Today TV Series Being Filmed Near The Park

"Three Busy Debras, a cable quarter hour comedy television series, is being filmed today in a home in the 4200 block of 48th Avenue NE as well as in the park. The home recently sold for $2,650,000.

Television production trucks are set up along 48th Avenue NE, on the east side of Laurelhurst Park, including multiple trailers used as dressing rooms, others for lighting and production equipment as well as generators. Portable restrooms are set up in the parking lot of the Park. 

The production company has received a City permit  for reserved parking between NE 45th Street and NE 39th Street for the numerous trailers and trucks.  Access to through traffic along 48th Avenue NE is restricted to local resident access only, with appropriate signage and flaggers.

It appears that filming may also take place in the Park sometime today as numerous small desks and chairs are set up on the south eastern side in between the parking lot and the home where filming is occurring. 

 "Three Busy Debras premiered on Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim on March 30, 2020.  Many of the scenes for Season 1 were filmed in Snoqualmie.

The show "follows the surreal day-to-day lives of three deranged housewives, all named Debra, in their affluent suburban town of Lemoncurd, Connecticut."  

The show is executive produced by Amy Poehler and Kim Lessing through Paper Kite Productions.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Adult Swim started experimenting with late-night programming in an attempt to see if teenagers or young adults would tune in after hours.

On May 31, 2020, Adult Swim renewed the series for a second season, which will include scenes from the film production in Laurelhurst today. Other scenes were also shot in a film production studio under the West Seattle Bridge, according to one of the actors at the Park.

Here is some information about  "Three Busy Debras:

Three Busy Debras follows three women named Debra who, well, live quite busy lives. 

Created by Mitra Jouhari, Sandy Honig, and Alyssa Stonoha, who star as the three Debras, met while performing with the sketch comedy group, Upright Citizens Brigade, where the initial idea for Three Busy Debras came about during one of their performances. 

They then turned it into a one act play, then a web series, before finally bringing it to television — and nabbed a star producer in Amy Poehler. 

Within its short episodes — around 12 to 15 minutes each — Three Busy Debras parodies suburban life, specifically that of suburban housewives, along with wealth and privilege. The three individual Debras, must exist within the umbrella of being the group of Debras, while also existing on their own.

Outdoor Fire Pit City Regulations

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email from a neighbor:

We live north of the park and a neighbor has an outdoor fire pit. One night, the fire pit was burning and the smoke was very thick, and lingered around our home and others for hours. What is the Seattle code for use of personal fire pits?

Here is information from Seattle Fire Department:

Outdoor Fire Regulations  

Fire Department permits are not required for use of portable outdoor fireplaces, recreational fires and cooking fires unless they exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Fires larger than three feet by two feet require a permit from both the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Seattle Fire Department. 

Air Quality Regulations
When air quality conditions are poor, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency may enact a ban on both indoor and outdoor burning. To determine if an air quality burn ban is in effect, call 1-800-595-4341, or visit their web site at www.pscleanair.org.

Requirements for Recreational Fires (Seattle Fire Code)
Recreational fires are those for cooking, pleasure, religious, ceremonial or similar purposes where the fire is not contained in an outdoor fireplace, grill or barbecue pit.

Recreational fires are allowed only if all of the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The fire is not more than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. 3. The fire is located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 4. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 5. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating. 6. The fire is continually attended by an adult until it is completely extinguished. 7. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

Use of Portable Outdoor Fireplaces 

A patio fireplace is one that is designed to function as a masonry or factory-built fireplace, except that they are portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning fireplaces. They may be constructed of steel, concrete or clay and may or may not be equipped with a short chimney. Use of patio fireplaces is allowed if the following conditions are met: 1. No air quality burn ban is in effect. 2. The patio fireplace is not placed on a deck or balcony and is not located within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material or vegetation. Use of patio fireplaces at single family homes and duplexes are exempt from this requirement. 3. Trash, yard waste, rubbish, or paper products are not being burned. 4. Fire extinguishing equipment is readily available for use. This should include a shovel and two buckets of water, or a a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating is present. 5. The fire is not being conducted on public property where fires are prohibited, such as in a park or on school grounds. Fires in parks are only allowed where specifically authorized, and where appropriate burning receptacles are provided. 

For more information go here. 

