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By Hannah & Adam Barron Hi neighbors! We’re Hannah and Adam Barron — married since 2018, partners in both life and weekend adventures, and proud Georgetown residents since last spring. One year in, and we’re more in love with this neighborhood than ever. We first met in Los Angeles and spent a decade there before heading north to Seattle. Georgetown instantly felt like home. Every day we marvel that in the second-hilliest city in America, we somehow found the flattest neighborhood. You can basically walk to Airport Way from anywhere in town without breaking a sweat — and we have! This place is gloriously weird in all the best ways. If you’re not charmed by a haunted former brothel (RIP Queen Sarah), a giant anchor with a plaque commemorating nothing, or a pop-up mall made of trailer park RVs in a parking lot, then frankly, you’re the weird one. Georgetown has a spicy past and a joyful present, with carnivals, parades, block parties, and neighbors who always show up to support and celebrate each other. The garden game here? Unreal. The Georgetown Garden Walk should be a full HGTV series, and the P-Patch continues to amaze us with its beauty, creativity, and resilience. We live in a neighborhood where a former gas station is now a rotating artist gallery and pocket park. We were once offered a $50 can of dirt to support it — and yep, we did it. This place takes its art seriously, and we love that about it. Food-wise, Georgetown slaps. Hard. We discovered Fonda La Catrina early, because we are not fools and we can follow a crowd. But it took us way too long to find the magic behind the speak-easyesque Ciudad, now firmly in our rotation. A few other Georgetown favorites include Pho Hiho (with service so fast you’ll think you ordered ahead), BopBox (whose Banchan Bento box might be one of the best takeout meals in Seattle), and Calozzi’s Cheesesteaks — where our Philly friends confirmed that we had “the real deal” in the neighborhood. And speaking of neighborhood flavor — Bloom Bagels opening this past year was a game changer. Not only are their bagels elite, but their pantry shelves are packed with local gem flavor bombs in jars that have become staples in our kitchen. A few other pro tips: Never skip a chance to walk into Fran’s for a free sample. Georgetown’s location is everything — we’re 30 minutes from Bellevue, 20 from downtown or the airport, 15 from Columbia City or West Seattle, and just 10 from Costco. And finally: tell people you live in Georgetown, and you get real reactions. “Ohhh nice,” followed by stories of amazing meals or oddball events they remember from a single visit. We’ve seen the charms of other neighborhoods, but none have felt more like home than here. And honestly — how many neighborhoods have a free community newspaper? Next up: getting our cats Bramble and Biscuit named “Pets of the Month” and finally winning the Georgetown Carnival cake walk. We’ll see you there. With love and picnic plans pending, Hannah & Adam

Kristen Linck and I first crossed paths on social media via the Georgetown Community Discussion Group on Facebook. Her post–a twinkle in the sea of everyday updates about neighborhood happenings, warnings and sightings of a certain feline celebrity–captured my attention. It was a brief introduction about her pelvic health practice housed in the Hamilton Building at 6007 12th Avenue S. With my history of abdominal surgeries, I figured my pelvis, like many others, could stand some strengthening and refinement; so, I reached out to her to learn more. Kristen and Timber Image by shon't.savage How you might know her : Owner/practitioner at Pelvic Health Alliance as well as “that lesbian who helps people build things.” What do you do? (e.g., your profession, personal mission, passion, etc.)? “I am a certified Exercise Physiologist … similar to a personal trainer, but a little bit different.” Pelvic health in general … “If you have a pelvis, you have a pelvic floor. There are so many ways [pelvic wellness] can benefit people [when they] learn a little bit about when to engage and when to relax [their] pelvic floor. Pelvic health as a mission … “Most pelvic [health] clinics are tailored to cisgender women. They do not talk about trans people; they do not talk about male-identifying folks. I want this to be an [inclusive] space where we continue to learn about each other and also our bodies and our pelvises.” What brought you to Georgetown? Why this neighborhood? “I have always loved the vibe of Georgetown. Every time I’ve gone into a business, it’s felt small-town friendly: people ask about you; they remember you. And this [reality] is even more true once you become a business owner. I’ve worked in different areas in the city and there is nothing like [Georgetown]. Nothing like it.” What keeps you here? What do you like about our ‘hood?  “The community … which just keeps getting better.” A piece of advice for your Georgetown neighbors, new or old? “For new business owners and people moving into the neighborhood: reach out to community members (Georgetown Community Council, Georgetown Merchants Association, etc.), introduce yourself, and get involved. It is important that we keep Georgetown small and local.” Your future Georgetown looks like … “Being a member of the community who serves as a staple for others. I really want to be a person and a place where people can come for help regarding their bodies.” More information about Kristen can be found at www.pelvichealthalliance.com . She offers a free 60-minute introductory session for those interested in working with her. If you would like to be featured in “Peeps in the Neighborhood” or want to recommend someone for us to consider, please forward an email to shon’t at shontatGTownGazette@gmail.com .

