Quick questions
for Carol Sebastian, executive director of the Spokane-based Neighborhood Alliance:
Who inspires you?
“People like Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir – I’ve read a lot about them and their books. And individuals inspire me. People I meet in the neighborhoods who have a lot of dedication and passion for what they do.”
Cats or dogs?
“Both. I have both. Cats are very independent, creative and innovative – and they know how to relax, I admire that.” She will not say exactly how many cats she has. “I have two dogs – they are all-American mutts. Rachel is 16 and I had Sara, but she passed away. I think she sent us (new puppy) Tarah. Tarah is turning out to be just like her.”
Growing up, what did you want to be?
“Oh, that’s easy: I wanted to fly fighter jets. That was all from living on the military bases. At the time that wasn’t possible (for a woman) but it’s possible today. Then I wanted to be a vet. I worked for one, but then I realized I would have to be a millionaire to take care of all the animals I wanted to take care of, so I switched to biology.”
Is there a store you miss around here?
“Trader Joe’s. I just don’t get why they won’t move here.”
What’s your favorite meal, and can you cook it?
“I am a good cook, but it came to me later in life – housework is not something I took to easily (laughs). My favorite food is ethnic food, Asian food, and I know how to cook it.”
The Neighborhood Alliance aims to empower and connect neighborhoods in the Inland Northwest.
It consists of neighborhood communities and individuals who are committed to improving uses of land, natural resources and energy so nature, environment and quality of life is sustained or improved instead of being depleted or degraded.
The group was founded in 1998 by Bonnie Mager, now a Spokane County commissioner.
In 2000, the alliance took on the neighborhood planning under the Comprehensive Plan, including developing a tool box for neighborhood planning.
Since then, the alliance has been involved in many land-use issues.
To learn more about the Neighborhood Alliance go to www.neighborhood-alliance.org or call (509) 232-2772.