People power

About 175,000 households and businesses in Seattle City Light's service area — about half of the utility's customer base — lost power because of the Dec. 14 storm. Neighborhoods flooded, people died and the City Council has begun assessing how the response of — and coordination between — city agencies can be improved.

It's no secret that some in Seattle believe the city didn't do enough to prepare for — or respond to — the storm. Their time to vent will be next Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at a public hearing to solicit comment on the city's performance during the storm.

Speaker sign-ups begin at 5 p.m.

Councilman Richard Conlin's Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee and Councilwoman Jean Godden's Energy and Technology Committee are jointly holding the hearing at City Hall's council chambers, 600 Fourth Ave.

Be outdoorsy

Beginning Jan. 6, the U.S. Forest Service will offer guided snowshoe walks at both Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass. The winter hikes will take place every Saturday and Sunday through March 25.

At Snoqualmie Pass, the moderately paced walks will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will last about 90 minutes. Group size is limited to 20 people, and no children under 10 may take part. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, half-day snowshoe outings also are being offered.

For more information or to reserve a spot, call Kim Larned at the Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1062. After Jan. 6, reservations can be made by calling the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Information Center at 425-434-6111.

At Stevens Pass, the walks depart at 1:30 p.m. from the Forest Service guard station, in parking lot A of the ski area. A transit shuttle to the guard station leaves from the Mountain View Chevron in Sultan.

Saturday walks are 1.5 miles, designed for novices and last from 90 minutes to two hours. Sunday hikes are more rigorous — a three-mile round trip walk that lasts between two hours and 2 ½ hours. Each walk is limited to 12 hikers.

Reservations may be made the Wednesday through Friday before the date of the outing by calling the Skykomish Ranger District at 360-677-2414 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A donation of $10 is requested for each hike. Snowshoes are provided.

Discuss the outdoors

The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based recreation and conservation advocacy organization, is convening a panel Jan. 11 to delve into climbing topics related to safety, ethics and an increase in climbs by tourists. Recent high-profile rescues have prompted questions about the future of Himalayan ascents.

Ed Viesturs, of Bainbridge Island, the first American to climb the world's 14 highest peaks using no supplemental oxygen, is one of seven panelists scheduled to participate.

The event is at 7 p.m. at The Mountaineers building, 300 Third Ave. W. Tickets are $10, ($8 for members of The Mountaineers or the American Alpine Club) and available through The Mountaineers at its office or by calling 206-284-6310.

This edition of Here & Now was compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Stuart Eskenazi.

To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.