Dec. 23, 2008 at 2:00am

Should Tacoma Be Slow?

There was an interesting article today on "Slow Cities" - an outgrowth of the Slow Food movement that started about 10 years ago. Canada may get the first "Slow Town" in North America: The Tyee- Slow Towns

In Europe, the movement is called Citta Slow:

Citta Slow applicants must adhere to a set of criteria to qualify. These address the unique qualities of the town, the sustainability of its infrastructure, the preservation of its history and the maintenance of local ways of doing things.

We are looking at slowing down traffic, encouraging street culture, promoting artisanal producers and meeting the sustainability goals set out in the Official Community Plan (OCP). According task force spokesperson Jody Schick, "There is a lot of will in Gibsons with people who have been involved in the OCP. The challenge is getting the boots on the ground and applying that vision statement into action."

Schick sees our group engaging with the public so that artists and musicians can reclaim the town's common spaces allowing children to play outside their fenced yards.

I like the intent and the fact that the criteria is measured for use in the designation. You can't have every city in the country be slow - there has to be some exclusivity to it! And while the European Citta Slow movement focuses on small towns (max pop 50,000), I think there could be a place for Tacoma to make a mark (should a more flexible system be adopted for the US.)

Slow Cities are strong communities that have made the choice to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants.

Check out the list of requirements (below).

What do you think? Should Tacoma aim to be slow?

Environmental Policies
1. Verification of the quality of the air, of water, of the soil within the parameters established by law.
2. Plans for the promotion and dissemination of differentiated refuse collection including urban refuse and special wastes.
3. Dissemination and promotion of industrial and domestic composting
4. Existence of a purification plant for urban or cooperative sewage.
5. Municipal plan for saving energy, with reference particularly to the use of alternative sources of energy (renewable sources, green hydrogen, mini hydroelectric power plant) and producing heat from RSU and biomasses.***
6. Ban on the use of O.G.M. *** in agriculture.
7. Municipal plan for the regulation of commercial art and traffic signs.
8. Systems for controlling electromagnetic pollution.
9. Program for controlling and reducing noise pollution.
10. Systems and programs for controlling light pollution.***
11. Adoption of systems of environmental management (EMAS and ECOLABEL or ISO 9001; ISO 14000, SA 8000 and participation in Agenda 21 projects). ***

Infrastructure policies
1. Plans for improving and for the reclamation of historical centers and/or works of cultural or historical value
2. Plans for safe mobility and traffic
3. Bicycle tracks connecting schools and public buildings.
4. Plans favoring alternative mobility over private transportation and for the integration of traffic with public means of transportation and pedestrian areas (extra-urban car parks linked to public transportation, escalators, moving walkways, rail or cable installations, cycling tracks, pedestrian itineraries providing access to schools, work places, etc.) ***
5. Verification of the application of D.L. 503/’96 to guarantee that public places and those of public interest are accessible for the disabled and the removal of architectural barriers and access to technologies. ***
6. Promotion of programs to facilitate family life and local activities (recreation, sports, activities aimed at creating bonds between school and family, assistance, including home assistance for the elderly and chronically ill, social centers, regulatory plan of municipal business hours, public lavatories). ***
7. Center for medical assistance.
8. Quality green areas respecting the minimum complement of equipment as established by the D.M. 1444/’68 and service infrastructures (interconnecting green areas, play grounds, etc.)
9. Plan for the distribution of merchandise and the creation of “commercial centers for natural products”.
10. Agreement with the shopkeepers with regards to the reception and assistance to citizens in trouble: “friendly shops”.
11. Redevelopment of deteriorating urban areas and projects for the reutilization of the city.
12. Program for an urban restyling and upgrading. ***
13. Integration of the U.R.P. functions, with Slow City information windows. ***

Technologies and facilities for Urban Quality
1. Window for bio-architecture and programs for the training of personnel assigned to the information project for the promotion of bioarchitecture ***
2. Equipping the city with cables for optical fiber and wireless systems
3. Adoption of systems for monitoring electromagnetic fields.
4. Providing refuse containers in keeping with the environment and the landscape and removal according to established timetables.
5. Programs and promotion for planting public and private places with important environmentally suitable plants, preferably autochthonous in line with criteria of landscape gardening.
6. Plans for providing services for the citizens (Dissemination of municipal services via internet and plans for creating and educating the citizens in the use of an internet-based civic network).
7. Plan for controlling noise in specifically noisy areas.
8. Plan concerning colors.
9. Promotion of telework.

Safeguarding autochthonous production
1. Plans for the development of organic farming. ***
2. Certification of the quality of artisan produced products and objects and artistic crafts. ***
3. Programs for the safeguarding of artisan and/or artistic craft products in danger of extinction. ***
4. Safeguarding traditional methods of work and professions at a risk of extinction. ***
5. Use of organic products and/or those produced in the territory and the preservation of local traditions in restaurants, protected structures, school cafeterias). ***
6. Programs for educating taste and nutrition in schools in collaboration with Slow Food***
7. Favoring the activities of wine and gastronomic Slow Food Presidia for species and preparations risking extinction. ***
8. Census of the typical products of the territory and support of their commercialization (updating of markets for local products, creation of appropriate spaces). ***
9. Census of trees in the city and enhancing the value of large trees or “historical trees”.
10. Promoting and preserving local cultural events. ***
11. Promoting “urban” and school gardens for autochthonous cultures grown with traditional methods.

Hospitality
1. Training courses for tourist information and quality hospitality***.
2. Using international signs in the tourist signs of the historical centers with guided tourist itineraries. ***
3. Reception policies and plans to facilitate the approach of the visitors to the city and access to information and services (parking, extension/elasticity of opening hours of public offices, etc.) with particular regards to scheduled events.
4. Preparation of “slow” itineraries of the city (brochures, websites, home pages, etc.)
5. Making the tourist operators and storekeepers aware of the need for a transparency of prices and the exhibition of rates outside the business establishments.

