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News and Updates from Seattle City Light

Temporary Revised Timelines for New Service Connections

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Seattle City Light remains committed to providing affordable and reliable electric service while prioritizing the safety of our customers and crews. As an essential service provider, we recognize our role in meeting the needs of our communities and we also understand the need for consistency and predictability in meeting service connection commitments.

Several factors combined created significant resource challenges and a growing backlog for new service connections at this time. These factors include a pause in work in response to Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order earlier this year, other COVID-related impacts to our operations staffing model and vacancies, as well as competing priority projects and unplanned essential work.

Depending on the complexity of the project, we estimate timelines for service completion are weeks or even months longer than in the pre-COVID world. We also note that our role is just one of several processes required for customer service connections. The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections also require certain process steps that can often be linear in their impact to the customer.

Temporary Process Changes

To be transparent and set realistic expectations for our customers seeking new service connections, we are publishing a temporary update to our Connection Timeline (Table 1.3) in City Light’s “Requirements for Electric Service Connection” (RESC), the primary resource for customers initiating service requests. This document outlines the submittal requirements for each type of service, including estimated timelines for each process step along the way. For new requests, we are modifying Table 1.3 – “Estimated Turnaround Times Per Phase of Application Process, Looped Radial” to align with what customers are currently experiencing. Network connections are covered elsewhere and are not being modified at this time.

We will always strive to do better but want to be mindful about setting clear expectations from the start. We expect the modified timelines could be in place throughout 2021; we hope to revert to our-pre-COVID timelines on or before Jan. 1, 2022.

Efforts to Improve

In the near-term, we are building capacity with our staff by attempting to fill line vacancies and adding electrical service representatives. We will also supplement City Light resources with contract resources. We are implementing other operational process improvements to provide more transparency in tracking and reporting on customer-facing engagements and how work is ultimately assigned for construction. Using metrics to help quantify success and data-driven approaches to inform work management and operational decision-making, we will report in Q2 and Q4 with the goal of adjusting to improved connection timeline expectations by the end of 2021, if not sooner.

For long-term improvements to both the customer and employee experience, we have launched a process improvement project to identify gaps and inefficiencies, establish and streamline business processes, provide process visibility and predictability, and deliver timely and reliable service connections and accurate bills. While a multiyear project, we expect to see significant impacts from this effort by year-end 2021.   

City Light exists to serve customers and as a public utility, we have an even greater responsibility for ensuring equitable access to services and products for all our customers. One key element to setting priorities is ensuring we are focused on all areas of our community, including those where access to our services may be limited and those where specific programs are providing housing for low-income and homeless populations.

We recognize these delays and extended timelines have cascading impacts on our customers and we sincerely regret the inconvenience we are creating. Our goal is to meet or exceed our customer expectations and it is disappointing when we do not. As we thoughtfully review and improve internal processes seeking long-term benefits, City Light will continue to work with affected customers to schedule final electrical service connections, based on resource and staffing availability.

Reminder: Public-facing counter closures

Earlier this year, in accordance with public health guidance, the City closed its public-facing counters across multiple departments, including Seattle City Light. City Light has closed the public walk-in areas at the North Service Center (1300 N 97th St., Seattle 98103) and South Service Center (3613 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle 98134). Customers may still use payment drop boxes at these locations. 

Pend Oreille County, Seattle City Light Reach 10-Year Agreement

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Seattle City Light’s Boundary Hydroelectric Project in Pend Oreille County is a vital source of hydroelectricity, powering the utility’s service area for more than 50 years. As a steward of the resources the utility relies on in this northeastern Washington county, City Light strives to maintain a positive relationship with local residents, governing entities and tribes. This fall, City Light continued this partnership as the utility and Pend Oreille County reached a 10-year agreement regarding the impact fees associated with the Boundary Hydroelectric Project. The Seattle City Council approved the ordinance on Sept. 25, allowing City Light to move forward with these payments. 

