The Environmental Ministry of First Unitarian Church, Utah Interfaith & Light and Post Carbon Salt Lake invite you to this film and discussion. The topic - Kiss Your Gas Goodbye! The opening film begins @ 7:00 PM. From 6:30 to 7:00 PM outside the church will be examples of alternatives to the current gasoline dilemma. There are several ways to express that dilemma: "What do I do now when I know this car I'm using is a dinosaur?" "What do I do when I can't buy gas, and when will that happen?" "Are there solutions to this transportation crisis -- solutions that will leave us with clean air?" "I commute 30 miles each way to my job -- what do I do if I'm having trouble affording the gasoline?" Post Carbon Salt Lake will provide some eye-opening answers to these questions and will discuss and describe our individual and collective transportation future. Come and be part of discovering and/or creating the cutting-edge!
Imagine Peace Festival - September 20, 2008 - 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Main Library ( 210 E. 400 S.)
The 3rd Imagine Peace Fest provides a fun interactive afternoon of art while raising awareness of the need for peace, sustainability and social justice. We hope that this event will inspire community members to become more involved in local projects and organizations that promote global peace and justice.
The festival features displays of art by artists from local schools and music performances, by local musicians. Additionally, booths are available for children and adults to make art and participate in performance art during the festival. Works of art with a peace and social justice theme are solicited for the festival through local schools and community organizations.
2008 Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 20, 2008
12:00 noon: Opening - Amphitheater, Plaza at Library Square, Salt Lake City
NOTE: The Eyes Wide Open Exhibit (http://www.afsc.org/eyes/)
will be on display for the duration of the Imagine Peacefest event.
Downstairs in Library
noon to 5:00pm ~ Art Display
Meeting Rooms A and B sponsored by Blue Sky Institute
Peace Story Time for Children at 2:00pm in the Art Display Room of these books:
The Peace Book and What Does Peace Feel Like?
4th floor conference room
12:30pm
Film Screening: "Peace One Day"
About the creation of International Day of Peace
2:00pm
"A Soldier's Peace"
When Army journalist Marshall Thompson came home from a tour of duty in Iraq, two things were clear to him – the war is wrong and he needed to do something to stop it. Marshall sets off on foot to walk the entire 500-mile length of his conservative home state of Utah in the hopes of getting people talking about war and peace. All along his 27-day journey, Marshall meets other peace-minded Utahans, as well as those who vehemently oppose the idea of a solider calling for an end to war. No matter what your views are on the War in Iraq, A Soldier's Peace will leave you with something to think about.
Directed by Kristen and Marshall Thompson
Film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Army journalist Marshall Thompson, filmmaker, Kim Sprangunde, Military Families Speak out, and a member of Veterans for Peace.
Outdoor Plaza
Tabling, music (in the amphitheater), children's activities, information
THANK YOU to Gary Stoddard
for supplying the sound equipment and sound technician!
Amphitheater
(All artists' CD's will be available as thank you gifts at the information booth)
12noon -12:10: Opening - Imagine Peacefest Committee
12:15 to 1:00pm:Gary Stoddard
1:15 to 2:00pm:Ric Shirett followed by Skylar Stoddard
2:15 to 3:00pm:Andy Monaco
3:15pm -4:00pm: Rich Wyman
4:15-4:45:TBA
5:00 - 6:00pm: Slick Rock Gypsies
6:00: Closing
Participating Organizations
Blue Sky Institute
People for Peace and Justice of Utah
Westminster Roots and Shoots
Cache Valley Peacworks
Utah State Death Penalty Abolition, Amnesty International USA
Salt Lake American Muslim Festival
Department of Peace Campaign
Soldier's Peace
Military Families Speak Out
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Veterans for Peace
The Mormon Worker
National Election Data Archive
Utah Count Votes
UCAN
Check the website for updates!
http;//www.imaginepeacefest.org
I have been mostly car-less since last September -- nearly a year. I walk to work every day except Thursdays, when I go pick up my family's CSA order after work. Our car is a 1989 Honda Civic which gets about 23 miles to the gallon. We used to fill up about twice per month which would be costing us about $80, but we've reduced how often we fill up significantly. I've had friends who have larger vehicles and who commute much further to work talk about how the cost of gas almost equals another car payment for them. I'm glad to be out of the driving business for the most part when I hear how much money we could be forking out to gas companies if we hadn't made some changes.
