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Steve and I attended last Thursday's Tacoma Streetcar meeting where we had some good discussion and ideas. Although the group isn't yet an official non-profit, this meeting should help get that ball rolling. More »
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A failed chip sealing process from last year bubbled up as a problem during the recent 90 degree plus heat. I Street has become an oily mess causing problems for local residents and businesses. More »
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I'm back from a few days camping on the Oregon coast. We had a great time with friends and enjoyed spectacular weather. More »
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Believe it or not night life doesn't always have to consist of hanging at clubs or pubs. Here's a couple events that will get you out [for free] and outside at night. More »
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A co-worker noticed a thick column of smoke rising from the tideflats. Being as it was quittin' time anyway, I took of to snap some photos. More »
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In light of the recent report about public spaces downtown it's great to see some incremental progress being made. Today's example: there's a new bus stop cover at Pacific Plaza. More »
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A discussion that came up yesterday brought to my attention the consideration by the city council on Aug. 22 to rename Pacific Plaza. More »
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I thought I'd start a bit of a game to see just how well you know this area. I'll periodically toss up a satellite view from around here so you all can take a swing at figuring out what/where it is. More »
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Today I'd like to announce the launch of the community supported and focused FeedTacoma.com. Along with a group of local blog contributors we've created a place to showcase local, independent voices on the web. More »
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After some discussion yesterday, it seems to me like we should hold a good ol' fashion poll to help guide the Tacoma city council in naming/re-naming Pacific Plaza. First, we need names, people. More »
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Steve sent over a great shot of one of those silly signs we all see around town. This gem comes from the south end with [slightly uncomfortable] love. More »
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Driving home from work sometimes allows for simple discoveries that delight and amuse. Tonight, a little naughty fun -- grade school style! More »
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Thanks to local family lawyer Erik Bjornson for sending in the following post: The historical Davenport Hotel in Spokane was built in 1913 as a grand hotel in the city. The hotel was promoted as "one of America's exceptional hotels." According to their website, after years of neglect, the Davenport hotel was shut down in 1985. More »
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After gathering a list of possible names for Pacific Plaza the time has come to put them to a vote. Head over the the [brand new] polling section and toss your choice in. More »
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A co-worker recently pointed me to a website that take a page or two from Craig's List but spins it with a local and environmental flair. The site is 2good2toss.com and it's a place for local WA residents to peddal their used wares. More »
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After work yesterday we stayed downtown to attend a schmooz-fest opening reception for Showcase Tacoma. Under a tent in Pacific Plaza city and business leaders gathered to celebrate this first annual event. More »
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After opening night Friday, Showcase Tacoma kicked into high gear today with plenty to see and do. We sampled a little music, a dusting of chalk art, and even saw a local legend and his legion of clones. More »
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With encouragement from frequent reader Erik and other like-minded folks I sent away an op ed that was published in today's News Tribune. The focus is on how I believe the process of renaming Pacific Plaza should be a very public one to raise awareness and garner a sense of ownership for the space. More »
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Some people have bad hair days, I have bad tech days. Although we enjoyed some great times downtown and even bought some new plants for around the house, I had a pretty bad technology weekend. More »
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Thanks to everyone who participated in the Pacific Plaza naming poll. The results are in and the standout name you chose was Pacific Plaza. More »
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Although I have no kids of my own and most folks around here seem to focus on the re-opening of another local high school, I thought I'd give a shout out to all the Rams out there! Wilson High is under construction and starting to look good. More »
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Today marks the completion of my first year of work at my [I guess not so] new job. SiteCrafting has helped pay the bills since this day last year and has been a wonderful place for me to utilize my web development skills. More »
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After a drink and some bangers and mash at Doyle's last night we stopped by next door to investigate the new bistro and chips places going in. Stadium Bistro chef Pete invited us in for a look. More »
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It's that time again when I post a satellite photo from somewhere in the area and you slueth your asses off to find out where it is. OK, you probably are just guessing for fun but now the stakes are higher -- now there's a prize! More »
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This week has been an exciting one for me on the local involvement front. I've brought up the issue of renaming Pacific Plaza to readers here and went forward to writing an op ed, conducting a poll, and having an email conversation with current Mayor Baarsma including his piece in the Trib today. More »
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You know that L-shaped motel that graces Pacific across from the Elephant Carwash? Yeah, not much to think about there but as of today it's known as The King's Inn. More »
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After some great feedback and engaging in discussion both here and via email, tonight's the night to be heard. Join me at the city council meeting at 5pm to voice you opinion on the Pacific Plaza renaming debate. More »
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Our experience at tonight's city council meeting was great and I want to thank the Mayor, council and everyone present for their kind ear and their willingness to engage us on this topic. Pacific Plaza will now be called Tollefson Plaza and that's okay by me. More »
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The refrigerator magnet that came with it has it right. Once we set our new little floor bot down it did a bang up job. More »
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Sarah and I started out weekends early Friday afternoon by driving up to Bellevue to join throngs of other gamers at an expo just for us. The Penny Arcade Expo was a real kick this year especially since we were able to make it for two of the event's three days. More »
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Although I'm surely more into promoting something like a streetcar to get around, I'm not opposed to pointing out a local biz or two that's willing to buck the automotive trend a bit. Local seller I-5 Motors just across the city line in Fife has a small crop of Smart cars for sale. More »
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While re-browsing through the Tacoma Library's local photo archive I pulled up an entry for a house nearby ours. The date of construction matches our house but the interesting tidbit in the description says our neighborhood is known as Orchard Park. More »
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I always love how certain things in life just tend to synchronize sometimes. Yesterday when I wrote about some historic maps, a reader noted he was thinking about getting into some historic maps just that morning. More »
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Kids gathered up on the corner of Pacific and 21st this morning while parents dropped students off clogging traffic heading up the hill. All are a sign of the bustle that's to come since the first day of school today. More »
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The News Tribune wrote this morning about local Tacoma neighbor Orting rolling over the 5,000 resident mark. They now have to add two more city council members bumping that group to seven. More »
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