Boundary Hydroelectric Project from its Vista House
Boundary Hydroelectric Project from its Vista House

This agreement, which lasts from 2020 to 2029, provides payment to Pend Oreille County and the school districts and towns adjacent to the project. This includes the Selkirk, Cusick and Newport School Districts and the towns of Metaline, Metaline Falls and Ione. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35.21.425 requires any city that constructs a hydroelectric generating project after March 17, 1955, in a county other than the county in which such utility is located, to enter into an agreement with that county to provide “impact fees,” which are funds for public peace, health, safety, welfare and added road maintenance in the operating county. 

Since Boundary Hydroelectric Project opened in 1967, more than a decade after the RCW was established, City Light has provided these payments to Pend Oreille County to ease the hydroelectric project’s financial impact. City Light Chief Operating Officer Mike Haynes describes the agreement as part of the utility’s commitment to this community.   

“We are so proud and thankful to be a part of such a vibrant community as Pend Oreille County,” Mike said. “Our Boundary Hydroelectric Project employees call this region home and we want to make sure that they, along with the rest of the residents, know that City Light cares for this community. City Light is excited to continue this partnership and support this region for decades to come.”  

Per the utility’s Boundary Relicensing Agreement, City Light has worked with state, local and federal entities on large-scale capital projects throughout Pend Oreille County, including the construction of Boundary Forebay Recreational Area, which opened last summer.   

To learn about the storied history of the Boundary Hydroelectric Project, visit City Light’s #Boundary50 digital exhibit.  

Seattle City (Spot)Light: David Logsdon

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David Logsdon joined City Light in January of 2020 as the Director of one of the utility’s newest divisions, Electrification and Strategic Technology. “Our teams focus on Grid Modernization, Electrification, Strategic Technologies, and the Lighting Design Lab,” David explained. “Our mission isn’t modest – we are building the grid of the future by scaling innovations in grid and customer technology but also by moving forward as an organization. We are innovating across the utility and City – with our internal and external partners’ help – around new approaches to serve our customers more efficiently while enhancing the automation, flexibility, functionality, and reliability of the grid itself.”

David’s introductory visit to Washington state was in 2019 for his initial interview at City Light. “I’ve always been intrigued by the West Coast,” he shared. “My wife and I took an anniversary trip to Cannon Beach five years ago, which planted the seed of moving to the Northwest.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, David shares more about his work, the transition to Washington, and what brought him to City Light.

“It has been an interesting and exciting year to launch a new division. I met most of the team in-person when I first started, but there are several people with whom I still haven’t been in a room. Like everyone, we’re doing what we can to stay balanced and connected digitally. Overall, the adjustments we’ve made to the many curveballs of 2020 have shown how adaptable and flexible our organizational culture at City Light is.”

“Ultimately, it was the job at City Light that brought my family to Seattle; it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I had founded, managed, and led many teams focused on Electrification, Grid Modernization, Product and Service Development, and Emerging Technologies at Con Edison in New York City. City Light is facing the right conditions and has the leadership and team in place to truly lead at the national level on all of these transformational initiatives. One of our big achievements in 2020 was receiving unanimous approval from City Council for our Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan. This plan sets priorities, based on community feedback, for our transportation electrification investments over the next four years.”

“My family and I landed in North Seattle. The neighborhood has been an amazing surprise, and we’ve gotten to know many neighbors, at a distance, of course. My daughter started Zoom kindergarten at Loyal Heights Elementary (Go Beavers!) and is thriving. My favorite thing about the neighborhood, particularly through COVID, is that you can head out your front door, walk in any direction, and make discoveries. I love taking evening walks with my family and finding new places to see. My kids and I are learning the names of the flowers and succulents that grow along the sidewalks. We even did a little spring gardening; tomatoes were challenging, but we got an amazing number of cucumbers and raspberries!”

