Savings in energy efficiency off-set LEED certification costs in the CUB
In the spring of 2006, WSU began the renovation of what students now know as the "new CUB." According to the WSU Board of Regents write-up for approcal of the schematic design for the CUB, the cost to renovate the CUB totaled $86 million. However, the CUB may soon be making that money back through its energy efficiency and its sustainable design.
According to the write-up, the CUB renovation was paid for through a student tuition increase ($51.88 million), retial operations ($11.5 million), university funds ($9.68 million), S&A fee allocation ($8.44 million) and a one-time design cost allocation. CUB Director Sean Greene said because the new building achieved the Leadership in Energy and Evironmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification, the total cost of renocation was about two percent higher than normal. He said that is approximately $1.72 million more in capital construction.
Greene said the energy cost savings, material resource replacement and other utility savings from "green" amenities are about a 16 percent reduction of the CUB Operations Budget.
"This computes to about an annual savings of between $235,000 and $260,000 per year," Greene said. "You can see that the payoff for these construction costs is less than nine years."
Jeff Lannigan, WSU Capital Planning project manager who oversaw the CUB renovation, said a case study was developed highlighting some of the sustainable features of the CUB building to help people understand how it was sustainable. According to the case study document, a few of the CUB's "green" amenities include a recycled building shell and construction waste from the old CUB; radiant cooling and heating; displacement ventilation in areas of the building where there are more people; Carbon Dioxide detection; dual-flush toilets that reduce water use by 30 percent; "green" interior finishes and adhesives; and "green" power from solar energy.
Lannigan said the building received a LEED scorecard, which awards a certain number of points for each sustainable feature. For example, the dual-flush toilet handles are worth two points on the scorecard. These points are added together and determine which level of LEED certification a building has - the CUB having silver certification.
Dyonne Davidson, another WSU Capital Planning project manager, said the higher cost of the CUB because of its LEED certification really has nother to do with LEED itself. She said most of the time these kinds of buildings are more expensive to build because the products themselves are more expensive. For example, she said the floors in the CUB, which are made of linoleum, are a bit more expensive because linoleum is more expensive than vinyl. The same is true, she said, with the dual-flush toilets. Standard toilets are everywhere, but dual-flush toilets are unique and are therefore more expensive.
"Energy systems, building techniques and products may have been chosen with an agenda of achieving some of LEED's stated goals, but their pricing is independent and has to do with the state of the marketplace," Davidson said.
However, Davidson said LEED itself is indeed affecting the marketplace.
"As more and more building owners are either interested or mandated to build LEED certified structures, this does increase the demand and availability of products and systems that meet LEED requirements," she said. "In some cases this may raise a price and others lower it."
SOURCES
Sean Greene: 509-335-2305
smgreene@wsu.edu
Jeff Lannigan: 509-335-7221
lannigan@wsu.edu
Dyonne Davidson: 509-335-5974
dyonne@wsu.edu
**E-mailing my document request and document to you :)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
QUESTIONS!!!
1) What do you feel is the biggest difference between being a journalist in Russia versus being a journalist in the U.S.?
2) What are some of the major restrictions on your freedom of the press in Russia?
3) What are some of the most dangerous situations you have been in as a journalist in Russia?
4) What are the most prevalent issues reported on in Russia?
5) If you knew that you would have to face such restrictions and dangers as a reporter would you still have chosen a life as a journalist?
2) What are some of the major restrictions on your freedom of the press in Russia?
3) What are some of the most dangerous situations you have been in as a journalist in Russia?
4) What are the most prevalent issues reported on in Russia?
5) If you knew that you would have to face such restrictions and dangers as a reporter would you still have chosen a life as a journalist?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Document story proposal
For my document story, I am writing about how much it cost to renovate the CUB and breaking it down into how much it was specifically for the "green" amenities. I will be writing about if it was more expensive to go this route, how much money it will save the university in the long-run and how long it will actually take for the university to "make up" the money spent to rebuild the CUB. Also, I will be looking at how the "green" features will help to better the environment.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Online Reporting Story
Departments and colleges at WSU use networking sites to promote and recruit
Whether they are used to promote world-class research, recruit eager college-bound kids to different majors or to simply share information within the WSU community, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are growing in popularity around the WSU campus.
Barbara Petura, associate vice president for University Relations, said the use of social networking for internal and external communication is a growing national trend and that WSU is a big part of that trend. Petura said the university has a Facebook page specifically for future students, a growing WSU YouTube channel and quite a few influential bloggers including President Elson S. Floyd and dean of the College of Education Phyllis Erdman.
Petura said there has also been a large increase in WSU units using Twitter. She said the WSU units communicating with Twitter has increased from 17 on May 27, 2009 to 65 as of today. The Pullman campus Twitter account - WSUPullman - currently has 901 followers.
"Students, faculty, staff, Cougar fans and others expect to find WSU active in social media so they can join if they choose to, and the university is on most of the major platforms," Petura said. "That is an element of success."
The College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU has had some success with its use of networking sites. Darin Watkins, communication coordinator for the veterinary college, said they currently have a Facebook fan page and use Twitter to get information out about the college. Watkins said some of the tweets posted on their Twitter account have really helped get the word out about events and research at the veterinary college.
Watkins said two of the biggest success stories from their Twitter account would have to be the story of the triplet bull calves born at the college last March and the story of an injured beaver that was at the college. He said a CNN reporter picked up on their tweet about the triplet calves and posted it on the CNN Web site, and a Shanghai newspaper put the story about the injured beaver on its front page because of a tweet.
Watkins said the veterinary college also uses social networking sites to recruit students and to promote online programs such as their Pet Memorial Program.
"(In the future) we are hoping to be able to better use these avenues to reach out the alumni and friends," Watkins said. "In the years to come, support from our college will rely greatly on private support and these pathways allow us to reach out to people individually."
The WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) has also joined the trend of using networking sites to recruit students and showcase research. Kate MIlraith, assistant director of recruitment and rentention, said CAHNRS Facebook page has seen a lot of growth, and it currently has 146 fans. She said the Facebook page also seems to be gaining more fans every month.
MIlraith said CAHNRS uses its Facebook page the recruit students to majors, inform fans about what research is being done and to advertise college events.
"Our hope is not only do we keep our current students, alumni and friends informed about and involved in things that are happening in the college, but also that prospective students will see how dynamic the college is and all the educational opportunities that are available," MIlraith said.
SOURCES
Barbara Petura: (509) 335-1980
petura@wsu.edu
Darin Watkins: (509) 335-4456
dwatkins@vetmed.wsu.edu
Kate MIlraith: (509) 335-5469
katem@wsu.edu
Whether they are used to promote world-class research, recruit eager college-bound kids to different majors or to simply share information within the WSU community, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are growing in popularity around the WSU campus.
Barbara Petura, associate vice president for University Relations, said the use of social networking for internal and external communication is a growing national trend and that WSU is a big part of that trend. Petura said the university has a Facebook page specifically for future students, a growing WSU YouTube channel and quite a few influential bloggers including President Elson S. Floyd and dean of the College of Education Phyllis Erdman.
Petura said there has also been a large increase in WSU units using Twitter. She said the WSU units communicating with Twitter has increased from 17 on May 27, 2009 to 65 as of today. The Pullman campus Twitter account - WSUPullman - currently has 901 followers.
"Students, faculty, staff, Cougar fans and others expect to find WSU active in social media so they can join if they choose to, and the university is on most of the major platforms," Petura said. "That is an element of success."
The College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU has had some success with its use of networking sites. Darin Watkins, communication coordinator for the veterinary college, said they currently have a Facebook fan page and use Twitter to get information out about the college. Watkins said some of the tweets posted on their Twitter account have really helped get the word out about events and research at the veterinary college.
Watkins said two of the biggest success stories from their Twitter account would have to be the story of the triplet bull calves born at the college last March and the story of an injured beaver that was at the college. He said a CNN reporter picked up on their tweet about the triplet calves and posted it on the CNN Web site, and a Shanghai newspaper put the story about the injured beaver on its front page because of a tweet.
Watkins said the veterinary college also uses social networking sites to recruit students and to promote online programs such as their Pet Memorial Program.
"(In the future) we are hoping to be able to better use these avenues to reach out the alumni and friends," Watkins said. "In the years to come, support from our college will rely greatly on private support and these pathways allow us to reach out to people individually."
The WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) has also joined the trend of using networking sites to recruit students and showcase research. Kate MIlraith, assistant director of recruitment and rentention, said CAHNRS Facebook page has seen a lot of growth, and it currently has 146 fans. She said the Facebook page also seems to be gaining more fans every month.
MIlraith said CAHNRS uses its Facebook page the recruit students to majors, inform fans about what research is being done and to advertise college events.
"Our hope is not only do we keep our current students, alumni and friends informed about and involved in things that are happening in the college, but also that prospective students will see how dynamic the college is and all the educational opportunities that are available," MIlraith said.
SOURCES
Barbara Petura: (509) 335-1980
petura@wsu.edu
Darin Watkins: (509) 335-4456
dwatkins@vetmed.wsu.edu
Kate MIlraith: (509) 335-5469
katem@wsu.edu
Beat update Dec. 1
1. From the Spokesman Review: "Unburied Treasure: 1896 mansion is theater owner's latest project" by Mike Prager. This story is about a woman who restores historic buildings.
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Children's Center open house showcases renovations" by Kaleigh Clement.
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Children's Center open house showcases renovations" by Kaleigh Clement.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Beat update Nov. 17
1. From USA Today: "Solar panel maker Suntech plans Phoenix-area plant" by Terry Tang.
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Green careers are an option at WSU" by Sarah Linker.
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Green careers are an option at WSU" by Sarah Linker.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Beat update Nov. 10
1. From the Daily Evergreen: "Council delays College Hill decision."
2. Also from the Daily Evergreen: "Yard of the Year awarded to house with the best lawn."
2. Also from the Daily Evergreen: "Yard of the Year awarded to house with the best lawn."
Monday, November 9, 2009
Trend story
*WSU will save money on waste disposal by implementing new compostable materials in Dining Services, a trend that has been spreading through universities across the state of Washington.