We recently bought a rolling shopping cart so that we will be able to grocery shop at the nearby Whole Foods or Smith's Marketplace without using the car - but it will mean more frequent trips.
I got my bike up and running and have tried a couple of small trips -- sadly, riding a bike uses different muscles than walking and I can't ride many of the hills in SLC yet. I'm also still feeling a little nervous and out of control on the bike, since I hadn't ridden one since 1993 until this summer -- and of course I'm getting older, so it may take a while to adapt.
We make many of our entertainment decisions based on proximity to our house now. Anything past 2100 South is starting to feel "out there" and we rarely even go that far. We take the Trax instead to downtown venues. I bought a family pass to the planetarium and the children's museum, and there so many events happening around the city that there's no way we could every be bored just from keeping it local. I wish we had more movie theatre options, but I do enjoy going to the Salt Lake Film Society's Broadway Theatre.
UTA offered a summer youth pass this year for $87 which includes bus, Trax and Frontrunner all through June, July and August, so my teen has been getting used to getting herself around on public transportation rather than having to be chauffeured everywhere.
Right now my biggest worry is the availability of rental space in Salt Lake City. Many apartment buildings are turning condo, leaving fewer places to rent which could mean that rents will go up so high that we might not be able to afford living in the city any more, which is a huge priority for me. I've almost always lived close to where I work on purpose. I hate commuting and I love walking. I like living where I have just about everything I need without a car and where so many interesting things are happening.
So I was thrilled when the excellent optional, public school program my eldest daughter was enrolled in became a charter school and added 7th and 8th grades to the kindergarten through 6th grade that they already had.
The Open Classroom, which had been around since 1977, has a strong emphasis on community. They believe in working out issues as a part of the learning process. Bullying at the O.C. is rare and usually caught early on and worked through as part of the community experience. I also get to know the kids who are friends with my daughter, and often their parents as well.
An added bonus, last year we started a whole new kind of lunch program, one that includes a lot of healthy, fresh and whole foods. Salt Lake City Weekly named it the best school lunch in their Best of Utah edition.
This will be our 9th year in the O.C. -- the last year for my 8th grader. Next year, my youngest daughter will go to kindergarten at the O.C. (there usually is a waiting list for the younger grades, so it's not certain). I basically can't say enough good things about this program, and as much as my older daughter has benefitted from it, I think my younger one will benefit even more.
In an effort to let other Salt Lakers know about this wonderful program, I'm publishing some of the latest promotional info on this blog:
____
The Open Classroom still has spaces available for the coming school year! We have spaces especially in grades 5 through 8, but may have room in some other grades as well. For more information about the Open Classroom, visit our website at www.ocslc.org -- and keep reading below, especially the testimonials from students and parents. You are also invited to our Open House, Tuesday August 19th at 6:30 at the school -- 3rd Avenue between D and E Streets.
The Open Classroom is:
• A teacher-directed, parent supported, child-centered school.
• A school for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
• A parent-cooperative school where parents participate in the classroom every week, providing a better adult/student ratio and allowing small group learning.
• A thriving and successful program, now in its 31st year.
• A Charter School within the Salt Lake City School District.
• A school that has individual classrooms with a certified teacher for every classroom – but with an open attitude about learning!
• A school with multi-age classes where students deepen their understanding of subjects by teaching and learning from each other.
• A FREE public school.
TESTIMONIALS
For those who dare to daydream,
For those who don’t belong,
For those who feel out of place,
I know where you belong; I have been there and back.
I think you will love the family and friends the Open Classroom can give you.
May you find a new life like I have.
Begin!!!
Recent graduate
________________________________
My daughter was in a neighborhood school with 39 students in sixth grade. She loved being invisible! We moved her to the Open Classroom for seventh and eighth grades. She learned to love not being invisible. Her transformation was remarkable. I can’t say enough about the positive influence her dedicated teachers had on her attitude towards learning. Never social, she became an avid socialite!
As a retired Air Force officer, I taught at the OC regularly and loved the kids and my parent partners. There was a new challenge every six weeks. It kept my own interest from completely drying up.
If your child is normal, slightly off center, colorful or just creative, I’m confident they will prosper academically and socially in the Open Classroom. I’d be happy to discuss my experience with you; just communicate via this website.
Robert King, parent of recent graduate
___________________________________
The Open Classroom understands that we have something to learn from every individual we meet, and that the "self-fulfilling prophecy" of teaching is learning. To be a part of that co-operative learning community is powerful and awesome.
