Archives for 2017

Mayor Declares State of Emergency for the City of DuPont

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Mayor Michael P. Courts is declaring a state of emergency in the City of DuPont as a result of the tragic Amtrak accident near Mounts Road.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated. The Mayor, staff and our

first responders are assisting both state and federal authorities as they begin the process of stabilizing the accident scene and beginning their investigation. During the coming days the EOC will remain activated as we continue to assist and provide support to the multiple agencies now converging to the scene.

Southbound I-5 is closed until the scene can be rendered safe. It is unknown at this time how long I-5 will be closed. Accordingly, we will be rerouting local traffic during the I-5 closure.

Center drive will be closed to all through traffic and shall be local access only until announced otherwise. DuPont residents may, of course, access Center Drive. Wilmington Drive is closed to all traffic from the Barksdale Ave intersection to the State Farm complex. The gate between Hoffman Hill and Mounts Rd is open for emergency vehicles only. However, if you are a resident needing to access Rancho Madrona, you may use the Hoffman Hill Gate, be prepared to show ID to any City staff, emergency personnel or law enforcement positioned at the gate.

The City urges all DuPont citizens to stay at home and avoid highway travel if at all possible until I-5 southbound reopens. Anyone needing to get to destinations south of DuPont, JBLM is opening a detour from Exit 118, through the post, allowing access to the Nisqually area. Northbound I-5 can be accessed from Exit 119. Expect significant delays on DuPont-Steilacoom Road and accessing the JBLM south bound detour.

Dexter Gordon Receives Tacoma’s 2018 MLK Community Service Award

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The City of Tacoma will present the lifetime service award to the college’s Race & Pedagogy Institute director at an 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15 ceremony

The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognition Committee has named Dexter Gordon, director of the Race & Pedagogy Institute at University of Puget Sound, as the 2018 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.

Dexter Gordon, director of the Race & Pedagogy Institute at University of Puget Sound,

Gordon is a published author, professor, and community advocate for social change. He co-founded and guides the Race & Pedagogy Institute, which has worked for more than a decade partnering Puget Sound’s academic resources with local community knowledge and experience in the pursuit of a more aware, equitable, and just society.

The city said in its announcement that Gordon, professor of communication studies and African American studies, demonstrates exemplary leadership that embodies the values of equity and inclusion, and for many years has promoted and advocated for a campus environment and city that embraces racial and cultural differences.

“The committee is thrilled to present the service award to Dr. Dexter Gordon,” said Events and Recognition Committee Chair Erin Lee. “A former student of his said that taking his class was a life-changing experience. That testimonial and all of the other community comments about Dr. Gordon convinced us he truly embodies this year’s theme, ‘Be the Change.’”

The MLK lifetime service award is presented each year at the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. It recognizes and encourages excellence in community service activities carried out by an individual, organization, or group whose efforts reflect the essence of King’s teachings. Tacoma’s City Events and Recognition Committee is comprised of local community leaders from a broad array of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, begins at 11 a.m., with doors opening at 10 a.m., in the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, at 1500 Commerce St. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food items for the MLK Food Drive. The drive is especially in need of peanut butter and pop-top canned meat donations.

The Race and Pedagogy Institute and its Community Partners Forum aim to educate students and teachers at all levels to think critically about race, and to work toward transforming society and eliminating racism. It will hold its 2018 Race & Pedagogy National Conference on campus Sept. 27–29.

For more information about the celebration and the nomination process visit: , email , or call 253.573.2523.

Mt. Hood Meadows is Ready for the Holidays

December 19, 2017 by Dennis Beaver Leave a Comment

With December’s first major snow storm hitting the Cascades, Mt. Hood Meadows is moving into holiday mode. While the number of lifts and amount of terrain will be determined by conditions, and how much snow the resort receives, Meadows is ready for the holiday season.

Here’s a primmer to get you ready for the holidays.

