges’ membership drive and offer a $30 store credit to those who join the Chamber this August.”

“With Summerfest back this year on August 5-7^th, I want to encourage all families, individuals, and businesses to participate in the “Chambership has its privileges” membership drive and join the Magnolia Chamber right now; this month,” says Deb. “Please join as soon as possible and then stop by Modele’s while you’re enjoying Summerfest and make great use of the $30 store credit!”

Every Magnolian is welcome to join, be a part of the inner circle of our community and support the Magnolia Chamber. Families or individuals pay only $60 per year to be a member and support or help promote community events such as Summerfest and the Chamber’s Vino in the Village, Winterfest, Trick-or-Treat in the Village, and more. Family and individual members receive local event discounts and invitations to special member-only events. Chamber family and individual memberships are also a great way to support our local businesses like Modele’s and help you engage in the community we call home.

Based on your organization’s size, we have four membership tiers for new business members, including non-profits. All membership levels allow business members to increase visibility and connect with other merchants and our local community. If you are a business with 15 or fewer employees, you also automatically receive FREE membership with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber. Value-added benefits include the Chamber’s revamped website and continuously improving business listings. The business listings now consist of an interactive, searchable directory of member businesses that you can maintain with descriptions, logos, contact information, and images. Business members also have ample opportunities to meet potential customers by participating in the community’s Vino in the Village and as we help to promote Summerfest events.

To learn more about the “Chambership has its privileges” August membership drive and Modele’s $30 store credit offer to reward new members, please call Jason Thibeaux, Magnolia Chamber’s executive director, at 206.618.1589. You can also visit Modele’s at 3220 W. McGraw St., in the heart of Magnolia Village, join the Chamber in the store, and start shopping!

JOIN TODAY

Donate today in support of our community-run, volunteer-powered festival of fun

For 70 years, Magnolia Summerfest has made the first weekend of August an annual must-do, must-see community festival filled with fun activities and memories that last a lifetime. We missed the event over the last two years, but we’re excited to welcome back the neighborhood celebration on August 5-7. And the Summerfest team of volunteers is ready to welcome you to our party ranks to ensure a full array of fun family activities, all while raising funds to give back to worthy Magnolia causes.

Magnolia Summerfest is our homegrown community-run and volunteer-powered annual festival. Indeed, it is neighbors just like YOU who make the annual event a success.

Your financial and volunteer support today means Summerfest 2022 can raise the $72,000 it takes to organize, stage, manage, and permit this year’s three-day festival.

We don’t need to tell you that inflation has made the costs of almost every aspect of Magnolia Summerfest more expensive. Staging, tents, tables, permitting, and insurance fees and rates have all skyrocketed. Yet, with your generosity and donations of time and dollars today, we will work together to make up for the increases in costs and the loss of some vendors and sponsors. 

Your gifts in support of our community ensure the parade, free kid’s crafts and games, food trucks and tents, beer and wine garden, live music ALL weekend, the popular outdoor movie, the bouncy houses, and so much more will rock the Magnolia Playfield and Village on August 5-7.

Remember: after the all-volunteer festival organizers and workers finish the festival, any extra proceeds go to various local entities such as the Magnolia Rotary, local schools, and a dedicated account to support next year’s Magnolia Summerfest.

Your gift today is tax deductible under the Magnolia Better Together non-profit dedicated to supporting our community and efforts such as Reimagine Magnolia Village beautification. Our favorite event is back in 2022, and we look forward to having some fun with you and all our neighbors on August 5-7. But we would be grateful if you could volunteer and invest in what makes Magnolia a great place to live, work, and play.

Thank you for your generosity, and see you at Magnolia Summerfest August 5-7!

“Tis the season” to get informed and vote in the primary election on August 2, 2022. Mail-in ballots started arriving on Friday, July 15^th, and accompanying voter pamphlets are available to assist voters. We encourage voters to visit the helpful “one-stop” virtual voting tools provided by King County elections officials.

REMINDER. Ballots MUST BE postmarked or dropped in a ballot drop box by Tuesday, Aug. 2. The two candidates with the most votes will move on to November’s general election on Tuesday, November 8th.