Compostable food packaging will save WSU big bucks
Dining Services at WSU recently decided to partner with Cedar Grove Packaging/Compostaware -- providing students, faculty and staff with compostable dinnerware and food containers that can easily go from the dining table to the WSU compost facility.
Gary Henrich, a food service broker from Kenco Sales Inc. who helped WSU in their partnership with Cedar Grove Packaging, said there is a big cost associated with hauling garbage out of WSU. Having waste thrown into garbage cans and then being hauled away, he said, is really a huge cost for the university. The cost of hauling waste in areas in Seattle, like at the University of Washington, is around $150 a ton.
“It might cost a little more for the product, but you end up saving it because you don’t have to pay a garbage bill,” Henrich said.
Across the state of Washington, many universities have turned to using Cedar Grove approved packaging in their dining areas. Henrich said both the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound implemented the use of products marked by Cedar Grove as compostable about 18 months ago and both seem to be having success.
Cedar Grove Packaging does not make or sell compostable products. Henrich said the company marks more than 1,000 different products with a signature brown stripe as being compostable. Standards for compostable material differ greatly from country to country. In the U.S., Henrich said material is considered compostable if it is 60 percent composted in 180 days. However, in Europe material is considered compostable if it is 90 percent composted in 90 days.
“With the U.S. standard, what happens to that other 40 percent that isn’t composted?” Henrich asked. “It’s what blows around in your parking lot.”
Henrich said Cedar Grove is aiming to move more towards the European standard of what is considered compostable. He said Cedar Grove would like to see products that can compost 100 percent in 45 days.
Jan Persha from Food Services of America said another benefit of the compostable products marked by Cedar Grove is that they are manufactured in the U.S. She said a lot of the other compostable products that are sold nationally are manufactured overseas.
“All these items (from Cedar Grove) are compostable and since the campus (WSU) has its own composting facility, it’s a perfect match,” Persha said.
Shawn Hoch, associate director of culinary operations and executive chef at the WSU Dining Centers, said the university has been using compostable dishware for 10 years and compostable silverware and cups for the past three years. He said prices of Compostaware with the Cedar Grove logo and compostable materials in general have fallen drastically in the last 18 months, and he expects Cedar Grove to continue to reduce their prices as volume continues to increase.
“Many large U.S. manufactures are finally jumping on the bandwagon, which will ultimately create more competition and drive down prices,” Hoch said.
Some well-known manufactures that use the Cedar Grove logo include Chinet, Reynolds and Fabrickell.
Hoch said the last time the university did a side-by-side comparison of estimated usage based off of last year, the savings with Cedar Grove Packaging was about $4,000. He said though there have been product changes since that comparison, overall almost every item evaluated was cheaper with Compostaware.
Most products do not drive prices up. Henrich said products such as Chinet plates with the Cedar Grove logo are really the same as regular Chinet plates because they are already considered compostable, so there is no price difference. He said anything made with corn resin, however, costs about 30 percent more than a product made with regular petroleum resin.
Hoch said that he is seeing sustainability within the food industry continue to grow. He said he is seeing more manufactures taking notice and that every year he sees dozens of food companies and suppliers with new “green” products.
“As for WSU compostable WSU dining, the recycling center has been doing it for years, are just getting better at it,” Hoch said. “We are diverting waste from landfills, which reduces cost and by composting we are helping to regenerate soil by adding nutrient-rich compost. Most of all we are being leaders in the food service industry.”
SOURCE INFORMATION
Shawn Hoch-
Phone: 509-335-8488
E-mail: smhoch@wsu.edu
Jan Persha-
Phone: 509-483-7704
E-mail: jan_persha@fsafood.com
Gary Henrich-
Phone: 425-902-1822
E-mail: Ghenrich@teamkenco.com
Compostable food packaging will save WSU big bucks
Dining Services at WSU recently decided to partner with Cedar Grove Packaging/Compostaware -- providing students, faculty and staff with compostable dinnerware and food containers that can easily go from the dining table to the WSU compost facility.
Gary Henrich, a food service broker from Kenco Sales Inc. who helped WSU in their partnership with Cedar Grove Packaging, said there is a big cost associated with hauling garbage out of WSU. Having waste thrown into garbage cans and then being hauled away, he said, is really a huge cost for the university. The cost of hauling waste in areas in Seattle, like at the University of Washington, is around $150 a ton.
“It might cost a little more for the product, but you end up saving it because you don’t have to pay a garbage bill,” Henrich said.
Across the state of Washington, many universities have turned to using Cedar Grove approved packaging in their dining areas. Henrich said both the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound implemented the use of products marked by Cedar Grove as compostable about 18 months ago and both seem to be having success.
Cedar Grove Packaging does not make or sell compostable products. Henrich said the company marks more than 1,000 different products with a signature brown stripe as being compostable. Standards for compostable material differ greatly from country to country. In the U.S., Henrich said material is considered compostable if it is 60 percent composted in 180 days. However, in Europe material is considered compostable if it is 90 percent composted in 90 days.
“With the U.S. standard, what happens to that other 40 percent that isn’t composted?” Henrich asked. “It’s what blows around in your parking lot.”
Henrich said Cedar Grove is aiming to move more towards the European standard of what is considered compostable. He said Cedar Grove would like to see products that can compost 100 percent in 45 days.
Jan Persha from Food Services of America said another benefit of the compostable products marked by Cedar Grove is that they are manufactured in the U.S. She said a lot of the other compostable products that are sold nationally are manufactured overseas.
“All these items (from Cedar Grove) are compostable and since the campus (WSU) has its own composting facility, it’s a perfect match,” Persha said.
Shawn Hoch, associate director of culinary operations and executive chef at the WSU Dining Centers, said the university has been using compostable dishware for 10 years and compostable silverware and cups for the past three years. He said prices of Compostaware with the Cedar Grove logo and compostable materials in general have fallen drastically in the last 18 months, and he expects Cedar Grove to continue to reduce their prices as volume continues to increase.
“Many large U.S. manufactures are finally jumping on the bandwagon, which will ultimately create more competition and drive down prices,” Hoch said.
Some well-known manufactures that use the Cedar Grove logo include Chinet, Reynolds and Fabrickell.
Hoch said the last time the university did a side-by-side comparison of estimated usage based off of last year, the savings with Cedar Grove Packaging was about $4,000. He said though there have been product changes since that comparison, overall almost every item evaluated was cheaper with Compostaware.
Most products do not drive prices up. Henrich said products such as Chinet plates with the Cedar Grove logo are really the same as regular Chinet plates because they are already considered compostable, so there is no price difference. He said anything made with corn resin, however, costs about 30 percent more than a product made with regular petroleum resin.
Hoch said that he is seeing sustainability within the food industry continue to grow. He said he is seeing more manufactures taking notice and that every year he sees dozens of food companies and suppliers with new “green” products.
“As for WSU compostable WSU dining, the recycling center has been doing it for years, are just getting better at it,” Hoch said. “We are diverting waste from landfills, which reduces cost and by composting we are helping to regenerate soil by adding nutrient-rich compost. Most of all we are being leaders in the food service industry.”
SOURCE INFORMATION
Shawn Hoch-
Phone: 509-335-8488
E-mail: smhoch@wsu.edu
Jan Persha-
Phone: 509-483-7704
E-mail: jan_persha@fsafood.com
Gary Henrich-
Phone: 425-902-1822
E-mail: Ghenrich@teamkenco.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Math fun (NOT)
1. Last year, the school spent $8,300 for office equipment. This year, it will spend 5 percent less. How much will it spend this year? $7,885 spent
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 83 percent passed
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others. * The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas. * Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc. * The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year. * Finally, we have designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? $67,500 Median salary? $40,000
Which is more accurate?
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both right depending on how it is phrased. 5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease? 25 percent
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase?
33 percent percent
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 11 percent
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 1 costs $225,000. * House 2 costs $207,000. * House 3 costs $129,000. * House 4 costs $192,000. * House 5 costs $3.2 million.What’s the mean price? $790,600 What’s the median? $207,000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 pieces
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502. * Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000. Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Pullman...73 per 10,000 people...25 people per 10,000 people
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150,000
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 83 percent passed
3. We have a company. We make crap. Some people get paid more than others. * The CEO earns $150,000 a year. She has a nice office and thinks big ideas. * Two top managers earn $100,000 a year for attending meetings, writing memos, etc. * The company has three security guards. They bust heads and carry Tasers. They earn $40,000 a year. * Finally, we have designers/engineers. They do the actual work. We pay them $35,000 and put them in cubicles like zoo animals.
Mean salary? $67,500 Median salary? $40,000
Which is more accurate?
4. Desperate for revenue, the government decides to increase the tax on beer. The tax on food is 5 percent. But if you buy beer, you pay an extra percent, or a total of 6 percent. Supporters of the tax say this is only a 1 percentage increase; critics say this is a 20 percent increase. Who is right? Both right depending on how it is phrased. 5. a. The city’s budget was cut from $2 million to $1.5 million. What was the percent decrease? 25 percent
b. The city’s budget increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. What was the percent increase?
33 percent percent
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 11 percent
7. We want to look at home sales in October.
* House 1 costs $225,000. * House 2 costs $207,000. * House 3 costs $129,000. * House 4 costs $192,000. * House 5 costs $3.2 million.What’s the mean price? $790,600 What’s the median? $207,000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 pieces
9. Let’s say someone wants to establish a University District. To gain support, he/she needs to establish that safety is a problem in the area. Assume the following:
* Pullman had 183 assaults last year. Spokane had 502. * Spokane has 200,000 people. Pullman has 25,000. Is the average person more likely to be assaulted in Spokane or Pullman? What's the per capita assault rate in each city? Pullman...73 per 10,000 people...25 people per 10,000 people
10. House prices increased 40 percent this year to a median price of $210,000. What was the median house price last year? $150,000
Monday, November 2, 2009
Beat Update Nov. 3
1. From the Spokesman Review: "Science learning center in the works." This story is about a nonprofit organization in North Idaho that plans to build a 20,000-square-foot science center in Rathdrum to promote science and technology.