1. Open Daily 9 AM – 9 PM – except Christmas Eve (lifts close at 4 PM)

Mt. Hood Meadows will be open for day and night operations every day through Monday, January 1, with just two exceptions. The ski area will operate from 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) and lifts will run until just after midnight Sunday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve).

2. Reserve lessons and rentals online in advance

Meadows holiday reservation system is inventoried so if you make a reservation the morning of the previous day, you’re assured having equipment or getting into adult or kids lessons. You’re equipment will also be pre-teched, and you’ll reduce your time in the shop, bypassing the check-in and cashier and going directly to fitting your boots and picking up your equipment.

3. Purchase or Reload Tickts Online

The best pricing on lift tickets is found on SkiHood.com – but you also reduce your time to get on the slopes. Reloading media (lift ticket from a previous visit) is the most affordable and efficient way as it provides direct to lift convenience. Either way, purchasing online in advance saves both time and money!

4. Take Park and Ride from Portland

Meadows Park and Ride has three Portland pick up locations and runs daily during the Holidays (except Christmas day) dropping off right at the lodge. Purchase seats in advance online.

5. Make a vacation of it in Hood River

There is still holiday availability and Mt. Hood Meadows partners with several Hood River lodging properties to offer discounted lift tickets. It’s a much easier drive from Hood River to Meadows and after a day on the slopes Hood River warms up with fun activities, shopping and great dining.

6. Nordic Center open daily

It’s not all downhill at Meadows – our Nordic Center is open daily for the holidays from 9 AM – 4 PM for cross country skiing.

7. Peak Day Hood River Shuttle is FREE!

The shuttle runs every day from Hood River starting Saturday, December 23 through Monday, January 1; as well as weekends in January and February. It picks up at the Hood River Events Site with the first shuttle departing for Meadows at 8:30 AM (and then roughly every half-hour through the morning after that). First come, first seated.

8. Snow Shoe tours offered December 26 – 31

Looking for other ways to play in or on the snow? Take a snow shoe tour, hike to Umbrella Falls and perhaps to Sahallie Falls – a true winter wonderland!

9. Santa is at home in the snow

Santa is revving up for his big day by spending some time with us Saturday and Sunday. The kiddos can have breakfast with Santa (reservations required), spend some time with him and get him ready for his big day!

10. New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Pfriem

The lifts will run until just after midnight and Prfiem presents a great party featuring live music from Counterfeit Hits from 9 PM – after midnight. There’s a kids party as well and an incredible New Year’s Eve buffet dinner. New Year’s Eve buses board at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.

Any questions? SkiHood.com

Meadows’ web site has all the information you need to plan your holiday break to the mountain. For current snow conditions, lift operations schedule and great insight into how to have the best time on the mountain this holiday season, check out SkiHood.com!

ROBERT COLESCOTT, KERRY JAMES MARSHALL, MICKALENE THOMAS OPENS AT SEATTLE ART MUSEUM FEBRUARY 15

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

FIGURING HISTORY: ROBERT COLESCOTT, KERRY JAMES MARSHALL, MICKALENE THOMAS OPENS AT SEATTLE ART MUSEUM FEBRUARY 15

Three generations of contemporary American artists offer bold perspectives on Black culture and representation

Dynamic lineup of public programs includes Marshall and Thomas in conversation at a free opening celebration

The Seattle Art Museum presents Figuring History: Robert Colescott, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas (February 15–May 13, 2018), bringing together for the first time three leading American artists from three different generations whose work challenges a Western painting tradition that historically erases or misrepresents people of color. While each artist’s paintings are distinctive in style, subject matter, and the historic moments they reference, collectively they critique and redefine mainstream narratives of history and representation. At the heart of these artists’ portrayals are material and cultural histories centered on Black experiences and perspectives.

Organized by the Seattle Art Museum, the exhibition comprises 25 large-scale paintings on loan from institutions and collections across the country. It features a work from SAM’s collection—the recently acquired Les Demoiselles d’Alabama: Vestidas (1985) by Robert Colescott—as well as three paintings made by Mickalene Thomas specifically for the exhibition. She also presents a staged “living room” installation that visitors can interact with and sit in.