Awareness
1. Campaign to provide the citizens with information on the aims and procedures of what a Slow City is, preceded by information of the intentions of the Administration to become a Slow City***
2. Programs to involve the social fabric in acquiring the “slow” philosophy and the application of Slow City projects and in particular: educational gardens and parks, book facilities, adhesion to the project of the germ plasma bank. ***
1. Programs for the dissemination of the Slow City and Slow Food activities. ****
Extraordinary requisites
- Meeting the requisite, launched by Slow City, for the campaign of “action/identity” of Slow City (obligatory)
- Constitution and support of the Slow Food Presidia (note of merit).
Member cities are required to add the trade mark Cittaslow (Slow City) to their municipal letterhead and to add the contents of the “slow” philosophy to their website.

comments [5]

Dec. 19, 2008 at 2:47pm

Dometop News: Skateboard Coming Soon

From my "in" box:

**PLEASE RSVP IF YOU CAN MAKE IT**

DomeTop Neighborhood Alliance

Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

The Ole Coffee Shop/ Soon to be Skateboard Shop

723 E 34th St * 3:30 -5:00

Speaker Subjects:

The New Skateboard Park - McKinley Park & I-5

Welcome to Seth Ivers skateboard biz

Please bring finger-food Potluck

Coffee & Spiced Cider Provided

Contact Joyce Glass for Information 

253-272-6782
applized@nventure.com

comments [0]

Dec. 19, 2008 at 2:00am

What Is Lynn Up to Now?

From my "in" box:

Ok, we're organizing a big spectacle for First Night and need your help by gathering clean recycled plastic vessels (or clean large tin cans) and bringing them to us, or using them to make an instrument and bring it downtown on December 31st to play.

We hope you participate in our performance art piece (it might not work, just like Figure Head Roll)...

This picture photographed by Dan Hill with thanks to the Spar team: Kathy, Tracy and Frank and to Alexis...

I missed Lynn DiNino's "Figure Head Roll," but certainly heard about it the next day!

Here's a summary of the 2004 project:

Commissioned by FirstNight as the main stage attraction on New Year's Eve, to create a performance art work, involving 55 volunteer artists. The work included three opera singers in Marie Antoinette and Queen of Hearts costumes, 1001 vaccum form heads reproduced in plastic from castings of 40 local leaders and rolled downhill to live singing of Brindisi or "La Traviata".

and a link to photos set to music (scroll down to see): http://www.exit133.com/1775/help-bring-first-night-back-to-tacoma

Will Hi-Jack take an unexpected turn? We can only hope so.

comments [0]

Dec. 18, 2008 at 2:00am

What's Good For Tacoma Is Good For Washington

The Puget Sound Regional Council is reporting that Washington is slacking at producing bachelor's and advanced degrees.

Washington needs to produce more bachelor's and advanced degrees: Among its peers, Washington is the only one showing a decline in postsecondary degrees awarded from 2004 to 2006. Every peer state - and the U.S. as a whole - showed an increase in the rate of degree production.

And I thought this was a problem unique to Tacoma. It's been known for some time that Tacoma's demographics don't look great for attracting potential new businesses. Most retailers, for example, look at income and education levels when locating new stores. Whole Foods is one. Even though everyone knows that people would flock from all over if one were to open in Tacoma. But as it turns out, Tacoma is only reflecting what is a larger statewide issue.

So, Washington is getting dumber and Tacoma needs more degreed residents. What to do about it? Having UWT in Tacoma will help - especially now that it's a four-year school. But it will be decades before we see the results of this reflected in any measurable numbers. Some communities are paying kids to stay in school. I'm not sure how effective this has been, but it could be worth looking into. California used to have free (or extremely reduced) tuition for residents. I'm not sure if they still do this though.

What else?

Link: http://psrc.org/publications/pubs/view/viewmain.htm

comments [14]

Dec. 17, 2008 at 12:01pm

Would You Give Yourself to Community?

Would you make your talents/skills/knowledge available to the community? For free?

The idea is to build an online database that would sort of be a reverse volunteer website. The premise is: how do we know what we as a community can do if we don't know what we have? Some people might call it a community talent bank or an asset database.

How would it work? Say I not only know how to silkscreen, make beer, build websites, and a few other things (which I do), but am willing to offer these talents to the community in exchange for nothing - within certain parameters. Like a max of 2 hours per month, three times a year - or something like that.

The database could be used for individuals wanting to get involved with community in meaningful ways (using their talents) and individuals or organizations wanting to organize community events or groups (to better utilize the communty's talents).

What do you think? Would you use it? Would you give yourself to community?

comments [11]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 2:00am

The Future of Journalism (and Tacoma)

I'm not the only one thinking about the future of journalism these days.

While talking with ErikEmery, the topic of Tacoma's blogosphere and the TNT came up. We were both stumped as to why there have been so few posts and comments on the blogs lately. He thought that with a down economy there are fewer things happening. A agree mostly, but still wonder why there aren't more Tacomans posting their current thoughts and experiences. There must be some original thought taking place that isn't hampered by the economy! It's almost eerie quiet around here lately. We were both also in agreement that a paper trying to represent The South Sound (what does that even mean?) likely represents no one in particular.

Then to follow this conversation up, a couple journalism-related items came to my attention. First, on NPR, something that caught my ear because it was on a subject of great interest to me: cartoons. Editorial cartoons.

(Link: Is the End Near for Editorial Cartoons?http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98240436&ft=1&f=1001)

In the 1980s, there were about 300 staff cartoonists at newspapers around the country. Now there are fewer than a hundred.

In Iowa, The Des Moines Register was the last American newspaper with a front-page cartoon. That was until two weeks ago, when veteran cartoonist Brian Duffy was escorted out of the building and not even given the chance to fill a box with his stuff.

"I feel a little like Mikhail Gorbachev at the end of the Soviet Union," says Ted Rall, who heads The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. "I feel a little like I'm presiding over the beginning of the end here."

Rall calls cartoonists "the canaries in the coal mine" for the newspaper industry. You know a paper's in trouble when the staff cartoonist gets the ax. Dailies were the bastion for political cartoons in the 20th century. The future is probably online.

Mocking local businesses can have a big impact, but it stirs up more controversy for a newspaper than just another cartoon about Congress. Some cartoonists, though, are discovering that younger editors are more interested in visuals and understand the need for a little fun. So if local newspapers do survive, whether on paper or online, there may still be space for editorial cartoons.

Just recently, while cleaning out some old files, I was reminded that the TNT used to have an editorial cartoonist. The fact that they don't have one today hadn't even crossed my mind until I came across this old cartoon:

How refreshing it was to see Tacoma represented in cartoon fashion with former Mayor Vialle and then City Manager Ray Corpuz playing in the Thea Foss while the rest of the council hesitates to jump in and Metro Parks storms away!

The old cliche of a picture being worth a thousand words especially holds true for me for editorial cartoons. I wish the TNT would bring them back! (and while they're at it, they could change the name back to "Tacoma News Tribune." Why fight it? That's what everybody calls it! They should just go along with it.)