What’s better than developing a new creative skill or exploring a craft that whets your curiosity? Doing these things with knowledgeable experts for FREE! The Georgetown Association of Arts and Culture (GTAAC) is once again hosting an Education Week where FREE art and skillshare classes will be offered to Georgetown residents from Monday, May 12 - Sunday, May 18. Classes will be taught by local artisans, some of whom live in the neighborhood (Laura Wright, we see you!). Visit here  for more information and registration details.

Soil study shows high levels of lead and other contaminants on some residential properties Soil samples taken from Duwamish Valley residences found high levels of contaminants. (Photo by Steve Lannen) By Steve Lannen A couple months ago, as the daffodils began to flower and the tulips poked through the soil, I daydreamed about this summer’s garden. Herbs, tomatoes, dahlias, maybe cucumbers? Then, an email raised my eyebrows: My soil has a high level of lead. Yikes! When ingested or absorbed through the skin at high enough levels, lead can cause cancer. Contaminated soil is a reality for many living in the Duwamish Valley and one of the many challenges of living in a place surrounded by industry. I’ve been here long enough to know our area’s dirty history. We live near an EPA Superfund site. Two airports and major roads foul the air. The state ecology department is constantly cleaning up the messes of long-gone manufacturers. We have worse health outcomes than people in wealthier neighborhoods. But I always wondered about my property. How bad was it? Last summer, researchers with the Duwamish Valley Research Coordination Network sampled my soil and that of 16 other properties in Georgetown and South Park. They also took samples from other sites like the Georgetown Steam Plant, outfalls at the Duwamish River and Jack Block Park. They tested for heavy metals, like lead, and for hydrocarbons, including gasoline and motor oil. Results showed most of the residences tested exceeded the natural level for arsenic found in soil in the Puget Sound. Half the sites exceeded 100 mg/kg of lead. No amount of lead is good, but above the threshold of 100 mg/kg is a concern research study coordinator Simon Richard said. (Great, guess my yard is an overachiever at 210 mg/kg?) Richard assured me Georgetown residents don’t have to wear a HAZMAT suit while mowing the lawn or quit gardening. We do need to be smart and strategic. Here are a few tips: -          Leafy greens and plants with edible stalks and stems (chard, kale, lettuce, etc.) seem to take up the most contaminants. Plant them in containers or raised beds with organic soil. -          Fruiting plants (tomatoes, squash, etc.) don’t take up as much of the contaminants. Those can still grow in the ground. -          Use plastic gloves when handling soil or wash garden gloves often. -          Wear a mask if it is dry and windy to prevent breathing dust. -          Air pollution is also a risk, so wash everything before eating. If anything, Richard made me feel more empowered in my yard. I also feel confident about my decision to grow anything I eat in containers. Partially funded with an EPA grant, the study’s results will be compared with other studies and maps to hopefully determine sources of the contaminants, Richard said. Sites near the river tend to show higher contaminant levels than residential sites suggesting one hypothesis, he said. To learn more about the DVRCN’s work, go to https://sites.google.com/uw.edu/dvrcn/

Seattle Police arrested Antoine Leander Runner Jr., the man suspected of recently killing and mutilating cats in the area. Officers arrested him April 25 and a judge initially set bail at $3,000 but raised it to $20,000 after Runner refused three court appearances. A judge referred him for evaluation to determine if he is mentally competent to eventually stand trial. Antoine Leander Runner Jr., suspected of killing and mutilating area cats In 2023, Seattle Animal Control officers suspected Runner was responsible for a series of grisly cat killings and charged him with killing an animal, animal cruelty, and trapping without a permit, according to court records. On March 31, members of the Alley Cat Project  (ACP), who manage a feral cat colony in Georgetown, found the mutilated remains of one of their resident cats. In early April, a Beacon Hill resident found a disemboweled tabby under the Lucile St. overpass. The crimes were posted widely on social media. Community members quickly rallied to call in tips and sightings to the police and Seattle Animal Control. The suspect was also photographed and filmed setting up makeshift traps constructed from cat carriers, bins, and rope.  The tips allowed police to show enough probable cause to convince a judge to issue a bench warrant for Runner’s arrest. Although the suspect was not seen directly harming cats, the warrant allowed police to make the April 25 arrest on trespassing charges. Runner may be off the streets for now, but many pet owners are wondering how to protect their pets in the future. Don Baxter, Manager of Field Services at the Seattle Animal Shelter, offered some tips: Tips for cats Protect cats from wildlife, cars, or unknown dogs and humans by keeping them indoors if possible. If your cat does go outside, consider building an outdoor catio, or outdoor cat enclosure. take them outside under your supervision. let them out only in daylight hours. attach a GPS tracker to their collar to track their whereabouts. Tips for dogs Make sure dogs are on leash when walking outdoors. This can help you act quickly if there's an unexpected situation. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out with your dog. Keep your eyes on the street and off of electronic devices. If you don’t feel safe, cross the street. Consider carrying something that makes noise, like a whistle or an alarm. This could provide a diversion for an aggressive dog or wildlife.

