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Olympia renters rally against unfair evictions; push for city renter protection policies

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As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable in the Puget Sound, and renters feel growing instability in their homes, Olympia renters are rallying Tuesday at City Hall to push their city council to enact renter protections.

Olympia is one of the most rent-burdened areas in the state with 53.7% of renters devoting more than 30% of our income toward rent. Further, people of color, seniors, single-parent households, and individuals or households with disabilities are the most likely to be rent-burdened. The price of rent is only one of the obstacles renters in the city face when trying to ensure stability for their families.

That’s why renters are gathering outside Olympia City Hall Tuesday at 6 pm to demand their City Councilmembers pass a slate of tenant protection policies including move-in payment plans.

What: Renter Rally & Public Comment

When: Tuesday, October 8 at 6pm

Where: Olympia City Hall, 601 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA

Next year is going to be a game-changing year for the Black community

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National Voter Registration Day, so there’s no better time to ensure you’re registered to vote and mobilize your networks to do the same. We all have the power to make a difference in 2020, but the work has to begin now.

Next year is going to be a game-changing year for the Black community and we are shaping a new culture of voting by bringing the Black community together as a potent political force. Hundreds of elected officials, activists, and public figures have already joined our campaign, including Actor, Director and Activist, Larenz Tate.

Supporters like you are critical to helping us maintain our momentum on the ground. We’re asking you to use your power to mobilize at least five African Americans to vote and participate in the Census in 2020.

List your five here.

We’re counting on you to be an advocate for democracy and social change. You have the power, claim it! Visit our website to mobilize your five people today.

Fighting forward,

Metro Parks Tacoma wins National Gold Medal Award

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Metro Parks Tacoma has won the prestigious 2019 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the top achievement in the industry.

The announcement was made Tuesday, Sept. 24 by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) at the opening session of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) annual conference.

Metro Parks also learned at the conference that it has earned accreditation for a second time, meaning it remains in an elite group of agencies that meet 151 rigorous standards for managing lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. Only three agencies in Washington State have earned accreditation.

“Our staff, our volunteers, our program partners, and our community members rise to the challenge every day to help Metro Parks be among the best in the industry,” said Aaron Pointer, President of the Metro Parks Board of Commissioners. “The past few years have been extraordinary, as we’ve built new parks and facilities, added or enhanced programs, and developed new partnerships to expand our reach. Earning the National Gold Medal Award and accreditation at the same time is an incredible honor for everyone who contributes to our mission of creating healthy places to play, learn and grow.”

The National Gold Medal Awardprogram honors communities that demonstrate excellence through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. This is the third time Metro Parks has won it. The park district won the National Gold Medal in 1985 and 1992, and it was a finalist in 2017.

Metro Parks highlighted a variety of accomplishments in its application and video, including:

·         Opening the Pacific Seas Aquarium and Eastside Community Center in 2018.

·         Transforming a contaminated Superfund site into Dune Peninsula and the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge, which opened in July.

·         Creating the Elementary Sports Program and Whole Child Access Pass to reduce geographic and economic barriers that make it harder for children to participate in recreational opportunities.

·         Expanding environmental and conservation education from pre-school through high school, and implementing programs such as the Ocean-Friendly Restaurant campaign to reduce single-use plastics.

The other National Gold Medal finalists in the population category of 150,000 to 400,000 people were agencies serving Tampa, Fla; Norfolk, Va.; and Greensboro, N.C. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission was among four finalists in the state parks category, which was won by Florida.

The process for accreditation included a lengthy assessment of 151 standards, hundreds of supporting documents submitted as evidence, a four-day site visit by a team of trained park professionals, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Metro Parks was first accredited in 2014, and this was the district’s first time being reaccredited.

“I’m excited for our staff and everyone associated with Metro Parks to receive such distinguished recognition. It’s a credit to their passion, energy and innovative thinking,” said Metro Parks Executive Director Shon Sylvia. “This isn’t a one-time accomplishment. Being reaccredited shows we are doing our best to live these standards every day.”

Of the thousands of park and recreation agencies in the nation, only 178 are accredited, according to NRPA. The park departments in Bellevue and Shoreline are the only other accredited agencies in the state of Washington.

The NRPA is a nonprofit dedicated to helping its 60,000 members provide everyone with access to parks and recreation services for health, conservation and social equity. The AAPRA is focused on the administration of recreation and parks.

“Conversation With The Streets”

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“Conversation With The Streets” | IS A MOVEMENT

With the “Conversation With The Streets” movement,
we believe in an unconventional way of reaching out, healing, and educating!

