Mural Transforms Ugly Wall into A Piece of Art

Above: Taking advantage of the great weather, Joslyn Rose Trivett worked all day today on a mural project she initiated earlier this year. The mural is located between the two roundabouts on Olympic Way near downtown Olympia. 

By Janine Unsoeld

Earlier this year, westside neighborhood resident Joslyn Rose Trivett had an idea to beautify a dirty, mildewy retaining wall on Olympic Way, and now, her idea is becoming a reality.  

This week, Trivett is hard at work creating a mural on a 178 foot retaining wall seen by motorists, walkers, and bikers between the roundabouts near the Fourth Avenue bridge.  An area of about 700 square feet, the mural design is a muted green line of trees and plants up to six feet tall.

“I come from a crafty family so art isn’t super intimidating,” said Trivett today, as she sketched the large scale designs on the wall with colored children's chalk.

Above: Joslyn Rose Trivett sketches images on the wall this morning. She says that as she has worked on the project, she's heard frequent verbal endorsements from motorists and passersby. "It's a great feeling of support," says Trivett.

Trivett first obtained approval from the Southwest Neighborhood Association (SWONA) and the City of Olympia to solicit design contributions, choose colors, and arrange images. With the help of volunteers, she obtained supplies, cleaned, primed, and painted the wall a basic off-yellow background color.  Now she’s in the process of painting the actual images.

Today, she and helpers Mo Lally, a SWONA resident, and Trivett’s husband, Rip Heminway, filled in Trivett's sketches with such paint colors as Fun Yellow, Tansy, Parakeet, Carnelian, and Soulmate. Trivett expects to complete the project by next weekend.

As for who actually owns the wall, Trivett says she’s not exactly clear on the particulars. “I had to get permission from the city and SWONA to paint there. I asked for and received the verbal endorsement from the two adjacent homeowners. I know the city maintains the wall, painting over graffiti when it comes.” The wall will also be given a clear top coat of anti-graffiti paint. 

SWONA received a grant from the city of Olympia and about $600 of that grant is going to the mural project. Some supplies and services have been donated by area businesses – Sherwin-Williams gave the project a contractor’s discount on paint and has provided consultation.

Above: Rip Heminway helps paint the mural.

“My interest in painting the wall came from working on the adjacent Rainier Bench garden for the past three years. One time, when I was working there with Bethany Weidner, (former president of the SWONA), she said that her original vision for the spot had included a mural leading to the garden. That thought percolated in me for some time, especially as I would walk or otherwise pass that wall on Olympic Way. It seemed to be a sad, dirty wall, and out of character with the rest of the Gateway project (Seven Oars Park, the roundabouts and landscaping, the new bridge and mosaics)," says Trivett.  

"Either by chance or by influence, a design occurred to me that would match the themes of the Gateway project: images of nature transitioning to images of urban, structured environments, and using organic forms and earthy colors. This mural begins,uphill, with flowers and grasses and old growth forest and ends, downhill, with formal plantings of a neighborhood or suburb.”

“I would love to continue the project to the larger, downhill portion of the wall, creating a Phase II mural. That site would require way more preparation and maintenance. It has a huge weed problem, encroachment from both above and below. I hope that there will be energy to tackle that based on the success of Phase I. The images for Phase II would continue from Phase I, with the trees and plants integrating into more and more urban scapes.”

For more information about the project, contact Joslyn Rose Trivett at joslynrose2@gmail.com.

Above: Southwest neighborhood resident Mo Lally helps paint the mural on Olympic Way.

Thurston County Commission Race Between Wolfe and Rogers

Karen Rogers, center, receives a hug from supporter Cliff Lee, while Phil Cornell, Rogers' campaign treasurer, checks the percentage results tonight shortly after 8:30 p.m. 

Thurston County Commissioner Race Between Wolfe and Rogers

by Janine Unsoeld

"Hot damn!" exclaimed Karen Rogers, candidate for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 1, upon hearing the results of the race just shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night. Her party was in high gear tonight with supporters extending congratulations and hugs upon hearing the news.

"I'm thrilled and I've gotta thank everyone - my volunteers, and everyone who supported me, especially the voters...this is totally awesome," gushed Rogers.

According to the Thurston County Auditor website, at 8:33 p.m., Cathy Wolfe received 32.72% of the vote (4,112 votes); Karen Rogers received 30.31%  (3,810 votes); Ken Jones received 24.49% (3,078 votes), and George Barner, Jr. received 12.48% (1,569 votes). Jones ran as a Republican, while Wolfe, Rogers, and Barner ran as Democrats.

With an estimated 8,000 ballots left to count, the Auditor's Office will conduct another ballot count Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.

Asked to comment, Rogers said her strategy was to work hard. "I didn't take anything for granted. I was doorbelling up to six or seven hours a day." Asked where she doorbelled, Rogers laughed and said, "I'm not telling you that!"

Rogers then excused herself, saying she needed to call Barner and Jones.

"I'm going to thank them for running and all they contributed to the race. They enriched the race with the issues they brought forth and I hope to continue on with their issues. With George, it was fiscal responsibility as well as listening to all the people, especially about the Critical Areas Ordinance. Ken Jones brought forth the needs of the south county. Their voice must be heard, along with everyone's else's."

Conversation amongst supporters focused on the issues facing both candidates. Tumwater city councilmember Ed Hildreth is a supporter of Rogers' campaign.

"I'm glad to see that we have an opportunity for some change...we need commissioners that are going to listen to the people. We have to have balance." Hildreth said this race is about property rights.

Jim Goldsmith agreed. Goldsmith, a resident of Steamboat Island, said he couldn't vote for Rogers in the primary but can, and will, in the general election.

"I'm definitely supporting Karen. I believe she's a person who will promote and protect property rights, promote building our economy and help small businesses," said Goldsmith.

Asked how he got involved in the campaign, Goldsmith said, "My eyes were opened when the commissioners were pursuing the no shooting zone ordinance and the emergency prairie ordinance - that had significant impact on rural property owners. I'm intensely interested in our environment. I'm halfway through getting my masters in geographic information systems, with an emphasis in sustainability, at the University of Washington....there needs to be a balance, and in my mind, the commissioners forgot what the balance was."

Karen Rogers is congratulated by Tumwater city councilmember Ed Hildreth shortly after hearing tonight's election results.

The Uncertain Future of Left Foot Organics

Above: The Hocker family attended a Left Foot Organics community meeting held at Mercato's Ristorante on Tuesday night to discuss the farm's future.