“Most of my hobbies have lined up pretty well with the move to the PNW – hiking, camping, fishing, and the outdoors. Despite COVID, we made a trip to the San Juan Islands, saw bears while hiking on Mount Rainier, and have loved exploring Whidbey Island, Deception Pass, and other areas. I also enjoy games, and it seems my daughter has taken after me. She is really into playing board and card games with the family now, but I have to keep an eye on her as she’s a skilled cheat.”

“City Light has a culture that is open to change and innovation and is not afraid to go big on behalf of our customers. In my short time here, I’ve been fortunate to address challenging problems, develop long-term plans with my team members, and work broadly across the organization on special initiatives. I’m particularly proud of the achievements of Utility Next, a major cross-departmental effort on how City Light can move forward as a next-generation utility while creating jobs that help the region recover from the economic hardships of COVID and bring stimulus funds to accelerate our climate progress. The people at City Light are passionate about climate change, our customers, and equity. I am too, but have found that working with such engaged and passionate employees is pushing me even further, which is a great thing.”

Plants in Power with Lori Fowler

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At the foot of North Cascades National Park, sits the Skagit Hydroelectric Project, an essential power generating facility for Seattle City Light. Its unique location spans 42 acres, providing a natural passage of beauty into the area. City Light’s Senior Gardener, Lori Fowler, maintains the numerous gardens around the company towns of Newhalem, Diablo, and three powerhouses and dams that make up the project.

During the weeks of shut down, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lori was able to work but the effects of social separation took a toll.

“I went to work every day, but I was alone. I was separated from my family, friends, crew, and Skagit was empty without seasonal tourists. It had an affected on my wellness,” Lori shared. “I went online and realized others in the horticulture community were experiencing the same, and through online forums, were connecting with each other across the world. This inspired the birth of Plants in Power.”  

With considerable community interest in starting a “garden club” for residents and employees, Lori researched and registered the Plants in Power Society with the state of Washington and the National Federation of Garden Clubs. Plants in Power officially launched in early summer 2020 with its virtual format offering numerous ways to participate through social media, blogs, and newsletters. The virtual channels have expanded the group’s membership with the goal of building community, raising environmental awareness, and promoting the power of gardening to heal the earth and promote human wellness.

Historically, gardening at the Skagit Project, was a community wide activity. “Residents used to have competitions for the best front yard!” Lori said. There was never a formal gardening club, but there was a holistic feeling that everyone was invested in gardening and enjoyed the task. In fact, when the project first began, the first superintendent of City Light, JD Ross, encouraged spouses and families of those who worked for Seattle City Light to volunteer work in the gardens. Plants in Power serves as a tribute to these activities and hopes to further the gardening connection with Seattle City Light and beyond.

Starting the club was no easy feat, but Lori used some of the best resources around her to launch the project – her family!

“I tapped into the expertise of my family to help with the club’s initial soft launch. My husband Bruce, who is also a horticulturist, oversees the finances and helped me put the website together, while my daughter, Leslie, assists with social media, photography, and graphic design. I’ve also contacted local nurseries and others in the industry who are established, and they have been a huge help in spreading the word,” Lori explained. “Currently we have 58 registered members from Washington, California, Illinois, even Canada, and hundreds of followers! Plants in Power is very much in its infancy, but we are proud of everything that we have accomplished in such a short time period. It’s very exciting.”

Among the club’s featured programs is a running blog series. “Our topics range in content geared for those in the horticulture field and master gardeners, naturalists and conservationist, and also, information of interest to the beginning or hobby gardener,” Lori said. “I am open to covering any gardening topic our audience is interested in and encourage our readers to submit their ideas and/or content that they would like to see covered in upcoming editions!”

The future is well lit for Plants in Power. “If we end up creating instructional videos, that’d be great, just as long as I don’t have to star in them!” Lori mused. “Annual events like attending a flower show or hosting a lunch meet-up at Skagit, post COVID of course, would be a fun possibility! It would be awesome to participate in Family Day and bring programs in for children, maybe even expand that into local schools.”

Lori envisions Plants in Power continuing beyond her time at the utility. “I would love to, from my retirement, see Plants in Power carried forward and grow within our utility and beyond.”