SEPTEMBER 2019 PANEL RELEASED | DINNER WILL BE SERVED

Wed, September 25, 2019 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Seattle City Hall (Main Level)   600 4th Ave Seattle, WA 98104

BLACK LEADERS UNITE

  • Andre’ L. Taylor, Activist and Motivational Speaker
  • Jay Morrison, CEO, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Expert
  • Nuri Muhammad, Nation of Islam, Student Minister, Indianapolis, Indiana

This event is sponsored by the organization, NOT THIS TIME, with support from the Mayor’s Office of Seattle, Seattle Neighborhoods, Seattle Foundation, The McCaney Project, and Savren Marketing.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

YOUR COMMUNITY IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY … www.nwfacts.com

Local Burger Companies Battle It Out

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South Sound Productions with sponsors 96.5 JACK FM, BD Local, SouthSoundTalk.com, T-Mobile, Axe & Arrow Gastropub, Costco, Hello Fresh, Clear Creek RV Center & DuPont Realty Group present 2019 Battle of the Burger Festival Washington!

For up-to-date information check out our Facebook event:

Burger fans! Come one and come all! This is the event NOT to miss! Here’s your change to try several different burgers from all over the region! Also in the house will be local beverage and businesses! This will be an audience driven vote!

This event will include several burger businesses competing in different categories. There is a wide range of different burgers to satisfy every taste bud: traditional beef, unique, vegan/vegetarian, seafood, chicken etc. Attendees can purchase a burger slider flight (like a beer flight) and taste 5 burger sliders for one price. This is a great way for everyone to be able to vote for their favorites. Yes, we will have other food/beverage vendors as as well as shopping & informational vendors.

Kids are welcome! This event will also feature trick or treat event too.

Current Competitors

Axe & Arrow Gastropub

Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar

The Cattleman

Street Eats Mobile Eatery

Nici’s Pacific Northwest Cuisine

VeGo Eatz

For up-to-date information check out our Facebook event:

Jayden White of Everett High School High School – Athlete of the Week

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Jayden White – Everett High School

Seahawks Announce Week Three CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week. – The Seattle Seahawks, CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) and KIRO Radio announced Jayden White of Everett High School as week three CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week. Jayden will be recognized on the field at CenturyLink Field during the Seahawks vs. Ravens game on Oct. 20.

Jayden, a senior at Everett High School, was selected the CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week based on his dedication to academics, community involvement, leadership, and athletic performance. Jayden holds a 3.69 GPA while taking several AP courses, playing basketball and participating in track & field, where he placed third for shotput in the State’s 3A division. When Jayden is not busy with school and sports, he spends his time delivering meals to families in the community, assisting with the Salmon for Soldiers event and helping with the special needs dance hosted by Torch Honor Society. Jayden’s positive presence and work ethic make him a leader on and off the field. His Athletic Director says that although the high school does not designate captains, Jayden is clearly followed by his peers.

Each student athlete will be recognized at his or her school in front of families, peers and teachers, as well as at a Seahawks game. Each winner will also receive a $1,000 grant to their school’s Athletic Department from the Seahawks along with media recognition, tickets and sideline passes to a Seahawks game, a customized football, and a customized 2019 Seahawks jersey. A total of $10,000 will be awarded to high schools over the course of the program.  For more information and to nominate an outstanding student athlete, visit: Seahawks.com/highschool

Level Up !!! WA State Fair hosted R&B artist Ciara

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Ciara WA State Fair (9/13/19) Photos by : Julie Meier – NW FACTS MEDIA Group / Julie Girl Photography

 

 

The Washington State Fair hosted R&B artist Ciara to Level Up and party at the Columbia Bank Concert Series (Friday, Sept. 13)

Ciara is a Grammy Award-winning singer , songwriter, producer, model and actress. Over her 13-year career, she has sold more than 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.” Most recently, Ciara has been scorching summer with her new song, “Level Up,” which has transformed into a defining moment for the culture with the subsequent movement it has incited.

Ciara WA State Fair (9/13/19) Photos by : Julie Meier – NW FACTS MEDIA Group / Julie Girl Photography

Leaving the Fair we asked , What Did You Think About Ciara ?

“Ciara has so much energy and stage performance, Love Goodies, My JAM”

” I didn’t Know Russell married Janet Jackson”  ” I Go CC, Keep Level Up ,Up,  Up”

All the shows have been amazing Boys 2 Men , Hall & Oates , Chris Tomlin and the kid that was dancing and singing , I’m going to google him (Tauren Wells). Then Uncle Charlie Wilson is coming This Saturday, September 21 and tickets are still available.

Ciara WA State Fair (9/13/19) Photos by : Julie Meier – NW FACTS MEDIA Group / Julie Girl Photography

Ciara launched her own record and entertainment company, Beauty Marks Entertainment (BME); the venture was launched for her to follow her own creative direction and release her music on her own terms, with the singer eventually hoping to sign additional artists.[12] BME’s first endeavor was the release of the singles “Level Up“, “Freak Me”, and “Dose” in 2018, while Ciara officially announced its formation on February 7, 2019 at the MAKERS Conference.