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Sterk hosts chat on stadium project." This story was about Jim Sterk's discussion and forum concerning the Phase III of the Martin Stadium renovation.
3. From the Spokesman Review: "SNAP offers help with heating bills."
2. From the Daily Evergreen: "Sterk hosts chat on stadium project." This story was about Jim Sterk's discussion and forum concerning the Phase III of the Martin Stadium renovation.
3. From the Spokesman Review: "SNAP offers help with heating bills."
Friday, October 30, 2009
Trend story proposals
1. I would like to do a story about trends at schools and universities using more "green" materials in their dining areas. WSU Dining Services recently partnered with Cedar Grove Packaging, which makes bio-degradable dinnerware, utensils and containers. I would like to focus on this and what other schools and universities in the area have also opted to use more environmentally friendly dinnerware.
2. I could also do a story on the trend of making all new buildings built on campus more "green." I'm not quite sure where I would start with that one, but it's an idea.
2. I could also do a story on the trend of making all new buildings built on campus more "green." I'm not quite sure where I would start with that one, but it's an idea.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Document story ideas
1. How much money the university has spent on making the "new" CUB more sustainable (the toilets that you flush certain ways to conserve water, the materials used, and such). Maybe how much money the university has spent over the last year for any new buildings that they made sustainable. How much money is this stuff really saving? How much water is actually conserved by the way the toilets flush?
2. How much environmentally friendly stuff has the Bookie been selling over the year? Are sales up because of people buying "green" stuff?
2. How much environmentally friendly stuff has the Bookie been selling over the year? Are sales up because of people buying "green" stuff?
Peer edits
1. The 2,800-square-foot four-bedroom house will be built on a concrete foundation.
2. Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems, (said eastern Washington) could be transformed into a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” WSU Vice President of Economic Development and Global Engagement John Gardner said. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—(this is a) huge (no caps) difference.”
4. PCEI is hoping to offer workshops, like the artists’ studio roof, so that locals value and know how to implement sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said. (Transition)
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said about sustainability methods, consumption, (no comma) and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware (of) the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and she might move to another hall.
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, SEL doesn'y make Pullman immune from the recession, Sherman said.
2. Carlton, owner of Palouse Synergy Systems, (said eastern Washington) could be transformed into a renewable energy leader if people understood the benefits.
3. “I got a double with a full bath,” WSU Vice President of Economic Development and Global Engagement John Gardner said. “I lived in Gannon-Golds for two years, and then I switched over here—(this is a) huge (no caps) difference.”
4. PCEI is hoping to offer workshops, like the artists’ studio roof, so that locals value and know how to implement sustainable techniques, she said.
5. “The new dorm is likely to receive the silver rating,” Gardner said. (Transition)
"Everything we do has a consequence,” Englund said about sustainability methods, consumption, (no comma) and ecological footprints. “We just have to be aware (of) the butterfly effect.”
6. He also raises money for student scholarships.
7. She said she has been ostracized in her dorm, and she might move to another hall.
8. Though helping to improve Pullman’s atmosphere, SEL doesn'y make Pullman immune from the recession, Sherman said.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Beat update Oct. 27
1. From the Daily Evergreen: "Sigma Nu builds new home."
2. Also from the Daily Evergreen: "Senate passes bill giving WSU $1 million."
2. Also from the Daily Evergreen: "Senate passes bill giving WSU $1 million."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
News profile story
Pullman resident takes “going green” to a whole new level
When most people think of building a sustainable house, they think of throwing a few solar panels on the roof and buying an “environmentally friendly” dishwasher.
For WSU Capital Planning Project Manager Dyonne Davidson, constructing a “green” home meant starting from scratch – solar panels included.
“That was one of my conditions for moving up here,” said Davidson, who moved to Pullman from Portland, Ore. “That I would get to design this ‘green’ house and eventually have it built.”
Davidson said her main goal in designing the house, located at 1310 SE Harvest Drive, is to reduce the energy consumption caused mostly by heating and cooling.
Homes and other buildings use 70 percent of the state’s electricity and are responsible for more than 30 percent of Washington’s carbon dioxide emissions, according to a house bill passed in the state of Washington.
After Davidson’s house is built, she said her energy use could potentially be cut by about 75 percent.
The 2,800-square-foot four-bedroom house will be built on a concrete foundation. The main floor of the house is also made of polished concrete. Davidson said a dark chocolate colorant was added to the floor cement mixture, along with some colored river rocks.
“Before we build any interior walls, we will take a grinder to bring down the surface of the concrete until it slices through the top of the aggregate, then bring it to a smooth polished finish,” she said.
Underneath the concrete lies 150 tons (two feet deep) of sand. Davidson said the sand plays a key role in retaining and storing heat throughout the winter. The sand bed retains heat through solar thermal panels mounted on the roof that send excess heat to the hydronic tubes located in the sand. The insulation around the sand bed helps to store the heat, essentially heating the house from the bottom up. Davidson said the sand alone cost her around $3,000.
Davidson said the solar thermal panels will also heat the water tank in the house, creating the hot water needed.
The house will not have an electric air conditioning system. These two essentials for any house, heat for the winter and cool air for the summer, will take care of themselves through Davidson’s designs.
Davidson designed the house so it has many windows placed strategically around it. These windows will create cross ventilation throughout the house. With those windows and a whole-house fan placed in the central area of the house, the house temperature will fluctuate little throughout the year.
Pullman Senior Building Inspector Greg Colvig said Davidson’s home is the only “green” building being constructed in the Pullman area that he is aware of at this time. However, Colvig said he was told by one contractor that a house constructed on Hanna Street is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and there is also a commercial apartment building that developers have talked about being LEED-certified.
“Buildings built to the Washington State Building Code are required to be designed to meet minimum standards,” Colvig said. “Houses built in the state of Washington are very close to being ‘green’ buildings due to the requirements of the state energy code.”
Along with Davidson’s solar thermal panels, sand and concrete heating system, and windows placed around the house, her roof is also a sustainable one. She said she decided to have to roof made out of metal. When it rains, the water coming off the roof will be clean and won’t grab any of the toxins shingles or other roof materials might contain. The metal roof will also be very durable, lasting for a long time.
Donald Bender, professor and director of the wood materials and engineering laboratory in the College of Civil Engineering, said materials used when building a “green” home are important. Bender said wood is clearly a “green” material, being the only major construction material that is renewable.
“With other building materials such as concrete and steel, fossil fuels are required to make the material into useable products,” he said. “So, for these materials, they result in net carbon gain to the atmosphere.”
Not everyone has the financial means to build a “green” house from scratch like Davidson’s. However, she said some kinds of solar panels are a bit cheaper these days, providing opportunities for almost everyone to be able to do something more “green” with their house.
She said, however, that she definitely spent quite a bit more money on the materials and building costs for this “green” home than she would have to build a regular home. She said she is just hoping that in the long-run it will end up being cost-effective. Davidson said that most people, however, probably will not start from scratch to build a “green” house unless it’s made easy for them.
“Until something is really in your face, people aren’t really going to change,” she said.
SOURCES
Dyonne Davidson: Phone- 509-335-5974
E-mail- dyonne@wsu.edu
Greg Colvig: Phone: 509-338-3287
E-mail- greg.colvig@pullman-wa.gov
Donald Bender:
Phone- 509-335-2829
E-mail- bender@wsu.edu
When most people think of building a sustainable house, they think of throwing a few solar panels on the roof and buying an “environmentally friendly” dishwasher.
For WSU Capital Planning Project Manager Dyonne Davidson, constructing a “green” home meant starting from scratch – solar panels included.
“That was one of my conditions for moving up here,” said Davidson, who moved to Pullman from Portland, Ore. “That I would get to design this ‘green’ house and eventually have it built.”
Davidson said her main goal in designing the house, located at 1310 SE Harvest Drive, is to reduce the energy consumption caused mostly by heating and cooling.
Homes and other buildings use 70 percent of the state’s electricity and are responsible for more than 30 percent of Washington’s carbon dioxide emissions, according to a house bill passed in the state of Washington.
After Davidson’s house is built, she said her energy use could potentially be cut by about 75 percent.
The 2,800-square-foot four-bedroom house will be built on a concrete foundation. The main floor of the house is also made of polished concrete. Davidson said a dark chocolate colorant was added to the floor cement mixture, along with some colored river rocks.
“Before we build any interior walls, we will take a grinder to bring down the surface of the concrete until it slices through the top of the aggregate, then bring it to a smooth polished finish,” she said.
Underneath the concrete lies 150 tons (two feet deep) of sand. Davidson said the sand plays a key role in retaining and storing heat throughout the winter. The sand bed retains heat through solar thermal panels mounted on the roof that send excess heat to the hydronic tubes located in the sand. The insulation around the sand bed helps to store the heat, essentially heating the house from the bottom up. Davidson said the sand alone cost her around $3,000.
Davidson said the solar thermal panels will also heat the water tank in the house, creating the hot water needed.
The house will not have an electric air conditioning system. These two essentials for any house, heat for the winter and cool air for the summer, will take care of themselves through Davidson’s designs.
Davidson designed the house so it has many windows placed strategically around it. These windows will create cross ventilation throughout the house. With those windows and a whole-house fan placed in the central area of the house, the house temperature will fluctuate little throughout the year.
Pullman Senior Building Inspector Greg Colvig said Davidson’s home is the only “green” building being constructed in the Pullman area that he is aware of at this time. However, Colvig said he was told by one contractor that a house constructed on Hanna Street is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and there is also a commercial apartment building that developers have talked about being LEED-certified.
“Buildings built to the Washington State Building Code are required to be designed to meet minimum standards,” Colvig said. “Houses built in the state of Washington are very close to being ‘green’ buildings due to the requirements of the state energy code.”
