The latest issue of the Bruce and Berd talk radio hour is available for listening on the Internet. Unfortunately, due to logistical difficulties, we were unable to record last week's (May 9th) episode (although it was a great show.) So if you want to be sure to be able to listen, the best way to do that is to tune in to KOWA 106.5 LP FM on Sundays from 7 to 8 pm. I will continue to make efforts to record upcoming shows and upload them to the Internet.

I went to last the neighborhood community comp plan visioning meeting last night. I was impressed with the respectfulness of the participants and the event, the inclusiveness, the good listening, and the thoughtful and smart comments that many people made. It was an interesting, and even exciting, conversation about people's visions for Olympia.

For more information, including a list of future meetings, Janine Gates has an article about the event at Little Hollywood: Imagine Olympia: It's a Conversation About the Community (and oh yeah, the Comprehensive Plan)

Tuesday, January 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia

Information from the ACLU: A screening of the ACLU's award-winning video, which covers the history and impacts of marijuana laws in the USA, followed by a discussion with video host Rick Steves, and others. Free and open to the public.

More information at the OFS website: Tuesday, January 12- ACLU of Washington Presents…Marijuana: It’s Time for a Conversation hosted by Rick Steves!

What is the normal course of progress? What does progress mean to you?

Ever since Peter's testimony last week, I have been thinking about the normal course of progress, and what it means in the context of the proposed Isthmus Building Height Rezone.

I am sorry, and with all due respect, I do not consider spending $50,000 in public money, on a study for a private luxury condominium development project (a development that has very dubious public interest merit) to be in the normal course of progress.

Okay - so the City spends $50,000 on a project that will of be of potential direct benefit to those who need it least. Meanwhile; regular, ordinary, average, normal Americans are losing their jobs and their home mortgages.

I don't consider spending $50,000 of public money on a private luxury condominium development to be good public policy. I don't consider the rezone proposal, the proposed Larida Passage, or the City's facilitation of the rezone to be anything like what I would consider to be the normal course of progress.

Also check out a poem I just weblogged: Empty Store Fronts.

- Whitlock

p.s. So then what is the normal course of progress, what would it look like? I am going to be thinking about that, and I'll get back to it. In the meantime, please discuss.

YOU are invited to join others in a Community Dialogue.

Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, 7:30 - 9 pm
Traditions Fair Trade & Cafe'
5th & Water St.

Protesting war equipment at our port? Tall condos for rich people? Olympia as a nuclear-free zone? Improving downtown - but how? Traffic conditions(bikes & cars)

Our community needs to discuss a number of controversial issues, and every person has values, experiences and perspectives worth sharing. Solving our community concerns needs everyone's voice - including YOURS!

We are starting to create community dialogue opportunities. Help provide a format in which we speak to be heard, and learn to listen as others do the same.

Refreshments provided.