"After scolding one's cat, one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word and has filed it for reference." - Charlotte Gray
Photo courtesy of the very talented photographer and my friend, Daniel Kantak. View his other amazing images at Daniel Kantak Photography.
In downtown Juneau in 2004, a massive fire led to the total destruction of the old C.W. Young Building on Front and Seward Streets, resulting in a gaping hole in prime real estate, which Juneauites began identifying as "The Pit." This eyesore lasted for over five years.
The "Fix the Pit" effort, initially sponsored by participants of the 2010 Leadership Juneau Program, sought to facilitate a positive resolution to the downtown eyesore. After public testimony, community outreach, and much involvement and support from a variety of stakeholders, the Pit once again made front page news: the Sealaska Corporation announced on June 18, 2010, their purchase of "The Pit."
Work soon began on filling the deep expansive hole, and leveled areas were beautifully landscaped. For the past few years, the location has become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
It's exciting for Juneau that this great space keeps getting better! The first phase of construction is soon to begin on the Walter Soboleff Center. The Sealaska Heritage Center will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, August 1 at 12pm at the building site on Front and Seward Streets across from Sealaska Plaza.
Enjoy the nostalgic photos below, and hope to see you at the groundbreaking this Thursday!
Here are a few photos of today's rainbow that stretched over the cruise ships and the Gastineau Channel. Yes really. Another rainbow.
When I was growing up in Alabama, one wouldn't dream of an open-to-the-public picnic with the Governor and the First Lady. It just didn't happen. But up here in Alaska, the Governor has a family-style picnic not just in the capital city, but throughout many locations across our great state. The 2013 Governor's Family Picnic in Juneau at Sandy Beach was hosted by lots of volunteers and proved that Alaskans can have fun - rain or shine!
Members of the Governor's Cabinet were on hand to serve the public scrumptious Alaska WILD salmon.
With Governor Sean Parnell
Double rainbows over Gastineau Channel.
With Department of Public Safety Commissioner Joseph A. Masters
A woman... at the end of her rainbow.
This very artistic photo was created by my awesome friend, Deb Quinn. Thanks, Deb!
