And if you compare these two new reviews with the two reviews from 2005, things aren't looking so hot for Downtown Nampa's House of Kim.
Also don't forget that in 2006 Sara Bietia, a BW staffer said that House of Kim would be her final meal if she was able to choose it. I wonder if she's been lately?
From my last (and maybe final) visit to House of Kim.
Bruce Skaug's last day as a member of the Nampa Public Library Board.
snicker.
Dear Downtown Nampa Nights,
If you fail to provide refreshments for Downtown Nampa Nights goers don't be surprised when they don't come back.
Thanks,
Downtown Nampa Nights goers
It was a perfect day to eat outside (in the shade) in Nampa today.
This is the taco truck on Garrity Blvd across from Jalopy Jungle -- good stuff.
And hey, it only took 9 people to die trying to get groceries in order to get it done.
Nampa crosswalk work under way
NAMPA — Construction of a new crosswalk began last week in Nampa’s north side.
[...]
For the first phase of the project, luminaries have been installed on existing light poles on 11th Avenue North from 6th Street North to 1st Street North.
“When we did the engineering studies on 11th, one of the things we determined is the lighting is not bright enough,” city spokeswoman Sharla Arledge said. “Phase one is changing out the light fixtures. That has made a big difference.”
Work has also begun on the actual crosswalk — a state-of-the-art, lighted pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of 11th Avenue North and 3rd Street North. Pedestrian-activated flashing lights in the pavement are one of the safety features.
Sitting on the sidewalk in Downtown Nampa @ Market Limone.
$10 bottomless Pimm's Cups, Mimosas and Sangrías. That's a quaffing bargain I can get behind.
What can I say? I really wanted to like this. Copper Canyon, once one of Nampa's top restaurants, and now feeling the crunch of other Nampa eateries hasn't risen to the challenge. We used to eat at Copper Canyon all the time, then, as the menu remained stagnant and the service plunged downward we simply quit going. And frankly, after Brick 29 opened we didn't have a reason to return to Copper Canyon -- that is until I heard they were stepping up their efforts. So last week, my wife and I along with some other Copper Canyon veterans decided to check it out again.
Well, some things have changed, they now have a website, they now have cocktails and the service is much improved. But the food has remained the same -- the menu is literally the same as it was when they moved to the new location on 13th in Downtown Nampa. While the 2-4 specials have changed from time to time, the rest of the menu has remained intact -- and I don't view this as a good thing.
I'm convinced that there are few things better in the world than the humble taco.
This was from the taco truck located by Karcher Ranch Market in Nampa.
In today's Idaho Press-Tribune Bruce Skaug admits to posting an anonymous comment on this website last week.
Skaug calls blog post a ‘mistake’
NAMPA — Resigning Nampa Library Board member Bruce Skaug said Tuesday he regretted writing an anonymous comment on a Nampa blog in which he defended the library board’s decision to remove sex books from the library’s shelves.
Skaug said in the comment written on the local blog The Unequivocal Notion that those who opposed the board’s decision had a “messed up view of sex” and “cannot understand people who wish to protect children from becoming people like you.”
Skaug said he wrote the comment in the heat of the moment and called it “stupid.”
“I was mad and I fired off a sarcastic remark,” Skaug said. “It was a stupid remark on my part where I stooped to a sophomoric-level comment on a blog.”
Skaug said since joining the library board and dealing with the sex book issue, he has received several obscene pieces of hate e-mail and postal mail. His not being able to respond to such comments was part of the frustration that led to the blog post, he said. The post did not have anything to do with his resignation, both Skaug and Nampa Mayor Tom Dale said.
While it is nice that he acknowledges his actions as a "mistake" and "stupid", it'd be nice if perhaps he'd just apologize to the citizens of Nampa that he offended. I really don't think that is too much too ask.
It's also mildly amusing that "the post did not have anything to do with his resignation"; I guess it is only a coincidence that he left the comment last Wednesday and submitted his resignation yesterday. Not only does he think we have a "messed up view of sex", but that we're stupid too.