Along with Davidson’s solar thermal panels, sand and concrete heating system, and windows placed around the house, her roof is also a sustainable one. She said she decided to have to roof made out of metal. When it rains, the water coming off the roof will be clean and won’t grab any of the toxins shingles or other roof materials might contain. The metal roof will also be very durable, lasting for a long time.
Donald Bender, professor and director of the wood materials and engineering laboratory in the College of Civil Engineering, said materials used when building a “green” home are important. Bender said wood is clearly a “green” material, being the only major construction material that is renewable.
“With other building materials such as concrete and steel, fossil fuels are required to make the material into useable products,” he said. “So, for these materials, they result in net carbon gain to the atmosphere.”
Not everyone has the financial means to build a “green” house from scratch like Davidson’s. However, she said some kinds of solar panels are a bit cheaper these days, providing opportunities for almost everyone to be able to do something more “green” with their house.
She said, however, that she definitely spent quite a bit more money on the materials and building costs for this “green” home than she would have to build a regular home. She said she is just hoping that in the long-run it will end up being cost-effective. Davidson said that most people, however, probably will not start from scratch to build a “green” house unless it’s made easy for them.
“Until something is really in your face, people aren’t really going to change,” she said.
SOURCES
Dyonne Davidson: Phone- 509-335-5974
E-mail- dyonne@wsu.edu
Greg Colvig: Phone: 509-338-3287
E-mail- greg.colvig@pullman-wa.gov
Donald Bender:
Phone- 509-335-2829
E-mail- bender@wsu.edu
Monday, October 19, 2009
Beat update Oct. 20
A story from The New York Times titled "Green, convenient and wallet-friendly" by Lisa Prevost talks about some "green" apartment buildings that were being constructed in an area in Connecticut. The story discusses how occupants energy bills were much less due to the fact that these apartments were built "green."
Another story featured in The New York Times, but written by the Associated Press titled "Green walls taking root in green building design" is about a new form of "green" building called "green walls." These walls are covered in vegetation and provide natural insulation and remove air pollutants.
Another story featured in The New York Times, but written by the Associated Press titled "Green walls taking root in green building design" is about a new form of "green" building called "green walls." These walls are covered in vegetation and provide natural insulation and remove air pollutants.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Records exercise
Page 1. On June 16, 2006, the Seattle P-I requested records on Enrique Fabergas. Who is Enrique and what records did the journalists find?
Enrique Fabregas is a man who was licensed as a foster parent, even though he had multilple referrrals due to allegations from his two foster daughters that he sexually and physically abused them. I believe the documents that the Seattle P.I. found were the 25 referrals about the girls in his file. These referrals came from teachers and other adults in the girls lives that believed Enrique was abusing his daughters. There were also reports found that say Enrique was also doing drugs. The documents were obtained from the Department of Social and Health Sciences.
Page 2. In February of 2005, The Spokesman-Review requested access to something called BART, which was overseen by something called the “Mitigating Circumstances Review Board.” Find the news story that resulted from this request.
"DSHS check clear convicts; 174 kept jobs despite murder, rape and more"
Page 3. This is an internal records release form. How is this different from a public records request?
I am not 100 percent sure, but I'm assuming the internal records are ones that an agency chooses to give to a reporter, and the public records request just ask for all public records that legally have to be given to the reporter if they ask for them. Internal ones would include these legal ones, but also if the agency wants to give more information and more records than they have to.
Page 4. This is the agency’s response to a records request. What does RCW 13.50.100 say about public records?
(1) This section governs records not covered by RCW 13.50.050. (2) Records covered by this section shall be confidential and shall be released only pursuant to this section and RCW 13.50.010. (3) Records retained or produced by any juvenile justice or care agency may be released to other participants in the juvenile justice or care system only when an investigation or case involving the juvenile in question is being pursued by the other participant or when that other participant is assigned the responsibility of supervising the juvenile. Records covered under this section and maintained by the juvenile courts which relate to the official actions of the agency may be entered in the statewide judicial information system. However, truancy records associated with a juvenile who has no other case history, and records of a juvenile's parents who have no other case history, shall be removed from the judicial information system when the juvenile is no longer subject to the compulsory attendance laws in chapter 28A.225 RCW. A county clerk is not liable for unauthorized release of this data by persons or agencies not in his or her employ or otherwise subject to his or her control, nor is the county clerk liable for inaccurate or incomplete information collected from litigants or other persons required to provide identifying data pursuant to this section (In a nutshell...)
Page 5 through 9. Review the pages.
a. It’s actually the same two-page report with two copies in the state records system. Why two copies?
One has notes on it and one does not.
b. What is the priest’s account of how the boy lost a 4-inch clump of hair?
He said that the boy was attempting to run away from the ranch and that he was supposed to give 5 hacks and the boy refused the hacks. The priest said the boy attempted to get up from his chair suddenly while the priest had his hair in his hand, resulting in the chunk being pulled out.
c. What are the alleged and acknowledge forms of corporal punishment at the home?
Haircutting, hacks, hand-slapping
d. Why are notes written on the page but not included in the body of the report? Can you use those if they aren’t in the official report?
Yes, we can use those.
e. The ‘Incident Report’ page has been labeled ‘draft.’ Why was it released?
f. Why is a routing slip included in the report? Find the RCW that requires the release of this slip.
g. Who or what precipitated this investigation?
The mother issued a complaint and a counselor at Morning Star also called.
h. Finally, here’s the story that resulted in 1978. Why did the state refuse to release the report in 1978?
Because of "confidentiality of clients."
Enrique Fabregas is a man who was licensed as a foster parent, even though he had multilple referrrals due to allegations from his two foster daughters that he sexually and physically abused them. I believe the documents that the Seattle P.I. found were the 25 referrals about the girls in his file. These referrals came from teachers and other adults in the girls lives that believed Enrique was abusing his daughters. There were also reports found that say Enrique was also doing drugs. The documents were obtained from the Department of Social and Health Sciences.
Page 2. In February of 2005, The Spokesman-Review requested access to something called BART, which was overseen by something called the “Mitigating Circumstances Review Board.” Find the news story that resulted from this request.
"DSHS check clear convicts; 174 kept jobs despite murder, rape and more"
Page 3. This is an internal records release form. How is this different from a public records request?
I am not 100 percent sure, but I'm assuming the internal records are ones that an agency chooses to give to a reporter, and the public records request just ask for all public records that legally have to be given to the reporter if they ask for them. Internal ones would include these legal ones, but also if the agency wants to give more information and more records than they have to.
Page 4. This is the agency’s response to a records request. What does RCW 13.50.100 say about public records?
(1) This section governs records not covered by RCW 13.50.050. (2) Records covered by this section shall be confidential and shall be released only pursuant to this section and RCW 13.50.010. (3) Records retained or produced by any juvenile justice or care agency may be released to other participants in the juvenile justice or care system only when an investigation or case involving the juvenile in question is being pursued by the other participant or when that other participant is assigned the responsibility of supervising the juvenile. Records covered under this section and maintained by the juvenile courts which relate to the official actions of the agency may be entered in the statewide judicial information system. However, truancy records associated with a juvenile who has no other case history, and records of a juvenile's parents who have no other case history, shall be removed from the judicial information system when the juvenile is no longer subject to the compulsory attendance laws in chapter 28A.225 RCW. A county clerk is not liable for unauthorized release of this data by persons or agencies not in his or her employ or otherwise subject to his or her control, nor is the county clerk liable for inaccurate or incomplete information collected from litigants or other persons required to provide identifying data pursuant to this section (In a nutshell...)
Page 5 through 9. Review the pages.
a. It’s actually the same two-page report with two copies in the state records system. Why two copies?
One has notes on it and one does not.
b. What is the priest’s account of how the boy lost a 4-inch clump of hair?
He said that the boy was attempting to run away from the ranch and that he was supposed to give 5 hacks and the boy refused the hacks. The priest said the boy attempted to get up from his chair suddenly while the priest had his hair in his hand, resulting in the chunk being pulled out.
c. What are the alleged and acknowledge forms of corporal punishment at the home?
Haircutting, hacks, hand-slapping
d. Why are notes written on the page but not included in the body of the report? Can you use those if they aren’t in the official report?
Yes, we can use those.
e. The ‘Incident Report’ page has been labeled ‘draft.’ Why was it released?
f. Why is a routing slip included in the report? Find the RCW that requires the release of this slip.
g. Who or what precipitated this investigation?
The mother issued a complaint and a counselor at Morning Star also called.
h. Finally, here’s the story that resulted in 1978. Why did the state refuse to release the report in 1978?
Because of "confidentiality of clients."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Profile story ideas
1. Dyonna Davidson in Capital Planning is building a "green" home. I would like to talk to her about how much this costs, how these houses are different from regularly built houses, if she has seen a growing trend in people deciding to build "green" and so on.
2. Michael Wolcott is the director for the Institute for Sustainable Design, which is part of the Engineering College. I would like to talk to him about the work he does, classes taught that teach "green" building, etc.
3. I could also do a story on the Institute for Sustainable Design itself. I don't think many people at WSU and in Pullman not that this institute even exists or what it does.
2. Michael Wolcott is the director for the Institute for Sustainable Design, which is part of the Engineering College. I would like to talk to him about the work he does, classes taught that teach "green" building, etc.
3. I could also do a story on the Institute for Sustainable Design itself. I don't think many people at WSU and in Pullman not that this institute even exists or what it does.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Oct. 13 Exercise
1. Population of Whitman County: 41,664
2. 85 percent white
3. 48.2 percent with a bachelor's degree
4. Median household income: $32,083
5. 26.7 percent below poverty level
Pullman:
2008 construction costs: $14,007,013
2007: $31,922,839
2006: $34,549,367
2005: $40,062,508
2004: $21,793,767
Most current: August 2009 $$7,170,166
1. Two counties that have the highest percentage of uninsured: San Juan County and Whitman County
2. Whitman County percentage uninsured is 29.2 percent
1. The Office of Financial Management for the state of Washington comes up first
2. Total change in population was 1,960
3. Natural increase was 1,324
4. Natural change is births, deaths, etc.
1. The Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee Meeting is on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.