“The club offers an opportunity for people to come together whether they’re a gardener, manager, or electrician – it’s another way for us to connect. It’s also a way for people to heal and to reconnect with the world around them and live in the moment,” Lori explained. “I encourage everyone to join; it might open a new world for you and tap into a passion you didn’t know you had for gardening, permaculture, conservation and nature – or a connection, shared interest, and education for one you already have. Absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain from the fellowship of Plants in Power.”

A huge thank you to Lori Fowler for sharing about Plants in Power! If you are interested in learning more and joining the Plants in Power club, check out their website, follow them on social media, and be sure to contact Lori with any questions or content suggestions.

Seattle City (Spot)Light: Lindsay Ohab

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Lindsay Ohab started at Seattle City Light in April 2020. As the utility’s internship coordinator, Lindsay promotes the internship program to local colleges and universities, onboards new interns, and plans professional development programming. “I feel a lot of pride getting to work with our awesome interns – they bring such skill, passion, and dedication to their projects. For instance, Communications Intern Kelsey Hay frequently writes these (spot)Light profiles!”

Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Lindsay went to school in California, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She continued on to earn her Master of Public Administration at the University of Washington (UW). “Being new to Seattle, graduate school was such a great way to build my personal and professional network.” Lindsay shared. “I made so many life-long friends at UW, including several who are working throughout the City.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Lindsay shares her experience at City Light, her pre-COVID favorite hobbies, and what she has enjoyed most about her time at the utility.

Lindsay in Šibenik, Croatia 2019

“Since I began my position during the pandemic, I have only ever known remote work at the City. Although the internship program was suspended in summer 2020, I have been grateful to have some time to plan for the return of the program, meet colleagues at City Light and in the community, and learn more about the utility. It has been fun to connect with those interns who were able to stay on for a couple of extra months, learn about their work, and get their valuable feedback about the program.” 

“After going to college in California and returning to Arizona for a few years, I realized that the heat just wasn’t for me. I moved to Seattle 12 years ago to attend graduate school at UW and have been here ever since. I love to travel and have missed it a lot during COVID times. Regardless of how near or far I am traveling, I love the feeling of packing up my suitcase and heading to the airport. I remember my last time on a plane was the weekend before the shutdown – I went to visit some family in the Bay area, and my interview at City Light was a few days later. It was a pretty memorable week!”

“I was attracted to City Light because of the organization’s values and the positive experiences of those I know who work here. I spent the past eight years working in higher education, and the transition to City Light has allowed me to engage with the students in our region in a new way for me. In my previous role at Seattle University, I worked with students to find internships around the city. Now I have the opportunity to bring great students to City Light. In my role, I have heard so many positive comments from supervisors about their interns’ meaningful contributions. Interns have also shared the growth they’ve experienced at City Light. It’s a good feeling to be a part of a formative time in the academic and professional lives of our interns.”

“There have been so many resources available that have helped me learn during these remote times – from the Get to Know City Light Info Sessions, Cornerstone trainings, working closely with SDHR, and the kindness of my colleagues. It is strange to have not met all of my team in person, but they have made me feel so welcome and provided lots of laughs during these times.”

Seattle City (Spot)Light: Kiyomi Morris

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Kiyomi Morris began her City Light career in 2015 as an intern in the Environmental, Land & Licensing business unit, and she’s been with the utility ever since. “As an intern, you get to know the utility industry and learn from all of the wonderful people working here. I had a great experience, and I get excited every time I run into someone from my cohort!”

Born and raised in Washington, Kiyomi grew up on a small lake in the Maltby area with her mom, sister, and grandparents. “As kids, my sister and I spent a lot of our time outdoors – swimming, fishing, and exploring,” she shared. “My mom eventually found us a place of our own, but my grandma kept my childhood home and finally sold it this year.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Kiyomi shares more about her work at City Light, her love for frozen sweet treats, and what initially brought her to the utility.