The living artists, Kerry James Marshall and Mickalene Thomas, will appear in conversation about their artistic practices at a free opening celebration.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Art Beyond Sight and docent tours, as well as programs for educators and school groups, will be held in conjunction with the exhibition in addition to the following public and family programs. Details are subject to change; additional programs or events may be added. For the most up-to-date information, go to visitsam.org/figuringhistory.

Thu Feb 15

Figuring History: Community Celebration

5–9 pm

Seattle Art Museum

The whole community is invited to this free, family-friendly opening celebration featuring music, performances, art-making, an artist talk, and more.

Presented by Delta Air Lines and Target. Sponsored by RealNetworks Foundation.

Thu Feb 15

SAM Talks: Kerry James Marshall and Mickalene Thomas

7–8 pm

Seattle Art Museum

As part of the opening celebration, Figuring History artists Kerry James Marshall and Mickalene Thomas appear in conversation about their artistic practices.

Wed Feb 28

Complex Exchange: Figuring Black Futures Today

7–9 pm

Northwest African American Museum

Presented in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum, Complex Exchange pairs Seattle community members from varying disciplines in a series of conversations related to issues of race, power, politics, and representation inspired by exhibitions on view at both institutions.

New Rights in Washington Help Working Families Thrive

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Washington State has begun implementing new standards to help workers stay healthy and protect their loved ones. These new laws are the result of the activism and collaboration of many individuals, community groups, labor unions, advocacy organizations, business owners, and policymakers.

Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Starts – In Effect Statewide Since July 23, 2017

New Rights: Pregnant workers now have the right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace to stay healthy. Most employers must provide pregnant employees with flexibility regarding restroom breaks, food and beverages, seating, or limits on lifting. Pregnant workers can also ask for other accommodations, so long as they are not too burdensome for their employer, such as less hazardous work assignments and flexible scheduling for prenatal visits.

Who’s Covered: These new rights apply to employees of companies with 15 or more employees.

For More Information or to File a Complaint: Visit www.atg.wa.gov/pregnancy-accommodations or contact the Attorney General’s Office toll-free at 1-833-389-2427.

FILM PRODUCER ATTENDS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS EVENT AT UPPERCUTS SALON AND SPA

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Jelani James is a 29 year old man of many trades. He is a Maryland attorney (JD James & Associates, P.C.), management consultant, director, producer, writer, and musician. RDX films is dedicated to the creation and delivery of premier critically acclaimed content, inspired by the need for diverse, evocative, groundbreaking, thought-provoking, passionate and insightful storytelling, coupled with the application of emerging technologies, which evokes emotion and enriches both mainstream and niche consumers worldwide.

Jelani attended the prostate cancer awareness event at Uppercuts Salon and Spa on December 3, 2017 along with Broadway actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and actor Leon Robinson. The event provided attendees like Jelani with educational information on prostate cancer and preventative care of the disease.

“I was pleased to see Upper Cuts take a stance on prostate cancer and take action to spread awareness and encourage screenings for early detection of the disease. I have a personal connection to the cause as my family has recently suffered the loss of three beloved family members to various forms of cancer, including a cousin my age who was not aware of his illness until Stage 4. This is an issue which affects young and old alike, making early detection an issue of paramount importance, so I am eager to support all events or causes aimed at impacting the prevalence of the disease,” stated Jelani.

Jelani hopes other industry leaders will also get involved in taking a stance on their health and spreading awareness/ preventive methods for the disease.