I just found out from a comment and via phone confirmation with the Mayor's office that Bruce Skaug is resigning his position on the Nampa Public Library Board effective July 1st.
This after Mr. Skaug left an anonymous comment on this site degrading citizens of Nampa and accusing fellow residents of having a "messed up view of sex", i.e. one that isn't the same as his.
I'll update as I find out more.
Updated
Idaho Press-Tribune story here.
Skaug told the Idaho Press-Tribune today that he submitted his resignation Monday to Nampa Mayor Tom Dale. Skaug said he had accomplished what he wanted to accomplish on the board and that was part of his reason for resigning.
What's the other part of the reason? Hmm.
Update II
Idaho Statesman story on Skaug's stepping down. I wonder what you have to do in order to have the local media carry water for you? It's not like it is difficult to ask a simple question. It's also not hard to see the real reason why he stepped down.
Frankly, it's pretty disturbing to see the local media not report the real story -- it makes you wonder just how much they hold back on the really important stories -- so as to not offend those in charge. The fact that they are providing cover for Skaug really makes you question how they reported the library board story in the first place.
It's alway nice when we can get these kinds of things out in the open. Bruce Skaug, a member of the Nampa Public Library Board left a comment this morning regarding the the decision to pull The New Joy of Sex and The Joy of Gay Sex permanently from library shelves.
The library board in Nampa made a compromise. They did not ban any books, only put them out of reach of children. They did ban X rated and NC-17 items from the audiovisual collection. The Nampa library board made a reasonable decision.
Many of you, who gripe about the board's decision,don't have spouses (of the opposite gender) or children (legitimate)because of your messed up view of sex. So, you cannot understand people who wish to protect children from becoming like you.
Posted by: Jag | 04 June 2008 at 08:58 AM
By way of my logs I know that "Jag" is Mr. Skaug (need proof). Why he didn't choose to post under his real name speaks for itself. Generally I'm not one to out people, but if you are going to come here and tell your fellow citizens that they have a "messed up view of sex" and do it behind a pseudonym -- I'm going to out ya.
Lest no one forget, this whole thing isn't just about the Joy of Sex series of books, it's about homosexuality. And whether certain segments of Nampa want to admit it or not, there are many homosexuals living, working, and raising families amongst us.
It's just good for citizens of Nampa to know the true feelings of the appointees that Mayor Tom Dale has chosen to represent our community.
In fact, if you'd like to ask the Mayor about Bruce Skaug's feelings, feel free to. The Mayor, as a man with no spouse and no children, might like to know how Mr. Skaug feels about him and his "messed up view of sex".
Updated
As to the question of whether or not to out the commenter; I'll simplify -- if President Bush was trolling DailyKos.com saying "heh.. heh.. I hate Muslims, oh and Obama's a big turd" using an alias like "BigmaninDC" wouldn't it be prudent to point out who he was if you knew? Wouldn't that give insight into the reasoning behind his foreign policy decisions? Insight beyond the reasoning he speaks of in the public square?
I welcome public officials commenting on websites, but because their position in policy making they should use their real names when talking about policies they enacted. If public officials can't handle not being anonymous then they should rethink their desire to hold public positions -- that, or not troll websites looking to stir the pot.
Update II - 2008/06/10
Mr. Skaug is resigning his position on the Nampa Public Library Board.
Update III - 2008/06/11
Mr. Skaug admits to posting the anonymous comment.
Because he, along with Bruce Skaug and Sandi Levi of the Nampa Library Board don't think that you are fit enough to parent your own kids while you're at the library. Also, in case you wanted know, it seems that Keller, Skaug and Levi think that the library is a great place for you to let your little ones run free with no parental oversight -- ya know, like free daycare -- great for those summer days when school is out of session. Apparently anyway, because the way they keep voting it seems you are not a capable parent.
Board: Restrict sex books
NAMPA — Nampa’s Public Library Board voted 3-2 Monday to keep two controversial sex books off the shelves so they will be inaccessible to minors. “The New Joy of Sex” and “The Joy of Gay Sex” have been kept in the library director’s office since March when the board decided to move them there.