Kathy MacGregor, parent
__________________________________
You have your friends, you have your family. You'll have them both at the Open Classroom.
Recent graduate
It was such a privilege to be there with kids during adolescence. I didn't feel I had abandoned my daughter at the edge of the forest.
Bonnie Weiss, parent of recent graduate
__________________________________
When I'm here I feel like I'm home.
8th-grader
______________________________
I feel guilty that we aren't paying tuition. The teachers and staff are really that good. I love that I am not only allowed but actively encouraged to participate in all aspects of my daughter's education. The time I spend in the classroom is priceless.
Deb Lyon, parent
__________________________________
The Open Classroom is like a second home--a second family. Because if you shed a tear, they'll shed a thousand. If you laugh, they'll laugh. If you decide to break into song, everyone will join in. Because these friends are true friends. The kind that you will remember forever. Thank you, Open Classroom, for showing me a school can be more than just a place for academics.
8th-grader
_________________________________
Helping in my child's classroom and having the opportunity to work on projects with a committee made it so most of the Open Classroom became like an extended family to me, my husband, and my kids. Really knowing the parents and family members of the children who were playing with my kids was reassuring.
Nora Gallegos, parent
_______________________________
As a parent I like the OC because my child learns to communicate his feelings and needs in a way that is applicable not only to school but for effective, lifelong communication.
Felicia Marie Baca, parent
______________________________
I have attended many faculty meetings, and I was amazed when I came to the Open Classroom. I have never seen a faculty that gets along and works together so well.
Shauna Olson
Elementary School Support Supervisor
Salt Lake City School District
________________________________
When I attended my first Steering meeting, my jaw dropped. I have never seen a faculty so willing to let parents take part in important decisions.
Dellis Hatch
(New) OC Principal (after his first Steering meeting)
_________________________________
You’ll see the big things when you come into the Open Classroom – how we work in small groups, how parent co-opers are a huge part of the learning. But it may take you awhile to see other things. The way that new kids or kids who are shy or different are embraced. The way kids love school – my daughter fakes being healthy when she’s sick so she doesn’t have to miss school! The way there are no fashion police – kids are comfortable wearing what they like. And, the way that disrespect is handled. Although kids say mean things in any school, not many schools have so many adults around to deal with it so quickly. By the time kids get older they have internalized those lessons and you’ll see older kids successfully and respectfully challenging mean behavior themselves. All of these things – and the memory of how different this was from the way I grew up – make me so happy to be part of the OC community.
Laura Lockhart, parent
_____________________
When I heard two years ago that our sons' school was transitioning to a full K-8, I was excited to think that they could continue their middle school education in the same stimulating and humane setting that they had spent their elementary years from kindergarten. But when our sixth-grader was about the enter seventh grade, my husband and I had to really consider where the best place would be for him to spend middle school. After all, there are a number of attractive options now among the public and charter schools, and it would probably make my own life simpler not to have to volunteer at school anymore, after having spent seven years already as a parent co-oper. I'd like to tell you why a family like ours chooses to continue with a program like the Open Classroom.
With the Open Classroom now entering its second year as an official district charter school and its third year after forming an "Upper House" of 5th through 8th-graders, I can see the tremendous progress that has been made in this development, even as the framework from the old K-6 model remains vital and in place. The philosophy has stayed the same--the commitment to embracing and teaching to the individual while at the same time building a community around that individual. That basic respect that everyone is offered has not diminished one bit, nor has the framework that allows creativity and problem-solving to flourish, encouraging an ever-evolving curriculum and active involvement among the community. Some things on the surface may change, like course offerings or scheduling, and this is something we considered seriously,
but in the end, the more important criteria became "Will my child be able to develop his talents and will he feel good about the person he is becoming during the most emotionally challenging years of his education?"
In most middle schools, a child may have seven teachers, and they may be very caring, committed teachers, but the child is not guaranteed that one of those teachers will make sure he/she doesn't slip through the cracks. We've all heard that an at-risk child can be saved by one caring adult. At the OC, this is not left to the good will of the teachers or to the oversight of an overburdened school counselor. Even in the middle school grades, each child has a homeroom teacher and cohort of students--their "home base" at the beginning and end of school each day. As a parent, I can trust that not only do my children have the support of that homeroom teacher, but also of all the other upper house teachers. I have seen countless examples of the kind of individualized attention and collaboration among their teachers that I think is rare to unheard of in a middle school environment.