Learn more about Jelani and his work as a film producer by visiting https://www.rdxfilms.com/

Analysis Reveals Gender and Racial Pay Gaps for 25 Major U.S. Cities

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Analysis Reveals Gender and Racial Pay Gaps for 25 Major U.S. Cities
Largest overall gap found in Detroit while Los Angeles holds smallest

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) released an analysis of the gender pay gap in 25 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas. The analysis also breaks down the pay gap for women of different races and ethnicities in each city. AAUW’s report reveals a substantial gender pay gap in all 25 cities examined, with even larger gaps for black and Hispanic women.
“No matter where you reside, your background or chosen industry, women face the systemic pay gap,” said Kim Churches, chief executive officer at AAUW. “Instead of avoiding the issue of unequal pay, women’s voices and actions are on the rise. To fight inequities, we need to arm women with strong salary negotiation skills, fact-based research, and advocacy locally, regionally and nationally.”

The major metropolitan area with the widest overall gap in the study is Detroit, where women are paid 75 percent as much as men, and the area with the smallest overall gap is Los Angeles, where women are paid 90 percent as much as men. Looking within the racial/ethnic categories, the widest gap falls in Houston, where Hispanic women are paid just 35 percent of what white men are paid. AAUW’s analysis drew on U.S. Census data from the American Community Survey to calculate the pay gaps for metropolitan areas across the country with a population of at least two million.
The city findings provide a more detailed look at the oft-cited 80 cents number, which is the amount women working full time in the United States typically make compared to men’s dollar. The gender pay gap is larger for black and Hispanic women when compared with white men and is also larger for mothers.

This study builds upon findings from AAUW’s research report The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap, which provides a detailed look at the pay gap, its causes and impact, and solutions to close it. Expanding on one of those solutions, five city governments so far have partnered with AAUW to bring AAUW Work Smart salary negotiation workshops to their cities. The latest, San Francisco, will launch in 2018.

To learn more about efforts and solutions in the fight for fair pay visit the AAUW website.

Inslee releases supplemental budget proposal including full funding of basic education by 2018 school year

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday released his 2018 supplemental budget, which adds nearly $1 billion to fully fund basic education in time for the 2018 school year and makes modest new investments for emerging and urgent needs such as tools to combat the opioid crisis, emergency preparedness, protection for endangered orcas and mental health.

“Let’s fund the final step of McCleary this year,” Inslee said. “The Legislature has invested billions of dollars in our schools over the past five years, including in a bipartisan effort to tackle the heaviest and most complicated part of the plan this past session related to local levies and compensation for educators. Our students and their teachers are counting on us to deliver the full funding they need — and we can deliver that full funding now.”

The governor’s supplemental budget also includes nearly $162 million to cover anticipated shortfalls in the state’s Medicaid program, which provides health care to more than 1.8 million Washingtonians. And it includes about $113 million to cover higher operating costs at the state’s psychiatric hospitals and to make changes to maintain federal funding for Western State Hospital.

ACLU of Washington Endorses I-940 Campaign to De-Escalate Police Violence Campaign

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

ACLU of Washington Endorses I-940 Campaign to De-Escalate Police Violence
Campaign Welcomes Important Endorsement in critical final weeks of signature gathering

The campaign for Initiative 940 has announced the endorsement of ACLU of Washington to
its growing list of endorsements. If passed by voters or the legislature, I-940 will require additional
training for police and reform prosecution standards to help reduce officer shootings and other violent
encounters.
“The ACLU of Washington stands with the families and community members leading the effort to pass I-940. The ACLU has long believed that improving public safety means we also improve public trust in law enforcement. I-940 will enhance police accountability and provide officers with the training they need
to de-escalate situations and avoid tragedy wherever possible,” said Kathleen Taylor, Executive Director of the ACLU of Washington.
The ACLU endorsement was accompanied by a $100,000 contribution, and comes as the campaign enters the last weeks of signature gathering leading toward the December 29 deadline for initiatives to the legislature. ACLU joins other endorsers with contributions of $100,000 or more, including the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Nick Hanauer. Once validated by the Secretary of State, the State House of
Representatives and Senate can choose to either pass the initiative into law, or refer it to voters on the November 2018 ballot.
“We are proud to have the ACLU join our campaign,” said Tim Reynon, Puyallup tribal council member and vice-chair for I-940. “The ACLU has an established record fighting for police reform and protecting the rights of citizens. We welcome their experience and expertise on these issues and look forward to partnering with them on I-940’s passage and implementation.” For information on our endorsements please go to http://www.deescalatewa.org/endorsers.