City Approves Pickle Ball Court On Existing Half Tennis Court Area At Laurelhurst Park

 

Plans are underway for converting the existing half tennis court with a backboard, adjacent to the four tennis courts at the Park.  The court is part of the Seattle Parks Department. 

Several neighbors, Frank Chiappone and Wendy Kelley ,have had their plans already approved by the City through the small improvements project.  Frank said that neighbor input was not required during the approval process "with no change to the structure of the court or impact on how it’s currently being used as a practice court for tennis, soccer, lacrosse and others." 

The group has been working on this proposal for the past year. Several pickball players use the court from time to time bringing their own portable nets. 

Frank added:

 All we’re doing is adding a sport court surface and pickleball lines to the existing concrete which will actually enhance the space for tennis players without limiting their ability to use the wall or the court for practice. As for the net, it has wheels that are clearly visible at the base and can easily be moved by one person, so while we certainly can put signs up to inform folks the net can be rolled away, it will be fairly self-evident. We use these same nets on tennis/pickleball courts around the city and people simply move them on and off the court as needed.

The group said that currently the cost is $12,100 which includes court resurfacing, painting lines and purchasing semi-permanent nets. 

In addition, $4,000 will be raised to promote pickleball in other areas.  Currently they are considering providing funding for semi-permanent nets for courts in Rainer Valley.  

So the total cost required for the project is $16,000.  Chiappone is donating $3,000 which will be matched by his employer .  The Seattle Metro Pickelball Association will manage the fund raising effort.  Currently the closest courts are in Mapleleaf and Greenlake.  

Frank told the Laurelhurst Blog that the court is the perfect size for a pickleball court and he provided these specifics:

• We have been working directly with Seattle Parks on this project and met with the Laurelhurst Community Club which placed information in a recent newsletter. No other broader outreach has been done to gather input/feedback
• We will use a heavy-duty rolling pickleball net that can be pushed to the side when not in use for pickleball. Though even when it is in place it will not prohibit anyone from still using the wall for tennis, soccer, lacrosse, etc. 
• The current lines are for pickleball, but what’s currently being used is temporary parking tape that does not hold up well against rain and bad weather and is in constant need of repair.
• The plan is to resurface the existing concrete with an acrylic court resurfacer and then paint a single pickleball court oriented north and south using sport surface paint in two colors (see artist rendition below)
• The concrete wall that runs along the east side of the court will not be replaced.

The public can make a tax-deductible donation here. When $12,500 is reached, construction will begin.  

For further information contact Wendy Kelly: wendygkelley@hotmail.com and Frank Chiappone: frankchip@hotmail.com.

Former Laurelhurst Elementary School Head Teacher Involved in "Disturbing Discipline" According to News Report

 

Edward Roos

(courtesy of SPS)

Edward Roos, former Principal at View Ridge Elementary School, is in the news for alleged mistreatment of a student at that school. According to the KUOW article, he resigned last month, after a lengthy investigation.

Here is the full article titled: "Locked in ‘the cage.’ Report finds disturbing discipline measures at Seattle school."

Roos was Head Teacher at Laurelhurst Elementary School for the 2014 and 2015 school years.  He was not a teacher, but reportedly acted in a vice principle role. Roos worked under the Principal at the time, Sarah Talbot, who also started the same year, after Principal Jolly resigned.

In 2016 a petition was posted to remove Talbot from Laurelhurst Elementary School due to many serious parent concerns.

An article was written about her here titled: "Why Does the District Let Good Schools Go Bad?"

In 2015, Talbot was responsible for having a portable delivered without going through the proper City approval process. 

Roos shows as receiving, while at Laurelhurst, in 2014 $59,183 and $61,340 in 2015. The following year he received $109,675 during his first year as Principal at View Ridge Elementary and the last 2 years he received $125,963 and $135,425.

It has been reported that Roos also received many complaints from parents as did Talbot during his 2 years at Laurelhurst Elementary School.

The Laurelhurst Blog received multiple emails following the news report:

Mr. Roos seemed to single out mostly 3rd-5th grade boys and was demeaning and humiliating to them. He was known for forcing them to put their heads on the lunch table if they talked too loudly or did anything Roos did not like. He was shaming and his style of discipline was offensive and damaging to many boys he singled out for no valid reason.  