L-R: Kiyomi and Pete on the boat they restored; Kiyomi and her dog Tonko

“I went to the University of Washington, where I received an interdisciplinary degree in environmental studies. It’s a great mix of the natural and social sciences, and it pairs perfectly with the work I do here at City Light. Among other things in my role at the utility, I help facilitate the tracking, reporting, and emission reduction of one of City Light’s most potent greenhouse gasses. Right now, I’m in a temporary out of class role overseeing the tracking and reporting of all emissions associated with City Light’s business. This role also includes policy work and maintaining City Light’s greenhouse gas neutral status. The work requires me to interact with different people across the utility, and I learn so much from everyone I get to work with – whether it’s something about them or about the work they do for the utility.”

“I currently live on Beacon Hill in a house that was originally owned by my great grandparents. I love how many memories I have in this house, and I’m grateful it’s still in the family. It has a beautiful backyard that our dog loves to run around in. The backyard also has several trees and plants, so we have peaches, Asian pears, plums, apples, and cherries. When we were young, my sister and I would spend weekdays here in the summer with my great grandparents. My extended family is also very tight knit, we all live in the area. Almost every Sunday, the whole family would gather at the Beacon Hill house for dinner.”

“My favorite activity is eating ice cream! I bought an ice cream machine last year so that I can make it all the time. I love to cook and bake, too – I like to think that I balance out all of the ice cream and food with all the hiking and backpacking we do. My partner Peter and I also like to fish and sail. He also loves to tinker with things, so I find myself helping out on many projects. Over the past year, we restored his grandfather’s old boat fishing boat – we finished just in time to enjoy the summer this year!”

“I was attracted to City Light’s impressive environmental reputation. I also knew I wanted to work in a place that would challenge me – somewhere I would feel like I was learning something new every day. Thankfully, I found that here. I get to work for a place that challenges me and allows me to learn and meet new people. I don’t think there is anything else I could ask for. Everything about this place is interesting to me! City Light holds a never-ending pit of information, and I absolutely love it.”

Seattle City (spot)Light: Brendan Armstrong

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Brendan Armstrong joined Seattle City Light in January 2019 after working in the private sector for 11 years. “I wanted to be a part of an organization that serves the public, and City Light’s focus on the customer directly aligns with my values,” Brendan shared.

Brendan has lived in Washington state since he was two years old. “I’ve practically lived here all my life, so I still consider myself a native Washingtonian,” said Brendan. He lives in Renton with his wife, Erin, their three children, two dogs, and one cat. “It can get pretty chaotic at home sometimes; well, let’s be honest, all the time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Brendan talks about his educational background, family life, and utility work.

“I studied at the University of Washington and have a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Law, Societies and Justice. I have always had a strong interest in governance and how decisions that impact the public are made. I’m also interested in the factors that influence the process. It’s that fervor that led me to City Light.”

“With all the fun at home, our hobbies have seemed to revolve around the kids. We enjoy bike rides around the neighborhood and going to the parks to play. I think that’s just the reality of parenting. I try and instill my preferences, like being a huge Sounders fan! I’m winning the kids over to being lifelong soccer fans.”

“As the Physical Security Program Manager at City Light, I am responsible for mitigating security risks to our employees and infrastructure. For me, this comes down to a philosophy of ensuring our employees are safe and feel safe. I am passionate about this work, especially as we continue to move the physical security program in that direction. I love hearing from the people we support, learning what their needs are, and developing solutions to meet those needs. I’m thankful for my amazing team who not only cares deeply about how we can do better every day for our employees and the customers we serve, but who also make it an overall joy to come to work.”

An Update from Skagit: The Newhalem-Diablo Fire Brigade

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This year’s effects have undoubtedly been felt in more populated areas like Seattle, but what has been the experience for those in remote locations like Newhalem and Diablo? It might seem surprising, but the Newhalem-Diablo Fire Brigade (the towns’ emergency response team) has been busier than ever implementing safety precautions and responding to visitor needs.  