Next story...

This one caught my eye because it's about journalism and urbanism - two of my favorite isms. It's hard to image Tacoma without a daily. I don't think it has to happen, but it could.

Notes about the Future of Urban Journalism, Part 1
Demise of newspapers is opportunity to re-invent urban journalism
and
Notes about the Future of Urban Journalism, Part 2
Bloggers and citizen journalists don't have all it takes

Guide, scrapbooker, metaphor. Every city needs a newspaper – or other form of media—that plays those three roles at a minimum. For the most part, I’d say that even bad local papers—and there are lots of them—perform these basic functions. But as someone who loves cities, I think cities deserve more and better than the basic journalism they’ve been getting lately from the current crop of faltering and shrinking for-profit newspapers.

I’d like to see newspapers (or whatever media form succeeds them) play an additional role for cities: cupid. Which is to say I want to start reading urban journalism that makes people fall in love with city living.

Journalists in love with the city would breathe new life into how urban issues are covered. As readers, we’d probably start learning more about infrastructure, about zoning codes, about income diversity, about sidewalks, about the potential energy and resource efficiencies of density, about architecture, about what makes a shopping district pulse, about the importance of well-designed public spaces, about traffic planning, about agglomeration effects.

And because these journalists would be motivated by their passion for cities to attract their fellow citizens’ attention, we’d probably be reading much more creative and interesting journalism about the city than we typically get in newspapers these days.

If you care about cities, you should care about the post-newspaper future. You should—I think—not expect too much of bloggers and citizen journalists, but instead hope for--and perhaps help to build--a well-funded and professional future for urban journalism.

This echoes my concern too. Tacoma's blogosphere has shown that it can out-scoop the TNT on restaurant openings and downtown happenings, but what it can't do is anything in-depth. There aren't enough citizen writers in Tacoma who could pull off anything close to an investigative piece. The attention span of the blogosphere's writers and readers is so short, I doubt more than half of the five readers of this post have made it this far. The TNT on the other hand has pulled off some great in-depth coverage in the past. Their coverage of The Dumping Ground (fair share) topic in particular has been awesome. (Funny: I just had to go to Google to find the TNT link after not finding it in TNT's links, or search.). Although politics in Tacoma are a lot less interesting than they used to be, I'm fairly certain there will always be stories out there that need digging into. With its tendencies, one can only imagine the direction the city could go in with no oversight. Although it might help create some interesting blog posts.

Previously: http://i.feedtacoma.com/morgan/more-writers-leaving-tnt/

comments [33]

Dec. 11, 2008 at 8:00am

SAVE THE DATE - Inaugural Party - Tuesday Jan 20

From my "in" box - I'm sure this will be one of many parties going on!

Yes, We Can - - -  Yes, We DID!

Now, let’s party and celebrate on Inauguration Day (night…)

SAVE THE DATE:        
Tuesday evening, January 20, 2009: 7:00 to 11:00 pm
At the Swiss Tavern (So 19th & Jefferson, Tacoma)

* * *   Live music by the Disclaimers  * * *

This is going to be a great party.  Be there or be square…

Cosponsored by:           
People for Peace Justice & Healing                                   
And
The Pierce County Democrats

...details to follow

comments [0]

Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:00am

Meeting on Sound Transit's Impact on the Water Ditch Trail Today

From my "in" box:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

comments [0]

Dec. 9, 2008 at 4:00am

Downtown Apartments Seized?

I noticed something strange going on with the Baywatch and Emerson apartments some time ago. Have you noticed anyone going in or out of them over the past year? I haven't.

Now a notice appears on the Bayview indicating that it's stuck in a lawsuit - the owners are filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are trying to hold on to it.

Whatever the case, I hope it gets resolved soon. There is a lack of affordable housing and these two buildings account for 74 units of housing - that could help put a lot of eyes and feet back on the street.

I still think that DIY condo idea could work - even in these trying times.

comments [7]

Dec. 8, 2008 at 5:01pm

Blighted Corner to Get a Fresh Coat

The blighted corner of South 11th & Tacoma Ave is set for renewal. The fence is up and the demo crew is busy. I don't suppose we could get another Kelly's could we?

comments [3]

Dec. 8, 2008 at 5:00pm

Little Building Comes Down

Last night I noticed there was some fencing around the little old building off of South 11th and Tacoma Ave. I know it was in a sad state but it still is discouraging to think that a surface parking lot in Tacoma's central core has more value than a possibly historic little building. This little building had more character than anything built today. RIP little building.

comments [3]

Nov. 30, 2008 at 1:00am

Old Town Photo Closing... Sort Of

Something is happening in Old Town... and it's not good. First one of my favorite Italian restaurants closes and the building gets converted into law offices (why do lawyers need prime retail space?). Ok, I know that happened some time ago, but I still mourn the loss. Then, just recently Barker Road announced they were closing, then I hear the Sandpiper art gallery next door closed (UPDATE: this last one is not true!).

And now this.

After a visit with my dentist in Old Town, I decided to pay a visit to Old Town Photo. Several people have mentioned that I should meet with the shop's owner, Ron Karabaich because of our shared interest in Tacoma history and photography. Ron comes from an old Tacoma family. His father family ran the original Old Town Dock seafood store (before the current one replaced it).

After a hellish time in the chair that morning, I'm glad there was something good that came out of my visit to the dentist! I ended up having a great conversation with Ron who gave me a tour of his studio along with the news that he was closing shop. He will still be doing some framing and taking amazing panoramic photos using historic equipment (as long as they still make film!) - but he will be working out of his home around the block. The store as a presence will be gone after 32 years. That is a long time!

I'm glad I got a chance to see his shop before it closed. If you head down there you might be able to catch him as he packs up. He has filled the walls with panoramic photos - some historic, some not - and they're all for sale. I asked him if he had looked into getting an online store to which he replied he hadn't although he had thought about it, so I check out the Feed. Let's hope he does - he has some very cool images. He had an extra photo kicking around that he was nice enough to give me because it featured a few streetcars. The image is taken in what is now the Stadium District and shows the original building and location of Annie Wright before it moved to it's current location. Running down the dirt street are some steam powered streetcars.

comments [4]

Nov. 22, 2008 at 1:00am

Can Barack Obama Help Tacoma Get Streetcars?