[...]
Board members disagreed about whether is should be a parent’s responsibility to monitor what materials their child reads in the library or whether it should be at least partly the library’s responsibility. Kelly said his motions do not prevent the library from purchasing books sexual in nature in the future, it just makes library staff keep them off the shelves.
Kelly said he wanted to represent the community on the issue. He referred to an Idaho Press-Tribune online poll taken in July 2006 that had 277 respondents. The poll indicated that a majority of people wanted the books restricted or removed, but a majority of people also wanted the library to keep the books.
Ok, here's another thought; once you quote an online poll in making public policy decisions, you're, well, an idiot. You can't trust online polls, especially in a story like this that was making national news. Apparently Keller thinks that the only people with access to the interwebs live in Nampa. He obviously has no idea how easy it is to swing an online poll in one direction or another. Online. polls. are. not. a. valid. measure. of. support.
I also liked this quip at the end of the Press-Tribune's story:
Library director Karen Ganske said she did not know of any movies the library carried with NC-17 or X ratings. But Levi said she noticed a DVD of “The Vagina Monologues” in the library, which she said contained graphic language.
It just seems so odd to see a group of people who are so intellectually disinterested sitting on the board of a library. Graphic language? Shit, that's about every PG-13 and R rated movie; of course, we should only watch Disney movies, that's surely the only way to shelter the little snowflakes from the real world.
Updated
Randy Jackson and Bryan Fischer of the Idaho Values Alliance will be speaking at the library this afternoon. Of course, perpetual coattail hanger'on Brandi Swindell will also be there (there's going to be cameras -- Hello!). I wonder if Randy will have his "Abortion is Homicide" shirt on for the all the media folks who will be down there gleefully lapping up the drivel (then later recycling it for their newspapers and newscasts)?
Picked this up the other day for lunch; it's a small BBQ shack outside of Karcher Ranch Market on Karcher Road in Nampa. It's just a to-go kind of joint; there is no inside and no seating outside. It was actually really good, the picture doesn't really do it justice. I got it with their hot BBQ sauce which had just the perfect amount of kick to it. This is one of the places that will be getting several return trips; I hope they have a sit down place in their future plans.
This is the beef brisket sandwich w/ baked beans and macaroni salad, also came with sweet tea. All told the meal was about 8 bucks and I was back in my car in 5 minutes.
If you didn't know, courageous commie hunter, Curtis Bowers is the one who opened up Nampa's Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant on 11th Ave. The Mona Lisa, which in my humble opinion is perhaps the best romantic eatery (reserve the Lover's Lane room) the in the Valley. It is also an excellent joint when you're out with a group of friends, it takes quite a while to eat the meal and it is just as much entertainment as it is delicious grub. And of course nothing soothes the soul like some of the Mona Lisa's wonderfully mysterious dipping vinaigrette for their bread. Of course it'd be impossible to mention the true stars of the show; the excellent cheese and chocolate fondues -- with unlimited dipping fodder.
Anyway... last year I was prepared to boycott the Mona Lisa after I found out that Bowers was an owner, which greatly disappointed me -- but mind you, I do have principles. We'll when I found out that Bowers had sold his interest in the Mona Lisa I was glad that my self-imposed boycott had been adverted. But now I find out that current owners are Bowers supporters. Now my conundrum; do I write off a jewel of Downtown Nampa because of the owners political leanings (as it does impact all Idahoans)? Or forgive the owners backing of Bowers and continue to enjoy the Mona Lisa in order to support a fine downtown establishment?
Letter's to the Editor down below...
I went down to the regular Nampa City Council meeting with my wife because she had some unfinished business to deal with and figured what the heck, they are announcing the library location anyway. Well, after the council moved into executive session and the rest of the business of the city council meeting we left after my wife's reading -- patience only runs so deep. I did however get to see the drawings of the new library before we left and it does look pretty impressive; I'm sure there will be some images up on the web pretty soon.