This is an important election cycle with several key races, including a U.S. Senate seat, Washington’s Secretary of State, and all 10 Congressional House seats.

One of the more important races in 2022 is the open House of Representatives seat in the 36^th District, which includes Magnolia and areas of Queen Anne, Ballard, Fremont, and downtown Seattle. Current State Rep. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, announced in late January that she would run for the state Senate seat being vacated by state Sen. Reuven Carlyle, the district’s long-serving Senator, who chose not to run for re-election. This leaves Frame’s House seat open. Five candidates have announced their campaigns in a quest to serve the people of the 36^th Legislative District.

Below is a quick rundown of the candidates for the open 36^th District seat in the State House of Representatives and their campaign websites. You can also find more information in your 2022 voter’s pamphlet. Online tools include a great resource from the Washington State Secretary of State’s elections office.

Primary Candidates for the 36th District State House Seat

Tyler Crone – https://www.electtylercrone.com/

Tyler Crone is an attorney who has advised government agencies on global health issues. Most recently, she was co-founder and coordinating director of the ATHENA Network, an organization focused on advocating for women’s rights in the worldwide response to HIV. Crone, who announced her candidacy in March, is running as a Democrat. In addition to a law degree, she holds a master’s degree in public health. 

Nicole Gomez – https://www.electnicole.com/

Gomez is the co-founder and board secretary of the Alliance for a Healthy Washington. She has lobbied for universal health care at the state Legislature and advocated for other state policies to help make health care more affordable. Gomez previously handled workers’ compensation claims and worked as a crime victims advocate. She is a past chair of the 36th Legislative District Democrats. 
 

Jeff Manson – https://www.votejeffmanson.com/

Manson is an administrative law judge who resolves individuals’ disputes with state agencies. As an attorney, he represented low-income clients who were appealing state agency decisions to terminate their benefits. He has lobbied the Legislature to let administrative law judges form a union. He serves on the executive board of the 36th Legislative District Democrats.
 

Julia Reed – https://www.votejuliareed.com/

Reed, a Democrat, announced her candidacy for Frame’s seat in February. Reed was a senior policy adviser to former Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and the City of Seattle’s regional affairs director. Before working for the city, she had positions in the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget during the Obama administration. She chairs the 36th District Democrats and currently works for a consulting firm that helps businesses with workforce development and diversity.

In a somewhat unusual occurrence for a local race, Reed has been endorsed by both the Seattle Times and The Stranger.

Waylon Robert – https://electwaylonrobert.com/about/

Robert has lobbied in Olympia to encourage the legislature to provide more money for libraries in cash-strapped counties. He has been a fundraising coordinator for the City of Hoquiam, as well as for Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, and King County Councilmember Larry Gossett.

Summerfest 2022 is coming this August, and we hope you will help make it a big success. Once again, there will be live music, a beer garden, bouncy houses, vendors, our Magnolia parade, and more. But we need to have a volunteer workforce to make it happen.

The misperception from some is that Summerfest is run by some outside event organization or a paid entity. This could not be further from the truth. This Magnolia-run event is only made possible by volunteers from our community. It is dependent on our friends and neighbors working together to make the festival one to remember!

We ask YOU to give back and volunteer to make this year’s Summerfest a well-run event. There are untold opportunities to make a difference and enjoy the camaraderie and satisfaction of volunteering at our local festival. 

Join us on Monday, June 27th at 6:30 pm for an informational meeting with members of the core planning team of Summerfest. Starbucks and its hardworking staff will be our meeting host in the heart of Magnolia Village (3300 W McGraw St).  Enjoy some light appetizers and tasty bites from our friends at Metropolitan Market. Starbucks will also donate an array of beverages for meeting attendees.

Please join us to learn more about Summerfest, our community’s iconic summer event, and how you can volunteer and help spread the word to recruit others to be a part of the celebration. Remember, no paid group runs Summerfest – It depends upon Magnolians to make it happen. See you at Starbucks on Monday, June 27th at 6:30 pm – we’ll have some fun!