My son was in 5th grade when Roos was at Laurelhurst Elementary School. He was never in trouble during his other 5 years at the school. When Roos arrived he was treated with disdain with no explanation whatsoever. He was made to feel ashamed in front of his friends, mostly at lunch, and on the playground. It had a huge negative impact on my son for years after he graduated from the school. 

It is with great happiness and relief to read that Mr. Roos is no longer employed by Seattle Public Schools. Reading the information in the article is greatly disturbing, but comes as no surprise, seeing how Mr. Roos treated students, especially the older boys, with no respect, using his power in a very negative manner that had damaging effects on students. Unfortunately, it seemed that Talbot gave him great power to do as he wanted, though he was only "Head Teacher" and he appeared to take full advantage of that.

I had 2 boys at Laurelhurst Elementary School that were both treated extremely poorly by Mr. Roos. It was heartbreaking to see my boys come home with little confidence and very little joy or passion for school anymore.

It was in Mr. Roos' demeanor to be insulting, humiliating and unkind to students, especially those in the latter grades at Laurelhurst Elementary school. He often lectured students during the entire lunch period, told them to put their heads down on the table for 10-15 minutes taking up their lunch time and carried out other disciplinary actions that were disrespectful and disparaging. So many parents were concerned during those 2 years he was at Laurelhurst Elementary School but Talbot covered for him, herself disliked by many parents as well.

Hopefully View Ridge will get a better Principal and will move forward in a positive way. It took Laurelhurst Elementary years to move forward after the damage done by Talbot and Roos to the school community.  

Firepit Will Not Be Removed

Seattle Parks and Recreation posted this information on their website:

Laurelhurst Firepit to remain open (March 4)

Over the years, many community members have shared concerns about vandalism and unattended fires at the Laurelhurst firepit. When Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) recently proposed addressing these concerns through the removal of the firepit, many community members reached out to say that they were not pleased with this plan. 

We heard from many of you about how this firepit still serves as an important community gathering location and how it holds lots of value to the Laurelhurst community. So for now, SPR will not be moving forward with plans to remove the firepit. 

We will continue to listen to and respond to public concerns, and will follow the community’s lead on how we can best support community-building efforts and safety in this neighborhood. 

If you have comments or concerns about the firepit, please email pks_info@seattle.gov.

Seattle Parks Department published on their Parkways website on January 24th about removal of the Laurelhurst Park firepit. 

However, Parks did not inform the Laurelhurst Community Club about their decision until February 10th, a few minutes before their monthly Board meeting. And neighbors found out about it, through each other as there was no information posted on any neighborhood websites. 

A neighbor pointed out that it is interesting that Parks published that the firepit would stay on Nextdoor the day they published the information on their Parkways site. But when they were going to remove the firepit, Parks didn't publish this information on Nextdoor. Neighbors said it seemed quite evident that Parks was trying to follow through with the removal under the radar, without the neighborhood knowing about it, without seeking any input from the community or contacting LCC or the Blog to get the information out. 

Rachel, Parks spokesperson, told the Laurelhurst Blog that Parks shared the information on their blog, their websites, Twitter and Facebook. Rachel is incorrect, as the information was not on the LCC website and LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that they just found out the decision the same day as their recent LCC meeting last month. The Laurelhurst Blog found a post on Park's Twitter and Facebook, but not until 3 days after their Parkways post.

Rachel also told the Laurelhurst Blog when they were moving forward with the firepit removal:

Both community members and staff who have worked at Laurelhurst community center have expressed concerns over the years of the dangerous activity that happens at the fire pit. In response to these concerns, we proposed the removal of the fire pit.  The concerns are unattended fires or lit embers, drinking, vandalism, littering, and fires happening outside of the fire pit. These concerns were shared with our grounds and community center staff over years and so we don’t have a written record.

The Laurelhurst Blog asked Rachel about the complaints received - how many, when and nature of the complaints and Rachel she said that Parks had not documented one single complaint over the years to support the information she posted in her Parkways media release post.  Yet these undocumented comments were what closure of the firepit was based upon.

Parks also never solicited feedback from the community regarding their sudden decision that has an impact on many members of the community and beyond, though Rachel said she did ask for feedback, which is not accurate. Neighbors commented Parks when word got out, not the other way around.

Neighbors commented following the most recent media release:

It seems Parks was really trying to close the firepit and do it under the radar, as there are so many avenues to get information out and quickly. 