During the recent presidential election, I signed onto a petition making rounds through transportation advocacy circles. The petition was sent to both McCain and Obama asking them to direct greater investment into transportation systems - such as a proposed city wide streetcar system for Tacoma. I was totally blown away today to see that President-elect Barack Obama responded with a 2-page letter.

Here's the petition:

America’s transportation system is half a century behind and the increasing costs of moving around – paid for in dollars at the pump and hours lost sitting on congested, crumbling roads – are taking a real toll on American families.

We need our next president to lead an initiative to invest in public transit, high-speed trains, places to bike and walk, and green innovation. We need a president with a plan that can put millions to work in jobs that can’t be outsourced, bring down the costs of travel, and create a sustainable infrastructure that will keep America on the cutting edge.

I hope you will take the opportunity presented by your final debate to discuss your plans to build a 21st Century transportation system.

Here's Obama's response:

Dear Friends,

I appreciate the opportunity to share a few thoughts with the members of Transportation for America about our nation’s transportation future. Thank you for sending me your petition, and for supporting investment in infrastructure.

You’ve hit on one of the central challenges facing America now – how to convert this moment of crisis into a moment of opportunity. And I think you’ve identified an important part of the answer as well. Our economy is slowing down, we need to stimulate it. Jobs are disappearing; we need to create new ones. At the same time, our infrastructure is crumbling and we need to rebuild it.

Now is the time to invest in our future and strengthen our core infrastructure. You said we must build to compete in the global economy and fix what’s broken, and I agree. I’ll put two million more Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges and transit systems – because it is time to build an American infrastructure for the 21st century. Early in this campaign, I had already proposed creating a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank, funded with $60 billion over 10 years, to expand and enhance, not replace, existing federal transportation investments. Now, with unemployment rising, these investments are even more important.

You said we need to invest in green technology, and I agree. I will invest $150 billion over the next decade in renewable sources of energy to create five million new, green jobs – jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and fuel- efficient cars; jobs that will help us end our dependence on oil from Middle East dictators.

I support Amtrak funding and the development of high-speed freight and passenger rail networks across the country. As you may know, I cosponsored the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act in the U.S. Senate, and supported the successful effort to get this important legislation to the President’s desk this year. And I’m pleased that the President signed this bill into law just last week. I will also re-commit federal resources to public mass transportation projects across the country. I’ve worked to improve transportation access to jobs for people with lower incomes since my time in the Illinois State Senate, and I will continue this work as President. And I will further promote transit by creating incentives for transit usage that are equal to the current incentives for driving.

As you know, all of these measures will have significant environmental and metropolitan planning advantages and help diversify our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Everyone benefits if we can leave our cars, walk, bicycle and access other transportation alternatives. I agree that we can stop wasteful spending and save Americans money, and as president, I will re- evaluate the transportation funding process to ensure that smart growth considerations are taken into account.

I will build upon my efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks. And as president, I will work to provide states and local governments with the resources they need to address sprawl and create more livable communities.

I encourage you to look at my positions and record versus those of Senator McCain. He has consistently fought federal support for Amtrak, including a vote against the package containing the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act that even President Bush was willing to sign this week. For decades in the Senate and as Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee, McCain opposed capital funding for Amtrak time and time again and wanted to dismantle Amtrak entirely.

My running mate Joe Biden and I will provide better leadership that supports the priorities of your members, and we hope to have your votes on November 4th. Thank you again for the opportunity to share these thoughts with the members of Transportation for America. Together, we can create the changes we seek.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

comments [9]

Nov. 20, 2008 at 5:00pm

As Seen On FeedTacoma! Tacoma Dome Book

Just a note about a project I'm working on involving great Tacoma civic projects. You've probably noticed images coming through the Feed Photostream scanned from a book I picked up recently celebrating the completion of the Tacoma Dome. Not many recent civic projects come to mind as significant as the Tacoma Dome. It's hard for me to believe it's been three decades since the effort to build the Dome began, but as is pointed out in the book - it was actually much longer in the making than that.

More to come...

comments [4]

Nov. 20, 2008 at 2:08pm

Water Rates Going Up 14%!? - Discuss

From my "in" box:

This should be an interesting discussion!

comments [1]

Nov. 17, 2008 at 2:54pm

Pacific Grill Expands

Word just came to my "in" box that Pacific Grill are hard at work building out their catering facility immediately adjacent to Tollefson Plaza. You are probably familiar with the space - it's the one that's been vacant since the building was finished, so this comes as great news for friends of Tollefson Plaza and downtown boosters alike.

From the email:

http://www.pacificgrillcatering.com/

comments [1]

Nov. 6, 2008 at 12:21pm

Tacoma Featured in Beer NW Magazine

There's something about beer and Tacoma that seems like a natural fit.

Recently, I picked up a copy of Beer NW while waiting for a table at the HUB. Very cool to see a feature on Tacoma's watering holes! There's also a story on The Red Hot and an interesting one on absinthe - which isn't a beer but is available at Paddy's downtown.

The Beer NW website doesn't have full articles, so you'll need to track down a pulp version.

comments [1]

Nov. 6, 2008 at 11:59am

Green Building Visionary Speaking in Tacoma Dec. 4 - FREE!

From my "in" box:

This event is possible due to the generosity of our program partners: The City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development, BetterBricks and the City of Vancouver, BC.

View other events here: http://www.cascadiagbc.org/education/transformational-lecture-series

comments [0]

Nov. 6, 2008 at 1:00am

Tacoma Urban Bike Race

Just putting this out there...

View Larger Map

The past summer I got my trusty 21-speed out a few times to see the city on 2 wheels (and maybe get in shape!). My goal for each trip was to explore different neighborhoods, find amazing views, and learn which roads to avoid. The overall goal was to find a way to link up the different segments to create an urban race circuit... not that I am anywhere near ready to compete - at least on a serious level.

My questions to the blogosphere:
- Is there interest in organizing or taking part in an urban bike race (ala Tour De Tacoma)?
- What are your favorite scenic areas of the city to bike ride?
- What are some good parameters for a fun urban race: 15 miles? 30 miles?
- What else could be thrown into the mix?

comments [4]

Nov. 3, 2008 at 1:00am

Narrows Airport: City Asleep at the Yoke?

As reported earlier in the Tacoma Sun, the City of Tacoma has been considering selling its Narrows Airport. In the Sunday TNT, Dan Voelpel digs into the issue and finds the city coming up short of sight.