What happens when you get a whole body of people moving according to these principles and practices? You get to see what I saw at the annual air guitar assembly, where kids who might blend into the background at a normal middle school performed, rockin' and rollin' with a fluidity and sense of confidence that some of them never would have found. You get to see children who experiment with make-up and wild clothing slowly shedding the protective disguise to reveal their genuine selves. You get to see your own child demonstrate patience and compassion with a younger child, as he reads to him, teaches him the rules of 4-square on the playground, or helps him transition to the next grade.
With the Open Classroom now entering its second year as an official district charter school and its third year after forming an "Upper House" of 5th through 8th-graders, I can see the tremendous progress that has been made in this development, even as the framework from the old K-6 model remains vital and in place. The philosophy has stayed the same--the commitment to embracing and teaching to the individual while at the same time building a community around that individual. That basic respect that everyone is offered has not diminished one bit, nor has the framework that allows creativity and problem-solving to flourish, encouraging an ever-evolving curriculum and active involvement among the community. Some things on the surface may change, like course offerings or scheduling, and this is something we considered seriously,
but in the end, the more important criteria became "Will my child be able to develop his talents and will he feel good about the person he is becoming during the most emotionally challenging years of his education?"
In most middle schools, a child may have seven teachers, and they may be very caring, committed teachers, but the child is not guaranteed that one of those teachers will make sure he/she doesn't slip through the cracks. We've all heard that an at-risk child can be saved by one caring adult. At the OC, this is not left to the good will of the teachers or to the oversight of an overburdened school counselor. Even in the middle school grades, each child has a homeroom teacher and cohort of students--their "home base" at the beginning and end of school each day. As a parent, I can trust that not only do my children have the support of that homeroom teacher, but also of all the other upper house teachers. I have seen countless examples of the kind of individualized attention and collaboration among their teachers that I think is rare to unheard of in a middle school environment.
What happens when you get a whole body of people moving according to these principles and practices? You get to see what I saw at the annual air guitar assembly, where kids who might blend into the background at a normal middle school performed, rockin' and rollin' with a fluidity and sense of confidence that some of them never would have found. You get to see children who experiment with make-up and wild clothing slowly shedding the protective disguise to reveal their genuine selves. You get to see your own child demonstrate patience and compassion with a younger child, as he reads to him, teaches him the rules of 4-square on the playground, or helps him transition to the next grade.
But you only get to see these things if you show up. So yes, my child will show up to seventh grade at the Open Classroom next year, and so will I.
Karen Salas Wheeler, parent
The Open Classroom is dedicated to the inclusion of all students without regard to race, creed, color or national origin, economic status, language or cultural background.
I applaud this move and I've been surprised at how long this has taken to get off the ground. It was part of the initial plans from UTA way back when Trax was on the ballot. It's a really a no-brainer for those of us who would like to see increased tourism and convention business to the city. I also love the idea of improvements along North Temple, which resembles West Valley more closely than the rest of SLC. But I'm most excited that we are finally building on North Temple which will be bringing easily usable mass-transit to the west side of Salt Lake City
I used to really, really love First Night. New Year's has long been my favorite holiday, and First Night used to be a great way to celebrate it.
I love live music, dance performance, live theatre, cultural entertainment, art and film. First Night had it all and for a bargain price. I'd buy my first night button and plan out my strategy to make sure I got to see a little bit of everything. I'd dress warmly and troll around downtown with lots of other revellers.
I had a blast every year, whether I went by myself or with my daughter or husband. Apparently fewer and fewer Salt Lakers found it as much fun as I did -- each year I heard snippets here and there about the declining attendance.
Then last year First Night was on a Sunday. Projecting many fewer attendees, First Night limited itself to just the Gallivan Plaza for the same price at which nearly all of downtown used to be scheduled and which had many more entertainment opportunities. My husband and I decided to take my then 3 year old anyway, thinking that having a much smaller geographical area to traverse wouldn't be a bad idea with a toddler.
It was awful. There was an extremely crowded and cold tent set up for kids crafts, and I was feeling pretty cranky after having to fight my way to a couple of tables with my toddler so that she could do the few things geared for kids her age -- wouldn't have been a problem for past First Nights as there were many suitable activities for kids of all ages.
Another tent was set up with a band, but it was packed and not exactly warm and very hard to manouver around with a little one, and even as we tried to snake our way toward the front we still couldn't see the band.