2. They suggest not giving the shots to anyone expect those who have underlying health conditions for swine flu
2. 85 percent white
3. 48.2 percent with a bachelor's degree
4. Median household income: $32,083
5. 26.7 percent below poverty level
Pullman:
2008 construction costs: $14,007,013
2007: $31,922,839
2006: $34,549,367
2005: $40,062,508
2004: $21,793,767
Most current: August 2009 $$7,170,166
1. Two counties that have the highest percentage of uninsured: San Juan County and Whitman County
2. Whitman County percentage uninsured is 29.2 percent
1. The Office of Financial Management for the state of Washington comes up first
2. Total change in population was 1,960
3. Natural increase was 1,324
4. Natural change is births, deaths, etc.
1. The Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee Meeting is on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.
2. They suggest not giving the shots to anyone expect those who have underlying health conditions for swine flu
Monday, October 12, 2009
Beat update Oct. 13
From the Spokesman Review: "Sprague project nears an end" by Mike Prager.
From the Daily Evergreen: "Commission approves ordinance" by Briana Alzola. This is about the wind ordinance being passed by the Pullman Planning Commission.
From the Daily Evergreen: "Fairmount Cemetary road to be paved" by Taras Zhulez.
From the Daily Evergreen: "Commission approves ordinance" by Briana Alzola. This is about the wind ordinance being passed by the Pullman Planning Commission.
From the Daily Evergreen: "Fairmount Cemetary road to be paved" by Taras Zhulez.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Is it Libel?
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
*I don't think this is libelous because this is his FRIEND saying these things, not the reporter. It is clear in the story that it is not the reporter's opinion, because it has quote marks around the statement to show that it is is a direct quote, and the source of the quote is identified.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
*I think this is potentially libelous because the claim being made in the headline is not backed up with any facts (perhaps it is later in the actual story, but if someone just read the headline...they could think that the news source is claiming this person is a man with no actual proof). Making a claim that is this controversial and this outrageous, and that could destroy this person's reputation really puts the news source at risk of being sued for libel.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
*This is libelous because there is no attribution for the direct quote. The reporter doesn't say here who said this or why it was said. Maybe it is the reporter saying it and he/she just decided to put quotes around it, who knows?
*I don't think this is libelous because this is his FRIEND saying these things, not the reporter. It is clear in the story that it is not the reporter's opinion, because it has quote marks around the statement to show that it is is a direct quote, and the source of the quote is identified.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
*I think this is potentially libelous because the claim being made in the headline is not backed up with any facts (perhaps it is later in the actual story, but if someone just read the headline...they could think that the news source is claiming this person is a man with no actual proof). Making a claim that is this controversial and this outrageous, and that could destroy this person's reputation really puts the news source at risk of being sued for libel.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
*This is libelous because there is no attribution for the direct quote. The reporter doesn't say here who said this or why it was said. Maybe it is the reporter saying it and he/she just decided to put quotes around it, who knows?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Enterprise Story
Palouse receives grant to clean up and renovate land
PALOUSE, Wash. – After the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a Targeted Brownfield Assessment in 2008, the small town of Palouse received its first Integrated Planning Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).
In the spring of 2009, Palouse received $200,000 to hire consultants, create a Brownfields Committee and to do whatever else was needed to begin its project. Palouse is the second city in the state of Washington to receive an Integrated Planning Grant, enabling the town to cleanup and renovate a piece of land and begin its first Brownfields Project.
“We have a history of working very closely with government agencies,” Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove said. “We demonstrate a real desire to begin this cleanup and begin the renovation process on this land, and I think that's part of the reason they picked us.”
According to the DOE’s Web site: “Brownfield sites are abandoned or underused properties where there may be environmental contamination. Redevelopment efforts are often hindered by the liability for the cleanup or the uncertainty of cleanup costs. Brownfield sites that aren’t cleaned up represent lost opportunities for economic development and for other community improvements.”
The piece of land causing concern in Palouse is the former Palouse Producers site. The site consists of an abandoned gas station, service station and agricultural chemical distribution facility. The land is in the center of downtown Palouse, right between Main Street and the Palouse River.
Echanove said the idea of cleaning up the area initially occurred in the 1980s when Petroleum was discovered leaking into the Palouse River. The groundwater and soil at this particular site are still contaminated, creating a potential threat to the environment and citizens of Palouse. Echanove said this is what makes this bit of land a perfect Brownfields Project.
The Brownfields Project has three distinct phases. The first is the Target Brownfield Assessment, where the land in question is evaluated by the EPA and it is decided whether or not the city will get the grant. The second phase is the cleanup, which Palouse is currently in the beginning stages of. Finally, the third stage is the reuse and renovation stage.
Councilman Mike Milano said the land being considered for this project is not owned by the city. It is privately owned and must be bought by the city in order to begin the cleanup process.
“We currently don’t have funding secured for either property acquisition or any site cleanup work at this point,” Milano said. “The goal of the integrated planning process is to define the community’s wishes for the future use of the site.”
He said the recommended site cleanup method could be very different depending on what the community of Palouse decides to do with the land.
Echanove said the cost of acquiring the land and the cost of the cleanup are unknown at this time. However, he said he thinks the cost of the cleanup may be around $285,000. Palouse will apply for an additional grant for this money with the EPA and the DOE. The cleanup methods depend on what the city decides to use the land for, and only when that is decided will the cost become clear. Echanove said he knows for sure he would like to integrate the Palouse River into the city more.
“We really want to bring our river to the forefront of the property so people can have more river access,” he said.
John Means, brownfields grant manager and program planner for the DOE, said in an e-mail that he knows of no other state that has a grant program like this one. He said it is very important for cities that do get this grant to be able to see and create their vision for the property they wish to cleanup and renovate. Echanove said Means flew in to Palouse on Oct. 1 for the committee meeting concerning the Brownfields Project.
A town hall meeting was also held to discuss the project on Sept. 30. Echanove said about 60 people attended and many people had ideas of what they would like to see at the new site. He said he has heard ideas for a parking lot, urban housing, a park and a retail center with urban housing around it. Though none of the citizens of Palouse oppose this project, Echanove said some are wary of the liability and of the fact that this is something new to them.
“We have never been down this road before, it is something new that will create new challenges,” he said.
Palouse plans to reach the cleanup stage of the project by early in 2010. After that is completed, Echanove said the city will have some options concerning how they will get money for the reuse and renovation stage. He said they may apply for public funds, try to sell the property to a private enterprise that wants to build on it or they will apply for Public Development Authority, which allows a public entity to build a structure on the land.
-30-
Sources
Mayor Michael Echanove (in-person interview): 509-335-0512
echanove@wsu.edu
Councilman Mike Milano: councilmanmilano@palousedays.com
509-595-0664
John Means: jmea461@ecy.wa.gov
OUTLINE
I. Lead: What Palouse received, what it means, MONEY!
II. Lead quote: Echanove saying why he thinks the city of Palouse was chosen to receive this grant.
III. What is Brownfields? What makes the land in Palouse a good Brownfields Project?
IV. Mike Milano discusses the city needs to buy the land, how to being intial cleanup
V. More on costs and what the land may be used for
VI. John Means bit of information
VII. Echanove talks about the meetings, what people think and the city’s plans for renovation and reuse
PALOUSE, Wash. – After the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a Targeted Brownfield Assessment in 2008, the small town of Palouse received its first Integrated Planning Grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).
In the spring of 2009, Palouse received $200,000 to hire consultants, create a Brownfields Committee and to do whatever else was needed to begin its project. Palouse is the second city in the state of Washington to receive an Integrated Planning Grant, enabling the town to cleanup and renovate a piece of land and begin its first Brownfields Project.
“We have a history of working very closely with government agencies,” Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove said. “We demonstrate a real desire to begin this cleanup and begin the renovation process on this land, and I think that's part of the reason they picked us.”
According to the DOE’s Web site: “Brownfield sites are abandoned or underused properties where there may be environmental contamination. Redevelopment efforts are often hindered by the liability for the cleanup or the uncertainty of cleanup costs. Brownfield sites that aren’t cleaned up represent lost opportunities for economic development and for other community improvements.”
The piece of land causing concern in Palouse is the former Palouse Producers site. The site consists of an abandoned gas station, service station and agricultural chemical distribution facility. The land is in the center of downtown Palouse, right between Main Street and the Palouse River.
Echanove said the idea of cleaning up the area initially occurred in the 1980s when Petroleum was discovered leaking into the Palouse River. The groundwater and soil at this particular site are still contaminated, creating a potential threat to the environment and citizens of Palouse. Echanove said this is what makes this bit of land a perfect Brownfields Project.
The Brownfields Project has three distinct phases. The first is the Target Brownfield Assessment, where the land in question is evaluated by the EPA and it is decided whether or not the city will get the grant. The second phase is the cleanup, which Palouse is currently in the beginning stages of. Finally, the third stage is the reuse and renovation stage.
Councilman Mike Milano said the land being considered for this project is not owned by the city. It is privately owned and must be bought by the city in order to begin the cleanup process.
“We currently don’t have funding secured for either property acquisition or any site cleanup work at this point,” Milano said. “The goal of the integrated planning process is to define the community’s wishes for the future use of the site.”
He said the recommended site cleanup method could be very different depending on what the community of Palouse decides to do with the land.
Echanove said the cost of acquiring the land and the cost of the cleanup are unknown at this time. However, he said he thinks the cost of the cleanup may be around $285,000. Palouse will apply for an additional grant for this money with the EPA and the DOE. The cleanup methods depend on what the city decides to use the land for, and only when that is decided will the cost become clear. Echanove said he knows for sure he would like to integrate the Palouse River into the city more.
“We really want to bring our river to the forefront of the property so people can have more river access,” he said.
John Means, brownfields grant manager and program planner for the DOE, said in an e-mail that he knows of no other state that has a grant program like this one. He said it is very important for cities that do get this grant to be able to see and create their vision for the property they wish to cleanup and renovate. Echanove said Means flew in to Palouse on Oct. 1 for the committee meeting concerning the Brownfields Project.
