PATROLS TAKE ON TEXTERS AND TALKERS

Ever wonder why Washington has one of the higher seat belt use rates in the country? It is due, in large part, to the highly visible “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which includes publicity, extra enforcement and signage. In June 2002, when the primary seat belt law went into effect, approximately 82 percent of Washington drivers wore seat belts and today, nearly 97 percent of Washington drivers are buckling up. Now, it is time to focus on another important traffic safety concern – distracted drivers who are texting and talking on their cell phones!

Between May 20 and June 2, motorists in Pierce County can expect to see law enforcement patrolling city and county roads in search of unbuckled drivers and passengers and drivers using their cell phones.

Last year, during this same time period, officers on routine and extra patrols statewide issued 3,171 seat belt violations amongst the 11,047 motorists who were stopped.

Similarly, last year during this time period, 1,059 cell phone violations were written.  However, taking a historical look, in 2010, (the same year cell phone use while driving became a primary offense in Washington), only 63 drivers were cited statewide.

In Pierce County, the Fircrest, Lakewood, Orting, Puyallup, Sumner and Tacoma Police Departments, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol will be teaming up and participating in these extra patrols, with the support of the Tacoma/Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force.

These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero – striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found at http://www.wtsc.wa.gov.

KWA HIRING 100 CAREGIVERS IN PIERCE COUNTY

Korean Women’s Association (KWA) is partnering with Home Depot, Work Source, Work Force Central and American Medical Rental & Supply to present the KWA Hiring Fair 2013 on May 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Work Force Central, located at 3650 S. Cedar St.

More than 100 caregiver positions are available and need to be filled immediately. “This is an awesome opportunity to provide much needed jobs in Pierce County,” said Pete Ansara, executive director of KWA.

This event’s focus is not only finding quality caregivers, but to show interested parties what a day in the life of a caregiver looks like. There will be stations set up for attendees to participate in practice activities that would occur in a home-care situation. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about this hands-on position to help determine if this job is a good fit. All medical equipment is provided by American Medical Rental & Supply.

KWA will have onsite hiring confirmation for qualified candidates. Attendees should bring: three references (at least one employer), job history with contact information, Washington state driver’s license and proof of car insurance (attendees name listed).

Pierce County is still experiencing a 10.4 percent unemployment rate with 41,080 out of work; KWA’s desire is to increase the number of employed residents in Pierce County.

OLGY DIAZ ANNOUNCES BID FOR CITY COUNCIL

Olgy Diaz announced May 13 that she is running for the fifth district position of the Tacoma City Council. An active member of the Tacoma community, Diaz intends to bring needed leadership and passion to representing South Tacoma and the South End. Diaz pledges to focus on consistent street improvements, fostering a safe community and creating jobs in the South End. The fifth district seat is currently held by Joe Lonergan.

“Government can only be as good as those we elect to serve,” Diaz said. “I want to join the council to make sure they look out for us in the fifth district the way our neighbors look out for each other.”

 A lifelong Pierce County resident, Diaz currently works as a legislative aide in the Washington State House of Representatives and serves as a commissioner on the City of Tacoma Human Rights Commission. She is also vice president of the Pierce County Young Democrats and formerly served as a board member of the United Way’s Project U.

In 2008, Diaz organized in Tacoma to help elect President Barack Obama and has worked on a number of local campaigns in the five years since. Her strong dedication to community activism stems from an upbringing that emphasized family and community above all else.

Diaz is endorsed by trusted local leaders including Representatives Steve Kirby and David Sawyer, former State Senator Rosa Franklin and County Councilmember Connie Ladenburg. If elected, Diaz will prioritize keeping streets maintained, safe and walkable. Diaz also believes creating jobs in Tacoma goes beyond downtown. Tacoma works hard to attract businesses and help the economy thrive, and spreading the focus to include business districts in the South End is important to balanced city development.

“Growing up, everyone did their fair share in my family,” Diaz said. “Tacoma is like a family. We cannot expect the entire city to grow without putting in improvements in every neighborhood.”

Diaz is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and a first generation college graduate. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in women’s studies and Latin American studies.  

HELP PRESERVE HISTORIC RESOURCES

The Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) is updating the Washington State Historic Preservation Plan to proactively address archaeological, historic and cultural resource issues and opportunities in Washington over the next five years.

They need input to ensure that the State Historic Preservation Plan is responsive to historic preservation needs and issues facing property owners, communities, agencies and organizations across Washington.

Historic Tacoma encourages your participation in shaping the plan by sharing your ideas about future historic preservation work. Opportunities to participate include completing an on-line survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DAHPStatewidePlan and attending the Tacoma Community Conversation on May 20, 6-8 p.m. at Tacoma City Hall North Annex, room 16, 728 St. Helens Ave. For more information, contact Greg Griffith, deputy state historic preservation officer, at greg.griffith@dahp.wa.gov or (360) 586-3073.