We tried watching some fire dancers outside, but it was on a surface not raised very high and with all the people crowded around we got to see very little. Music from the main outdoor stage blared through to every other "venue" within the relatively small plaza.
With no indoor venues, we got really cold, really fast with no way to get relief. The tents were so packed you couldn't really hang out there to keep warm. At past First Nights, I'd alternate outdoor and indoor activities, like catching a mini-version of the Laughing Stock improve theatre, or seeing RDT perform at the Rose Wagner. Last year we got so cold and miserable so early on with no warm refuge that we left early. Really early.
The organizers of First Night seemed to think this approach was a success (their website touts the event as "one of the states largest and most successful community events -- having to downsize so much would suggest otherwise) and have limited First Night, even though it's a Monday this year, to the Gallivan Plaza again. Less entertainment, less space, less warmth, same price. Needless to say I won't be going, and I'm sad. Change happens, I guess.
So now I'm wondering what to do for New Year's. Every other year I have my older daughter (who is 13) for New Year's and would love something to do with her and maybe one of her friends of that doesn't cost too much, is appropriate for kids and doesn't s*ck as bad as the new and NOT improved First Night. Everything I've seen advertisements for are geared toward adults and cost a small fortune.
I hate to spend my favorite holiday renting videos.
waaaaahh waaaaah.
- Mood:
cranky
Loved:
- The atmosphere of Earth Goods is very green -- cork flooring, natural wood fixtures. Good use of a formerly ugly building -- the building used to house a convenience store. It still resembles the general shape of a 7-11 on the outside, but is a peaceful space on the inside. The restroom is clean and pleasant.
- There are interesting eco-facts posted around the store, even in the restroom which educated me on how many trees could be saved if every household in the US switched to recycled TP.
- The store stocks cleaning supplies, school and office supplies, home decor, personal care, pet care, clothing and shoes, jewelry, toys, books and craft items - a wide range of eco-friendly products. Many were fair trade.
- Co-op America members can receive a 5% discount at the register.
- Gift certificates available if you can't decide what someone on your list might want.
- I'd forgotten to bring my own cloth bags to the store, so was happy to find out that they provide biodegradable "plastic" shopping bags. The bags were deceptively thin and I was afraid they wouldn't make the 1 1/2 mile walk home, but they were surprisingly strong and sturdy.
Not so much:
- Several items didn't have price tags - I'm not the type of shopper that likes to continually bug the salespeople (although they were very helpful and friendly whenever I did bug them) so there were many items I might have been able to purchase but didn't .
- Eco-friendly items are still priced out of range for many people. This is an issue with just about any green business that I've supported -- it simply costs more money to manufacture items in an environmentally responsible way. Fair trade items can also be a little pricey - but I'm glad to support the artisans of the products over a similar item that is cheap-to-buy-but-people-exploited.
Mayor-elect Becker has just received reports from his transition team which he will be reviewing. He also announced staff positions. From the press release:
Chief of Staff – David Everitt
• Communications Director – Karen Hale
• Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs – Ben McAdams
Mayor-Elect Becker will also retain the current Chief Administrative Officer, Lyn Creswell, in his position, along with the current Economic Development Manager, Ed Butterfield. The positions of Senior Advisor for Policy, Education Partnership Coordinator, and Sustainability Director are not yet filled.
The Mayor-Elect’s office will be structured slightly differently from the current mayor’s office.
• The Chief of Staff will supervise the day-to-day operations of the mayor’s office, and will coordinate the efforts of the Policy Advisor, the Communications Director, the Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, and the CAO.
• The Communications Director will organize and direct communications with constituents, city departments, and the media. This includes the Salt Lake Solutions program for proactively addressing issues within the community.
• A Senior Advisor for Policy will coordinate the policy function, and will work closely with policy analysts throughout the city’s departments to develop and implement the Mayor-Elect’s 180-Day Plan and Blueprints.
Additionally, the Education Partnership Coordinator and the Administrator for the Office of Diversity will be located in the Mayor’s office.
Mayor-Elect Becker will announce further structural changes by Friday of this week that will address the role of the Sustainability Director and the location of the Economic Development function.
____David Everitt, Becker's new Chief of Staff, has been a great communicator to the political blogging community before, during and after the campaign. I'm glad to see him continuing to work for Ralph Becker.
Over the next few days, I'll collect photos from anyone who would like to share a photo of them entering or exiting the Blue Boutique. I can post them here or some place better if I get any suggestions or offers.