I guess after reading the Idaho Press-Tribune's report on the subject we should have stuck around, seems like it might have been good theater.
Nampa picks library site
NAMPA — The Nampa’s City Council approved the purchase of land for a new library and public safety building using the city’s reserve funds Monday.
The council voted 3-1 in favor of the motion, with council member Stephen Kren the only dissenting vote. Pam White, Curtis Homer and Martin Thorne all voted for the proposal.
City officials named the block between 11th and 10th avenues south and 3rd and 4th streets south for a new library, mixed-use development and a parking garage.
Almost 80 people attended the City Council meeting and public hearing regarding the land purchase.
Sounds like it filled up, there were only about 15 people there when we left.
I do have to say, I like this location -- that is depending on their plans for parking, as the intersection of 11th and 3rd is quite busy. However I do like how close it is to "Downtown Nampa", for a while it sounded like it may be located somewhere between 3rd and 1st, 9th and 6th. Which would be a pretty long walk from "downtown".
I does seem kind of sad that they'll have to demolish the old Nampa Spanish 7th Day Adventist Church, as that is a building with quite a bit of character. That and I'm not a giant fan of tearing down old buildings with a lot of character to build new buildings. Sounds like we'll have to hit up the old Taco Time as well because its also slated to be demolished; I haven't been there in probably 15 years.
Well, it is time to move Nampa forward, so onward we go.
It was a great show in Downtown Nampa last night from two extremely talented songwriters.
After reading the Idaho Statesman's endorsement of 26-year-old Roberto Olvera over 71-year-old Rep. Robert Schaefer in Nampa's District 12 Republican primary -- you'd think there wouldn't be any question.
Reading Schaefer's letter to the Statesman where he refuses to be interviewed by the editorial board because of their "uncharitable, and indeed, un-Christian attacks" on Larry Craig -- you'd think, what is this guy thinking? And let's not forget the rather incoherent responses that he left on the Statesman's online questionnaire. Again, you'd think that there wouldn't be any question -- Schaefer is decidedly out of touch and doesn't represent the best interests of his constituents.
All that being said, I bet that Schaefer still wins the primary by a healthy margin.
The Very Most, a wonderful band out of Boise will be playing with the always excellent A Seasonal Disguise at Market Limone this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The Very Most will also have copies of their just released-last-weekend album Congratulations Forever on hand for purchase.
Here is the video for The Very Most track "Spilt, Spilt Milk".
Also of note, Market Limone is having a Cinco de Mayo celebration all day long, with a mariachi band performing from 12-2 p.m., cooking demonstrations, some Mexican beer and wine tastings. There will also be margarita specials all day -- including a cilantro margarita that I hear is pretty out of this world (I'll be reporting live from the scene for that one!).
Combined with the Nampa Farmers Market earlier Saturday morning, well, let's just say that's it is going to be a busy day.
Click down below for A Seasonal Disguise's video for the great track; "Last Cigarettes".
Continue reading "Going to be busy this Saturday in Nampa" »
Rumor is that El Rodeo, my favorite Downtown Nampa Mexican restaurant is going to start serving booze. Gone will be the days of "winearitas", bottled domestics and imports -- although I do hope they keep the boot beer mugs, they've always been a favorite of mine.
The people who were running The Hideout, the bar that was attached to El Rodeo bought The Sportsman's Bar & Cafe in Caldwell a while ago and renamed it The Sportsman's Hideout. Now that the liquor license from The Hideout has been transfered to the El Rodeo folks we should start to see some real margaritas on the menu pretty quickly. If you've never been there, The Hideout was essentially in the back room of El Rodeo but it had its own entrance. Both places share the same facilities -- while being completely separate businesses, they occupy the same space. Now from what I understand El Rodeo will be using the whole space.
Good news all around...
Good stuff... and they have 32oz domestic and import drafts. Also, don't forget 3 dollar margaritas during happy hour.
The long awaited start of the 2008 Nampa Farmer's Market is just about over. And it is sounding like the weather is going to be damn near perfect.
