You Are Viewing Phoenix Friday

“Join thousands of people across Phoenix-and millions of people around the world-to make a bold statement about climate change on March 29th from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Turn out your non-essential and non-emergency lights for one hour. Earth Hour.

World Wildlife Fund is partnering with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and community leaders to help make history. Phoenix is honored to be one of four major cities in the nation-along with Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago-leading this landmark international event. Public buildings, landmarks, and major corporate offices will take part, and residents throughout Phoenix and its surrounding cities are encouraged to participate in this groundbreaking celebration.

At the first Earth Hour last year in Sydney, Australia, power consumption dropped by more than 10 percent. But Earth Hour is not just about cutting back for one hour. It’s about taking a stand and thinking ahead about what you, your neighbors and your city can do to make a difference.

Seize the Earth Hour moment. Change some of your outdated energy-wasting light bulbs to new, efficient and inexpensive compact fluorescents (CFL’s). Think of other ways you can cut your energy usage and trim your electric bill after Earth Hour has passed.

In 2007, Phoenix experienced the second hottest year on record. Six of the 10 hottest years in the Valley’s history have occurred since 2000. We have realized that we have to take a stand on climate change. That’s why World Wildlife Fund is organizing Earth Hour around the globe, and that’s why Phoenix is committed to this unprecedented event.

One person can make a difference. Cities, coming together, can change the world.

One hour, Phoenix. Earth Hour.”

Cheers,
Sam
“We waste our lights in vain, like lamps by day.”
William Shakespeare

Andy Warhol said once, “Don’t pay attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches.” I got hold of this article online, so I don’t know exactly how many inches it was in print, but Downtown Phoenix artists have some measuring to do…

The Arizona Republic (Motto: “We like pretty pictures and hyperbole.”) is reporting that Phoenix city officials are going to crack down on ordinances that make selling on sidewalks illegal. Sidewalk vendors have become one the main draws of First Fridays here in Downtown Phoenix for four (4) years, and there fate is now in great jeopardy. The galleries, taverns and eateries are amazing, no doubt, but the fact that anybody can set up a table and sell theier artwork is amazing. And if you’ve been down there, you know that just about anybody has set up a table and sold artwork.

Beatrice Moore is the founder of Artlink, Inc., the brainchild behind First Fridays and Art Detours. She was quoted in the article as saying, “The sidewalks are so crowded that people are in the street.” An estimated ten thousand (10,000) people showed up for February’s First Friday events, and nearly two hundred vendors (200) where there in addition to galleries. I am no business maverick, but I can venture a pretty safe guess to say that growth is a good thing. And if Downtown Phoenix is trying to be a little bit more “edgy” and promote its Urban Core, the last thing people should do is complain about an overflow of people. Warnings go out tonight and in April, but starting in May vendors will be hit with up to a twenty-five hundred dollar ($2,500) fine.

On the brighter side of this whole thing -if there is one- there is a proposal up for city consideration right now that would create an official Arts & Culture District. This would allow for “Block Party” events, legalizing and possibly re-legitimizing the street vendors’ efforts to make Downtown Phoenix a place actually worth living in. Until then, they just count inches.

Cheers,
Sam
“Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.”
Andy Warhol

Cheers,
Sam
“I have no fear of losing my life. If I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.”
Steve Irwin

6:15PM – Kevin, Brittany, Quinn, Jon, Seth, and myself enter the auditorium of South Mountain High School. The purpose: to discuss and dialog the propsed change to Phoenix Police Department Operations Order 1.4 (For some reason, to access each section you need to be using Internet Explorer. Sorry for the inconvenience). We were not the only ones in attendance. Some reports say six hundred (600) people, but there I am sure there was more. All of the major news outlets were brandishing cameras, and there has been plenty of press coverage regarding the events that unfolded. Just to get that part out of the way, here are some links to those stories. But let’s move on, shall we?

6:30PM – Mary Rose Wilcox introduced the panel and began to introduce the first speaker. Her attempt was combated by a large group of people loudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A majority of these people were asked to leave fifteen (15) minutes later after their rude, disruptive, and abusive comments did not cease. So much for a constructive dialog.

