Thanks Volcano, for writing smartly....

about the scam that is Community Based Policing/Services...Weed & Seed.
It should always be: #1 is Social Services, #2 is a Clean Sweep.
People always put these things in the wrong order.
Help for business owners and homeowners, renters and citizens is very important for quality of life in the Urban density cities, to be sure! But, until we fertilize the underfed roots of crime and poverty, drug use and prostitution, we will not grow the Flower Of Beauty in The City.... a flower...a garden of flowers!
This is why I don't much applaud "Taking Back" "Night Out" and other such white middle-class semi-efforts to "reclaim" the streets.....
they don't really work, and if they "work" they just push bad stuff to someone else's n'hood. And that ain't nice!

I was taking law classes at the time the City was choosing a new manager...to replace Pee Pants Ray.....and I went to all the public Q&A's for the 3 top candidates...I knew who Tacoma would choose. He was the slickest of the Snake Oil Men....and since he came from DesMoines, I-o-Way.....I have a friend in DesMoines.....and she told me all bout the shallow efforts .....same thing...condos, bistros, bars and no cars......that Tacoma now gots......I knew it was coming...when the anonymous blogger-pal asked about my thoughts on the 1/2 crime reduction plan...I just rolled my knowing eyes!!

I just spent a half hour chatting with "Jim & Kathy" who used to live in Stadium-area apartments until about 10 years ago,before they had a child. They are Tacoma natives. They've seen it all. They now live in Graham.
They told me of more crime and homelessness! homelessness and crack and meth sales/addicts....and the activities that go along with it.....
showing up near the Roy Y.....near S. 176 th!!
That's what I mean.
And the mess around 72nd and Portland near KMart.
Sure, it ain't downtown anymore, but there are still huge problems.
Until we fund social services properly....and truly help to Rise the Tides to Lift All Boats.....we are not really good citizens.
All I gotta say is.....He ain't heavy.....he's my brother.

Me Need Barbies.....

Hi arty folks....
for an art project now in the works....to be done by the queen of funkoma vintage....
I could use bunches of old barbies, kens, and any and all of their friends....even some bratz....as long as they're about 12" tall.
I don't care what condition they're in.....
any old plastic dolls are welcome also...





I will be your new BFF...if you leave your name /email/and/or phone number, with your donation, I'll be happy to include your name in a drawing for a special prize worth actual importance.....that you can show off/wear/ebay.
You can bring them by the shop at 712 Broadway, or drop them off for me at Friesenburgers....slip in my mail box.....at 306B E. 26th even.....
Thanks for supporting the arts.....
your arty pal,
Tressie

;-)

See My 'Hood on the TV Screen.....

Some planet-destroying car company will be driving aimlessly around downtown T Town on Sunday....on my street ! As Derek exit133 has mentioned, they taped a notice to our doors informing us that business as usual is over on Sunday.
I can't park at my shop to unload fresh new vintage......and neither can you.
My notice said they'll be driving up Broadway between ninth and seventh, and looping back around Angel, er, Whore, er, Opera Alley.......around and around for 4 hours.
Just so you can see how pretty a new car looks while driving in the edgy urban environment......
You'll catch a glimpse of Tully's, Sanford and Son, Me, Parking Garages, and a peek-a-boo view of The Tideflats, The Elks Building, A few empty buildings and sweet lil Soiled Dove Alley........

So, speaking of the gays, and Out In The Park......
I wish this was my ebay auction:
ANTIQUE-BOX-4-CLEAR-RECTAL-DILATORS-DILATOR-DRS-ESTATE
that's a pic of them up there!