RUSTON WAY HOSTS MEMORIAL DAY DISPLAY

The seventh annual Arlington Northwest Memorial Display will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 26 and 27 this year once again at Cummings Park at 3939 Ruston Way. The collection of symbolic grave markers will be hosted by Veterans for Peace Chapter 134 of Tacoma (http://www.vfptacoma.com). The project is assisted by the group Federal Way Matters, who have been involved in local peace activities for a number of years. 

The assembly and breakdown of the display has in the past been aided by Veterans for Peace volunteers from Bremerton, Port Townsend, Seattle and Olympia. Volunteers are welcome to join set-up at dawn on May 25 at 7 a.m., and breakdown at dusk on May 28. Chapter Vice-President Dave Dittemore will perform “Taps” on the hour on his trumpet, throughout each day of the display.

The purpose of this educational event is to display the human costs of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and make it more meaningful to all who see it. The memorial this year will also include recognition of civilian deaths in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as suicides of American service members. 

Admission is free to the public from dawn to dusk. This is a non-political display intended to inspire consideration on who pays and who profits from wars. 

If you would like to help, or for further information, contact Dittemore at (253) 590-8501.

HELP MAKE PAPER ROSES FOR TROOPS

Can you, or an organization you know, help make 'paper' 'roses' to decorate a stage for a Welcome Home Troops event on Sept. 15 at Steilacoom Park? Tacoma artist Lynn Di Nino is working with American Leadership Forum and the community to create a beautiful stage that will set the tone for this special event and she needs your help.

“The idea is that we are making handmade tokens of our affection for the returning troops,” said Di Nino. “These handmade 'yellow roses' do not even have to be roses. We will experiment together since there is not a right way to do this. We need zillions of yellow flowers, and, men, we need you also!” 

Recycle is best, of course, so Di Nino is asking participants to bring materials such as yellow wrapping paper (predominately yellow), crepe paper, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, yellow plastic bags (not beige), feathers, old yellow tablets, plastic tablecloths, fabric, silk flowers can be part of the mix – if you have some lying around, newsprint (not newspaper) spray painted yellow (afterward), anything yellow that can be turned into a flower. Good sources: Goodwill Bin Store and Dollar Store. Di Nino also needs donations of materials (as listed above) and contributions toward the purchase of supplies. Di Nino is also looking for referrals to organizations and groups who can also make yellow roses. 

Sign up to come to one of the following sessions at Sue Pivetta's home/art studio in Old Town (RSVP and Di Nino will send you her address): May 15 from 3-6 p.m.; May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and May 28 from 6-9 p.m. (location to be announced). E-mail Di Nino at lynndin@msn.com.

TOUR THE 1901 J.C. TODD HOUSE

Join Historic Tacoma and celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in the Wedge Historic District. Visit the 1901 J.C. Todd home, which has gone through eight years of rehabilitation, with two rooms still in progress. Talk with the Tacoma homeowners who are doing much of the work, contractors with extensive experience working on older homes and learn about how to research the history of your home.

On-site experts will include Duke York from York Enterprises (general contractor), Charley Mitchel from Mitchel Plumbing, a representative from Legacy Renovation, and members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. There will also be an architect and a research librarian in the mix, but if you just want to walk around and look at this gorgeous home, you are most welcome. The tours run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18 at 502 S. Sheridan St. Tickets are $5 per person at the door and on-street parking is available.

TED BROWN LAUNCHES STOLEN INSTRUMENT REGISTRY

Fewer things are more stressful for a working musician than getting an instrument stolen – and trying to track it down. Tacoma-based music retailer Ted Brown Music is offering a solution that has already attracted national attention.

Enter the “Stolen Instrument Registry,” an online spreadsheet designed to keep track of reported stolen instruments. From the company’s website, musicians fill out a form, complete with the item’s model and serial number. Users are also required to provide a case number from their local police department. The information will be available to view online from the company website.

Aside from the general public, the registry can be shared with pawnshops, resellers and other music retailers. Ted Brown Music is one of many retailers that buy used instruments from the public.

“A lot of times we get the feeling that an item is stolen, but never had a way to verify it,” said Ellie Stevens, Ted Brown Music Tacoma store manager. “This is a way for us to help reunite instruments with their owners.”

Stevens adds that there are a couple red flags that could prompt a salesperson to pull up the spreadsheet.

“Someone might try and sell an item for way more than it’s worth,” Stevens said. “Or they will have no knowledge of the item at all.”

The Stolen Instrument Registry launched on Friday, May 10, and is available to anyone in the country. There are already 13 entries submitted by Tim’s Music in Sacramento, California. What started as a simple community service has the potential to be a nationwide resource for musicians looking for their stolen gear. 

The registry is available on the company’s website, http://www.tedbrownmusic.com. For more information, call Ted Brown Music at 1 (800) 562-8938.

RECORD PEANUT BUTTER HAUL BY PIERCE UNIONS

For the last few years, in conjunction with the Letter Carriers’ National Food Drive, the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, has put out the call to donate jars of union-made Jif peanut butter. Last year, the goal was to collect 500 jars, and by the time donations finished pouring in, PCCLC’s affiliated unions had collected 2,031 jars of peanut butter for Pierce County food banks.