The Uncertain Future of Left Foot Organics

By Janine Unsoeld

“I had to leave because I was completely worn out and couldn't keep up the pace anymore. It was a move to preserve myself and my sanity,” said Ann Vandeman in an interview with Little Hollywood today at her home in west Olympia.

Vandeman, the former executive director of Thurston County’s popular Left Foot Organics farm, recently resigned from the organization. Vandeman founded the nonprofit in 2001 and now, its future appears to be in question.

In a brief statement released earlier this month, the Left Foot Organics board says it is “committed to maintaining the high standards of operations through the end of the growing season, October 31, 2012.”

Vandeman, who has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C., was inspired to develop the model farm program worked by people with developmental disabilities by her daughter Geraldine, now 15, who was born with Down’s Syndrome.

Left Foot Organics is now successfully well-integrated into the community, providing local restaurants, food co-ops, grocery stores and local farmer’s markets from Tumwater to Tacoma with fresh produce. It also provides about 100 South Sound customers with regular Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) boxes of seasonal produce.

Vandeman explained her resignation, from her perspective:

“I’m burnt out, worn out. I took a leave of absence, essentially a medical leave, ok’ed by the board, in mid-April. About three weeks later, in the beginning of May, the board asked me to meet with them, and they reached the conclusion that they had to shut down the farm. That didn’t make sense to me. The farm has no debt and has money in the bank. We went from ‘we’ve got it handled, to oh my gosh, we have to shut down the farm’. It put me in a weird situation. It became clear to me that I was going to be expected to come back to rescue the situation. Other options were not considered, that I could see. I was not going to be part of shutting down the farm. So I had to resign. I couldn’t go back and be a healthy person the way I was doing it,” Vandeman said.

“I knew I’d have to leave sometime. Founders have to move on to let the organization morph and grow,” she added.

Vandeman explained that a thorough organizational assessment and strategic plan is needed. The five acres of land off of Case Road that Left Foot Organics rents is on a year to year lease, and is not available to purchase.

“A big capital campaign is needed. The whole organization needs to be taken to the next step….It would have been good if we could have had a better transition process, but here we are,” Vandeman concluded.

Asked what her plans are now, Vandeman says she doesn’t know. “I could maybe go camping. I am recovering from being an organization instead of a person,” she smiles softly. In good spirits, Vandeman starts tending to her basil and tomato plants in her front yard.

Left Foot Board Meets With Community Members

At a community meeting held at Mercato’s Ristorante on Tuesday night, Left Foot board members, former board members, staff, growers, business partners, customers and families met to discuss the organization’s future.

Three board members in attendance listened while community members expressed what Left Foot means to them. Over 25 people expressed that Left Foot values people with developmental disabilities, providing them with ample opportunities for inclusion, friendships, meaningful employment, and training in life skills.

“Left Foot’s connection between food and people is very inspiring,” said Phil Owen, co-host of Olympia’s Bread & Roses Hospitality House for homeless women.

Suggestions on how to proceed with the organization without Vandeman were discussed. On the table are several options: seek funding from different sources, change the business model while maintaining Left Foot’s founding spirit, seek partners for a possible merger, alliance or acquisition, or close down the organization.

After some initial confusion about why the organization’s status is in jeopardy, it was noted that although the organization is currently financially stable, it may not be in the near future.

To clarify the situation, Jane Jones, acting executive director said, “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Founders of nonprofits have passion, and tend to do most of the work. That is not sustainable. The board and the community has to learn new skills. Writing a check is not going to fix everything…the organization has been run on an ethic of scarcity, not abundance.”

Jones said the organization’s annual operating budget is $227,000. The sale of vegetables brings in about $75,000. The annual Fall auction brings in about $35,000-$40,000. Grants make up another third.

At issue is the fact that Vandeman’s position is worth at least $40,000 – $50,000 in annual salary and benefits. While all staff are underpaid, Vandeman has been receiving less than $10,000.

“Ann donated her salary back to the organization. To replace her, the organization is not prepared to pay for two people,” said Jones. Adding to the organization’s future financial crisis, planning for the fall auction has not begun, and it was questionable if it would even occur without Vandeman.

Different business models were discussed that could provide Left Foot with alternative income streams, such as offering compost or commercially produced food products.

“There’s a reason people buy Paul Newman’s products,” said Gary Altman, a former board member.

“Left Foot equals healthy food – that’s the core ingredient. Let’s stay with that mission, but there’s only so far you can get with the current model of fundraising.”

When the subject of grants came up, Altman said, “We had a grant writer, but it is difficult and time consuming. Some grants provide for specific items, like tractors, that help the organization grow, but not operate.”

A pitch for community and new board involvement was made to the group.

After the meeting, Altman asked this reporter, “Maybe you could add that even if you can’t be on the board, motivate someone who can be – someone with special skill sets, people who can see possibilities….The farm makes a difference in the community. It radically changes people – each person there develops their own goals and plans. It changes people’s lives.”

Joe Hocker, 25, is one life that has been changed since he joined Left Foot three years ago. He attended the meeting with his parents, Frank and Lonna Hocker. Asked what he likes best about the farm, Hocker says he likes to feed the chickens, water them, and gather their eggs.

“All of us have jobs. I like to meet people. We’re like family. Without the farm, we’d be nothing. I just want the farm to continue. People there have become my good friends,” said Hocker.

Hocker’s crew leader, Lindsey Baris, agrees. “Joe’s an amazing worker. He’s an extremely enthusiastic worker. He loves being there, and he loves the farm. He’s changed to strive to be a better person. Everyone does, myself included.”

Left Foot Organics promotes self-sufficiency, inclusion and independence for people with disabilities and rural youth through meaningful, paid employment and training in the business of growing and selling quality organic food and farm products. The 2012 CSA season began June 6. Sign up for your share now!

For more information, contact Left Foot Organics, PO Box 12772, Olympia, Washington 98508, (360) 754-1849 or www.leftfootorganics.org.

To reach Jane Jones, Acting Executive Director, email her at work@leftfootorganics.org.

Celebrate Community - Defend Equality: Pride 2012

Above: Susan Haas and her partner Khristine today in Sylvester Park.

Celebrate Community - Defend Equality: Pride 2012

by Janine Unsoeld

A downtown parade, thousands of people, live music and entertainment in Sylvester Park, facepainting, flags and food, kids of all ages dancing, politicians, petition signing, community nonprofit booths and vendors, smiles, sunshine, and rainbows galore - it must be Capital City Pride 2012!

Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe enjoyed the day with her daughter Susan Haas and Haas' partner, Khristine. "Since she came out last year, I can't tell you the difference in my daughter - I support her 1000%....She is now the person God intended her to be," said Wolfe.

