May 2008

by WIP News Service

When you hear the words “grass roots,” do you usually think of lobbyists, along with marketing and salespeople, gathering together to pave the way for wealthy developers? Or do you think of someone with a petition on a clipboard, ringing doorbells and sitting at a table at community events, soliciting donations in a coffee can and trying to spread the word and involve anyone who will listen? Nobody interviewed for the article about the future of downtown (see article above) had heard about Oly2012, a supposedly “grass roots” organization, until the Olympian started talking . . .

May 2008

by Tobi Vail

From an April 14 letter by Tobi Vail

Dear City Council Members,

As a self-employed musician, a long time downtown resident and a worker in the music industry I am writing in opposition of the noise ordinance. I first moved into the Martin Apartments in 1988. I was 18, a musician and active member of the local Olympia music scene. Nirvana, Calvin Johnson's Beat Happening and Melvins were just a few of the terrific local bands that played in downtown art galleries and all ages venues on a regular basis. One of those groups went on to become one of the most celebrated bands in the . . .