Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919 www.QueenAnneNews.com
APRIL 8, 2026
VOL. 107, NO. 15
Seattle City Light Pilots New Mayor Wilson (Unplanned) Power Outage Alert System Announces Randy Engstrom as Director of Seattle Center HOW TO MANAGE OUTAGE ALERTS
Customers are automatically enrolled in outage alerts if a mobile number or email is listed on their Utility Services account. To update or manage your preferences:
CITY OF SEATTLE
To sign up or update alerts: • Log in to your Utility Services Website account • Go to My Profile and select Profile Settings • Add or update your mobile number and/or email address • Click the Notifications & Alerts tab • Expand Power Outage settings • Select text, email, or both, then click Save To opt out of alerts: • Log in to your account • Go to Notifications & Alerts • Expand Power Outage settings • Uncheck text and/or email alerts, then click Save
Staff Report
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By Sage Wilson City of Seattle
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his week, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced the appointment of Randy Engstrom as the next Director of Seattle Center, one of the region’s most important civic and cultural gathering places. Engstrom brings decades of experience in arts, culture, and public policy, including serving as Director of the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. He has helped shape Seattle’s cultural landscape and built strong partnerships across the community.
“Seattle Center is where people come together across neighborhoods and communities to experience what makes this city special.” “Seattle Center is where people come together across neighborhoods and communities to experience what makes this city special,” said Mayor Wilson. “he understands what it takes to support the artists, organizations, and staff who make that possible. I have full confidence in his leadership as we build what comes next.” “I’m honored to return to City service under Mayor Wilson’s leadership,” said Engstrom. “Seattle Center has long served as the civic and cultural heart of our city - a place that reflects our shared imagination and brings people together. It has shaped my experience of Seattle over the 30 years I’ve called it home, through both major cultural moments and everyday connections. There’s been sustained, thoughtful work to build a shared vision for the Center, led by dedicated staff, partners, and community advocates. I look forward to working alongside them to steward a strong and inclusive future for this campus.” Mayor Wilson also thanked Diamatris Winston for his leadership as interim director during the transition. “I want to thank Diamatris Winston for his steady leadership and commitment to Seattle Center during this transition,” said Mayor Wilson. “His work has helped ensure continuity and care for this important public space.”
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“It’s a great sign to see Randy assume the directorship of Seattle Center, a landmark for Seattle arts, culture, and innovation. His ability to weave policy knowledge, artist and cultural institution feedback, and a creative ecosystem framework into clear strategy and vision is remarkable.
ENGSTROM, 4
eattle City Light is testing a new notification system designed to keep customers informed about unplanned power outages and restorations in real time. The pilot program introduces text and email alerts that notify customers when an outage occurs in their area and when power has been restored. During this initial phase, notifications will only be sent for smaller outages affecting a limited number of customers. Larger-scale outages, such as those caused by major storms, will be added once the system is fully implemented. Customers in underground network distribution areas, including downtown Seattle, First Hill, and the University District, are not included in the pilot. For those enrolled, outage alerts are typically delivered within five to ten minutes of a disruption, though response times may be longer during widespread events.
Restoration notices are sent as soon as power is back online. Participation in the program is automatic for customers who already have a mobile phone number or email address listed in their Utility Services account. The service itself is free, though standard text and data rates may apply. City Light encourages customers to log in to their Utility Services Website account to verify that their contact information is current and to select their preferred method of communication—text, email, or both. Updates to account information or notification preferences may take up to 24 hours to take effect. Customers can manage their alert settings through their online profile, where they can add or update contact details and choose how they receive notifications. Those who wish to remove contact information entirely must do so by calling customer service. City Light says the goal of the pilot is to
Important notes: • Changes may take up to 24 hours to take effect • To remove contact information entirely, call customer service • Alerts will come from (888) 442-7594 and no-reply@seattle.gov • The service is free, but standard text and data rates may apply Need help? Call (206) 684-3000, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interpretation services are available at no cost
provide faster, more direct communication during outages, helping residents and businesses better plan for disruptions and stay informed about restoration progress. For assistance with account settings or outage alerts, customers can contact City Light customer service at (206) 684-3000 during regular business hours. Interpretation services are available at no cost.
Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Celebrates 50 Years at Seattle Center By Madison Miller
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elebrate Japanese art, culture, and community at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, returning to Seattle Center on Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. each day as part of Seattle Center Festál. This free annual festival marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, honoring five decades of cultural exchange, community connection, and shared celebration between Seattle and Japan. This year’s theme, “Sakura Monogatari – Stories Beneath the Blossoms,” highlights the rich history of the festival since its founding in 1976 while looking ahead to the next 50 years. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can experience dynamic performances and demonstrations including taiko drumming, martial arts, traditional music, and cultural presentations. Featured performers include groups such as Seattle Miyagi-Kai, Ryushin Creative Dance Group, Hoshu Dojo, One World Taiko, Seattle Seido Karate, Seattle Kokon Taiko, Northwest Taiko, Inochi Taiko, Dekoboko Taiko, Cherry Dragon, and the Japan Creative Arts/School of Taiko , among many others representing a wide range of traditional and contemporary Japanese performing arts.
One of the weekend’s major highlights is the Rain City Open, a sumo wrestling tournament hosted by Rain City Sumo beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning in the Exhibition Hall. The event will feature approximately
60 competitors from across the United States, including both men’s and women’s divisions, and will also be livestreamed for audiences unable to attend in person.
CHERRY BLOSSOM, 4