Wolfe says she is so proud of her daughter and thanked her for being who she is.

"For 40 years, I suspected she was gay," said Wolfe. "Then, she grew up, got married, and I thought, hmm...well, maybe I was wrong. But then, she called me one Sunday night last year, crying, and poured her heart out..."

Haas agreed, and picked up the story. "I'm 48. I was married for 23 years. I did everything right, had two kids...I didn't know I was gay, I just knew something wasn't right. Then, I met the love of my life," said Haas, referring to her partner Khristine, sitting nearby. Asked how her children, who are 17 and 19 years ago, took the news, Haas said, "They're coming around...they want me to be happy."

Above: The Capital City Pride parade goes past the colorful Governor Hotel.

Above: Female impersonator "Kimberly", 23, a student at the University of Washington, performed today in Sylvester Park. Her advice to queer youth: "Be you - don't conform to other people's expectations. Live for you, not other people."

Above: Female impersonator "Terronce", 19, a hairdresser at a salon in Lacey, wowed the crowd with Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."

Above, from left: Alec Clayton, Gabi Clayton, and Capital City Pride co-chair Anna Schlect hold down the information booth for a shift today. Pride 2012 inaugurated a new annual award by honoring Gabi and Alec Clayton for their community work with the 2012 Gabi and Alec Clayton Activist Award.

Many more GLBT related events and activities are coming up:

"How Much Does Marriage Equality Matter?" June 19, 6:00 - 8:00pm, 317 4th Avenue, downtown Olympia. This free event will feature a diverse panel and opportunities for audience members to share their own thoughts. For more information, go to www.StonewallYouth.org.

Want To Start A Queer Band? Queer Rock Camp is July 23rd - July 28 in Olympia. No musical experience necessary - learn drums, bass, keys, guitar, vocals, or turntables. Perform in front of a public audience at the Capitol Theater. Apply online at www.queerrockcamp.org.

The Pizza Klatch is a positive, lunchtime support group in six local public high schools (Timberline, North Thurston, Tumwater, Avanti, Olympia, and River Ridge) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth and their straight allies. Pizza is served at each school one day a week. About 15 - 25 people attend per group at each school! Since pizza costs money, funds are raised through benefits such as auctions, dances, concerts, and private donations and grants. An auction is coming up on Sunday, September 9th. For more information, go to www.pizzaklatch.org.

Olympia Councilmember Karen Rogers To Run For County Commissioner

Above: Olympia City Councilmember Karen Rogers today.

Olympia Councilmember Karen Rogers To Run For County Commissioner

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

In an announcement made first to this blog, Little Hollywood, Olympia city councilmember Karen Rogers today announced her decision to run for Thurston County Commissioner, District 1, currently held by Cathy Wolfe.

Wolfe, who is in her third term, is running for re-election to the four year position. Wolfe's re-election website includes supporters such as fellow county commissioners Sandra Romero and Karen Valenzuela, and Olympia city councilmember Jim Cooper.

Rogers' press release states that the top issue she will address is bringing more jobs to Thurston County. Other top issues Rogers will focus on are maintaining crucial services - public safety, roads, and public health - by budgeting responsibly, and making government open, respectful, and responsive to everyone throughout Thurston County.

"North County is well represented on the Commission. South County residents, however, feel like they've been ignored and mistreated. And based on what I've seen, I think they're right," Rogers said.

In a telephone interview and a brief in-person follow-up interview today, Little Hollywood blog reporter Janine Unsoeld asked Rogers questions about her decision and thoughts on several subjects.

Janine Unsoeld: Why are you running for commissioner?

Karen Rogers:  I care about our community and want to serve where I can do the most good.  Thurston County residents expressed the need for open-minded leadership, for someone who can get us through these tough economic times, listen to everyone from all sides, and make balanced decisions. And many of them encouraged me to take the fight to the county level.

As an Olympia city councilmember, I have a proven track record of being fiscally responsible, listening to all sides, fighting for everyone’s right to be heard, and making balanced decisions.  I want to bring that experience, commitment to fair-play and ability to bring people together to work for our shared goals to Thurston County government.

As an Olympia city council member, you recently ran for Olympia mayor and lost in the primary. How would you respond to people who think you may not be happy in your current position?

Former Olympia councilman Craig Ottavelli once told me that people in our community approached him and said that I was the only councilmember who spoke for them — I was their only voice on the Olympia city council.  Being in public office isn’t easy, but knowing that I’m providing a voice to people who would otherwise be unrepresented or overlooked makes everything worth it.  Being an elected representative truly is an honor and a privilege.

Thurston County certainly covers the political spectrum.  Are you hearing from the STOP (Stop Taking Our Property) rights coordinators?

People who have asked me to run include Democrats, Republicans, independents, Tea Party members, blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, business owners, retirees, environmentalists, progressives, property-rights advocates, etc.  Right now, people in Thurston County are far less concerned with party lines than they are with issues.  A good example of this is the Community Renewal Law (CRL).

In July/August of 2011, the Olympia city council voted on whether to use the CRL to establish a “renewal area” in downtown.  I voted against this for several reasons, one of which is that the CRL greatly expands eminent domain (legally forcing people to sell their land).  There are times when eminent domain is truly necessary, but it should only be used as a last resort.  Two of the STOP coordinators attended the council meeting following the CRL vote, and they thanked me for voting against it.  But they weren’t the only ones who thanked me.

Business owners also realized how the CRL can — and already has — discouraged investment in downtown.  To use the CRL, the Olympia city council has to claim that areas of downtown are “blighted.”  Calling an area blighted scares away people who would otherwise invest in downtown, drives down property values, and harms the area’s reputation.  It simply isn’t good for business.

Are you able to run for commissioner and retain your council seat?

Yes.  See the Washington State Attorney General’s Office list of incompatible offices.

Would you resign your city council seat if you won the Thurston County Commissioner seat?

I'd like to hear from voters about that.

You used to work with the Washington State Liquor Control Board and left that position in December. What are you doing now for income?

Everyone is welcome to see my income statements through the Public Disclosure Commission.  In addition to serving on the Olympia city council, I receive rental income.  I’m also setting up a home-based consulting shop to help small business owners adjust to Initiative 1183, the liquor-privatization initiative that passed in 2011.

Running against Wolfe, how would you have voted differently from her?

I personally like Cathy, but there are areas where I would have voted or worked differently.  For example, I felt that the No Shooting ordinance was a distraction.  It took two and a half years of staff time and five revisions on an ordinance that, right from the beginning, the director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the county sheriff said was unnecessary. Why pursue a problem that the sheriff says doesn’t exist?