Georgetown Brewing is kicking off Pride month this year with the debut of Shelly's Leg, a limited-edition beer brewed in honor and celebration of Seattle's queer history. The beer is named after Seattle's first openly operated gay bar, which opened its doors in Pioneer Square in 1973. The establishment, named after its owner Shelly Bauman (who lost a leg during a tragic accident in 1970 ), was only open 2 years before a fuel truck fire on the Alaskan Way viaduct damaged the building and ultimately led to the disco's closure in 1977. Georgetown Brewing is hosting a beer release party for Shelly's Leg on Saturday, May 31. The event will feature a drag show by BACON STRIP, and 100 percent of ticket and beer sales will benefit The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to support their work spreading joy and uplifting the queer community. Details below: Date:  Saturday, May 31, 2025 Time:  6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Location:  Georgetown Brewing Co., 5200 Denver Ave S Tickets:  $35 general admission (includes 2 drink tickets) or $15 for designated drivers. Tickets can be purchased on the event website .

HONK! Fest West will be gracing Georgetown again with its brassy presence on Friday, May 30 from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of festivities and free music provided by over 30 bands! Follow the sounds of horns to 12th Ave S & Airport Way S. Check out honkfestwest.org for more information.

The annual Georgetown Garden Walk returns for our 28th not-quite-consecutive year and we need your gardens! Every second Sunday of July, Georgetown residents open their gardens and welcome the admiring public to enjoy the beauty and creativity that hides behind the fences of our amazing community. Participants enjoy a self-guided tour of our hard work on what absolutely everybody 100 percent agrees is the best day in Georgetown! Show off your open-air sanctuaries and help keep this wonderful neighborhood tradition alive. We welcome all gardens big and small, elaborate or modest, perfectly groomed or perfectly imperfect. Sign up with our online form here . Questions? Interested in volunteering? Email info@georgetowngardenwalk.com .

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working on its sixth Five-Year Review for the Harbor Island Superfund Site (due in September 2025). A Five-Year Review provides a routine check-up to make sure that the cleanup continues to protect people and the environment. The most recent Five-Year Review (from 2020) showed that the Harbor Island Superfund Site cleanup remains protective of human health and the environment. To ensure the cleanup continues to be protective of human health and the environment, the EPA performs this comprehensive review every five years. Do you have information on how the cleanup is working?  Have you witnessed any damage to the signage or fencing? Do you have other information? If so, the EPA wants to hear from you by June 2, 2025 . Please contact Ravi Sanga , EPA Remedial Project Manager at sanga.ravi@epa.gov  or 206-553-4092. For more information about the Harbor Island Superfund Site (including previous Five-Year Review documents), please visit the EPA's Harbor Island website . If you need materials in an alternative format or language, please contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Laura Knudsen at knudsen.laura@epa.gov  or 206-643-4299. Harbor Island is a 420-acre island located in the Duwamish River and Elliot Bay in Seattle, Washington. Harbor Island was listed as a Superfund Site (a highly contaminated toxic waste site) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1983 after discovering that previous commercial and industrial operations contaminated soil, groundwater, and sediment in the adjacent waterways. Polychlorinated biphenyls are the most widespread contaminant of concern in the sediment, but others include arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mercury, and dioxins/furans. The Harbor Island Superfund Site has been divided up into smaller areas (called Operable Units, or OUs) to help organize the cleanup work. There are seven active OUs. Cleanup decisions were made by EPA at six OUs and by the Washington Department of Ecology at the Tank Farm OU.

*Climate Resilience and Preparedness, of course 😊 The Georgetown Community Council is hosting a free climate emergency preparedness event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Mini Mart City Park, 6525 Ellis Ave S. Learn practical tips to help you prepare for emergencies, take home a free tote bag and a starter checklist, and get trained to perform hands-only CPR from a certified instructor. Free for all ages! RSVP at https://www.georgetowncommunitycouncil.com/event-details/georgetown-emergency-c-r-a-p-climate-resilience-and-preparedness/form .

Did you know there was once a cemetery near the South Seattle College campus in Georgetown? Known as a "potter's field," the site held the bodies of many unidentified Seattle residents from 1876-1912. Join Cari Simson and Elke Hautala from Invisible Histories on a theatrical and immersive walking tour through the stories and spaces surrounding the "lost" cemetery. Tours start at 6:30 pm both evenings. More information and tickets ($15) at https://ticketstripe.com/seattlelostcemeterytour .

by Valerie Pike Join your neighbors for a Resistance Gardening Plant & Supply Swap this spring in Oxbow Park! Details below: Date : Saturday, May 31 Time : 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location : Oxbow Park, 6430 Corson Ave S Bring whatever you have to swap! Eggs, plants, cookies, a poem - you name it! Any cash brought will be donated to one of our local community charity groups. Swap items include: All edible plant starts! Whether you grew them yourself or have extra. Seeds! A seed swap is a great way to get started! Chitted or sprouted potatoes from your kitchen Flower starts!! Extra pots, grow bags, and supplies Soil, compost and fertilizers. If you have part of a bag to share, bring it. Dahlia bulbs Garden stakes, ties, trellis parts Spread the word!