Parks also didn't mention in their latest media release they a neighbor hand deliver almost 500 signatures from an on-line petition started by a long-time neighbor who said "A vocal minority has the parks department closing down the fire pit in Laurelhurst Park. Please sign this petition to save the fire pit!" 

It is surprising that the the public had to initiate contact to Parks, once the public found out about parks's very quiet action.   

Parks should have solicited public input from the neighborhood,  some of us have lived in Laurelhurst since 1970 and are not in favor of removal!!

In 2007, the fire pit was in jeapordy of being removed, and LCC supported the recommendation of some neighbors to remove it. Seattle Parks' Royal Alley-Barnes presented her plan at an LCC meeting for the removal and recommendation of replacement with a portable unit. LCC suggested that the Community Center Advisory group have an opportunity to weigh in on this decision. 

A group of neighbors were very vocal against removal of the fire pit  asked for a formal public process to weigh in on the final decision. The group said that there was lack of public input and that there a certain uniqueness of the urban fire pit as well as a decades-long history and tradition of the fire pit.

Concerning us of firepits in the City, the Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires states:  

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says: 

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

In addition, the Laurelhurst Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.  Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.

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Fire Pit To Be Removed

Seattle Parks Department published this information on January 24th about removal of the Laurelhurst Park firepit. Parks did not inform the Laurelhurst Community Club about their decision until February 10th, when a representative attended LCC's Board meeting. Neighbors are just starting to find out this week.

Parks public relations post:

Saying goodbye to the Laurelhurst Fire Pit
January 24, 2020 by Christina Hirsch

Seattle Parks and Recreation will be removing the Laurelhurst Fire Pit in the coming weeks. Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires and unattended fires. Staff have also reported fires being ignited by youth under the age of 18 without adult supervision as well as users burning trash or unclean wood. In addition, neighbors have complained each summer about the smoke and the use of the pit, including issues around trash and alcohol bottles being left in the area. 

We are sad to see the fire pit go, but we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff. 

Do you have fond memories of the Laurelhurst Fire Pit? We’d love to see pics of how you’ve enjoyed the fire pit over the years! Please share pictures or your favorite memories by tagging “SeattleParks” on Twitter or “Seattle Parks and Recreation” on Facebook. 

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Christina copying several others Parks employees on the email and said:

We have some questions about your 1/24 Parkways post:

• Is this the only communication to the public about this? What if someone doesn't read Parkways? Neighbors are just finding out about this. 
• It appears that Parks is keeping this quiet as no one knows about this and just wants to quickly and quietly remove the firepit.
• Who made the decision? 
• Were any neighbors contacted or the Laurelhurst Community Club?
• When will the firepit be removed? 
• You said  - "Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires and unattended fires" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
• You said "neighbors have complained each summer about the smoke and the use of the pit" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
• You said "we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff" - where are these concerns documented?
• What are the "health concerns? 
• When are staff at the park? Our Blog staff is there throughout the day and have only seen Parks personnel cleaning the bathrooms and picking up trash at the garbage cans around the park. The Blog Staff has on occasion seen garbage around the pit. There seems to be 1-2 calls to the Fire Department over the last 2 years.
• If people have "fond memories" why would you ask them to share pictures on Twitter? It seems contradictory

Christopher Williams, Superintendent of Parks, mistakenly replied all to the email, but didn't remove the Laurelhurst Blog on the email and he said: Let’s huddle today CW."

Rachel, Parks spokesperson responded:

Thanks for reaching out. Both community members and staff who have worked at Laurelhurst community center have expressed concerns over the years of the dangerous activity that happens at the fire pit. In response to these concerns, we proposed the removal of the fire pit, but first wanted to hear from community about this change. 

We have shared this information on our blog, on our website (both Laurelhurst park page and Laurelhurst CC page), on twitter, and Facebook. We met with the Advisory Council at Laurelhurst Community Center on Feb 3, and at a Community Club meeting on Monday (2/11).

Rachel is incorrect, the information is not on the LCC website, the last time the Laurelhurst Blog checked, and LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that they just found out the decision the same day as their recent LCC meeting which occurred on Monday, February 10. 

The Laurelhurst Blog found a post on Park's Twitter and Facebook, but not until 3 days after their Parkways post.