The ARC is a big issue. (The county Accountability and Restitution Center, otherwise known as the jail.)

Our $45 million dollar empty jail. If you put a measure on the ballot and ask the voters to decide, your must respect their decision.

What about the ongoing update to the Critical Areas Ordinance?

Environmental regulations must be based on good, validated science. Regulations must make sense, be understandable, and show a clear need. Most of all, they need to help people, not hurt them.

There’s a fellow by the name of Jon Pettit who owns property along the Deschutes River, and serves as an example of what I would do differently. 

Mr. Pettit's property has been in his family for generations, and they've had small camping spots along the river for decades. He allows various groups like the Boy Scouts fire fighters to camp there without charge, and he's set up port-a-potties to keep the area clean. The County told Mr. Pettit that he must get permission from the county, and pay tens of thousands of dollars, to continue allowing campers. As a commissioner, I'd honor this as an exempt, grandfathered activity and direct staff to focus on more pressing problems.

Can you work with Commissioners Romero and Valenzuela?

I hope to work with the commissioners just like I do at the city - respectfully and professionally. Our county is diverse, and the Commission should reflect that. The key is to listen, be professional, and always remember who you work for. And when you do disagree, it should be done respectfully and kept to policy.

Thank you Councilmember Rogers.

Rogers' press release states that voters can learn more about her campaign by calling (360) 628-7052 and speak with her directly.

A Spectacular Procession of the Species

A Spectacular Procession of the Species

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Artswalk weekend in Olympia culminated with the spectacular, 18th annual Procession of the Species. The mission of the Procession of the Species is to empower communities to engage in cultural relationships with the natural world as a means of sustaining efforts of environmental protection and restoration. For more information, go to www.procession.org.

As is often the case, the weather held out and a good time was had by thousands people in downtown Olympia!

Thank you Procession director Eli Sterling and Earthbound Productions for all you do for the community!

Scott Yoos Trial Scheduled For August 13

Above: Scott Yoos, center, stands outside the Thurston County courthouse on Wednesday with supporters, prior to his pre-trial hearing.

Scott Yoos Trial Scheduled For August 13

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The Thurston County Superior Court trial date for Scott Yoos, an Olympia citizen accused of a felony assault against a police officer, has been scheduled for August 13.

Attorney Larry Hildes represented Yoos at the hearing held on Wednesday, April 18. Hildes took the Yoos case in February, and told Judge Carol Murphy that he needed more time to review his client’s information. Citing his existing workload and a recent vacation, Hildes said he had been unrealistic about the file he inherited from Yoos’ previous attorney and needed more time to gather information for the case. The judge issued an order of continuance.

Hildes submitted to the court a lengthy list of discovery requests, which includes disclosure of all police reports and logs related to the arrest, a map of the patrol area for the officer initially responding to the incident, and copies of all training materials for the police department on how to deal with deaf, hearing impaired and mute individuals, and disabilities of any kind.

Yoos, who pronounces his last name like “Yose” as in ‘Yosemite’ (National Park), is mute and typically uses a white board and marker or a pen and paper to communicate with other individuals. He can hear, and also uses sign language.

Before the hearing began, Yoos wrote a message to this reporter, saying, “…I’m hopeful and grateful that Larry and Karen (his wife) drove clear down from Bellingham.” About the new trial date, Yoos wrote, “We’re doing it several months in the future so that we have ample time to present motions.”

During the hearing's time frame in which several other cases were heard before Yoos’ case, prisoners in bright orange jumpsuits, tightly shackled with handcuffs around the hands and chains around their waists and feet, shuffled forward to the podium with their attorneys and were greeted and questioned by the judge about their cases. One prisoner wore a grey t-shirt that read, “Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Work Crew Inmate.”

Yoos, who is free and wore regular clothes, communicated with his attorney using a white board and blue marker and frequently used a rag stuffed in his left side pocket to erase his messages.

The Case Against Yoos

According to police records, Yoos was initially cited for criminal trespass and obstructing justice on June 1, 2011 at 2302 Fourth Avenue, Olympia, at 2341 hours. The property is the site of Twister Donuts.

The case originally was to be heard in the municipal court of the city of Olympia.

In his police report, Officer Randy Wilson writes that he saw Yoos enter the parking lot and go towards the Dumpsters and a fence by Curtis lumberyard.

“By the time I entered the lot, Yoos was behind the dumpster. Yoos tried to leave and I physically had to stop him. I learned he used sign language, so I assumed he was deaf. I began to communicate via notepad. I wrote down he was being investigated for criminal trespass. Yoos got agitated and refused to ID himself. While writing with him, he tried to leave on his bicycle at least 3 times. We tried to get him off his bicycle and he resisted. He was taken down to the ground and handcuffed. I later learned from Officer Watkins that on 8/10 Yoos had been trespassed from the property by Officer Hincichs. See C&I.”

Copies of Officer Wilson’s and Yoos’ handwritten questions and answers to each other include: Wilson's - “Do you have ID?" and "Write your name and birthday down” and Yoos' - “What have I done wrong?” and “I threw away a bag, is that illegal? You’d rather I littered?”

According to the police report, Yoos is 5’9 and weighs 155 pounds. Police reports detail the incident and actions by the four Olympia police officers who responded to the scene, Officers S. Costello, Jason Watkins, and Randy Wilson and Sgt. Paul Johnson.

Officer Costello’s report indicates that Yoos was “using sign language in a way that looked like he may hit one of us. He was slapping his hands and motioning wildly at us. I summoned Officer J. Watkins via police radio because I know he can communicate using American Sign Language.”

Officer Costello’s report goes on to explain that use of force was used to take away Yoos’ bicycle and take Yoos to the ground: “I laid the bicycle down and noted that Officer Wilson was trying to take Yoos to the ground. He’d become resistive at that point. As I got clear of the bicycle Officer Wilson was trying to use an arm bar technique to get him to the ground. As he was going to the ground I grabbed his right wrist area. Officer Wilson secured his left arm and I grasped his right wrist. Yoos was rolling on the ground and was still resisting us. I used my right knee on his neck and applied pressure, keeping him on the ground. Officer Wilson was able to secure Yoos in his handcuffs.

Officer Watkins’ report states that he knows American Sign Language, “…but I am only conversational and not certified as an interpreter or anything else.” He describes helping Officer Costello with standing Yoos up and subduing Yoos when he continued to resist the officers.