Interested buyers in the airport have included Bruce McCaw of McCaw cellular (now AT&T Wireless), Jeff Brown, president of Tacoma architectural firm BCRA; Eric LeMay (LeMay garbage-hauling & car museum family). And this was WITHOUT a request for proposals (RFP).

There are too many questions and not enough answers on this transaction. Why is the city so eager to give a piece of property worth several hundred million dollars away to Pierce County? If the airport is being used to buy favor from Pierce County, the citizens of Tacoma should be given a proper explanation.

Dan mentions that in the 1990s there was a "coalition of forward-thinking elected officials and executive leaders who operated with the stated philosophy: 'Think Big. Plan Fast. Act Now.'"

Where are they now?

comments [3]

Nov. 2, 2008 at 1:00am

Candy truck spills chocolate, hotdogs on Tacoma highway

Somehow this story got by me - I had heard about the back-up, but not the reason why. I can't believe there wasn't a mob gathered with mustard and spoons.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 20, 2008
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

comments [3]

Oct. 30, 2008 at 12:38pm

Mochi Madness at Tacoma's Buddhist Temple

The TNT ran a nice article this week on the annual Fall Food & Crafts Bazaar taking place this Sunday November 2nd at the Tacoma Japanese Buddhist Temple 11am-4pm (1717 South Fawcett).

For a few years now, I've watched the considerable effort the congregation puts into this and other events. Each time am floored by the energy and dedication that some of the 80 and 90-somethings have. I hope to have their energy by the time I'm half their age!

Stop by this Sunday if you want some good food while helping support what was once a large downtown community (learn more here and here ).

Tacoma Buddhist Temple Web Page

comments [2]

Oct. 30, 2008 at 1:11am

Stuff Going On Tonight

From my "in" box - it's great to have so many options to do things on a Thursday night in Tacoma. Who woulda thought?! It's not even Third Thursday!

Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month Opening Party
October 29 (oops! this was LAST night!)
6 - 9 pm
Tacoma Art Museum

Please join the Tacoma Arts Commission for an evening in celebration of the arts.

We will honor the 2008 AMOCAT Award recipients: Linda Danforth, King's Books and the Hotel Murano. We will also recognize the 2008 Tacoma Arts Commission funding recipients. You will be able to enjoy:

- Music by Pearl Django
- Poetry readings
- Hands-on art activity
- Museum galleries open
- Hors d’oeuvres
- No-host bar

Presentation of the 2008 AMOCAT Awards and recognition of the 2007-2008 funding recipients begins at 7:15 pm

This event is free and open to the public. Come help us celebrate!

Dear Friends:
 
The time has come. This Thursday Vanilla Soul, his ace slam reporters, correspondents, commentators,  will bring spoken word to a new level as we partner with brand new restaurant and club Stephanie's. Led by yours truly, I will be your slam anchor as we take spoken word into the realm of journalistic entertainment in the spirit of the Daily Show. The grand opening premiere will feature:
 
Anchor, Vanilla Soul at the controls with his original look at what's going on.
 
Special Feature Correspondent for the evening -
 
Robert Lashley
spittin live and true with some hard hitting Hilltop Neighborhood Wisdom.
He's coming down from Bellingham to make his word known.
 
Tacoma Correspondent Six Deep bringing us commentary on life, liberty, redemption and hopeTacoma News and Re-enactment Team, The Tokens, featuring Charles and Chris with some condensed debate re-eneactments, Counter Point/Point battles and a special stand up commentary from Chris.
 
The first Speak Your Soul Segment from Zach Street with a look at Africa with some new eyes and reflections on how real men love their women.
 
And we will have room for Citizen Commentary, formerly known as open mic throughout the evening.
The event needs to be family friendly, so if you got something to say, say it clean--okay?
 
And introducing a special segment, Spontaneous Commission.
Think of someone you love and details about them, your precious experiences and come prepared to share that. I will listen, take a few notes and dedicate a piece on the spot to the object of your affection. It's a gift from the heart and in the box score, we'll give you the bucket, when your loved one smiles, but your Vanilla Soul gets the assist.
 
And we will give some love and recognition out to Stella H. who has been keeping spoken word alive and well for more than half a decade in the Two Five Three

Here are the details:
 
Stephanie's
932 Pacific Avenue
Thursday, October 30, 2008
7 PM - 9 PM (No Cover)
 
Okay, you know you need your slam report, so why fight it. See you  for a very different evening of spoken word.
 
Lucas Smiraldo aka Vanilla Soul

comments [1]

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:09pm

Rock the Vote, Drink, Repeat

This just in from Maxwell's. If you haven't checked them out yet, here's a good excuse:

Rock the Vote
Civic involvement matters, and Maxwell's wants to show our support to those who vote. How will we do that? Just bring in your "I Voted" sticker (or something to show that you voted) on Election Day (November 4, 2008) and receive a complimentary Maxwell's "Power of the People" Purple Martini. Why purple? Because at Maxwell's it doesn't matter if you're red or blue, we're fond of all colors.

Election Night Party!
Join us at Maxwell's on Tuesday, November 4th for a special election night tracker party! Watch the election unfold with friends and neighbors and relax in our lounge with that delicious purple martini you just earned. 

Maxwell's Speakeasy + Lounge
454 St. Helens Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-683-4115

comments [4]

Oct. 24, 2008 at 6:00am

Hilltop to Get New Mixed-Use Project

Here is something to be excited about!

The Gintz Group is working with the Hilltop community on a mixed-use project at 23rd & MLK. This is of course amazing news considering the economy!

From their letter to the City of Tacoma's Planning Commission:

"It would consist of retail/restaurant space on the ground level (along MLK) and market rate (higher end apartments on the upper 4 floors – a total of 80 units). We are set to begin schematic design and already enrolled in a HUD financing program. The underwriting for this financing typically takes approximately 6 months so that pushes ground breaking to spring of 2009."

The letter continues:

"...we understand that there has been some contention regarding the “mixed-use centers� rezone of late. Our project is totally contingent upon the rezone for its economic viability. Additionally, the project can also not afford to linger and incur fees waiting to be built. We are really between a rock and a hard place, but importantly we have an economically viable project that would benefit the city; and a project that can get done in this market."

I know the Planning Commission and the City Council are having a difficult time keeping up with the pace down at city hall - there's a lot going on! Mixed-Use update, Downtown update, Neighborhood update, Dome District update... and a few others. The challenge will be to find the balance of pushing all these updates through quickly as possible while making sure unintended consequences are avoided.

comments [12]

Oct. 22, 2008 at 3:26pm

Get Out the Mass Transit Vote This Saturday!