Nampa Farmer's Market --
1st Street S. & 12th Avenue S. In front of the train depot; Saturday's, 9:00 - 1:00
Other Treasure Valley farmer's markets:
Boise: Capital City Public Market --
Downtown Boise North 8th St. between Bannock & Idaho; Saturday's, 9:30 - 1:30
Meridian: Meridian Farmer's Market --
30 E. Broadway (Between Main & Meridian Roads); Saturday's 8:00 - 1:00
Check here for other Idaho farmer's markets.
Shop local. Eat local.
Everyone's taste buds are certainly not the same, but I don't think I've ever read a more lustful critique of such crappy food. Ever.
I've never been to the TGI Friday's in Nampa (the picture in the story above says it all), but I've been to other ones before, and seeing how they are cookie cutters of themselves I don't think I'll go anytime soon. I have to say that of all the sit down fast food joints, TGI Friday's is the worst -- it is running really close in craptaculousness to Chili's, but it takes the previously frozen cake.
Well, I'm not a complete snob as some of you may think. I have been to pretty much all the sit down fast food joints over the years, after all, one does have to make compromises and concessions. I will say that for the last 1-2 years I really have stuck to my guns and refused to go the chain route.
So, if I had to rate the major chains in our area, I'd probably go as follows:
Several of these places are on my "never again" list; well, 5 through 10. The others, I don't go there by choice, but I'm willing if we're a part of a larger group. I'm a bit of a foodie, but by no means a food snob, and there is a difference. I'm also not an inconsiderate jackass -- well, most of the time I'm not.
I will say that we almost went to Red Robin last week because my wife and I were craving a good burger and beer -- and frankly, there isn't anywhere (that I know of) to get a good burger and draft beer in Nampa. We did however stick our non-chain guns and went to Smokey Mountain Pizza instead (a chain yes, but an Idaho one), and were sorely disappointed once again. Smokey Mountain is creeping up on my "never again" list as well.
Bottom line; if you can, eat local. I promise that 8 times out of 10 it'll be better. Most likely it'll be better for you, your taste buds and it is always better for the local economy.
So, if you like 'em or even if you don't like them -- how would you rate the major chains?
The American Library Association really is trying to push porn onto our children so that they can turn them into miniature sex fiends.
Why? Well, that point isn't exactly clear... go figure.
Sometimes my wife will bring home a roll as an appetizer whenever I make something "Asian" for dinner.
This is the "Nampa Roll" from Krung Thai and it's pretty damn good; Tempura shrimp, avocado and topped with crispy tuna.
I can only assume that this is Cindy Luna, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's wife.
Library's books should reflect community's values
By Cindy LunaI was disappointed to read that the Nampa Library Board is reconsidering its decision about the two “sex education” books that were previously removed from the shelves and put in a more inconspicuous area of the library. I believe they are reconsidering this decision because a majority of the library staff disapproves of the decision.
It is my understanding that the books are purchased with taxpayer dollars and should therefore represent the morals and values of the community that supports the library. The Nampa Library does not contain every book ever written. The books are chosen and purchased by a staff member who deems them important to the residents of the community.
Canyon County is one of the most conservative counties in the most conservative state in the nation; thereby, it would stand to reason that the books in question could easily be deemed inappropriate for our community.
[...]
I wonder if she can see the irony in the wife of the head of Idaho's public schools supporting the banning of educational books in a public library?
It's really surprising that people like Luna don't understand how exactly a community works -- or maybe not, there does seem to be a pattern here. They seem to think that because they believe one way, everyone else must believe in that same manner. One thing I've never really understood about the Conservative mentality is the reliance on the simplicity of "black and white"; the world does not function as "yes or no", "you are either with us or against us" -- it is a much more complicated affair. However because the world is more nuanced than "black or white" it takes knowledge, patience and diplomacy to make it function properly. This is true from a world perspective all the way down to a community's library board's prospective.
Well, it should be anyway.