Comment to this post if you'd like to participate
I had hoped to get a photo of me entering or exiting Blue Boutique for this post -- but I just haven't had the time. Since there have been threats from the community of photographing individuals who shop there to shame them, I thought I'd save them the trouble. And I wouldn't be ashamed.
For those outside of Utah, there is a Puritonian uproar about the Blue Boutique which had to move about 2 blocks east of their previous location in the quirky and fun part of Sugarhouse ( a unique neighborhood in Salt Lake City) due to the construction plans for that area. That moved the Blue about 2 blocks closer to my alma mater, Highland High School -- but is still a significant distance (about 1/2 mile) from the school. The Blue Boutique specializes in lingere in the front of the store, and adult sex toys and accessories in a restricted room (18 years and up) at the back.
My senior year at Highland I passed the Blue Boutique in it's Sugarhouse location daily on my walk home. While it's anecdotal, I didn't become as corrupt as some current Highland parents fear their kids will become.
While the new opening of a Bikini Cuts downtown got my feminist side irritated, I have no problem with the Blue Boutique. I've been in the store a handful of times and purchased a few things there. What I like about the Blue Boutique is it is more egalitarian in nature than certain sex industries that are more patriarchal women-exploiting types which have been majority of what we've had through the centuries. Blue Boutique and shops like it remind us that sex is fun and can be enjoyed by both sexes.
I'd also like to suggest that stores like the Blue Boutique are not the problem. If I were these folks I'd be a lot more worried about the fact that Utah ranks number one in internet hits for porn sites coupled with the fact that Utah also was ranked #1 for depression. I'd theorize that the repressive atmosphere in this state is unhealthy and it's starting to show.
The irony of this uproar is that it's likely to increase Blue Boutique's business -- it's free advertising to a broader audience, after all. And I also know from personal experience that nothing ups the titillation factor like making something seem forbidden, naughty or contrary to public acceptance.
And what I really don't get is this uproar over a store that isn't hurting anyone in a state that has the highest approval of a war that is killing and maiming a hell of a lot of people. How's that for priorities?
The more we make sex about something that is shameful and hidden, the more we become unhealthy about sex. And the more we become unhealthy about sex, the more that sex industries that exploit women will thrive. Personally, I'd rather the Blue Boutique and businesses like it thrive over their seedier and unhealthy cousins.
I love these little homes that were built in a long ago time before our era of supersizing everything. The kids probably shared a room, but they all look so cozy and pleasant. It's neighborhoods like this that have personality and charm that makes me happy to be living and walking in Salt Lake City. It's a far cry from many other Utah neighborhoods where everything seems too big, too mass produced, too bland, too much "the same" as anywhere else in that same city.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to live in such a quirky, unique neighborhood. I hope too see homes such as these preserved and not bulldozed for more luxury condos.
The flyer goes on to say that if everyone in the world lived the way we do in Utah, we would need the ecological resources of 5.4 earths to sustain our consumption. What was kind of funny was that in the next paragraph it talked about and optional dinner that was to be catered by Golden Corral -- the steakhouse!
I hate to break it to those guys, but the massive amount of beef consumption in this country is a major contributor to our ecological footprint. I understand that not every environmentalist is prepared to become a vegan, but most are aware that cutting back on animal products, especially beef, is a very important step in the process of becoming sustainable.
We met several people who had bussed down from Idaho to attend, and a couple of people thought it would be fun to start a radical cheerleading squad in Boise!
These photos were taken by cameragirl84109
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| 10-27-2007 Peace Rally and March |
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| 10-27-2007 Peace Rally and March |
Christensen recently shed his Republican label to become an Independent. While critics have wondered at the timing of the switch, Christensen has long considered himself a fiscal conservative and a social liberal which makes him a lot more moderate than his Utah Republican counterparts.
Keith Christensen spent a generous hour and a half of his busy schedule to talk with me about Salt Lake City today. Keith is the second candidate for Salt Lake City mayor with whom I've had the chance to talk about the issues. Democrat Ralph Becker invited several Utah political bloggers to an open house at his campaign headquarters this past March and has been sending out press releases to the blogging community on a regular basis. I was pleased to be contacted by Keith's campaign manager. I think that bloggers can add a lot to the political dialogue.