For just $69 – about the price of a single tank of gas – we can give residents of the Puget Sound region real transportation choices; buses, light rail, and commuter rail.  Giving people more options is good for our environment, good for the economy, and good for our overall quality of life.

Please join us this weekend!

Mass Transit Now Rally and Literature Drop

Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10:00am (we’ll be out for about two hours)
Location: Meet at the Tacoma Dome Link Light Rail Station
If you’d like, bring a bag to carry your literature, and wear comfy shoes!

PS: It’s supposed to be 60 degrees and sunny on Saturday – a perfect day for literature dropping!

comments [1]

Oct. 22, 2008 at 12:01pm

The Impact of an Offhand Comment and Tacoma's Future

Seeing James' post today got me thinking.

What a year it's been!

Who would have thought an offhand comment at Go Local or Die 2008 by Patricia Lecy-Davis about meeting for lunch on a Friday at Frost Park would evolve into a Tacoma institution with the assistance of RR's challenge to chalk, Erik's persistent blogging? Of course the success of the Frost Park Chalk-Offs would not have been possible without everyone showing up to chalk, be witness, and make merry. Tacoma needs more things like this.

Of course, we need more events like James Howard Kunstler too!

My question is this: What's next for Tacoma? What kind of community building does Tacoma need? For example, there were plans to create affordable artist housing downtown but the developers on the project broke up. Should it be a priority to bring in another developer to make the project happen? Personally, I think we need more people living in our neighborhoods (I consider downtown to be several neighborhoods). We can take advantage of this down economy by doing planning and vision making for a desired future- since it seems we don't have time to do planning when times are good.

I see what the consultants say Tacoma should do. The city has rooms full of studies by highly paid consultants. But what do residents want? And what are people willing to do?

The stuff I think about!

Go Local or Die 2008 flier: http://ebjornson2.googlepages.com/TacomaSunKunstlerCopy.pdf

Tacoma Urbanist - Live Local Or Die: http://i.feedtacoma.com/Erik/live-local-die-stakes-are/

Exit133 - Go Local or Die: http://www.exit133.com/3019/go-local-or-die-tonight

Go Local or Die, 2/26/2008 podcast: http://www.feedtacoma.com/forum/local-life/go-local-die-feb-26/

Go Local or Die, 3/25/2008 podcast: http://www.feedtacoma.com/forum/local-life/podcast-go-local-die-3/

Tacoma Urbanist: Kunstler : Is your city worth caring about?

comments [18]

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:32am

Fundraiser Portrait Event November 1st

From my "in" box:

If you have been thinking about photographs for the holidays, now is the time to take action!

On Saturday November 1st I am having a very special portrait day at the studio. There will be packages with 100% of the proceeds going to the family.

I’ve put together this special day as a fundraising event for Carol Decker. Carol lost both her legs below the knee, one arm, and her eyesight after the caesarian section for her second baby a few months ago. Due to severe complications from hypertension due to septic pneumonia, arteries to both her legs, one arm and her eyes blocked her circulation that forced the amputations.

Now the Deckers are faced with medical expenses over the 2 million dollar mark. The entire community is coming together to help support them in this tragic time. Please see the video from KOMO news, it is an amazing story.

Also, check the blog where her husband Scott has been posting all the current information, you can follow her story from start to finish. It will make you very thankful for everything in your life that is good.

My goal is to raise $5000 for the Decker family. If you are thinking of something to mail out for Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity.

Please call soon for your appointment, limited sessions are available. Help me help the Deckers and create some beautiful photographs at the same time!

Date: Saturday November 1st, 2008
Studio Address: 2413 East C Street, Tacoma WA 98421
Sessions are by appointment

Willow Eskridge
Owner Willow’s Photography
Willow@WillowsPhotography.com
www.WillowsPhotography.com

comments [0]

Oct. 22, 2008 at 10:28am

Mad Hat Dead Party

comments [1]

Oct. 22, 2008 at 6:00am

Historic Tacoma's Watch List

Got this in my in box. I think the city used to do something like this but haven't heard about it in years. It's good to see people looking out for Tacoma's future!

Historic Tacoma announces its first Watch List, calling attention to nine architecturally significant historic sites that are in transition. Some are in danger, facing demolition, deterioration due to neglect, or redevelopment which may destroy their significant features.  Several properties are for sale.  Other structures are in the process of rehabilitation and may soon stand as success stories of creative re-use.

Through our Watch List, we want to call attention to sites that are vulnerable - these are the buildings and streetscapes that tell Tacoma's story.  We're literally watching these sites with concern and interest; each one contributes to Tacoma's rich and unique built environment.

comments [3]

Oct. 21, 2008 at 11:07am

Help Bring Streetcars to Tacoma!

I'm helping coordinate an effort to get out the YES! vote on the Prop 1 Mass Transit Now! ballot measure. Of particular interest of course is funding to help bring streetcars to our neighborhoods - YES!

Volunteers are needed this Saturday the 25th to door-to-door some fliers. It won't take long and you don't have to knock on the doors if you don't want to! Then on Monday and Tuesday make some phone calls.

Please email me for more details.

Mass Transit Now!

comments [26]

Oct. 17, 2008 at 6:00am

Metro Parks Closer to Deciding on Pool?

I've heard that Metro Parks is getting closer to deciding on What To Do About Titlow Pool. You may have heard about the meetings a few years ago where neighbors came to blows over this.

Now in my "in" box I see that they are indeed taking baby steps. Of the potential locations, I like Candle Park. But I question if a pool should be a priority. I would rather see an indoor fun park with wave machines, water tubes, and spray guns. But that's just me.

comments [3]

Oct. 16, 2008 at 1:43pm

Squeak and Squawk: The Biggest Show You've Never Heard About

I'm not sure why you haven't heard about it. Maybe it's too underground and you're too above ground. I know I am. But sitting at Blackwater right now reminds me that one of possibly the most important events in Tacoma this year is starting tonight: the Squeak and Squawk Music Festival 

One of the artists that caught me eye is Calvin Johnson. Some of you older hipsters may recognize him from founding K Records, DJing on KAOS, and bands such as the Cool Rays, Beat Happening, The Go Team, Halo Benders, and Dub Narcotic Sound System, to name a few.

