"Event to focus on conservation" by Patty Hutchens.
"Cleanup of Palouse River murky"
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?
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