The Watkins report reads, in part: “While Officer Costello was searching Yoos I maintained downward preassure (sic) with my right arm along the upper portion of Yoos’ torso in order to keep him in the bent position and a position of disadvantage because he had been actively resisting. Yoos tried standing straight up a couple of times but I was able to maintain control of him. Yoos was screaming but not saying anything while he was being searched…."

Watkins later writes, “Yoos was placed into a temporary cell in preparation for booking and I re-contacted him there....I asked Yoos if he could hear and using only sign language he told me he was hard of hearing and in 1984, he suffered a head injury that made it so he was mute. Yoos told me he signed using English sign language rather than American Sign Language which is what I’m familiar with but we were still able to communicate….After I had cleared the Jail I was later called back by Corrections Officer Johnson. When I arrived Yoos had been released and was just outside of the Jail’s parking lot. I was told Yoos needed clarification regarding he had to go to court services tomorrow at 0830 hours, to obtain a court date and that is what I explained to him again using both my voice and sign language.”

Report by Sgt. Paul Johnson

According to a report, City of Olympia Sgt. Paul Johnson is the one who accuses Yoos of kicking him. His report is dated June 27, 2011. The incident occurred on June 1, 2011.

In part, his report reads, “Officer Costello transitioned to a gooseneck counter joint technique and applied pressure. Yoos at this point lunged toward me lifting his foot impacting my left thigh. The impact pushed me back at which point Yoos using the same foot kicked the headlight of a nearby patrol car attempting to break it. I advised the officers I was fine and suggested taking Yoos to the hood of patrol car. Yoos’ upper torso was then forced down onto the hood of the vehicle and was re-secured in handcuffs.” According to the report, Yoos was then transported to the Olympia police department for processing, booked, and released.

As a result of Johnson’s report, Yoos’ case was bumped up to the Superior Court of Washington in Thurston County. In a document dated August 8, 2011, Yoos was charged with three counts: assault in the third degree, a Class C felony; criminal trespass in the second degree, a misdemeanor; and resisting arrest, also a misdemeanor.

Yoos' Supporters Speak Out

On Wednesday, friends and supporters of Yoos met at the courthouse prior to the hearing to express their support for Yoos. About a dozen went into the courtroom with Yoos to witness his pre-trial hearing.

Yoos supporter John Newman said, “Being charged with assault at taxpayer’s expense is unjust. Scott’s been a great local volunteer in the city of Olympia for several nonprofits. I think he was innocent and wanted to go home.”

Aaron Zanthe also expressed support for Yoos. “I’m definitely supporting Scott. I’m a friend and an advocate for people of neurodiversity. He came to a community event I organized. I find his story very moving. I’m well-adjusted to listening to stories of people who face abuse and aren’t capable of defending themselves, and this is reflected in my work. I find it distressing that Scott was assaulted by anyone, especially those entrusted with public safety and that his sign language was interpreted as a sign of aggression.”

After witnessing the hearing, supporter Chris Stegman said, “The whole thing reeks of an unjust system gone awry, a cover up of police misconduct and an overreach of authority and inappropriate detention, the threat of which is what led Scott to try to escape the scene in fear for his safety. How would it feel to the average person to be detained by up to four armed police officers at 11 pm in a dark alley out of public sight, all for throwing some paper napkins in a city of Olympia Dumpster? I'm ready to peacefully riot if this case goes through and he gets convicted of any felony, for resisting arrest, obstruction of officers duties, or whatever. This is a gross miscarriage of justice that it has gone this far without being dismissed.”

An Interview with Scott Yoos

After arranging for an interview time and place through text messaging and email, I sat down with Yoos for an in-person, hour long interview today. I asked him about the police reports, showed him specific passages I had questions about, and asked him for his thoughts.

The process was time intensive, as I do not know sign language. I had to be patient and let Yoos write his answers to my questions, and not interrupt him if I thought I knew what he was going to write. A few times, I did interrupt. Sometimes it helped, sometimes it didn't. Yoos often nodded and laughed if I guessed what he was going to write. When I didn't guess correctly, Yoos seemed to hide what he was writing until he was finished, then showed me his complete thought. He used two full sized pieces of paper and covered both sides, twisting and turning the pages around, covering the white space.

This is what we were able to accomplish:

I looked at Yoos directly and asked him if he was hard of hearing. He wrote, "Never. I've been mute since 1984 due to a severe head injury."

I referred to Office Watkins' report where Watkins wrote, "I asked Yoos if he could hear and using only sign language he told me he was hard of hearing and in 1984, he suffered a head injury that made it so he was mute. Yoos told me he signed using English sign language rather than American Sign Language...."

In response, Yoos wrote, "He misinterpreted my sign - I'm most comfortable with S.E.E., not A.S.L."

Yoos then wrote, "There is really so much to say. I've been stewing in this for nearly a traumatic year."

Yoos pointed out the words Officer Costello used in his report, "He was slapping his hands and motioning wildly at us." In response to this, Yoos wrote, "I really resent their choice of words. Anything to make me sound crazy and violent. I was merely trying to communicate via sign."

Yoos also took issue with Officer Costello's report and the words, "I laid the bicycle down..." In response, Yoos wrote, "He tore my bike from underneath me and threw it to the side."

When I asked Yoos why he and Officer Wilson shared the same notebook, Yoos wrote, "They took my pen."

When I asked Yoos how long it took for Officer Watkins, who knew sign language, to arrive to the scene and if he helped, Yoos wrote, "By the time he arrived to "help" I was handcuffed."

Yoos also wrote, "What happened to me that night was entirely undeserved, and too many half-truths and bald faced lies have been told about my behavior, to allow it to remain unchallenged. This is why we need to push for video surveillance of arrests. There needs to be something to "police" the police! It's a matter of public safety. I believe that video coverage would have entirely vindicated me and would have gotten the O.P.D. (Olympia Police Department) in trouble."

Yoos also wrote, "I'd like to point out/emphasize that I was merely a bicycle commuter headed home. I was wearing a reflective orange vest and had a red blinking light on the rear of my bike. If I'd been doing something criminal, I wouldn't have been dressed to be seen!"

Finally, Yoos wrote, "I'm so grateful for your interest! There are so many people and things which I love about this town. A militarized police force and their stormtrooper mentalities is not one of them!" Yoos also wrote that he has a support group address on Facebook and wanted me to include that information in my article.

A legal defense fund has been set up to cover attorney's fees for Yoos' defense. Donations can be endorsed to "Scott Yoos - LDF" and walked in or mailed directly to: Scott Yoos – Legal Defense Fund, c/o Washington State Employees Credit Union, 2302 Harrison Ave NW, Ste 201, Olympia, Washington 98502. Donations can also be made online at https://donationpay.org/scottyoos/. Supporters say 100% of the amount donated will go to the Scott Yoos Legal Defense Fund.

