(Olympia, WA) Olympia Mayor Mark Foutch has declared a state of emergency due to localized flooding and potential damage to City infrastructure from today’s rain and wind storm. The declaration allows the City to suspend normal bidding procedures and make emergency arrangements with private contractors for services. The City of Olympia fully activated its emergency operations center (EOC) at 10:30 a.m. this morning to monitor and respond to storm related events.

Garfield Nature Trail Closed Garfield Nature Trail is closed due to mudslides across portions of the trail and a sewer line separation.

Garfield Sewer Trestle A portion of City sewer line suspended by a trestle along the ravine at Garfield Nature Trail has separated. The City is using its emergency powers to arrange for a contractor to evaluate and repair the line.

Decatur Street The City of Olympia is temporarily opening Decatur Street at Caton Way for emergency vehicle response only.

Roads Close The following streets are closed due to flooding: Both Cooper Point Road and Black Lake Boulevard from the Highway 101 intersection to Capital Mall Drive. Grandview Avenue at Madison West Bay Drive between Brawne Avenue and Raft Hill

Motorists are reminded: Always obey and do not go around “road closed” signs. They are there for your protection. If you see excessive water in the roadway, avoid the area if possible. Never drive through flowing water, a foot of water can float most cars. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to the radio for traffic updates, and follow recommended routes. Avoid unnecessary trips.

For information about road closures contact Olympia Public Works at 753-8588 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or visit our website at www.olympiawa.gov for updates or information on road closures and flooding.

Seems that those who want more free walls are not in conversation with those that don't. The recent vandalism of several buildings Downtown does not reinforce the idea that this is art. Nor does it compel me to support the idea of more free walls Downtown. If Urban art is your thing thats great but vandalism at this level is disgusting and more importantly costly.

The building shown was just painted two weeks ago.

So what is your take on the increased level of tagging and graffiti Downtown. Is it important to have this high level of "Art" in our community or is it another eyesore created to boost the ego of those who do the work?

Word on the street early today was that the Downtown Safeway would be closing. So after a few quick calls and confirmation rom the store manager, I can tell you that yes, the store will close in June.

The Downtown Safeway opened in 1962 and is one of the few stores with the old school design. The manager said the store is to small to meet the demands of the Safeway " Lifestyle" stores and that the building needs a ton of work

It really is a shame to lose such a convience but at the same time there are some good elements. Now is the time for the Olympia Food Co-op board to take advantage of this opportunity and aquire the lease on this space before one of the corporate giants steps in with the ever so popular "Organic" Stores that have invaded the Co-op scene.

I say to all of you that want a decent store in the Downtown, call the Co-op office or tell them at the stores that we need them Downtown