Staying Off the Naughty (Spending) List: Ways to Manage Your Finances and Avoid Post-Holiday Blues

December 19, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The holidays are filled with temptation to overspend.
Here’s my advice on how to manage your holiday spending.

By Eric Tyson

The holidays are upon us, bringing all those personal and family images and sensations we cherish. But for many of us, there are a few not-so-joyous holiday sights (overflowing boxes and bags from our purchases) and sounds (email notifications of our latest orders and purchases online and the ca-ching! of retail cash registers marking our escalating debt). These negatives can easily outweigh all that we love about the holiday season.

Overall, the 2008 financial crisis and recession brought about a renewed dedication to saving. It’s very important that you not let your holiday spending zap all of the saving progress you made during the year.

Whether it’s a dedication to the gift-giving tradition, a sense of obligation, or a feeling that the holidays entitle us to have a little more fun than usual, too many of us seem to turn a blind eye to the budget-busting reality of all that spending over just a couple of months. Don’t let excessive holiday spending cause unnecessary financial stress for you and your loved ones.

What if you could have a wonderful, memorable holiday and avoid the financial hangover afterwards? Read on for my tips on how to keep your holiday spending in check.

Find an alternative to gift-giving during the holidays. Many people feel they have to give gifts during the holidays, either because it’s a family tradition or because they know their friends and relatives have gotten gifts for them. There are plenty of great ways to trade in this tradition for another one that is even more meaningful, and chances are your family and friends will be happy to save gift-buying dough as well.

Instead of exchanging gifts, your family members might want to pool their money and spend it on a holiday outing. If you have kids, you’ll probably want to get them a little something, but set strict spending limits. Instead of piling up the toys, let each child choose an outing or event that he or she gets to spend with you one-on-one. Kids will look back on the valuable time you’ve spent together a lot more fondly than they will any toy or video game they use a couple of times and then toss aside.

If you must buy gifts, cut your expenses elsewhere as necessary. Perhaps you’d rather dine out or go to the movies less, or maybe you can forego that new pair of shoes you’ve been wanting for yourself in order to afford gifts for the grandparents. It doesn’t matter where you make cuts, just that you make them. Keeping your other spending under control while you’re out there doing your shopping can be a challenge, but just keep repeating to yourself the importance of not over-spending. That way when it comes time to actually pass out those presents you’ve purchased, you can do it without grimacing as you think about the damage they did to your bank account.

Set a budget and keep tabs on what you are spending. While you’re doing your holiday shopping, your new best friends should be your bank account and credit card records. It’s easy to get into a spending rhythm when shopping for yourself or others, and that’s why you need to keep track of every purchase you make and make sure you don’t go over your budget. When you start to add up everything you’re spending, you may be shocked at what all those expenses from this store and that store add up to be. And don’t forget about all those “necessary” holiday extras. Most people don’t budget their shopping and don’t realize that by the time you buy all the presents, plus wrapping paper, cards, decorations, etc., it’s added up to a ridiculous amount. Having a budget that you know you must stick to will help keep your impulse spending from getting out of hand and will help you hone in on the most reasonably priced holiday items.

Plan what you are going to buy, and don’t get any extras! Particularly during the holidays, companies pull out their most appealing packaging in hopes of snagging the eyes of shoppers. That’s why along with your budget, you’re going to want to take an exact list of what you want to buy for your gift recipients. Don’t go shopping for someone’s gift until you know exactly what you are going to buy.

It’s very easy to go in with no plan, see something you like, and get it simply because you have no idea what else to get for a hard-to-buy-for relative despite the gift’s significant price tag.

Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true. Retailers and websites run all sorts of specials to induce consumers to buy now, and the holidays offer these companies easy prey in the form of deal-seeking, cash-strapped consumers. For example, furniture stores frequently offer that if you buy now, you don’t have to pay a thing for a year, and you might even get free delivery. This sort of “push” marketing can make it harder for you to say no.

This is just one example of how stores coax in shoppers. Always remember that free financing for, say, a year is not a huge cost to the dealer, but it is a cost, and if you forgo it, you should be able to negotiate a lower purchase price. Retailers find that buyers are less likely to negotiate the price if they are getting a short-term financing break. Read the fine print on any deal you are considering taking before you go to the store to make the purchase. It can be even harder to say no once you get to the store, so you’ll want to know what you are in for before you get there.

Leave the plastic at home. Many of us can explain away spending so much on gifts because we simply charge everything and reason that we can pay it off gradually after the holidays. This is a great way to create a never-ending cycle of consumer debt for yourself. It only creates unnecessary financial stress for you after the holidays.

Use your budget to figure out how you can purchase the gifts you want to purchase without putting them on your credit card. If you are so cash-strapped that you think it will be difficult to avoid charging gifts, then you may want to sit down with other friends and family and propose a limit on how much gifts can cost this year—or propose no adult gift exchanges at all. Far from being disappointed, it’s likely they’ll view this reprieve from gift-buying as a gift in its own right.

Invest in your kids’ financial futures. It may not seem as exciting to your kids as a new iPod, but a contribution to their financial well-being will be appreciated long after such expensive “toys” are obsolete. Have the grandparents contribute to a college tuition fund or savings account rather than buy them more stuff they don’t need. Or make one of your gifts to your kids a stock fund portfolio that can start accruing now. Also, make them aware of the budgets and tools you are using to keep your spending in check. The holidays are a great time for them to truly learn that money doesn’t grow on trees.

Give the gift of time to your kids. Often, parents buy gifts for their kids with the best of intentions. Either you don’t want to deprive them of the toys and gadgets all of their friends have, or you want to give them the things you didn’t have as a kid.

Both of these tendencies are perfectly understandable, but I’ve found that parents who buy too much for their kids often have difficulty changing the habit. The holiday season offers great opportunities for you to show your kids how much you love and care for them. For example, you can make time with them each week to watch a holiday film or TV show, go on a walk to see your neighbors’ holiday lights and decorations, or emphasize that giving-back message again and take them caroling at a local retirement home. All of these activities cost next to nothing, and they will be fun for the kids and for you!

Remember that meaningful gifts don’t necessarily have a big price tag. Sure, it might be nice to give your mom a brand new TV, but there are other things out there that will be even more meaningful and enjoyable for her. If you are looking to give a gift that truly means something and that will keep its value for years to come, you are better off looking for nonmaterial gifts to give than for something your gift recipients could get themselves at the local big box store.

Money can easily become the focus of the holidays when it should be the last thing you are thinking about. By keeping your spending under control, you can have a great holiday and avoid the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach that occurs when you start getting those January credit card bills. If you prepare properly, you can achieve a happy balance of spending and saving during the holiday season. That’s a great gift in and of itself, for both you and the people you love.

Archives for 2017

1. Open Daily 9 AM – 9 PM – except Christmas Eve (lifts close at 4 PM)

2. Reserve lessons and rentals online in advance

3. Purchase or Reload Tickts Online

4. Take Park and Ride from Portland

5. Make a vacation of it in Hood River

6. Nordic Center open daily

7. Peak Day Hood River Shuttle is FREE!

8. Snow Shoe tours offered December 26 – 31

9. Santa is at home in the snow

10. New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Pfriem

Any questions? SkiHood.com

Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Starts – In Effect Statewide Since July 23, 2017

The holidays are filled with temptation to overspend. Here’s my advice on how to manage your holiday spending.

The holidays are filled with temptation to overspend.
Here’s my advice on how to manage your holiday spending.