The Laurelhurst Blog sent another email to Rachel saying:

LCC learned about the removal just before their Monday meeting.  Neighbors don't read any of the social media you have put this very important news on. The Advisory Council is comprised of members that are your staff and a few neighbors and neighbors don't attend that meeting.

Why didn't you contact us to publish the info? There is no info on the LCC site - at least on their first page. There are many more ways you could have gotten the word out - sent an email out through LCC's Constant Contact resource, but none have been done, only information published on your Parks site, of which very few people read. 

Also why hasn't Cara, Laurelhurst Community Club Recreation Coordinator, sent out information?  

Rachel responded:

We are still continuing to hear out community on this proposed changed and do not yet have a date for removal.

Today the Laurelhurst Blog sent another email:

We are following up as we have not received a response. We look forward to hearing from you with specifics in response to our questions.  

Rachel responded today saying:

We have no timeline for removal, and please direct folks to email us with any concerns. The best place to do that is pks_info@seattle.gov.

The Laurelhurst Blog responded:

We are directing ourselves to you with our concerns!  Please answer our questions. Thank you.

And no response has been received again.

Comments on the Parks Department Facebook page said:

I saw people using it for the first time last summer and it was so idyllic. Neighbors having a little evening fire making s'mores. Sad to see it go. 

This is outrageous. Utter failure of leadership starting with Jenny Durkin. 

It's always sad that a few can spoil it for hundreds of others

The Laurelhurst Blog also contacted Cara, Laurelhurst Community Center Recreation Coordinator, who said;

Rachel, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Communications Manager, will be able to answer your questions regarding the fire pit.  

Mike Wayte, a long time Laurelhurst resident has started an on-line petition saying:

A vocal minority has the parks department closing down the fire pit in Laurelhurst Park. Please sign this petition to save the fire pit! 

In 2007, the fire pit was in jeapordy of being removed, and LCC supported the recommendation of some neighbors to remove it. Seattle Parks' Royal Alley-Barnes presented her plan at an LCC meeting for the removal and recommendation of replacement with a portable unit. LCC suggested that the Community Center Advisory group have an opportunity to weigh in on this decision. 

A group of neighbors were very vocal against removal of the fire pit  asked for a formal public process to weigh in on the final decision. The group said that there was lack of public input and that there a certain uniqueness of the urban fire pit as well as a decades-long history and tradition of the fire pit.

In response to whether arks Public Involvement Policy, LCC stated, at the time, that Parks formal public involvement policy applies to proposals to 1) acquire property, 2) initiate funded capital projects or 3) make changes to a park or facility, LCC added that it's unclear whether the policy applies to the situation of removing and/or replacing the fire pit.

LCC also added, at the time, that citizens certainly have the right to ask for additional public process. But whether a public meeting is held is up to the Parks Superintendent.  

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many emails from neighbors against the removal of the fire pit. Here are some of the comments: 

We have lived in the neighborhood for decades and have just learned about Parks' decision. Why wasn't the community notified via an on-line communication that neighbors read, such as this Blog, or LCC. We don't know anyone that reads "Parkways." Parks seems to have made this decision and is doing their best to not let anyone know. Doesn't Parks represent the neighborhood and its interests? 

We are very disappointed with Parks that they would act alone without any communication to the neighborhood to close this gathering spot which has been used for generations. Where is the evidence that Parks is referring to in their Parkways post?  

We have used the firepit through many generations of our family and were surprised to hear that suddenly it is being removed. Seems it would be due diligence to provide statistics on all that Parks is saying about its concerns - health, etc. We have never heard of these types of concerns over the many, many years we have lived in the neighborhood. 

It really seems that Parks is acting completely on their own and keeping all the information under the radar so that no one finds out, regardless of whether neighbors agree with the decision or not. 

It is really upsetting that Seattle Parks and Recreation that serves and promotes community has made their own decision with no neighbor input and on top of that, has not used any social media that people actually read to get the word out widely.   

Can there not be a public input process on this important decision? It appears that Parks has made the decision completely by themselves without publishing any specific information that they refer to in their Parkways post.  Does it really exist or is it just lip service and a PR spin? 

Other neighbors said:

We are glad to see that the firepit will be removed. In the summers mostly, groups hang out there till quite late, after the Park has formally closed. We have never heard of any safety issues ever or unattended fires, but we will be glad that it will be quiet in the park. 