A Facebook account has been set up at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Yoos-Support-Committee-Legal-Defense-Fund/222716127776108 or you can just type Scott Yoos Legal Defense Fund.

Supporters have organized a fundraiser for Yoos on Sunday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at Traditions Fair Trade, 300 5th Avenue, in downtown Olympia, for an event with singers, spoken word artists, and musicians. Pie and food will be provided for free.

LOTT Has Come A Long Way - But Has A Long Way To Go

Above: Mosaic artwork outside the LOTT Clean Water Alliance will be open to the public in June. This one says, in part, "The health of our waters is the principle measure...."

LOTT Has Come A Long Way - But Has A Long Way To Go

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Bob Wood, Olympia street superintendent, said Tuesday digested sludge is now available free to the public at the sewage treatment plant located at the north end of Adams Street.

“It makes excellent fertilizer for flower beds,” he noted, adding that a loader will be on hand from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the convenience of the public.

“We load, you haul,” Wood said, adding, “and this has no odor to it.”

Yes, the above information is for real, but it isn’t an announcement from this week. While digging around in her attic, this reporter recently found a copy of The Daily Olympian, dated August 28, 1973, that included this little tidbit of news and brought it to a recent LOTT board meeting to show staff. As expected, they got a kick out of it.

“Good heavens! Did we really do that?” exclaimed Karla Fowler, LOTT community relations and environmental policy director.

She and LOTT public facilities manager Ben McConkey chuckled about it, saying that such activities happened before state and federal standards were in place. McConkey added that the sludge – now known as digested biosolids – would have had quite a bit of trash in it, especially little plastic pieces.

“By today’s standards, we were a Class B treatment facility, before the secondary treatment process. Sludge was treated in anaerobic digesters.” Fowler eagerly made a copy of the yellowed newspaper article for her files.

Flash forward to 2012, and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance has come a long way since 1973, but, as evidenced at LOTT’s recent board retreat, it has a long way to go.

LOTT is a regional Class A water and wastewater treatment facility, and regularly receives national wastewater treatment industry awards and recognition. On a local level, the public appears to lack an understanding or trust LOTT’s mission.

LOTT is composed of the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County. Representatives to the board are newly elected chair Cynthia Pratt, Lacey city councilmember, vice president Sandra Romero, Thurston County commissioner, Steve Langer, Olympia city councilmember, and Tom Oliva, Tumwater city councilmember, represent the city and county.

Current positions were chosen at last week’s LOTT meeting. As a new board with varying degrees of knowledge, Pratt is considered the most senior member of the group, with two years experience on the LOTT board.

As a result of recent turnover, LOTT board members and staff are having new conversations on a whole set of industry and organizational development issues as they embark on the development of a new six year long range strategic plan and a four year groundwater recharge study.

LOTT Board Retreat

LOTT held its day-long annual board retreat last month, broadly reviewing its history and examining its future.

The show of politics on public policy quickly became apparent as board members asserted their positions. Polite tension was evident as board members actively peppered LOTT executive director Mike Strub and staff with questions about long-held assumptions, and challenged business-as-usual routines. Board members did not tiptoe around the issues – they poked holes into every staff presentation, questioning the overall board-staff relationship, the legal definition of the organization and LOTT’s use of about 40 specialty consultants.

The agenda, set by LOTT staff, was ambitious. A wide range of issues was discussed and prioritized by board members, and will result in many work sessions throughout the year. Issues ranking highest in priority went to three areas: citizen involvement, the groundwater recharge study, and septic tank conversions.

“It’s like starting a whole new relationship,” said Strub in his opening remarks. “LOTT is a complex organization and people have a hard time understanding what we do – we’re not a high profile organization.” Strub said that LOTT has spent $100 million building capacity and Lacey’s entire future, for example, is based on that capacity.

Strub outlined the board’s relationship to staff and the internal workings of LOTT’s technical subcommittee, reclaimed water task force, and septic workgroup. In mentioning just a sampling of contemporary issues facing LOTT, he set the tone for the serious work ahead for board members, staff, and the community.

“The impaired health of Puget Sound and Budd Inlet, the recommendations offered by the ongoing Deschutes Total Maximum Daily Load advisory committee study, the county’s update of the critical areas ordinance, compounds of emerging concern, and the groundwater recharge study are all issues that are going to change our worldview….We’re at a bellwether moment in LOTT’s history and future. With a population of 100,000 in three cities, we cannot stop, we cannot fail. Failure is not an option – the implications would be an unprecedented disaster,” said Strub.

Public Involvement Issues

It was emphasized by board members that while LOTT, a nonprofit, is not technically a public agency, it should act as a public agency, especially with regard to the public meetings act. Strub told board members that both the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Washington Cities Insurance Agency, almost immediately recognized LOTT as a public agency.

The upcoming groundwater recharge study generated a great deal of comment about public involvement. A consultant will soon be hired to determine what citizen involvement will look like. A citizen’s advisory committee could be formed.

However, for all the concern expressed about LOTT being misunderstood by the public, and the desire for more citizen involvement, LOTT board meetings are not televised, and minutes for the board retreat were not taken, nor was it audiotaped. This was discovered by board members when, at the last LOTT board work session held April 11, board member Tom Oliva asked if meeting minutes were taken at the retreat. The reply by staff was no. It was then half-jokingly suggested by someone that this reporter’s notes could be offered. She stayed the full six hours of the retreat and took over 11pages of detailed, raw notes.

Board work sessions, open to the public, are held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are held just prior to each monthly board meeting. A boxed dinner is provided to board members by LOTT and board members and staff often eat together in the LOTT cafeteria prior to the meeting. Board meetings start at 7:00 p.m.

Brief summaries, not minutes, of work sessions are available. Work sessions started to be audiotaped last month, Karla Fowler said today.

In terms of LOTT’s strategic business plan, the public’s values and level of expectation for the utility was discussed. Accurate measures of success can be determined if public values translate into board actions, board goals, LOTT core values and levels of service.

LOTT staff outlined areas they value and discussed related challenges in four performance areas: business management; environmental resource management and stewardship; education, communication and partnerships; and human resources and workplace environment.

Strub said that they do a thousand things a day to prevent a LOTT permit violation. He mentioned, as an example, that during the recent winter storm, power outages and blips caused havoc. Staff worked hard to prevent the dumping of raw sewage in Budd Inlet and a dumping was averted with 15 minutes to spare.