He even has a wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Johnson_(musician)

But there's a bunch of other acts besides Johnson- check out the lineup:
http://www.myspace.com/squeakandsquawkfestival

Organized by The Helm: http://www.thehelmgallery.com/

comments [0]

Oct. 10, 2008 at 9:35am

TNT: Prop. 1 transit expansion deserves a yes vote

I was surprised to see today's editorial in the TNT supporting Prop 1 (Mass Transit Now). In these days of economic uncertainty, it may not seem like it makes sense to approve a project as costly as Prop 1. But this is exactly the time to start projects like this. Sure, it may cost the average person $69 more a year, but the average cost of EVERYONE - rich and poor - to own a car is $5,000 a year (insurance, gas, oil, maintenance, etc) makes $69 look like chump change. I expect a lot of push back on this topic, but I remain committed to the fact that NOW is the only good time to increase our mass transit capacity- otherwise we are just putting it off and maintaining the status-quo. Just think if we would have approved of a package like this 30 years ago like Portland did.

(Makes you think.)

Read all about it: Prop. 1 transit expansion deserves a yes vote

comments [35]

Oct. 9, 2008 at 12:01pm

Cost Less Wholesale Comes to Hilltop!

It's not quite as exciting as the grand re-opening of Nordstrom's, but a few observant passer-byers may have noticed slightly more activity on the Hill (aka Hilltop).

Yes, the long-vacant city-owned property formerly known as the Dollar Store has been brought back to life as Cost Less Wholesale. I stopped in recently to see what was up.

While they will be doing some retail business, they really are as the sign indicates - wholesale. One of the owners said they had been working out of shipping containers and found it made more sense to unpack the containers first before fulfilling orders. Go figure. What do they sell? As their spooky Halloween window display indicates, they cater mostly to gifty type stores not unlike places like Hilltop's own Basket Nook.

I expressed disappointment that they weren't going to be geared more towards street retail - it is a street retail space - and was told that they may have limited retail hours but would play it by ear.

comments [2]

Oct. 9, 2008 at 7:00am

Get a Bowl, Fill It Up

From my "in" box. I've never been to it before, but I like soup so I'll have to check it out:

Empty Bowls

Sunday, October 12th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
South Park Community Center
4851 South Tacoma Way

Empty Bowls is a project that offers the arts and anti-hunger communities a rare and unique chance to unite their efforts. The MetroParks Foundation, West End Neighborhood Council, and Emergency Food Network have joined together to host this event and help fill some of the “empty bowls� in Pierce County. Pacific Northwest Potters, volunteers throughout the arts community and emergency food system, the Tacoma Weavers’ Guild, local students, local restaurants and many more caring individuals work together each year to make this event a success. Come and pick out one bowl - or ten - and matching placemats, and then join us for a bowl of soup served by some of the best chefs in town. Bowls are $10 each, placemat prices vary, and soup is served (in a separate bowl) with each purchase. For more information call EFN at (253) 584-1040.

Emergency Food Network

comments [1]

Oct. 8, 2008 at 12:10pm

Lunch, Politics, and Tacoma's Future

Recently, I was invited to join a group of civic minded folks over lunch and a discussion on Tacoma's past, present, and future.

One of those in attendance, a long-time community advocate, is exploring running for mayor next year. I'm not sure if he wants to go public yet, so I am not revealing his name. Here's a hint though: it's not David Boe. Based on our conversation though, I think he has a deep understanding of Tacoma's past and present, but can also effectively communicate a vision for the city's future and engage residents in the process.

My perspective:
While I grew up here, I - like almost everyone I went to school with - moved away after college. I've been back for about four years now. As a result, I am unaware of some of the community activism that has occurred in the recent past. Efforts like saving Union Station and Albers Mill, the construction of I-705, and more recently the Murray Morgan bridge.

Present concerns are of course on keeping Russell, but also about keeping companies like Brown & Haley, infrastructure (like roads and streetcars!), increasing community engagement, and... the Murray Morgan bridge.

What I am curious to know is if there is interest today in defining Tacoma's future at the grass-roots level. From what I can tell, it's been over 15 years since Tacoma residents were engaged to produce Neighborhood Plans - a State mandated document (part of the city's Comprehensive Plan for the Growth Management Act). There were some great results that came out of those discussions: neighborhood councils and business districts were established, and general visions were created for the neighborhoods. But is there interest in taking it to a higher level?

For example, Neighborhood Council funding has remained virtually unchanged since inception (by the way so has funding for the Arts Commission). While other cities have increased investment in their neighborhoods, Tacoma has not. I've heard some concern that the neighborhoods are not responsible and are barely able to handle what funding it currently gets. I think this is a lame excuse and does not get at the heart of the matter. If there is concern that the neighborhoods don't administer funds responsibly, then maybe they should be taught how to do so - it's called capacity building and Tacoma could use a bit more of it. But I digress...

I put it out to you:
What do you want for the city's future? Are you ready to work with others to define it?
(please no pothole comments - we get it already!)

comments [5]

Oct. 8, 2008 at 12:04pm

Daily Show Comedian to Visit Tacoma

If you are like me and you think the Daily Show is the only show worth watching on TV, then you probably won't want to miss this.
-Morgan

From my "in" box:

Tacoma Community College Artist & Lecture Series Hosts Larry Wilmore

The Artist & Lecture Series at Tacoma Community College presents comedian and writer Larry Wilmore. Wilmore will speak on campus Oct. 15 at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Center . The event is free and open to the public. Wilmore is a comedian, satirist and producer. As “The Senior Black Correspondent� on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, he adds his unique comic perspective to a reality-based look at news, trends, pop culture, current events, politics, sports and entertainment.

After launching a career as an actor and stand-up comic, Wilmore transitioned to television writing and producing in the early 90s. His writing credits include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Jamie Foxx Show. Wilmore co-created the animated show The PJs with Eddie Murphy and later created The Bernie Mac Show starring Bernie Mac. Most recently he was a consulting producer for The Office.

The Daily Show has marked a return to performance for Wilmore. He is currently developing a sitcom for himself at HBO. His first book, titled I’d Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts, is due out in fall 2008. Wilmore has been nominated and received numerous awards including an Emmy, a Peabody, Humanitas, TV Critics and NAACP Image Award.

comments [0]

Oct. 8, 2008 at 12:02pm

Community Needs Creative Restaurants to Thrive

Dan Voelpel has a great article in today's TNT. He talks about how successful local restaurants are having to get creative in order to survive. One of my favorite community guys, Joe Stortini, has turned his restaurant over to non-profit groups on Mondays - the deadest day of the week for restaurants. The result: every Monday is booked until next April! This is just one example of creating good for the community while also helping make the bottom line.