A town hall meeting was also held to discuss the project on Sept. 30. Echanove said about 60 people attended and many people had ideas of what they would like to see at the new site. He said he has heard ideas for a parking lot, urban housing, a park and a retail center with urban housing around it. Though none of the citizens of Palouse oppose this project, Echanove said some are wary of the liability and of the fact that this is something new to them.
“We have never been down this road before, it is something new that will create new challenges,” he said.
Palouse plans to reach the cleanup stage of the project by early in 2010. After that is completed, Echanove said the city will have some options concerning how they will get money for the reuse and renovation stage. He said they may apply for public funds, try to sell the property to a private enterprise that wants to build on it or they will apply for Public Development Authority, which allows a public entity to build a structure on the land.
-30-
Sources
Mayor Michael Echanove (in-person interview): 509-335-0512
echanove@wsu.edu
Councilman Mike Milano: councilmanmilano@palousedays.com
509-595-0664
John Means: jmea461@ecy.wa.gov
OUTLINE
I. Lead: What Palouse received, what it means, MONEY!
II. Lead quote: Echanove saying why he thinks the city of Palouse was chosen to receive this grant.
III. What is Brownfields? What makes the land in Palouse a good Brownfields Project?
IV. Mike Milano discusses the city needs to buy the land, how to being intial cleanup
V. More on costs and what the land may be used for
VI. John Means bit of information
VII. Echanove talks about the meetings, what people think and the city’s plans for renovation and reuse
Beat update this week!
In the Spokesman Review: "Freeway trees set to fall" by Mike Prager. This story is about some trees that were planted along part of I-90 that have now grown too large and pose a safety threat...kind of ironic...
In the Daily Evergreen: "Work party beautifies Palouse River" by Rochelle Adams. This story is about the Pullman Civic Trust organizing a team to work and clean up the Palouse River.
In the Daily Evergreen: "Work party beautifies Palouse River" by Rochelle Adams. This story is about the Pullman Civic Trust organizing a team to work and clean up the Palouse River.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
police report
Police detectives in Spokane, Wash. were assigned to follow up on a police report that a Male Prostitute was strangled while performing an oral sex act on a man in Chicago.
The suspect is a Spokane resident, who also happens to be a priest. Bishop Welsh later admitted to putting his hands all over the victim and performing sexual acts on him.
The suspect is a Spokane resident, who also happens to be a priest. Bishop Welsh later admitted to putting his hands all over the victim and performing sexual acts on him.
Enterprise story ideas
I have already spoke to Palouse's Mayor about a few story ideas in Palouse.
First, I would like to maybe look more into the fact that almost 50 percent of the houses in Palouse were built before 1939.
If not that, the Palouse Mayor has told me about a few projects the city is working on. I don't have lots of details on a single one yet, but have some good ideas.
First, I would like to maybe look more into the fact that almost 50 percent of the houses in Palouse were built before 1939.
If not that, the Palouse Mayor has told me about a few projects the city is working on. I don't have lots of details on a single one yet, but have some good ideas.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Quotes Exercise
1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session.
"Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me that my accent is "abominable."
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" She asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, "How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
3. Did Steven Wright say, "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you"?
4. "No," the taxi driver said, "I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes."
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session.
"Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. "My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, 'My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and that's the law,'" Smitty said.
7. My French professor told me that my accent is "abominable."
8. "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?" She asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"?
10. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?"
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Political Story
New House Bill aims to reduce climate pollution
Homes, commercial buildings and public institutions consume 70 percent of the electricity in the state of Washington and take credit for more than 30 percent of the state’s carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new House bill.
House Bill 1747 –“Reducing climate pollution in the built environment,” passed on March 9, 2009, and puts pressure on cities in the state of Washington to drastically reduce energy use that comes from heating and air conditioning systems in those buildings. In the city of Pullman, new building construction, renovations and future building plans may soon feel the effects this new bill.
According to section four of the bill, it will “require new buildings to meet a certain level of energy efficiency, but allow flexibility in building design, construction and heating equipment efficiencies within that framework.”
As plans to renovate and preserve areas of College Hill move forward, Public Works Administrative Assistant Bethany Johnson said she has not heard of any city-led programs to convert the historic buildings into being more “green.” However, Pullman Planning Director Pete Dickinson said the renovations to College Hill will have some environmentally friendly aspects.
“There are two basic ways in which the draft plan promotes environmental sustainability,” Dickinson said. “First, it encourages high density housing in the area to continue to bring a large concentration of the city’s population adjacent to its major destination point (WSU) so as to facilitate pedestrian travel over motor vehicle use.”
Dickinson said the draft plan also included that the city plans on implementing a “complete streets” program to make public streets friendlier and to encourage walking, bicycling and other forms of non-vehicle transportation. He also said that these improvements will be paid for by city revenues, so students will not experience any increase in tuition for this project. He said there are no current plans for any new buildings to be added to the College Hill area.
As construction on the new Wal-Mart Supercenter draws near – and other building permits are awaiting approval – the new bill appears more relevant to the city of Pullman. The bill requires that the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development release a strategic energy-use plan to the State Building Code Council by Dec. 31, 2010, and provide an update every three years.
The plan submitted by the department will include that by 2013, new homes and buildings must be designed and constructed to achieve a 40 percent reduction in energy use. After 2013, the expected energy reduction will increase by five percent every three years until 2031. By 2031, building energy use is expected to be reduced by 70 percent. The bill also states that “improving buildings energy efficiency by 20 percent by 2030 could create an estimated 800,000 net jobs nationwide.”
Although the project on College Hill calls mostly for historic preservation of existing buildings, these buildings will still be affected by the bill. Along with putting together a plan for building energy usage, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will also be responsible for putting together a team of experts to inspect buildings in the future. This team is required to have a historic preservation representative who is recommended by the state of Washington Historic Preservation Commission, along with other building and energy experts.
This bill was sponsored by 19 representatives in the state of Washington, with Rep. Christine Rolfes as the primary sponsor. Rep. Deborah Eddy, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, said she helped Rolfes make amendments to the bill that helped it pass.
“My motivation for co-sponsoring the bill lies primarily in the fact that we know that heating and air conditioning buildings is one of the biggest consumers of carbon-based energy,” Eddy said. “If we can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings then we massively reduce our state’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
SOURCES CONTACT INFORMATION
Pete Dickinson- Phone: 509-3383279
E-mail: Pete.Dickinson@Pullman-wa.gov
Bethany Johnson- Phone: 509-338-3213
E-mail: Bethany.Johnson@Pullman-wa.gov
Rep. Deborah Eddy- E-mail: Eddy.Deborah@leg.wa.gov
OUTLINE
A. What the bill is about (basic information)
B. How this bill relates to building in Pullman
1. What projects are going on in Pullman?
2. Wal-Mart, College Hill
3. Information from Bethany and Pete
C. More information about the bill
1. How does this new information relate to Pullman?
D. Representatives who sponsored the bill
1. Deborah Eddy. Why did she co-sponsor bill?
Homes, commercial buildings and public institutions consume 70 percent of the electricity in the state of Washington and take credit for more than 30 percent of the state’s carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new House bill.
House Bill 1747 –“Reducing climate pollution in the built environment,” passed on March 9, 2009, and puts pressure on cities in the state of Washington to drastically reduce energy use that comes from heating and air conditioning systems in those buildings. In the city of Pullman, new building construction, renovations and future building plans may soon feel the effects this new bill.
According to section four of the bill, it will “require new buildings to meet a certain level of energy efficiency, but allow flexibility in building design, construction and heating equipment efficiencies within that framework.”
As plans to renovate and preserve areas of College Hill move forward, Public Works Administrative Assistant Bethany Johnson said she has not heard of any city-led programs to convert the historic buildings into being more “green.” However, Pullman Planning Director Pete Dickinson said the renovations to College Hill will have some environmentally friendly aspects.
“There are two basic ways in which the draft plan promotes environmental sustainability,” Dickinson said. “First, it encourages high density housing in the area to continue to bring a large concentration of the city’s population adjacent to its major destination point (WSU) so as to facilitate pedestrian travel over motor vehicle use.”
Dickinson said the draft plan also included that the city plans on implementing a “complete streets” program to make public streets friendlier and to encourage walking, bicycling and other forms of non-vehicle transportation. He also said that these improvements will be paid for by city revenues, so students will not experience any increase in tuition for this project. He said there are no current plans for any new buildings to be added to the College Hill area.
As construction on the new Wal-Mart Supercenter draws near – and other building permits are awaiting approval – the new bill appears more relevant to the city of Pullman. The bill requires that the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development release a strategic energy-use plan to the State Building Code Council by Dec. 31, 2010, and provide an update every three years.
The plan submitted by the department will include that by 2013, new homes and buildings must be designed and constructed to achieve a 40 percent reduction in energy use. After 2013, the expected energy reduction will increase by five percent every three years until 2031. By 2031, building energy use is expected to be reduced by 70 percent. The bill also states that “improving buildings energy efficiency by 20 percent by 2030 could create an estimated 800,000 net jobs nationwide.”
Although the project on College Hill calls mostly for historic preservation of existing buildings, these buildings will still be affected by the bill. Along with putting together a plan for building energy usage, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will also be responsible for putting together a team of experts to inspect buildings in the future. This team is required to have a historic preservation representative who is recommended by the state of Washington Historic Preservation Commission, along with other building and energy experts.
This bill was sponsored by 19 representatives in the state of Washington, with Rep. Christine Rolfes as the primary sponsor. Rep. Deborah Eddy, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, said she helped Rolfes make amendments to the bill that helped it pass.