 

Ciara announced that her seventh studio album would be titled Beauty Marks after her label and that it would be released on May 10, 2019. The album was made available for pre-order the following day, along with its fifth single, “Thinkin’ Bout You”.[13] In speaking on the album’s development process, Ciara expressed that she now feels as she did at the start of her career, stating:

 

Ciara WA State Fair (9/13/19) Photos by : Julie Meier – NW FACTS MEDIA Group / Julie Girl Photography

Ciara revealed that she co-wrote the title track “Beauty Marks” with Skylar Grey.

“Level Up” was released via digital download and through streaming platforms on July 18, 2018 as the album’s lead single, alongside a high-octane music video. The single peaked at 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while its music video inspired the viral “level up dance challenge”. Ciara also challenged fans to share three ways that they hoped to “level up” in life in promotion of the single. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA. With the success of “Level Up”, Ciara released the album’s second single, “Freak Me”, featuring Nigerian rapper, Tekno, less than a month later on August 10, 2018.

“Dose” was released as the album’s third single on September 14, 2018, after premiering on ESPN. The song’s music video premiered on October 25, 2018 (Ciara’s 33rd birthday). The album’s fourth single, “Greatest Love“, was released alongside its music video on February 11, 2019, to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

“Thinkin Bout You” was released as the fifth single on March 29, 2019, along with the album’s pre-order. Its music video premiered that same day. Ciara released a music video for the album’s title track on May 11, 2019 and was scheduled to release one for the album’s third track, “Set”, on June 14, 2019.

Ciara is married to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. They began dating in early 2015 and announced their engagement on March 11, 2016.[118][119] They were married on July 6, 2016, at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England.[120] Together, they have one child, a daughter, born on April 28, 2017.[121]

Ciara also has a son, born on May 19, 2014, from her previous relationship with Future.[122] Ciara and Future were engaged in October 2013, but ended the engagement in August 2014.[123]

Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation

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Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation is on Wednesday, October 23rd  at 5:30 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle, and I hope you’ll join us! This year’s conversation is titled “Black Excellence: Celebrating our success and preparing for the future.” We need each of you to join the conversation, as Treehouse seeks to close the academic/opportunity gap for African American youth that have experienced foster care. We encourage youth to attend the event and participate in the discourse as well.

 

The exhibits at NAAM are open to those attending the conversation. We encourage you to show up at 5:30 p.m. and explore the museum before our discussion.

 

See event details attached, and register at https://engage.treehouseforkids.org/AACC19. Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word.

Are Washington students are missing out on basic life skills ?

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Math, science and language arts are standard classes that Washington students will be learning when they head back to school, but it is the class that is not on their schedule this year that can affect them the most. Personal finance is a lifelong beneficial subject for children to learn in school, yet a recent study analyzed 11,000 high school course catalogues and concluded only 1 in 6 high schoolers is currently required to take a personal finance course to graduate. Washington currently does not have a law that requires students to take a standalone personal finance class. Without these classes, students are missing out on critical life skills that help everyday adults avoid money problems such as budgeting, saving, investing and even how to do their taxes.

The Black Hair Conspiracy

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Since California passed Senate Bill 188 known as the CROWN Act, becoming the first state to provide expanded discrimination protections for natural hair, other states have followed suit — New York, New Jersey, and now a proposed bill in Kentucky.
Desreta Jackson, known for her iconic role in the film “The Color Purple” as the young Celie, is today a natural hair expert and California native well-versed in the hair discussion. As author of “The Black Hair Conspiracy,” Jackson has extensive knowledge of the history of hair and the ways in which common myths and customs have been falsely ingrained in popular culture. As a thought-leader in the natural hair realm, she provides an insiders-view on this current topic with broad insights and well-versed responses. Desreta is available for interviews to educate your audience on the CROWN Act and its implications for 2020.

 

The Black Hair Conspiracy takes an in-depth look into the psychological effects of social media standards of beauty and its mental and physical impact by connecting historical facts with psychological theories by some of the greatest philosophers in history, The Black Hair Conspiracy debunks a series of lies put in place to psychologically enforce and control the thinking that we have learned today.

The Black Hair Conspiracy is a step-by-step guide on how to grow and maintain healthy, natural hair from maintenance to protective styling; while disproving common lessons and practices passed down by mass media and the hair care industry. The Black Hair Conspiracy will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the hair grows along with how to safely find protective styles. It also warns you against the dangers of bad braiders, hair stylist and salons, all while invalidating common myths and customs we have psychologically been brainwashed to believe. “It is not just hair” is the core of the book that teaches how to connect your own hair energy and harness the powers to understanding your personal and financial wealth connections!

•Learn how to care for chemically treated hair
•Learn hacks to solve common hair problems
•Learn how to make homemade products they don’t want you to know about
• Learn how to use your own natural hair energy

Have fun documenting your own journey with our interactive hair diary and learn your hair Do’s and Don’ts.