The Fire Brigade is a mostly volunteer group of first responders that, in addition to their normal duties as painters, maintenance laborers, electricians, etc., also work to protect residents and visitors on the utility’s Skagit Hydroelectric Project and North Cascades National Park. Every day is different, with new calls coming in at any moment, but lately, there have been more changes due to new safety and health concerns amid the pandemic and September wildfires.

“One of the big things for our team is applying more stringent standards when interacting with the public and patients,” said Fire Brigade Chief Cody Watson. “As EMTs, we work under our County Medical Program Director’s medical license. They set the bar very high to ensure our safety in the field. Personal protective equipment requirements have become more stringent than what City Light and the general public have. We suit up in gowns, eye protection, gloves, N-95, etc. That’s all different, but we’re also required to be in closer contact with others and have a greater risk associated with that.”

A surprising influx of visitors has also impacted the team due to the general public’s heightened desire to get out and about. “With everything going on, it seems kind of inverse,” Cody explained. “You’d think that people would stay home, but everyone’s cooped up. They want to get outside, go for drives, and visit the great outdoors, which has also meant that our call volume has increased. The team has done extremely well at taking on additional tasks. Most of it has been responding to motorcycle accidents, and they’ve done very, very well. Out here, we’re so remote that it’s kind of like the Wild West. Our backup is 45 minutes away – at best – if they’re in the station and available by radio. Over the years, we’ve started to interact more with the Park Service and other agencies, so those relationships have increased our efficiency and capacity in everything we do.”

For those looking to escape to the North Cascades and see the beautiful changing colors of the fall, Cody suggests checking the Department of Health and CDC guidelines for the latest information. “I signed up for the Department of Health’s COVID newsletter, and it’s awesome! The person that writes it has an excellent sense of humor, which I appreciate. It’s factual and to the point – I recommend it.”

A big thank you to Cody Watson and the Newhalem-Diablo Fire Brigade for continuing to keep everyone in the area safe!

An Update from Skagit: Kelly, Barb and the Skagit General Store

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The Skagit General Store has been open for nearly 100 years. It initially opened for Seattle City Light employees in 1922, expanding its reach to the public in 1940. The store’s spirit is embodied by the “Thelma and Louise” like pair: Barb Haight, the storekeeper, and Kelly Regan, the store clerk. Working together is nothing new for the duo. Growing up together (they met in the second grade!), they make a successful and fun team!

Colleagues and travelers know the Skagit General Store as an entertaining and enjoyable place to say “hi.” Still, the store has been quite different during its peak season. We caught up with Barb and Kelly for a summer 2020 update to share what’s changed at the store and surrounding area.

Kelly masked and glassed up in front of the Skagit General Store (closed to the public).

Can you tell us about your roles pre-COVID, and what has changed these past few months?

Barb: “The summer is our busy season. We usually go from Kelly and me, the only permanent employees at the store, to five temporary, seasonal workers. We’ll see up to 12 people a day during winter, whereas, in the summer, it’s up in the hundreds. It’s a huge change not to see anyone, including each other. Kelly works for one week, and I work the other. We don’t see each other that much right now, which is very unfortunate but a needed safety measure.”

Kelly: “Barb and I pride ourselves in the customer care we provide to the public, so making the transition from being active at the store and interacting with customers wasn’t the easiest thing to do. But closing the store during the busy season was a good decision to keep employees and the public safe.”

How have things changed at Skagit? Have you seen fewer visitors to the area this year?

Kelly: “Quite the opposite, they’re everywhere! I think that the roads have been busier than ever. It’s crazy how many cars are on the road these days. I heard that there was one weekend at Colonial Creek Campground, which is by Diablo Lake, where cars lined up for miles. People said it looked like the beaches in California; there must have been 10,000 people up there! They were swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding – they were doing everything. That would have been an awesome picture!”

Barb: “I don’t think the circumstances have slowed a lot of people down; I think it’s more of people making a day trip or taking a short getaway. Even though we’re in the middle of nowhere, we’re really not that far. And it’s beautiful here!”

