I've lived in Olympia since 1989, and the Procession is the absolute pinnacle of Oly Life, in my humble opinion. Who can't feel at least a tiny bit of hope when ya see the samba dancers, in all their wisdom and glory. I want to marry them all and have flocks of dancing flamingos with them. I mean it.

The "Valentine Five" were arraigned today for their suspected involvement in the unrest that occurred after the Dead Prez show on The Evergreen State College campus last month.

All five pled "not guilty" to various charges. I didn't take notes and I don't have the details (sorry). Maybe someone else who was there will have more details to share. [more details from Jeremy Pawloski, www.theolympian.com/...]

court room picture:

Olympia, Washington February 20, 2008 –

Olympia Coffee Roasting Company’s Roasting Works shop at-108 Cherry Street in Downtown Olympia- will offer free coffee to customers on Tuesday, February 26th from 3:30 PM until 6:30 PM PST in celebration of Starbucks' planned 3-hour closure for espresso training.

Described by Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz in a press statement as a "bold demonstration of our commitment," the company announced earlier this month that it would close 7,100 company-operated Starbucks stores in the United States for 3 hours to retrain more than 135,000 employees.

“The Staff at Olympia Coffee Roasting is excited to share with you our passion and dedication to our craft. We are constantly training.” said Terry Ziniewicz of Olympia Coffee.”. Baristas at Olympia Coffee will be preparing hand crafted-beverages during the Starbucks closure- although that’s how they do it all the time.

Olympia Coffee is the area’s only 100% Organic Coffee Roasting Company. They will be celebrating the training of Starbucks staff with a small gathering that will include live music featuring Mudcat and The Green Apron Robots, and, of course, coffee.

For more information please visit, www.olympiacoffee.com.

High Tech/Low Tech @ SPSCC

Northwest Designer Craftsmen have a new show at South Puget Sound Community College’s Minnaert Center for the Arts Gallery: High Tech/Low Tech.

Opening party tonight, 7 pm -9 pm.

Ruby Re-Usable, Bil Fleming, and other Olympians, as well as artists from WA, OR, AK, ID and MT, will have their work on exhbit through December 31.

(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.