It's not like the library staff had these books on the shelves for their own enjoyment -- they are there because people in the community (potentially Cindy Luna's neighbor or family member) most likely requested them at some point or there is a need in the community. For the wife of "supposed" leader in our state to insinuate that Karen Ganske who has been serving her community as the Library Director for the last 20 years doesn't know what she is doing -- is, well; reprehensible.
Lemme see if I can break it down into simple white picket fence Americana that Cindy Luna can understand:
My family has cookouts. The majority of my family likes mayonnaise on their hamburgers. However, a few like having Miracle Whip. Therefore, at the serving table, we offer both mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. Everyone is happy.
See how this works?
Remember to not be fooled -- the Randy Jackson and Nampa Public Library debacle is about more than just "The Joy of Gay Sex" and "The New Joy of Sex". The focus recently has only been on those two books, but Jackson and the Idaho Values Alliance have their minds set on nine total books -- not two.
As the Idaho Statesman pointed out this morning it is a "slippery slope" indeed. And Jackson, Fischer, et al plan on lubing up that slope to make it as slippery as possible.
The number of books have been scaled back to make it seem that they are worried about sex books as a whole -- when their real intentions are to get rid of all the books dealing with homosexual sexuality. Also it is important to note that the first two books named were "The Joy of Gay Sex" and the "The Joy of Sex Toys", not the "The New Joy of Sex" which deals with heterosexual sexuality. "The New Joy of Sex" was added later to provide cover -- so that it wouldn't seem they are just going after "The Joy of Gay Sex" or targeting homosexual books.
On Monday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. I will be attending the Nampa City Council meeting to discuss with them some very controversial books found on the Library shelves. The book titles include “The New Joy of Sex”, “The Joy of Sex Toys”, and “The Joy of Gay Sex”. In total, there are 9 books we are taking to City Council.
All of these books have one common problem that we are bringing to their attention: They have several very detailed, graphic, sexually explicit drawings and some photographs all of which are people in sexual positions. I am not talking about a scientific “this is your body” thing; these images are very pornographic in nature. They are the type of books that most parents would be horrified if they found their children looking at them.
Also note that Randy signed his letter to Byran Fischer as:
Thanks,
Randy Jackson
Revolution Ministries
Jackson later said that his complaint about the books were not related to his fundamentalist youth group or his position in a fundamentalist church, but as his being a concerned parent -- a meme that the media happily lapped up -- and published, repeatedly. Signing your name as an official of "Revolution Ministries" (which is different than his youth group Youth 4 Revolution) pretty much makes that argument null and void. So thanks Idaho media for saying that Mr. Jackson's relationship as the minister at a fundamentalist church has no bearing on the story. Way to do your homework -- I will note that the Idaho Press-Tribune did note in one column Mr. Jackson's affiliation with the fundamentalist group.
Rest assured if you give these people an inch they're going to demand a mile. If these books are removed they'll let the dust settle down, then they'll be back.
...that the intellectual powerhouse that is Bruce Skaug would be a good fit to sit on a library board?
Skaug said his motion last month to remove the books from the shelves was to allow the library board time to stop and look into the issue. But he also said one of the books contained a chapter on bestiality, and that was not acceptable.
“We forget to look at this book for the trash that it is,” Skaug said.
Seriously, does he even know that he is sitting on a board, a board that oversees a public library and not a forum on the merits and realism of the WWF.
Also at the Idaho Press-Tribune you can download the .pdf of the letter that the Nampa Public Library staff presented to the Library Board -- Brucey boy should read it and attempt to grasp what intellect really is.
Just in case you're wondering -- it's still really damn good.
I pretty much go with whatever specials they have when ever I go, so this time I kindly asked what specials were running... seared tuna and a bone-in cowboy style ribeye with blue cheese sauce. I kinda figured that it was the same as the regular ribeye that they serve -- it had the same sides, garlic roasted fingerling potatoes and crispy onions up top -- just bone-in and with the blue cheese sauce.
