Seattle icon and internationally acclaimed musician Jimi Hendrix will finally receive official city recognition beyond the dedication of a rock in the Woodland Park Zoo. In May, I sponsored a resolution that encourages the Parks Department to name the park adjacent to the Colman School for Hendrix. A final decision is expected soon from the Parks Department.

The park, located in Seattle's Central area, is adjacent to the Northwest African American Museum now being developed and is the same neighborhood where Jimi grew up in Seattle. A statue of Jimi, now on Broadway, has been offered to the city by its owner, Michael Malone, for placement in the park.

The park site was originally a playground for the Colman School and was recently restored as part of the Pro Parks Levy. Its location creates an urban green belt linking Colman Park and the Sam Smith playfields.

This recognition is overdue. The City of Seattle has taken a long time establishing a fitting tribute to honor the significant historical and cultural contributions of Jimi Hendrix, one of the city's most famous native sons.

Periodically, the Mayor and the Seattle City Council review Seattle City Light rates. In the past, this review has taken place every few years. Once a rate proposal is presented by the mayor, the council reviews the proposal and then authorizes new rates by ordinance.

Mindful of a controversy that arose over the proposed sale of the Soundway property in West Seattle, I, along with Councilmember Rasmussen, sponsored a resolution to increase government transparency by giving citizens more notice and additional opportunity for comment on the sale of City owned properties. The new policies came partly as the result of neighbor concerns regarding the process used during the sale of several City Light properties. This resolution is a result of those concerns. The Council working with the Mayor reviewed the process currently being used by City departments for the disposal of surplus properties. This resolution directs the City to make changes addressing citizen concerns that were a result of that review.

Resolution 30862 will: 1) increase the number of people and types of groups that must be notified of pending surplus property sales; 2) improve the way in which information is shared with the public; and 3) increase opportunities for public review and comment at key points in the process regarding proposed reuse or sale of surplus property.

This resolution is a victory for open government and will encourage local awareness of and involvement in the city's decisions on surplus properties.

Jean shares a moment with neighbors at the Wallingford Farmers Market last May, where she chatted with individuals about city issues. She plans hold her next "Office Hours in the Market" at the Columbia City Farmers' Market July 12, from 3 to 7 pm, Rainier Ave. S and S Edmunds. She will conclude summer hours with a visit to the MADCAP Farmers' Market, on August 4th from 3 to 7 p.m., at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 20th and E. Madison.

Not so long ago, growing older meant slowing down, dropping out and viewing life from the rocking chair. But today many seniors are not ready to move into the slow lane. They're about to be joined by the first wave of Baby Boomers who are now reaching their 60s.

More and more energetic seniors will be entering "the Second Age," the years between 65 and 85. This may mean continuing careers, finding new job challenges or discovering ways to contribute to our communities.

If this describes you check out this website for more information on getting involved and staying active. "Creating Community in Later Life," a 2006 Regional Visioning Council conducted by Second Journey, will be July 13-16 at the Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island. For information click here.