[Start rant]
What I would like to know is why so many local retail stores and restaurants are closed on Mondays. I've never understood this. I know many of businesses are owner operated and they need a day off, but isn't a better solution to work harder to create a more sustainable business so that more employees could be hired which would then give the owners more flexibility in their schedule? Maybe it's a cultural thing. I notice that many Asian stores and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Then again they also usually have the extended family helping out. Still, it amazes me when I hungrily go to visit a certain fast food joint in the Dome District only to find them closed during a weekday. This says to me they aren't hungry for business. Am I alone? Am I being too unrealistic?

Read all about it: Local restaurants battle declining sales

comments [6]

Oct. 7, 2008 at 1:29pm

Tacoma Hotter Than San Francisco, New York, AND Seattle?!

The Business Journal is reporting some numbers regarding local rental rates. I knew that the Tacoma market was going through a "transition," but this is crazy! It makes ideas like Faith Based Affordable Housing worth looking into.

Tacoma, Seattle rents rise faster than anywhere else in U.S.

comments [4]

Oct. 6, 2008 at 12:06pm

Get Your Downtown On at the HUB!

The agenda for the next New Tacoma Neighborhood Council looks to be a doozy - if you're into the future of Tacoma. And they will be having it at the HUB (free pizza?!). Now you don't have an excuse not to go.

Presentations:

Downtown Plan Update: Donna Stenger / Peter Huffman - City of Tacoma
     The Downtown Plan Update would modify Destination Downtown, an element of the Comprehensive Plan.
     www.cityoftacoma.org/planning.

UWT Master Plan Update: Milt Trimble - UWT
     We will have a presentation on the 2008 UWT master plan update.
     www.tacoma.washington.edu/chancellor/masterplan/

Multi-care Master Planning - Todd Kelly from Multi-care will also be joining us to discuss master planning for the Multi-care campus.

HUB event room. So 2nd and Tacoma Ave.

comments [0]

Oct. 6, 2008 at 7:00am

Vault Closing, Moving, Merging

As previously seen on Spew, the Varsity Grill has bought the Vault.

More details:
The September 29th print edition of the Business Examiner (no link available) is reporting that the Vault location on Pacific Ave will close in December. The entire crew and catering operation will then be moved to its new location in the upper level of the Varsity Grill on Broadway.

While I'm glad to see what looks to be a good partnership, I'm a little concerned about retail vacancy in the downtown core, and especially on Pacific. We need more people not just working, but living in the core. Of course, now we'll have to wait until the US economy picks back up.

Ah, so much work to do...

comments [11]

Oct. 3, 2008 at 11:20am

State Sez: Skin-Eating Fish Pedicures Not OK

You just can't make this stuff up:

Link: No more using live fish in pedicures, state rules

comments [4]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 9:12am

Tacoma Greek Festival Starts Friday!

One of my favorite events, the Tacoma Greek Festival, starts tomorrow: calamari, Greek pastries, Greek (Turkish) coffee, Greek dancing and CHEESE!
Mmmmm, cheese...

Tacoma Greek Festival
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
1523 South Yakima Avenue
October 3rd–5th, 2008
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Read all about it: Tacoma Greek Festival

(Did I mention cheese?)

comments [2]

Oct. 1, 2008 at 12:15pm

Get Ready for Day of the Dead!

Seeing the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) article in the current City Arts Tacoma magazine reminded me that it's THAT time of the year again! Time to join the paper mache workshops (FREE!) every Saturday this month hosted by 6th Ave folks. The goal of the workshop is to produce paper mache figures for use in the annual 6th Ave Day of the Dead Procession.

For more info on the event check out the 6th Avenue Merchants Association website.

See photos from previous events.

comments [2]

Oct. 1, 2008 at 12:10pm

Chalkie is a Centerfold!

(Not THAT kind of centerfold!)

The October issue of City Arts Tacoma magazine has a neat article on a subject near and dear to my heart: Day of the Dead happenings in Tacoma. Famous Frost Park Chalk-Off Chalkie, James Stowe, honors the centerfold article with a great illustration of a Day of the Dead procession (possibly on 6th Ave?).

comments [3]

Sep. 27, 2008 at 7:00am

UWT: Bigger, Badder, Better

The Puget Sound Business Journal is reporting that UWT has set a new attendance record:

"The student head count is approaching 3,000 students, which the officials said is 350 more than last year and a record number... The school said this year’s freshman class is more than 220 students."

YES!

If there has been one thing that has helped turn downtown around, it's UWT. It's hard to imagine the success of anything else down there without the vision and resolve that has transformed blocks of vacant blighted buildings and turned them into a modern urban university campus.

This is the beginning of something good. Real good.

Read all about it: UW Tacoma says fall 2008 enrollment will set a record

comments [6]

Sep. 25, 2008 at 10:22am

More Writers Leaving TNT

I wanted to link to the story I read in the pulp version about more TNT staffers opting to leave, but their website seems to be down right now. My only hope is that one of my favorite writers, Dan Voelpel, stays. What for the future of the TNT?

Update: the TNT site may actually be up, I can't tell because it looks half of Tacoma is experiencing an interuption in web service. Come on Click!

Update: Looks like we're back online - here's the link - it doesn't mention who took the buyout and who the one who didn't is: 18 employees to leave paper – all but one applied for buyout

comments [16]

Sep. 25, 2008 at 8:00am

Hilltop Gets Historic

One of my favorite local scribes in town, Todd Mathews, writes about an effort in Hilltop's Wedge neighborhood to create a new historic district. Kudos to the folks involved with going the extra mile to put the nomination together. Tacoma needs more activism like this.

When I moved back to town a few years ago, I kept on hearing about a "North Slope Historic District." I was blown away to find out that it was in reference to the neighborhood I had grown up in! A neighborhood at the time not too different than many other neighborhoods. I still consider it not too different than many other neighborhoods.

Along with the creation of pocket parks and community gardens, historic districts are a way to create neighborhood identity and raise self-perception - something I think many Tacoma neighborhoods could benefit from.

Besides the Wedge, I am also aware of an effort to revive the idea for Old Town and although I haven't heard an update in quite a while, I hope the Whitman folks are still moving ahead too. There's even talk about a modernist historic district on the West end.

Read all about it: A Slice of History: Two meetings will explore Wedge historic district nomination

comments [1]