Are there any new rules or signage, anything like that for those visitors coming up?

Kelly: “Currently, there are fire bans on top of COVID, so campers can’t have fires right now. Other than that, we’re basically in the store self-contained, so we don’t see anybody unless they call and ask questions – and we’ve had a lot of calls! Folks want to know if the store is open and what’s going on up here. City Light placed a great sandwich board in front of the store that explains what’s going on in the area and what activities are available. It’s helped so much. Of course, if I look outside and see one of our valued customers that Barb and I have made a relationship with, I’ll peek out the door with my mask on, give them a wave and say, “How ya doing?!” because you know, they are so important to us and we want to tell them that we’re still there.”

Barb: “Definitely.”

How have you seen employees respond to the store’s changes and the influx of people coming up there for recreation?

Kelly: “We love our employees. They’re always talking to us and keep us tuned in with what’s going on. Barb and I wanted to be there for them.”

Barb: “[City Light] Employees have been very supportive; they’ll call or email what items they need, and we put it out back for them. We try to share photos of what we have available. When an employee comes by to pick something up, they’ve been great about wearing their masks and stuff. If anything is going on, they’ll let us know if we need to be aware.”

Kelly: “Skagit employees are incredible. They’re amazing people. They work hard; we look out for each other. We’re like family. It’s nice when they call in their order because we can chat, check-in, and see how they’re doing. As Barb said, they’ve been very supportive. The store is available to them, and they must get what they need when they need it.”

What would you tell someone who is hesitant to visit the area?

Kelly: “Just like everyone is doing now, practice social distancing. The leaves are starting to change color, and it’s just beautiful. Get up here, leave the house, go for a ride! Find a pull out where there’s nobody and enjoy the view and area!”

Barb: “Anywhere you go, you won’t be disappointed! It’s beautiful!”

Kelly: “We always welcome people here because it is so beautiful, and we love sharing the work and what we do. We power the city! To me, that’s a great thing, but again, practice social distancing, wear your masks, use your common sense, be kind to others while you’re here and enjoy yourself!”

Thank you, Kelly and Barb, for providing an update for employees and visitors visiting the Skagit area and General Store.

Seattle City (spot)Light: Losi Namoa

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Losi Namoa will be celebrating one year at City Light in January 2021. As a lead janitor in Facilities, Security and Emergency Management (FSEM), her job “is to ensure that the team and I work safely and proficiently to assure cleanliness at its finest to all employees and the public.”

Born and raised in Hawaii, Losi wanted to experience life on the mainland and began her journey to the East Coast before ending up on the West coast for good. “I explored Washington and discovered its beauty, fell in love with all four seasons, ate the one and only Rainer Cherries, and have grown to appreciate the values instilled into my humble life here,” Losi shared.

In this week’s (spot)Light, Losi talks about her life in Washington, the hobbies she’s acquired over quarantine, and what she’s enjoyed most about her time at City Light.

“I currently live in Tukwila, where I enjoy the rugby and soccer matches at Starfire Sports, the seafood markets, community involvements, and all of the active noise from birds to aircrafts. My favorite day is everyday! Bonus when the Seahawks are playing. It brings the family together and we all enjoy good food, company, and debates.  Beside game-day, I also volunteer in the community and enjoy connecting with those around me. Since COVID, I’ve picked up a new interest in reading National Geographic magazines and watching UFC sports entertainment. So far, the skills of orcas and Joaquin Buckley are fascinating.”

“To be honest, I was attracted to City Light by the big neon rooftop sign on 4th Avenue. Of course, I did my research too, and once I did, I absolutely knew I was a ‘City Lighter’! I love the commitment of serving and servicing the public while being able to grow and overcome obstacles together with the community at the same time. City Light is an amazing organization.”

“Working at City Light has been an awesome experience. I love the environment, core values, challenging growth, connectivity, learning curves, the city of Seattle, and the FSEM team! I believe my time here has just begun, and I’m excited to give it my best shot.”