“My motivation for co-sponsoring the bill lies primarily in the fact that we know that heating and air conditioning buildings is one of the biggest consumers of carbon-based energy,” Eddy said. “If we can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings then we massively reduce our state’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
SOURCES CONTACT INFORMATION
Pete Dickinson- Phone: 509-3383279
E-mail: Pete.Dickinson@Pullman-wa.gov
Bethany Johnson- Phone: 509-338-3213
E-mail: Bethany.Johnson@Pullman-wa.gov
Rep. Deborah Eddy- E-mail: Eddy.Deborah@leg.wa.gov
OUTLINE
A. What the bill is about (basic information)
B. How this bill relates to building in Pullman
1. What projects are going on in Pullman?
2. Wal-Mart, College Hill
3. Information from Bethany and Pete
C. More information about the bill
1. How does this new information relate to Pullman?
D. Representatives who sponsored the bill
1. Deborah Eddy. Why did she co-sponsor bill?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Update on building and the environment beat
A few relevant stories...
An article in The Daily Evergeen titled "Group aims to preserve College Hill" discusses the historic preservation of some of the buildings on College Hill and the additions and renovations that may be made to these buildings.
I also found two recent articles in The Spokesman review that were very interesting and very relevant to my beat. They were both written by Mike Prager. The first one, titled "Sustainability Showcase," is about a tour through different houses in the Spokane area that are "environmentallly friendly", or "green" houses. They contain solar panels, wind energy sources and water energy sources.
The second one by Mike Prager is called "Freeway detour forced to detour" and it discussed the construction of a new freeway in Spokane and the dangers it has been causing the road workers and citizens to face. It also talks about the congestion and problems with the construction.
An article in The Daily Evergeen titled "Group aims to preserve College Hill" discusses the historic preservation of some of the buildings on College Hill and the additions and renovations that may be made to these buildings.
I also found two recent articles in The Spokesman review that were very interesting and very relevant to my beat. They were both written by Mike Prager. The first one, titled "Sustainability Showcase," is about a tour through different houses in the Spokane area that are "environmentallly friendly", or "green" houses. They contain solar panels, wind energy sources and water energy sources.
The second one by Mike Prager is called "Freeway detour forced to detour" and it discussed the construction of a new freeway in Spokane and the dangers it has been causing the road workers and citizens to face. It also talks about the congestion and problems with the construction.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Political story ideas
1. SB 1747: Reducing climate pollution in the built environment - How this bill effects the building in Pullman, specifically on the WSU campus. Have all buildings been meeting these requirements outlined in the bill? Suggestions: The university wanting to preserve College Hill and keeping buildings historical...have they done anything to make these buildings "green"? As far as adding on to the buildings, are they making these additions environmentally friendly? What kind of climate pollution could be coming from these buildings if they remain "preserved"?
2. SB 5385: Requiring a review of the embodied energy costs during the design of a public facility - Do Pullman city planners do this? What buildings have been denied construction because their costs were too high as far as energy was concerned? Suggestions: New buildings on campus...what kind of energy costs do they have? What suggested buildings have been denied permits because their energy costs were reviewed as being too high? What constitutes a "high" energy cost after reviewing the size of the building, what it's used for and how much it is needed?
2. SB 5385: Requiring a review of the embodied energy costs during the design of a public facility - Do Pullman city planners do this? What buildings have been denied construction because their costs were too high as far as energy was concerned? Suggestions: New buildings on campus...what kind of energy costs do they have? What suggested buildings have been denied permits because their energy costs were reviewed as being too high? What constitutes a "high" energy cost after reviewing the size of the building, what it's used for and how much it is needed?
Beat update week 4
Some stories that relate to my beat...
"Public to debate new wind farms" by Briana Alzola in The Daily Evergreen
This story relates to my blog because it discussing the building of wind turbines, and how they could affect the environment with problems such as pollution.
More....
"Public to debate new wind farms" by Briana Alzola in The Daily Evergreen
This story relates to my blog because it discussing the building of wind turbines, and how they could affect the environment with problems such as pollution.
More....
Monday, September 14, 2009
Speech Story
Giroux presents challenges of building the Brooklyn Bridge
The Heald Auditorium overflowed with people Monday as students, faculty and staff were treated to Paul Giroux as he spoke about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and the challenges its engineers faced as part of The College of Engineering and Architecture’s Lanning Distinguished Lecture.
"I really am speechless," Giroux said. "I'm hoping to get a few intelligent words out - this is probably the largest group I've spoken to."
Giroux, who was the American Society of Civil Engineers' chairman for the Brooklyn Bridge 125th celebration in May 2008, has worked with Kiewit Corporation for the last 30 years. He has worked on projects such as Baltimore's Fort McHenry Tunnel and the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge Skyway Project. He is an expert on the Brooklyn Bridge and has done extensive research on its construction.
During his years of research, Giroux read several in-depth books on the Brooklyn Bridge and studied many drawings and photographs of its progressing construction. He presented his findings using advanced visual technology to engage the audience in the entire building process.
Giroux began his presentation by quoting Sir Isaac Newton, who said, "We build too many walls and not enough bridges." Giroux said bridges not only help people get over rivers and canyons, but also over the walls, enabling us to reach social progress. He said that at the time the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began, it was considered a controversial subject, being called a nuisance by some skeptics.
The construction began with John Roebling overseeing the project. He was injured while working by the ferries and later died in 1869. His son, Washington Roebling, took over his duties from there. Giroux said Washington and his workers faced many challenges during the 10-plus years of the bridge’s construction. Along with the massive current in the East River, workers were faced with the challenges of building the bottom caisson, the towers and engineering the cables.
Giroux said there were 10 known deaths from what was then referred to as Caisson Disease (now known as The Bends) from the extreme increase in pressure while working down in the caisson. Washington himself became physically incapacitated because of this disease. In the end, Giroux said 27 lives were lost during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. After Washington became unable to work, his wife, Emily Roebling, took over his responsibilities.
“Not only did they have to overcome many unprecedented challenges, they also had to overcome the doubts of their profession, political distractions and often a hostile press,” Giroux said.
Candis Claiborn, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, said she thought Giroux’s points about how builders now have different viewpoints about safety than they did when the Brooklyn Bridge was being constructed were very interesting. She said the knowledge the bridge engineers had during this time amazed her.
“It was very revealing to see that the engineers who were designing this bridge were thinking about things way beyond their capabilities at the time,” Claiborn said.
Michaela Ripley, a construction management major who attended Giroux’s presentation, said she thought the entire speech was extremely interesting.
“It’s really interesting that they haven’t even had to do any major changes or renovations to the bridge since it was built,” she said.
In the end, Giroux’s presentation really was a tribute to those engineers who risked their lives to build such a complex structure.
He said, “So, in reverence, we pay tribute to the Roeblings – not only for the Brooklyn Bridge – but also for their character, their courage and example.”
-30-
Sources Contact Information
Paul Giroux
Candis Claiborn - Phone Number: 509-335-5593
E-mail: claiborn@wsu.edu
Michaela Ripley - E-mail: mripley@wsu.edu
Three questions for speaker
1. How long did it take you do all this research on the Brooklyn Bridge?
2. What challenges have you faced during your engineering and building projects?
3. What prompted you to focus so much attention on the Brooklyn Bridge?
The Heald Auditorium overflowed with people Monday as students, faculty and staff were treated to Paul Giroux as he spoke about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and the challenges its engineers faced as part of The College of Engineering and Architecture’s Lanning Distinguished Lecture.
"I really am speechless," Giroux said. "I'm hoping to get a few intelligent words out - this is probably the largest group I've spoken to."
Giroux, who was the American Society of Civil Engineers' chairman for the Brooklyn Bridge 125th celebration in May 2008, has worked with Kiewit Corporation for the last 30 years. He has worked on projects such as Baltimore's Fort McHenry Tunnel and the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge Skyway Project. He is an expert on the Brooklyn Bridge and has done extensive research on its construction.
During his years of research, Giroux read several in-depth books on the Brooklyn Bridge and studied many drawings and photographs of its progressing construction. He presented his findings using advanced visual technology to engage the audience in the entire building process.
Giroux began his presentation by quoting Sir Isaac Newton, who said, "We build too many walls and not enough bridges." Giroux said bridges not only help people get over rivers and canyons, but also over the walls, enabling us to reach social progress. He said that at the time the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began, it was considered a controversial subject, being called a nuisance by some skeptics.
The construction began with John Roebling overseeing the project. He was injured while working by the ferries and later died in 1869. His son, Washington Roebling, took over his duties from there. Giroux said Washington and his workers faced many challenges during the 10-plus years of the bridge’s construction. Along with the massive current in the East River, workers were faced with the challenges of building the bottom caisson, the towers and engineering the cables.
Giroux said there were 10 known deaths from what was then referred to as Caisson Disease (now known as The Bends) from the extreme increase in pressure while working down in the caisson. Washington himself became physically incapacitated because of this disease. In the end, Giroux said 27 lives were lost during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. After Washington became unable to work, his wife, Emily Roebling, took over his responsibilities.
“Not only did they have to overcome many unprecedented challenges, they also had to overcome the doubts of their profession, political distractions and often a hostile press,” Giroux said.
Candis Claiborn, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, said she thought Giroux’s points about how builders now have different viewpoints about safety than they did when the Brooklyn Bridge was being constructed were very interesting. She said the knowledge the bridge engineers had during this time amazed her.
“It was very revealing to see that the engineers who were designing this bridge were thinking about things way beyond their capabilities at the time,” Claiborn said.
Michaela Ripley, a construction management major who attended Giroux’s presentation, said she thought the entire speech was extremely interesting.
“It’s really interesting that they haven’t even had to do any major changes or renovations to the bridge since it was built,” she said.
In the end, Giroux’s presentation really was a tribute to those engineers who risked their lives to build such a complex structure.
He said, “So, in reverence, we pay tribute to the Roeblings – not only for the Brooklyn Bridge – but also for their character, their courage and example.”
-30-
Sources Contact Information
Paul Giroux
Candis Claiborn - Phone Number: 509-335-5593
E-mail: claiborn@wsu.edu
Michaela Ripley - E-mail: mripley@wsu.edu
Three questions for speaker
1. How long did it take you do all this research on the Brooklyn Bridge?
2. What challenges have you faced during your engineering and building projects?
3. What prompted you to focus so much attention on the Brooklyn Bridge?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Legislative Exercise
1. Senate Bill 5684 - Addressing environmental mitigation in highway contstruction
2. The committee related the most to my beat would be the Community and Economic Development and Trade...they didn't really have anything on their agenda...