Basic questions were addressed and explored, such as how rates were set and whether or not there should be a flat rate for residential service, and if low income discounts could be provided. LOTT staff told board members that they field several calls a day from the public who ask questions like, “Why do I pay the same as my neighbor when I’m single and my neighbor has seven kids?”

LOTT is a wholesaler, billing the cities for treatment costs. The cities set the rates. If LOTT goes down the road of being the provider, LOTT will become a retailer. Discussion ensued about city responsibilities, whether there could be incentives for conservation and volume based rates being difficult to manage and expensive. Langer said metering is expensive, and is happy with the current system. Romero commented that there is increasing pressure for a volume based rate structure as the population ages.

Throughout the day, board members were fully engaged in the process and constantly provided staff feedback on their wishes with respect to their roles, internal structure, and core values. By the end of the board retreat, friction between board members and staff seemed to mellow.

In discussing how LOTT moves forward, Langer said, “We want to make sure we’re doing the right thing as well as being told what to do.”

Oliva commented on the wording of how to describe themselves. “Right now, it’s LOTT this and LOTT that. That’s the old way of thinking, like a corporation, not as a public entity,” said Oliva.

Romero agreed, and wanted entire language about how LOTT describes itself reworded.

“If you talk about its community values, the organization becomes the animal. We can reframe this to show our collective values. What’s missing is the relationship between LOTT and its partners. This is about good faith, communication and cooperation. Let’s pause to figure out who we are. The word ‘Alliance’ is more inclusive of who we are. It shifts the control…the acronym removes people from the entity," said Romero.

Michael Pendleton, facilitator for the day’s discussions, wrapped up sentiments by saying to the group, “You don’t have the luxury of being just a utility anymore. You have core needs, but the public may demand more.”

Langer agreed. “The environmental constituency has gotten louder about Budd Inlet and Puget Sound and our connection with the public has to change.”

Clearly, there is significant work ahead for LOTT partners, and it won’t be easy to change entrenched ways, but optimism reigned by the end of the day.

Eric Hielema, a LOTT senior wastewater engineer who attended the board retreat, commented afterwards, “I was a little scared to do things differently, but now I’m excited.”

For more information about LOTT Clean Water Alliance, 500 Adams St. SE, Olympia, call (360) 664-2333 or go to www.lottcleanwateralliance.org.


Above: This mosaic at the LOTT Clean Water Alliance continues from the picture above, "...of how we live on the land." The full ribbon says, "The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land."

Ecology Requests Comments on Hardel Site Cleanup Plan - Reliable Steel Cleanup Still On Hold

Above: The site of Hardel Mutual Plywood at 1210 West Bay Drive, NW, Olympia overlooks a stunning view of Budd Inlet and the city of Olympia.

Ecology Requests Comments on Hardel Site Cleanup Plan - Reliable Steel Cleanup Still On Hold

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking comments from the public on a draft cleanup action plan for the Hardel Mutual Plywood site at 1210 West Bay Drive NW in Olympia. Ecology began accepting comments on March 22 and will do so until April 20.

Guy Barrett, Washington State Department of Ecology site manager for Hardel, said in a telephone interview late Tuesday that he has only received one official comment so far.

Past business activities at the Hardel site contaminated soil and groundwater. The plan documents include three reports. One describes the nature and extent of contamination, another describes Ecology’s investigation of the site and evaluates cleanup options, and a third describes cleanup options, how Hardel cleaned up the site, and why Ecology considers the cleanup to be complete. The documents are available for review at the Olympia Timberland Library, at the Department of Ecology, or online at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/Sitepage.aspx?csid=3704.

While investigating the site, Hardel found that some contamination was moving toward Budd Inlet.

According to Ecology, Hardel has cleaned up the site through an interim cleanup action approved in 2010. After completing the interim action, Hardel sampled groundwater for one year. Since they found no contaminants above cleanup levels, Ecology now considers the cleanup to be complete.

In a fact sheet, Ecology says Hardel found dioxins and phthalates in Budd Inlet sediments but that the contaminants do not seem to be from the site.

Beginning in 1924, the site was used for logging and lumber related businesses. Hardel operated a plywood manufacturing business on the site from 1951-1996. The company ceased operations in Olympia after a fire severely damaged the buildings. The site has nine groundwater monitoring wells and three sediment sampling locations.

Ecology will review all comments received during the comment period, respond, finalize the cleanup action plan, make changes to the plan if necessary, and possibly remove the site from the Hazardous Sites list. Ecology will hold a separate public comment period before removing the site from the list.

There are no known future restrictions for the Hardel property for redevelopment, except those identified by current land use zoning.

There are currently eight sites deemed by Ecology as contaminated throughout the area of Budd Inlet.

Next Door: Reliable Steel


Above: The Reliable Steel site at 1218 West Bay Drive NW, Olympia.

One of the eight contaminated sites is the property next door to Hardel Mutual Plywood, a site known as the former location of Reliable Steel. Owned by Triway Enterprises, the 4.25 acre site is currently being cleared of debris by workers.

Steve Teel, Washington State Department of Ecology site manager for Reliable Steel, says a formal environmental cleanup is still on hold. Ecology was last actively involved with an environmental cleanup plan for the site in 2007-2008 when progress stalled.

"Tri Vo went broke, then we had an agreement with the former owner regarding a remedial study but the corporation dissolved, then Ecology lacked the money to continue," says Teel.

"I'm hoping we can get money July 1st - I'm waiting until the new biennium to use state funds to work on the site. But as far as cleanup goes, we're on hold. We've done the remedial investigation - we know what kind of contaminants are there - we've done the feasibility study as to what the options are to clean it up, and we have a draft cleanup action plan - we just need to revise it," said Teel.

The site was originally developed as a lumber mill. Since 1941, it was used for boat building, welding and steel fabrication.

In 1993, Ecology inspected the site and found levels of arsenic and copper above Ecology standards for marine sediment quality. Ecology requested that welding debris on or near the shore of Budd Inlet be removed.

Ecology was notified in 2006 that total petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals had been found above acceptable cleanup levels in soil and groundwater on the site, and deemed contaminated. The site entered into a voluntary cleanup program, but was later removed from the program due to inactivity. The site was then entered into the formal Washington Model Toxics Control Act cleanup program.

In an email dated March 28, Teel asks Triway Enterprises representative Tori Cookson about the status of the demolition at Reliable Steel, and when the company will be ready for a site inspection.

Ecology did not order the demolition, however, Ecology, the city of Olympia, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) were all involved in the planning of the work. Permits for it were issued by the city and DFW.