6:45PM – After the dismissals, things slowed down a bit. At times, the cameras moved from the stage to the remnant dissenters. But more than not, the night went on without much more of a disturbance of the previous sort. The panel, whose December 31st deadline has been pushed back to due the immense public outcry, is made up of Rick Romley, Grant Woods, Juan Rivera, and Paul Charlton. Guest speakers were mainly members of the Latino Community such as Salvador Reza and Micheal Nowakowski. But that list is anything but exhaustive. For nearly three hours, the four (4) member panel was bombarded with concerned citizens. I say this with a smile. For the most part, I think that legislatures believe the “Pledge of Allegiance” sort of trouble-makers are the majority. This is definitely not the case. And I think it was constructive for the men charged with this task to realize what they are up against. Fifty (50) percent of Phoenix’s population is Latino. That makes me a minority.

Most speakers were interrupted by applause, given standing ovations, and carried off the stage with chants of “Si Se Puede!“. Seeing upwards of seven hundred (700) fellow humans chanting a message of hope is a beautiful sight. In fact, there was even one speaker who compared marching with Salvador Reza with his prior experiences with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez. Definitely worth the price of admission.

Mayor Phil Gordon, who had face time for a taping of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives at Matt’s a few days ago, was not in attendance. For a full text of his statement on Operations Order 1.4, click here. Some highlights from the document:

- “[1.4] is the Order that has caused Phoenix to be labeled by some as a “Sanctuary City“.

- “It was written for another time.”

- “Rhetoric is replacing reason. There is too much hate.”

- “All State and Federal Constitutional guarantees must be met.”

- “There, can be no racial or ethnic profiling.”

1) The term, “Sanctuary City” came from a group of people consumed with fear and hatred. The term gained momentum in the national lexicon recently during the CNN/You Tube Debate. Mayor Gordon is changing with the political winds. This is not excusable, however it is understandable. Both Mayor Gordon and Governor Napolitano have recently made decisions that were different than the platforms they ran on. Again, inexcusable but understandable considering the local and national pressure they are facing. A word of support to either of them would be a great idea: Mayor Gordon Governer Napolitano. Remember, these two are our employees.

2) That “other time” was ten (10) years ago. If anything, the issue has moved closer to the front of the debate and increased in importance. Ten (10) years of inaction has only compounded the complexities, fears, and hatred. Something must be done now. If not yesterday.

3) See number one (1). If anyone is succumbing to rhetoric, it is not the millions of people that make up the Latino Community here in Phoenix. It seemed as though those seven hundred (700) people desired reconciliation with their neighbors, friends, families, and fellow citizens. There should be no rhetoric concerning human rights and justice.

4) Great idea, that’s the law, right?

5) Sounds a little like rhetoric to me…

The night was an institute. I hope that more Anglos join the discussion. There are many layers to the issue, and there is no silver bullet. That is for sure. But like that Precious Moments birthday card says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

I challenge you to do something about this. You might not be able to join in solidarity at Pruitt’s, or have the personal experiences of some of my friends who are here without legal documents. But knowing more about the issues is, arguably, just as important. It is ignorance and unaffectionate that perpetuates the fear and hate.

Thanks for trudging through this with me. Like my good friend Michael Caine said in The Weather Man, “Easy does not enter into grown up life.” I’m exhausted. Thoughts?

Phoenix Friday, here we come…

We start off on a somber note, but with a possible silver lining. As many of you know, sixty-six (66) years ago today, one thousand, one hundred seventeen (1,117) soldiers lost their lives aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. Take a moment today for remembrance. In response to this, yesterday Congressman Harry Mitchell wrote a letter to Donald Winter, Secretary of the Navy. In it (full text here), Mitchell asked Winter to name a new Aircraft Carrier the U.S.S. Arizona. I like the move, would be interested to know your thoughts. Here are a couple of other news articles for a little more background. And maybe, my friend Garrett can help us understand the differences in sizes. The new ship has the call letters, CVN-79, whereas the the ship that was in Pearl Harbor had the call letters, BB-39. Not sure what that means, hoping my Navy friend can come through with an explanation…

Speaking of Garrett, he is one of many of you that do not read this blog from Phoenix. I know this because I have begun to use Google Analytics. I have had readers from Egypt, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, and ten (10) states. If you have a blog, the software is free and really fun to use. That is, if you’re a dork. Anyway, I know Fridays won’t be the most exciting thing for those of you who live outside of the Valley. Hang with me anyway. My self-esteem depends on it. I digress…

Tonight, a local nonprofit organization (and one that I used to call ‘employer’) celebrates twenty-five (25) years of dedicated service to our city’s youth. Neighborhood Ministries is faith-based, nonsectarian organization committed to inner, at-risk youth and their familes. Currently, they are in the midst of $14 million campaign to finish building on the eight (8) acre campus on 19th Avenue and Van Buren Street. To celebrate the quarter-century milestone, Kit Danley and crew are throwing a party at the Phoenix Convention Center.

