High-voltage women

Working on high-voltage power lines is a dangerous job that's been reserved almost exclusively for men. But 45 years ago, a courageous group of women broke barriers at Seattle City Light determined to enter the electrical trades. The female crew of trainees faced resentment, harassment and, at one point, some were fired. But the women refused to give up and persevered. CityStream hears from some of these pioneers who blazed a trail for female lineworkers today. Linda Byron shares their story of will and determination.

On June 1, 1909, Seattle's first world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition or "AYPE," took place on the grounds of the University of Washington. The fair shaped the campus in ways that are visible today and highlighted Seattle as the gateway to the Pacific. Watch a 2009 documentary, produced by John Forsen and narrated by Tom Skerritt, celebrating the centennial of Seattle's forgotten world's fair.

Last summer, wildfire smoke caused Seattle to have the worst air quality in the world. Hilary Franz, Washington’s commissioner of public lands, will discuss the region’s wildfire readiness. And, 50 years ago this June at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, riots ignited the fight for LGBTQ civil rights. Tobi Hill-Meyer, co-executive director of the Gender Justice League, and Anne Levinson, a former municipal court judge and deputy mayor of Seattle and one of Washington's first out public officials, join host Joni Balter to discuss how far the movement has come and how far it has to go. Join the discussion at the June Civic Cocktail, 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, at the Palace Ballroom, 2100 Fifth Ave. Presented in partnership with Seattle CityClub.