I walk the park every day and have seen garbage around the firepit and always pick it up. The debris from the fire is never outside the firepit and we don't have concerns about fires that are not put out. But it seems that sometimes there are groups who may not be managing themselves well at the fire pit. So maybe it is a good idea to remove it.

Parks Department contacts:

Rachel Schulkin: Rachel.Schulkin@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8020
Christopher Williams, Superintendent: Christopher.Williams@seattle.gov
Cara Brown: Cara.Brown@seatte.govGeneral
Parks general email: pks_info@seatte.govAssociated Recreation Council (ARC): www.seattle.gov/Parks/Arc

To sign Mike's petition go here.

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Please contact the Laurelhurst blog at laurelhurstblogger@gmail.com with comments or information you receive from Parks Department representatives.

Tomorrow Laurelhurst Resident's Book Signing At UW Bookstore

Long-time Laurelhurst resident, Jim Rupp, invites the neighborhood to his discussion and book signing, Art in Seattle's Public Spaces From SoDo to South Lake Union, tomorrow at 6pm at the University Bookstore.  

Jim and his book were also featured in a recent segment of KING 5’s Evening program. 

Jim told the Laurelhurst Blog that he is a Laurelhurst native whose parents lived in the neighborhood from 1938 to 1989. Jim moved back to the neighborhood in 1983, and he and his wife have two children, who are both graduates of Laurelhurst Elementary School and Roosevelt High School.

Jim started collecting information about art in Seattle’s public places when he was in Roosevelt High School "about 50 years ago." 

"I was always frustrated that whenever I saw art around town, there was nothing available to tell what that art was and how it got there," Jim told the Laurelhurst Blog. 

Jim’s first book, Art in Seattle’s Public Places, and Illustrated Guide, covers art in the entire city, and was published in 1992 by the University of Washington Press. 

Jim said his newest book, which took five years to research, is  a "more portable book" than his first one, as it covers the area specifically from SoDo to South Lake Union and includes the waterfront and the Olympic Sculpture Park."

Jim said in about two years he hopes to publish another book, Art in Seattle’s Neighborhood Public Spaces, which will cover artworks throughout the rest of the city, including Laurelhurst and other neighborhoods in Northeast Seattle.  Following that book, he hopes to write a cultural history of early Seattle.

The information Jim sent to the Laurelhurst Blog said:

James Rupp is a Seattle native, long-time lawyer, and local historian who has been collecting information about art in Seattle's public places for over forty years. This is his second book on the subject. Sculptor Miguel Edwards has been a commercial and fine-art photographer in Seattle since 1992. His clients include Pacific Northwest municipalities and Fortune 500 companies, and his photographs have been included in numerous publications, including Billboard and City Arts magazines.  

From cedar totem poles to high-tech video installations, downtown Seattle sparkles with hundreds of artworks adorning plazas, lobbies, parks, and waterfront piers and paths. This impressive collection, comprising works by artists with regional or international reputations (and often both), has expanded rapidly as Seattle's urban core has grown. 

The explosive development of South Lake Union in recent years has brought major works by Jaume Plensa, Julie Speidel, Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo, Buster Simpson, Jenny Heishman, and more. The Seattle Art Museum's ten-year-old Olympic Sculpture Park provides a breathtaking setting for Richard Serra's monumental Wake and Beverly Pepper's ever-changing Perre's Ventaglio III, and links the downtown waterfront to Myrtle Edwards Park, which features Michael Heizer's once-maligned and now beloved Adjacent, Against, Upon. 

To tell the lively stories of those who commissioned and created these artworks, James Rupp interviewed and corresponded with more than ninety artists, also drawing from newspaper reviews, books, catalogs, and artist statements. Photographs by Miguel Edwards, all new to this book, showcase the pieces' street-level presentation and help the reader understand the larger impact of each work in its neighborhood context.  

This comprehensive guide offers detailed information about the individual works of art, organized by downtown neighborhood, and features: more than 350 artworks, over 300 color photographs, 9 9 detailed area maps for self-guided tours, unique descriptions of each artwork and biographies of all the artists. 

Perfect for art and architecture lovers, as well as visitors and newcomers to the city, Art in Seattle's Public Spaces showcases the wealth of urban art to be freely enjoyed by all. 

Jim told the Laurelhurst Blog that his book has already sold over 1,000 copies. It is available in local bookstores and through online booksellers, as well as directly from the author.