3. The Chair of this committee is Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
4. The Legislative Assistant is Lisa McCollum
5. Three representatives of District 9 are Sen. Mark Shoesler, Rep. Don Cox and Rep. Joe Schmick
6. Shoesler serves on Agriculture and Rural Economic Development and Financial Institutions Housing and Insurance Rules and Means
One bill sponsered by Shoesler is SB 5076 - creating the Washington grain commission
7. (360) 786-7844 is Joe Schmick's phone number
2. The committee related the most to my beat would be the Community and Economic Development and Trade...they didn't really have anything on their agenda...
3. The Chair of this committee is Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney
4. The Legislative Assistant is Lisa McCollum
5. Three representatives of District 9 are Sen. Mark Shoesler, Rep. Don Cox and Rep. Joe Schmick
6. Shoesler serves on Agriculture and Rural Economic Development and Financial Institutions Housing and Insurance Rules and Means
One bill sponsered by Shoesler is SB 5076 - creating the Washington grain commission
7. (360) 786-7844 is Joe Schmick's phone number
Swine flu
WSU President Elson S. Floyd said Tuesday that the university responded efficiently and appropriately to the recent cases of the H1N1 flu on campus.
"Our Health and Wellness Services team has done an absolutely outstanding job both in planning for an outbreak and in carrying out its plan," Floyd said.
Though the report of 2,000 cases of the H1N1 virus on campus might make the situation seem extreme, Floyd said he would like to remind people that this particular flu have an even shorter life-span than the regular seasonal flu.
"Our Health and Wellness Services team has done an absolutely outstanding job both in planning for an outbreak and in carrying out its plan," Floyd said.
Though the report of 2,000 cases of the H1N1 virus on campus might make the situation seem extreme, Floyd said he would like to remind people that this particular flu have an even shorter life-span than the regular seasonal flu.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream"
Cheers erupted from the crowd in front of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom of his dream of freedom, brotherhood and hope at what he called the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of the nation.
"I have a dream," King said, "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring!"
King spoke to 200,000 civil rights supporters about President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclaimation and the negros desire to be free, claiming although the Proclaimation was signed 100 years ago, the negro is still not free. King declared that the people would never be satisfied until the negros are free from segregation, discrimination and police brutality.
"I have a dream," King said, "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring!"
King spoke to 200,000 civil rights supporters about President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclaimation and the negros desire to be free, claiming although the Proclaimation was signed 100 years ago, the negro is still not free. King declared that the people would never be satisfied until the negros are free from segregation, discrimination and police brutality.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Beat update Sept. 8, 2009
Some stories I found...
"Walmart to open next fall" in The Daily Evergreen.
This story talks about Wal-mart's scheduled completion plan, how the city is dealing with those who oppose Wal-mart, slightly discusses the fact that this Wal-mart will have a large impact on the environment and talks about the effect it may have on small businesses in Pullman.
"City seeks to pass new College Hill Plan" in The Daily Evergreen.
This story discusses the new plan proposed by the city for improvements at College Hill. It discusses where money will come from for the improvements, what the improvements entail and when they will begin.
"Walmart to open next fall" in The Daily Evergreen.
This story talks about Wal-mart's scheduled completion plan, how the city is dealing with those who oppose Wal-mart, slightly discusses the fact that this Wal-mart will have a large impact on the environment and talks about the effect it may have on small businesses in Pullman.
"City seeks to pass new College Hill Plan" in The Daily Evergreen.
This story discusses the new plan proposed by the city for improvements at College Hill. It discusses where money will come from for the improvements, what the improvements entail and when they will begin.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Beat Note
For my beat this semester, I have decided to cover city planning in Pullman, Wash. Although this may seem like a kind of broad beat, it's actually pretty easy to narrow down. I would like to write stories on building plans that the city of Pullman has for the near and distant future and how these plans may or may not affect the environment in Pullman. I would also like to write stories about not only how the building and planning may affect the environment, but also how it may affect the citizens in Pullman economically, personally, financially, etc.
I feel that this beat is extremely important to the people of Pullman because Pullman is a small, rural town that thrives off of agriculture and small businesses. Any new large building projects (such as the construction of Wal-mart in Pullman) can greatly affect the environment, possibly causing problems with farms, wheat fields and agriculture in general. Also, there are some fears that the Wal-mart being built will hurt Pullman's small business economy in the long-run, which obviously affects the people in Pullman.
Another problem that building and planning can cause for the citizens and students in Pullman is the problem of congestion. There are very few roads in Pullman, all of which are not extremely wide by any means. If the city starts working on any plans to build, tear up roads, etc., especially while school in in session, this will cause major delays in traffic, possibly more accidents and angry students and citizens who may not be able to get to work or school on time.
Another aspect of building and planning that is relatively new, is "green" building. I would like to write some articles about what "green" building is, what buildings here in Pullman and on the WSU campus are "green" buildings, how many buildings and structures in Pullman actually pass the environmental check list established by the city, etc.
Many issues on building and planning in Pullman have been covered, such as the new Wal-mart Supercenter that will be constructed, WSU's U-district proposal, etc. I will personally define this beat by looking into all possible negative and positive aspects of all building and planning projects in Pullman. I will look into why certain building permits are denied, as well as why others are approved. I will make sure all my stories contain information that is important to every citizen in Pullman, whether they live here permanently or are just here to attend school.
A few stories that have been written about city planning and building...
1. "Earth-friendly building" by Terry Casey: The Spokesman Review
2. "City searches for Wal-mart decision" by Michael Backman: The Daily Evergreen
3. "PARD will not take appeal to state supreme court" from staff reports: The Daily Evergreen
Stories I would like to write...
1. What will the affects on the environment be with the new and improved Wal-mart plan?
2. Construction on College Hill. What will they be doing? When will it begin? Again, what are the environmental affects?
3. People are applying for building permits all the time. Which permits have been approved and what new buildings, structures, etc., will begin?
Sources I can talk with about this information (I hope!)...
1. Pullman Planning Director: Pete Dickinson (509) 338-3213
2. Assistant City Planner: Jason Radtke (509) 338-3218
3. Public Works Administrative Specialist: Kealan Emerson (509) 338-3220
I feel that this beat is extremely important to the people of Pullman because Pullman is a small, rural town that thrives off of agriculture and small businesses. Any new large building projects (such as the construction of Wal-mart in Pullman) can greatly affect the environment, possibly causing problems with farms, wheat fields and agriculture in general. Also, there are some fears that the Wal-mart being built will hurt Pullman's small business economy in the long-run, which obviously affects the people in Pullman.
Another problem that building and planning can cause for the citizens and students in Pullman is the problem of congestion. There are very few roads in Pullman, all of which are not extremely wide by any means. If the city starts working on any plans to build, tear up roads, etc., especially while school in in session, this will cause major delays in traffic, possibly more accidents and angry students and citizens who may not be able to get to work or school on time.
Another aspect of building and planning that is relatively new, is "green" building. I would like to write some articles about what "green" building is, what buildings here in Pullman and on the WSU campus are "green" buildings, how many buildings and structures in Pullman actually pass the environmental check list established by the city, etc.
Many issues on building and planning in Pullman have been covered, such as the new Wal-mart Supercenter that will be constructed, WSU's U-district proposal, etc. I will personally define this beat by looking into all possible negative and positive aspects of all building and planning projects in Pullman. I will look into why certain building permits are denied, as well as why others are approved. I will make sure all my stories contain information that is important to every citizen in Pullman, whether they live here permanently or are just here to attend school.
A few stories that have been written about city planning and building...
1. "Earth-friendly building" by Terry Casey: The Spokesman Review
2. "City searches for Wal-mart decision" by Michael Backman: The Daily Evergreen
3. "PARD will not take appeal to state supreme court" from staff reports: The Daily Evergreen
Stories I would like to write...
1. What will the affects on the environment be with the new and improved Wal-mart plan?
2. Construction on College Hill. What will they be doing? When will it begin? Again, what are the environmental affects?
3. People are applying for building permits all the time. Which permits have been approved and what new buildings, structures, etc., will begin?
Sources I can talk with about this information (I hope!)...
1. Pullman Planning Director: Pete Dickinson (509) 338-3213
2. Assistant City Planner: Jason Radtke (509) 338-3218
3. Public Works Administrative Specialist: Kealan Emerson (509) 338-3220
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Questions for Jonathan Randal
1. Why do you think the U.S. governement was not expecting Osama Bin Laden to cause any trouble for the country?
2. Many people think the job of being a foreign correspondent is really dangerous...how dangerous do you really think it is to do reporting in other countries like the Middle East, South Africa, etc.?
3. What's the best advice you could give to someone who wanted to be a foreign correspondent?
4. What made you take such an interest in Osama Bin Laden and write your book?
5. How has journalism changed since you first started reporting?
2. Many people think the job of being a foreign correspondent is really dangerous...how dangerous do you really think it is to do reporting in other countries like the Middle East, South Africa, etc.?
3. What's the best advice you could give to someone who wanted to be a foreign correspondent?
4. What made you take such an interest in Osama Bin Laden and write your book?
5. How has journalism changed since you first started reporting?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Beat thoughts
I think I would like to work on a beat this semester dealing with either how education at WSU has been affected by the economy, or something concerning the administration at WSU (or maybe all of Pullman). What else?...I'm not sure. I know I'm interested in writing stories that will affect people in the community somehow, and that contain information that is valuable to citizens in the area. I could also see myself doing a beat about the environment...I don't know what to choose!
I like the environment idea because I think I could write a lot of different kinds of stories (at least all the different kinds we have to write this semester) about enviromental issues in Pullman and just Washington in general. There's usually a lot of good speeches throughout the semester from people who come to WSU to discuss environmental issues.
I like the environment idea because I think I could write a lot of different kinds of stories (at least all the different kinds we have to write this semester) about enviromental issues in Pullman and just Washington in general. There's usually a lot of good speeches throughout the semester from people who come to WSU to discuss environmental issues.
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