I worked in the Development Office there for a year and saw incredible things happen. If you are able to support them financially, or with a gift of time or service, I would highly suggest the experience. One of the most reciprocal volunteer opportunities I have ever had. You can change the world there, I promise.

And if you need any sustenance on the way to changing the world (Although, Gandhi did it on an empty stomach), here is a cool site. This blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Even though the LRT (Light Rail Transit) is still a year from being operable, it’s good to know where to get some good grub on the line. And it warms my heart even more to know that people here in our city have the foresight, anticipation, and energy to put something like this together. Simply Amazing. The site is definitely worth checking out, and their reviews are more than fair.

On the subject of alternative transportation, is anybody else frustrated with the lack of bike lanes on most of Phoenix’s streets? Since I have been riding more, my awareness of this startling fact has risen dramatically. Truly appalling. I think I would be less taken off guard if Phoenix drivers knew how to share a lane. If I needed to clear out my bowels, I would have had a cup of coffee and a bran muffin. Seriously, Mr. Ford Excursion, don’t (drive) so close to me.

And now for the much talked about calendar. Feedback would be appreciated. I recently changed the settings, so now you don’t have to have a Blogger account to comment. Anyway here we go:

Cesar Chavez Plaza
1st AVE and Washington ST

Saturday, December 8th, 10AM – 6PM
Tamale Festival (Rain or Shine)

No admission fee because vendors are selling tamales. Darn. On both counts. I love a good tamale and this is like a chili cook off, but for tamales. Yum.

Downtown Phoenix Public Market
721 N Central AVE

Every Saturday 8AM – 1PM (Rain or Shine)
Every Wednesday 4PM – 8PM (Rain or Shine)

This place is awesome. Only local farmers and businesses are on display and selling some goods. If you have ever been to Matt’s Big Breakfast, this is where Matt gets all his food. Seriously. Worth the trip now, and even more so when they transfer into a 4,000 square foot building early next year.

Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington ST

Wednesday, December 12th, 7PM
Global Climate Change Lecture Series
“Could Geoengineering Reverse It?”
Speaker: Roger Angel

Admission is free because the rest of the museum is closed by that time. I know it sounds super geeky to attend a lecture on geoengineering, but it’s free.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central AVE

Sunday, December 30th, 1PM
Movies At The Museum
“The Name of the Rose”

The movie is free with regular museum admission ($10 Adult/$8 Student). Currently at the museum, there is a really cool graffiti fashion exhibit, and the Group f/64 exhibit that I talked about before to view after the flick. I mainly want to see this because the movie stars Sean Connery and Christian Slater. Christian Slater, seriously?! Amazing.

Obviously, this list is not exhaustive. I’m trying to pick out the most interesting things that don’t necessarily get all the press. You already know about First Fridays, the Suns games on Monday (I’ll be there!) and Tuesday, etc. However, if there are things you would like to see that aren’t on here, I’m open to change. Suggestions are always welcome.

Be glorious this weekend. Have some fun, and stay safe.

Today marks the traditional start of the Holiday Shopping Season. With that in mind, here is a link to the Downtown Phoenix Journal’s recent article on the benefits of shopping local – plus some tips on how to do it.

Also, the City of Phoenix will be collecting items for those who won’t otherwise have a comfortable Christmas. Blankets, warm clothes, and warm shoes are all being accepted (full list here). It is really easy for me to forget how much the weather changes here in the Valley. Without a roof or a heater, our winter nights can be fairly grueling for our Street Family. The program launched this past Tuesday and will run until the middle of March.

That’s all for this week. Good wishes to you and your family as we enter into this Holiday Season!