Capital Chat

First Friday, Celebration & the New Chapter for JAHC

JAHC Executive Director Maggie joins Cliff to preview a busy First Friday in Juneau, including the SHI Student Show at the Davis Gallery, open from 4 to 7 p.m. and free to the public. They also talk about the sold-out Jack Laughs comedy event, JAHC’s growing role in bringing live performances to Southeast Alaska, and what’s ahead as the Arts Council rebuilds with a renewed focus on supporting local artists and strengthening Juneau’s creative community. From First Friday and Celebration to food trucks, grants, galleries, and the future of the arts in Alaska’s capital city, this conversation highlights why the JAHC remains an important home for art, culture, and community connection in Juneau.

What’s Ahead for the Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Beth from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum joins Cliff to talk about summer hours, the continuing Critter Trek exhibit, and First Friday access at the museum. The conversation also turns to the proposed City and Borough of Juneau budget cuts that could significantly reduce staffing, public access, programming, walking tours, and community services at the museum. Beth explains why the museum matters as a public trust, a home for community memory, and an ambassador for Juneau’s history. They also preview upcoming museum events, including the Evergreen Cemetery walking tour and a July 10 author talk with Patrick Bringley, author of All the Beauty in the World. A thoughtful conversation about Juneau history, civic support, and the uncertain future of one of the city’s important cultural institutions.

Juneau Flood Preparedness: Why Insurance Can’t Wait

With Juneau’s annual glacial outburst flood season approaching, Cliff talks with Robin Lonas of Robin Lonas State Farm [https://www.907neighbor.com/] about what homeowners need to know before the water rises. Robin explains some of the biggest misconceptions about flood coverage, including why standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, why every Juneau property has a FEMA flood zone designation, and why the 30-day waiting period makes it critical to act early. They also discuss the difference between insurance and disaster grants, how flood coverage can help protect homes and contents, and why many residential policies in the Mendenhall Valley may be more affordable than people assume. A timely conversation for Juneau residents about preparation, protection, and taking action before August flood risks arrive.

Jackie Renninger Park Day: A New Vision for Community Recreation

Mark from Juneau Parks and Recreation and Chris from Corvus Design join Cliff to preview Jackie Renninger Park Day and the next phase of plans for the park. They discuss the latest design concepts, including eight proposed pickleball courts, a new covered street-style skate park, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, restrooms, a community gathering space, a fitness trail, multi-use courts, disc golf, and what could become Juneau’s first covered playground. The conversation also highlights why public input matters, how parks improve quality of life, and why this part of Juneau has been identified as underserved when it comes to recreation spaces. The event includes a community barbecue, public design feedback, skate sessions, a skate jam, a best trick competition, music, and appearances by professional skaters Canton Russell and Brandon Turner. A lively look at the future of Jackie Renninger Park and how community feedback can help shape one of Juneau’s next major public recreation spaces.

UAS Outdoor Studies: Learning, Leadership and Life Outside

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff talks with UAS Outdoor Studies Director and philosophy professor Kevin Krein, English professor Kevin Maier, and recent graduate Sage Chavez about how the University of Alaska Southeast is blending outdoor skills with big academic questions. They discuss UAS courses that take students from the classroom into the field, including Mountain Studies, Salmon, Sport and Society, rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, avalanche education and outdoor leadership. Sage shares how the Mountain Studies course helped her learn to ski for the first time and how outdoor experiences may shape her future work in therapy. The conversation also explores why slowing down, thinking clearly and using your head may be one of the most important survival tools in the outdoors. A look at outdoor education, personal growth and the unique learning opportunities available in Juneau through UAS.