All Electric
Just over a month ago, Mary and I sold our two cars and went down to a single car: a Nissan Leaf–an all electric car with a 100 mile range. On the one hand, this might seem kind of crazy. 100 miles isn’t very far, after all, and if you turn on the A/C or the heat, the expected range isn’t even 100 miles. But after a month of driving, we’re really happy with the choice. A lot of people have asked questions about what it’s like, so I thought I’d devote a blog post to it.
Tacoma Reads Together
I’ve been the chair of Tacoma Reads Together for 3 years. I think this year’s book is the best so far. Wonder is a Young Adult novel by R.J. Palacio. Her novel tells the story of a young man born with a severe facial deformity who, at the age of 10, leaves the safety of his parents’ homeschooling and begins the 5th grade. My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking it’s probably worse. You can read the book very quickly, but I think it will stick with you for awhile. Read more…
Frank Herbert: Son of Tacoma, Father of Dune
When I was young and delving into science fiction, I discovered this dense, rather difficult novel called Dune. It was hard to get into as a 6th grader, because it used lots of made-up works, but I really enjoyed it. I was surprised to find on the author flap that the author was from Tacoma. I didn’t know anyone famous had come from Tacoma. It was always in the back of my head that Tacoma had this famous and groundbreaking author from here. Last year I investigated that a little bit more in the research room at the downtown library. Read more…
Want to see me dance the tango?
I’m very excited to say that I’m supporting Tacoma Musical Playhouse and their their Dancing with the Tacoma Stars fundraiser. I’ve been paired with a professional dance instructor and we’re working on our choreography (and, ahem, basic dance steps). Saturday, February 16! I’m trying to fill a table of people to cheer me on. Tickets are $80 for dinner and the show and $35 for balcony seats to watch the show. I know it’s a lot, but … when else will you see me dance a tango? 🙂 If you are interested, you need to RSVP to TMP directly at Read more…
Tacoma Action Figure
I woke up this morning to discover I’ve been immortalized as a “Tacoma Action Figure” by cartoonist RR Anderson. It’s an honor. Thanks RR.
Starting a new chapter
Fatherhood has a way of making things very clear, and these past couple of months with a new family have helped me realize it's time for me to start a new chapter. After a lot of thought and discernment, I've decided that it's time to move on from my job at City Club. Earlier this month, I gave notice to the board and let them know that I could stay on through August 31 to help the transition process. I've learned a lot in the past three years, met some great new people, and I'm happy to say that when Read more…
An update on Metro Parks billboard advertising
At tonight's Park Board meeting, the board unanimously voted to ask staff to draft a resolution that would prohibit new advertising placements on non-conforming billboards in Tacoma. So, it's not the final decision. That will be at a vote at the next meeting on this policy. But I heard a lot of support from my fellow commissioners and I think the unanimous vote to put a policy on our agenda next week speaks loudly. So thanks to everyone who emailed or testified about this! I feel good about the direction we're headed.
Metro Parks Billboard Advertising in Tacoma
Next Monday night, I'm bringing a motion forward for consideration by the Metro Parks Board to prohibit us from further advertising on non-conforming billboards in Tacoma. As many people have noted, MPT has some big billboards in town for the Zoo and Trek. If passed, this motion wouldn't immediately remove those, since they are currently under contract, but it would prohibit entering into any further arrangements on non-conforming billboards. We would still be able to advertise on any remaining billboards that are in compliance with the City's regulations. I think this would be a good fit with the District and Read more…
The new STAR Center in South Tacoma
South Tacoma has a new community center! It’s a great space, thousands of square feet, of unique opportunities. Workout areas, dance areas, kids areas, event space, and even this cool demonstration kitchen which can be used for classes, parties, and competitions. The grand opening was yesterday and a flash mob took the opportunity to break out in dance after the ribbon cutting. What a great new facility for Tacoma.
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