As a recently converted Independent myself, I'm sympathetic for the need to evolve past outdated and restrictive labels. I feel very confined by our two-party system. In most ways, I am far more liberal than most Democrats. I'm also really concerned about the polarizing effect of the two-party system and I want the freedom to endorse, work, and vote for the best candidate regardless of party affiliation rather than the lesser of two evils. In many cases that might be a Green or a Democrat, but it could also mean an Independent, Libertarian or even the rare Republican. An an Independent, no party has my allegiance. Each candidate has to earn my vote and can't take it for granted. I'm far from alone. According to a Dan Jones poll taken this past March, 38 percent of Salt Lake County residents claim to be Republican, 21 percent Democrat and 35 percent independent.
____________________________
I enjoyed my conversation with Keith very much. He is a very pleasant, intelligent and easy to talk to. We agreed on many issues. Here are some of the highlights of our discussion:
Christensen has a strong business background, so he is focused on how to get things done from a economic and business perspective.
Keith has met with 22 mayors along the Wasatch Front, with more to go. His objective is to form a coalition of mayors with similar interests - for example clean air, transportation . . . things that affect the larger community outside of Salt Lake and would benefit us all -- the bad air doesn't stop at the city's borders, after all. This coalition would then become a large lobby up at the State legislature, and since many of the reps and senators on the hill will belong to these Wasatch Front communities, we could get a lot of good things done for us on the state level.
Christensen is concerned about the environment. On his website he says that he will continue Mayor Anderson's Salt Lake City Green program.
He wants to see the expansion of the Trax system and bicycle infrastructure. He wants to educate Utah drivers on how to interact with bicyclists on the road. While biking in the city recently, he had a brush (literally) with a female motorist who had plenty of room to his left. There are other places in this country where drivers are far more courteous and safety conscious of bicyclists than we currently are here and there are ways that we can educate drivers and improve safety.
If we want to encourage companies to relocate to Salt Lake City, we need to make our city more appealing in ways other than just economically. We won't have many interested in bringing employees here, for example, when we have the 2nd worst air quality in the country.
I was able to bring up a policy idea from the newly-formed Utah Moms for Clean Air - on red burn days, could UTA provide free public transportation? He really seemed to like the idea from both an environmental standpoint as well as a business one. Offering times when public transportation is free gives people the chance to try it and get comfortable with it and hopefully use it more often. He has a similar idea that he's proposed - to offer free UTA passes to all school aged kids from 7th grade on to get them comfortable with public transportation options.
Keith understands the need for more housing downtown for a diverse population, including families. This is were I brought up one of my pet issues -- the lack of daycare options in Salt Lake which is a burden for families living in the city. After some discussion, he admitted that this would be a difficult one to solve, but that it was an important issue for those wanting to raise a family here. He seemed interested in finding a solution.
_________________________
My political ideology tends to be very liberal, and I'm still uncertain who I will vote for in November. I do feel certain, though, that I would feel comfortable having Keith Christensen as mayor of Salt Lake City even if I didn't vote for him.
Mayoral Candidates:
Keith Christensen
Ralph Becker
Jenny Wilson
Dave Buhler
J.P. Hughes
John Renteria (not sure if he is still running; unable to find website)
My political ideology tends to be very liberal, and I'm still uncertain who I will vote for in November. I do feel certain, though, that I would feel comfortable having Keith Christensen as mayor of Salt Lake City even if I didn't vote for him.
Mayoral Candidates:
Keith Christensen
Ralph Becker
Jenny Wilson
Dave Buhler
J.P. Hughes
John Renteria (not sure if he is still running; unable to find website)
We led Rocky up to the stage, and beforehand we joked around -- he mentioned sneaking over to Squatter's while we waited to bring him up. A couple of times he tried to wheel his chair off-stage when the roasting got a bit embarassing and Piper wheeled him back into place. It felt as if we'd been casual buds with him for years, just hanging out together on stage.
Our performance went well -- I don't think there were any mess ups, and we got many compliments afterwards from attendees.
I ganked this photo off Deanna's post. It was taken by Tom King.
These photos were taken by my friend, cameragirl84109:
On stage with Rocky
Besides performing, we've been asked to escort Mayor Anderson to the stage, and to sit grouped around him during the other performances.
I thought I'd leak one of the three planned cheers:
R the revolutionary
O the one and only
C control freak
K keepin' it real
Y because we dig our mayor!
Rocky - cuz we ride the trax
Rocky - cuz we cross with flags
Rocky! Go Rocky!
Rocky - cuz we love free speech
Rocky - cuz he says "Impeach!"
Rocky! Go Rocky!
Rocky - just don't call him Ross
Rocky - glad he's not my boss!