Cookson promptly responded to Teel, saying, in part, "We are behind schedule...The wood stacked around the south end of the site has been sold and is being taken off site in increments."

In an email yesterday that appears to be prompted by this reporter's inquiry about the property, Teel again asks Cookson for a site update.

Through email, Cookson responded today to Teel:

"The party that purchased the wood is moving quickly now to remove all from the premises. Everything is down that was contracted to be demolished but cleanup appeared to be at a stand-still. I am now seeing some cleanup moving forward...."

A call from this reporter to Cookson requesting more information late this afternoon was not returned.

For more information about the Hardel Mutual Plywood draft cleanup action plan and to comment, contact Guy Barrett, Site Manager, Department of Ecology, SW Regional Office Toxics Cleanup Program, P.O. Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775, or phone, (360) 407-7115, or email, Guy.Barrett@ecy.wa.gov.

Public involvement questions can be referred to Diana Smith, Public Involvement Coordinator, Department of Ecology, (360) 407-6255 or email, Diana.Smith@ecy.wa.gov.

For more information about the Reliable Steel site, contact Steve Teel, Washington State Department of Ecology, at (360) 407-6247 or stee461@ecy.wa.gov or go to Ecology's toxics cleanup website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/reliable_stl/rs_hp.htm.


Above: The Reliable Steel site, now with a couple buildings removed, daylights a stormwater pipe. Water flows freely between pipes. "I don't know what feeds that pipe - probably stormwater up the hill," says Steve Teel, state Department of Ecology site manager for Reliable Steel. Teel, a hydrogeologist, says the water there has been sampled and copper showed up, but the source was likely from the stormwater runoff. "Other than that, it was pretty clean," says Teel.

Our Stories Are Our Power: Businesswoman Kelly Cavenah

Above: Local businesswoman Kelly Cavenah outside her office building on Capitol Way today.

Our Stories Are Our Power: Businesswoman Kelly Cavenah

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

At a recent strategy meeting in Olympia, Washington United for Marriage advocates urged local supporters to gather pledges for the approval of Referendum 74. The pledge card asks for contact information, and is just one way supporters seek to identify potential allies, volunteers, campaign donors and establish connections in our community.

“We have been able to defeat every attack on our rights and we’ll beat this too!” exclaimed Anna Schlect, co-chair of Capital City Pride and local gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) rights leader. “But it’s going to take work….We’ll have fun, build close relationships, and plan on winning,” she said.

The Washington United for Marriage campaign is supported by several organizations, including Equal Rights Washington, the Human Rights Campaign, the Service Employees International Union, the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood Northwest, Legal Voice, and UFCW21, a union composed of grocery, retail and health workers.

Referendum supporters are mobilizing throughout the state, city by city, through door to door canvassing, phonebanking, community education, endorsements and fundraising. Locally, Referendum 74 supporters plan on being visible at community events such as Capital City Pride in June, and Lakefair in July.

Opponents to the marriage equality legislation signed in February by Governor Christine Gregoire were able to start collecting signatures against Referendum 74 on March 13. They will need 120,577 signatures, which they’ll likely reach soon. They have until June 6 to qualify for the ballot and are expected to deliver those signatures by the first week of June.

If the referendum passes in November, the first day gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) persons can be legally married in Washington would be in December.

Kelly Cavenah, and her partner Kim Vandewater, are anxiously awaiting that day to make their upcoming September wedding legal in the eyes of the state.

“Kim and I met about seven years ago, when I was 26, struggling with my identity in Seattle. Kim had just come out and we fell in love. It wasn’t the right time for us. I was out to my friends but not my mother and brother. It wasn’t the right time,” explained Cavenah.

“In 2007 my mom and I decided to move to Olympia to start a business. It was important to share with her who I am. I was so nervous about telling her – I was surprised about her support! Now we are active supporters in the GLBT community.”

“So, about two years ago, Kim and I reconnected. The love never left. It grew and it was our time to get together. I’m so proud and happy to say that in January she asked me for her hand in marriage. We’ll be married in the fall. So, like any relationship, we have our ups and downs and struggles, but we’re partners....”

Cavenah owns Home Instead Senior Care, a private duty non-medical home care agency for seniors. A franchise organization, the agency helps people stay in their homes for as long as possible by providing assistance such as companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping and errands. Duties also include personal care such as bathing, toileting and grooming.

“I have a staff of over 50 employees - I pay Labor and Industries, business and occupation taxes, and all state, local, and federal taxes. Our staff provides sustainability to the community – we work hard to provide quality services for our seniors.” Cavenah currently employs six staff members in her cramped Olympia downtown office and 50 caregivers who provide service to 65 clients.


Above: Kelly Cavanah, left, confers about a client with her Home Instead Senior Care office manager Jaime Robinson.

As past chair of the South Sound Alzheimer’s Council and previous board member of the Senior Action Network, Cavenah strives to educate the community about the senior community and their needs.

Cavenah is committed to helping GLBT elders in the South Sound community and helped co-found SAGE-Olympia. SAGE-Olympia, which she currently co-chairs with Anna Schlecht, is a multi-faceted gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender eldercare project for Thurston County. SAGE-Olympia’s mission is to promote the wellness of GLBT elders in the area with a range of referrals, services and social activities.

Cavenah continues with her story, saying she and Kim just bought a house in Lacey.

“As homeowners, we take weekend trips to Home Depot and Lowe’s, we pay our property taxes, which helps support local schools. So, I’m not that different from my mom…or any other average American. We’re a lot more similar than not.”

“And I’m a registered voter,” she adds for emphasis.

Bottom line, Kelly says, “I’m a dedicated partner and daughter…my point is, please don’t treat us as second class citizens….”

Her mother Bertha adds, “You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back.”

For more information about the Washington United for Marriage campaign, go to www.WAunited.org or on Twitter: @WA4Marriage or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/WashingtonUnited.

For more information on local Referendum 74 organizing meetings or to collect pledge cards, contact Anna Schlect at annaschlect@gmail.com.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, go to www.homeinstead.com/658 or contact Jaime Robinson, Office Manager, at 570-0049. The office is located in the Evergreen Plaza Building at 711 Capitol Way South, Suite 707, Olympia.

For more information about SAGE-Olympia, go to www.sageolympia.org. The next SAGE-Olympia meeting is in May. Monthly meetings are open to the public.

Full Disclosure/FYI: Janine Unsoeld is a caregiver for seniors by profession and has not worked for Home Instead Senior Care, nor does she necessarily endorse the agency.

“Our Stories Are Our Power” is a periodic series of GLBTQ related stories by Janine Unsoeld at Little Hollywood, www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com.