This year’s goal was to beat last year’s total. On May 8 the tally was taken and a remarkable 5,021 jars of peanut butter – an estimated 10,000 pounds of it – were collected by local unions for food banks. Most of it was union-made Jif or Adams, both made by United Food and Commercial Workers members at the Smuckers Corp. in Ohio, and each jar had a sticker on it stating it was donated by organized labor and by which local union. (See more picture of the haul at PCCLC’s Facebook page.)

“We had 35 locals contribute to this year’s collection and I thank each and every one for their amazing generosity,” said PCCLC Secretary-Treasurer Patty Rose. “We had one of the Teamsters 117 members from Davis Wire (where workers were on strike for three months last year) stop by in his work clothes and drop off a donation. He said he was giving back after all the help labor gave them during their strike.”

Here were the top contributing organizations:

Machinists District Lodge 751 collected 1,690 jars, more than tripling its total from last year. Special thanks to Terri Myette, David Henry and Rob Curran for their extraordinary efforts in organizing this haul.

IBEW Local 483 delivered 1,009 jars. Local 483 Business Manager Alice Phillips reportedly encouraged members to donate jars by pledging to get a Mohawk haircut if her members donated more than last year’s 483 jars. The clippers come out on May 18.

ILWU Local 23 brought 828 jars, doubling their total from last year. For a union with just 825 members, that showed remarkable generosity. Thanks go to PCCLC President Vance Lelli, a longshoreman, for being a driving force.

The Tacoma Education Association donated 682 jars. They were quietly collected from teachers at Tacoma-area schools and then a surprise delivery was made to the PCCLC.

All of the peanut butter will be donated to the Emergency Food Network, which provides food to the 67 food banks and feeding programs in Pierce County. EFN Executive Director Helen McGovern was at the May 8 delegate meeting and thanked labor for holding the peanut butter drive. She said the EFN would hold on to the peanut butter and start distributing it in June when schools get out and kids don’t have access to the school lunch programs.

“It will be pretty hard to top this effort next year, but we will certainly try,” Rose said.

(Reprinted from http://www.thestand.org.)

INSLEE PRAISES ZERO ENERGY HOUSE

The significance of the May 9 grand opening of the Zero Energy House at Clover Park Technical College was not lost on the keynote speaker, Governor Jay Inslee.

“This is a world-class accomplishment right here,” said Inslee. “This can be replicated across Washington.”

Inslee spoke as more than 200 people waited to tour the newly completed home that produces more energy than it uses in order to ensure it is a net-zero home.

“This is a home and a college producing two of the most important things we have in Washington. This house is producing ‘negawatts,’ but more importantly this college is producing intellectual talent,” said Inslee.

The Zero Energy House at CPTC was a three-year project led by sustainable building sciences instructor Dan Smith. The home features passive heating qualities and energy production and consumption tracking to ensure zero energy consumption.

“I am so very proud of the students of this college,” said Smith. “They have worked more than 18,000 student hours on this structure. They have worked in rain, blazing heat and freezing cold over the past three years. Now this home can be used as a classroom.”

The grand opening was one of the main events taking place at CPTC May 9. More than 2,500 high school students from Pierce, King and Thurston counties were on the campus as a part of the Career Conference.

In addition, the college held the 21st annual MotorSports Peoples Choice Car and Bike Show. More than 160 cars and bikes were displayed while live music was playing. The CPTC MotorSports Auto Club sponsored the event.

Finally, the day featured an Aerospace Fair, an ECO Fair and a Transfer Fair to demonstrate the many opportunities available at CPTC, in the community and beyond.

“We want to make sure that people exit high school with the idea that there are some real opportunities ahead for them, not only in the two-year colleges, but also in the agencies that are participating today,” said Dr. John Walstrum, president of the college. “This college has had as one of its major goals the preparation of an educated workforce and demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, environmental conservation and helping people to find careers in that area. You can see that today.”

APPLICANTS NEEDED FOR ETHICS COMMISSION VACANCY

The Pierce County Executive’s Office is accepting applications to fill an expired Ethics Commission position. The citizen commission is responsible for promoting and upholding ethical conduct in Pierce County government.

Applications must be registered to vote in Washington, reside in Pierce County and employed in or retired from the private sector. Ethics Commissioners also may not hold or campaign for elective office, be an officer of any political party or political committee, be a lobbyist, assist a lobbyist or employ a lobbyist. (Pierce County Code 3.12.070 B, C, and E) 

The members of the Ethics Commission are volunteers who meet the second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Wheelock Library, 3722 N. 26th St. in Tacoma. They determine the merit of reported violations of the Code of Ethics for Pierce County employees.

Applications are available at http://www.piercecountywa.org/index.aspx?NID=320. One may also request an application by e-mailing pcexecutive@co.pierce.wa.us or by calling (253) 798-7477.

The deadline for submitting completed applications is May 31.