Rocky! Go Rocky!
Rocky - made our city great
Rocky - can you fix our state?
Rocky! Go Rocky!
Rocky do you have to go?
Rocky, cuz we'll miss you so . . .
Goooooooo Rocky!
I've enjoyed having Mayor Anderson as our mayor. As an activist and environmentalist I really admire his positions on many issues. Rocky's administration has been a breath of fresh air in a nation of of many corrupt politicians.
Live Green Festival -- May 12th (10 am to 6 pm) Library Square (210 E. 400 S.)
Features:
-Alternative Transportation Exhibitors
-Locally-Grown Yard and Garden Plant Sale
-Sustainable Building Products & Businesses
-Community Advocacy Groups
-UTA Rideshare Bike Week Information
-Eco-activities for kids
-Food Vendors & Squatters Beer Garden (e2 business)
-Pedal-Powered Music Stage with Red Rock Hot Club and Shake Your Peace
More info at Down Town SLC
Home Electronics recycling event - May 12th (10 am to 2 pm) 175 E. 400 S. (west parking lot of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce building). Half a block from the Live Green Festival above.
Proof of residence required (driver's license, utility bill) some restrictions apply.
Residents of Salt Lake City can recycle their home electronics for free. Accepted items include computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, televisions, VCRs, DVDs, and cellular phones.
More info at xmission
Wasatch Gardens annual plant sale -- May 12th (8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) Rowland Hall 720 S. Guardsman Way
The event is free to the public and is focused on home gardening, drought-tolerant landscaping, and sustainable vegetable growing. The Annual Plant Sale offers Heirloom Vegetables and Drought-Tolerant Perennials and Naitive Utah Perennials at nursery prices to support the programs of Wasatch Community Gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity for people interested in water conservation, landscaping, heirloom vegetables and home gardening to learn more and purchase hard-to-find plants from our outstanding selection from a variety of local growers and heirlooms from multiple seed sources
More info at Wasatch Gardens
This past winter was one of the worst for me though. The air seemed filthier this winter than most. A friend's 5 year old had just died of cancer (probably no air related) which led me to do a little bit of reading on childhood cancers and realizing that about 80% of cancers are caused by "environmental factors" and that children are much more vulnerable than adults due to metabolism and other factors. As the parent of a 12 and 3 year old, I'm very concerned about what my kids are exposed to. Seeing my friend go through the cancer treatment and then death of her young child has convinced me that we need to do what ever we can to make sure that our kids grow up healthy and safe.
Working for clean air seems like a cause I'd like to get behind, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. There is now a group forming to address this situation, though -- Utah Moms for Clean Air. The first meeting will be held this Wednesday:
"Our first meeting is May 2nd, 6:30 to 8pm at the Anderson Foothill Library in
One or more representatives from the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment group will give an introductory presentation on the subject of the health consequences of
- Live within 10 miles of downtown Salt Lake City, and
- Don't use environmentally-friendly cleaning products on a regular basis, and
- Haven't switched out your incandescent lightbulbs for compact fluorescent ones yet, and
- Are open to learning and trying new things
- ! roll (120 2-ply sheets) Seventh Generation 100% recycled paper towels
- 2 75-watt equivelent compact fluorescent lightbulbs
- 1 bottle Seventh Generation natural dish liquid (citrus scent)
- 1 can Bon Ami earth-friendly cleanser
- 1 Endangered Species brand 3 oz. chocolate bar
- any other earth-loving thing that I have the urge to add to the bag in the next few days
If you'd like to win this Earth Day Goodie Bag, please do the following:
- send an email to green jenni blog [all one word, no spaces] at yahoo (dot) com with the words "Goodie Bag" in the subject line so that I don't delete your email as spam
- in your email, tell me one thing that you pledge to do in the next year to help protect or preserve the environment or to live a greener life -- you won't be judged on what you action you choose. Please include your zip code in the email, so I can be sure that you are within my delivery distance.
- Email me by noon on Wednesday, April 25th
For those that live outside of the SLC area, or who are already living a green lifestyle, I'd still be glad to include any earth/environment ideas and goals that you have. You can comment to this post or email them to me at the address above. Please put "earth day" in the subject line.
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| Step It Up collage |
- Location:Salt Lake City, Utah
All the Utah events:
Locally is Globally
More info at http://events.stepitup2007.org/events/se
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green_jenni- Jennifer Killpack-Knutsen
- I'm on Common Circle.net
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