What he neglected to mention was that the sumabitch was 24oz of meaty deliciousness -- it literally covered almost my entire plate. Not that the size was a bad thing, although I think I only made it a quarter the way through; so the rest will be used as leftovers. Probably wine up on a baguette or wrapped in a corn tortilla shell.
It was a great -- if not huge piece of meat.
Updated
Speaking of... Patrick Orr has a post up about Idaho's own Grand Teton Brewing Company -- last night at Brick 29 I indulged in a glass or two of their Sweetgrass I.P.A., which is a great beer.
Pete's Tavern, a great Americana dive in Downtown Nampa has a cave in the back -- a fact I just learned not too long ago and just had to check out. Pete's is actually a pretty great place that we had been to several times (which is why the cave was such a surprise), gotta love cheap beers that come in frozen glasses straight from the freezer.
There is no booze however; if ya want booze ya gotta go across the street to Tiny's.
The cave room can actually be rented out for private parties for $200 bucks which includes the room, a keg of your favorite brew and a bartender.
Pictures down below.
KTRV:
City of Nampa Helps Green Up Homes
Nampa, Idaho- The city of Nampa is so serious about beautifying its neighborhoods, officials plan to help residents green up their front yards.
The city's urban forestry department is buying Maples, Plums and many other trees in bulk.
They're offering them to homeowners at low prices and providing free consultations to help people choose the best type of tree for them.
On top of that, the city is offering to take care of the planting for free.
Nearly all Nampa residents are eligible for the program.
You can read the official press release from the city here (pdf).
Yesterday Nampa residents heard more plans from the city on the new crosswalk that will be constructed on 11th Ave. N. by Paul's Market.
Residents hear plans for North Nampa crosswalk
Calls to improve safety on 11th Avenue North increased after a woman, 85, was killed March 3rd.North Nampa residents Wednesday got two pieces of news they've been awaiting for several years.
Walking to their neighborhood grocery will become much safer in about three months when the city installs a lighted crosswalk across a dangerous stretch of 11th Avenue North, with an island midway across the road.
And a long-awaited master plan for the city's north side will be completed and presented to the public as soon as May.
[...]
The crosswalk design divides the crossing into two parts: Pedestrians will cross one direction of traffic to an island, then turn toward oncoming traffic to walk about 20 feet to the lighted path across the remaining two lanes.
Each half of the crossing will have pedestrian-activated flashing lights embedded in the pavement and mounted on poles on either side of the road.
Because of the two-part design, pedestrians won't have to cross more than two lanes at a time, and traffic will continue flowing in the two lanes not being crossed, Dale said.
One tradeoff for drivers: Cars coming from the Lakeview neighborhood on 3rd Street North will no longer be able to turn left on 11th to head downtown.
I'm really glad that the city is doing something here, it's always seemed that this area is one of the only in Nampa where quite a few residents walk to their neighborhood grocery store. Sure, some people do that live around other grocery stores in Nampa, but you always see people trying to cross the road to get to Paul's when you are driving down 11th Ave.
Should this have been built sometime ago? I'm sure if you ask some people that answer would be a resounding "yes", but at least plans are now in motion. Hopefully as Nampa's revitalization projects begin to pick up speed we'll see greater portions of Nampa become more pedestrian friendly.
Today I learned there is a really kick ass band in Nampa that I'd never even heard of in my tiny little bubble.
From IPT's PLAY:
The Invasion begins April 23 …
It’s not often a local band lands on the cover of PLAY (actually “More,” the predecessor to PLAY), but Nampa indie wonders The Invasion are certainly worthy of such distinction.
That’s why it’s exciting to find out the band is set to release their first full-length debut “How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Madness” in April. Judging from a few song samples posted on the band’s web site, The Invasion has taken an ambitious step forward in carving out an identity that transcends obvious comparisons, most notably to Radiohead. I’m looking forward to hearing the entire album.
The band is celebrating the release of the album with a party at Boise’s Big Easy on April 23. Stay tuned.
Check out their website and you can hear samples from the songs on their new album. Really good stuff, and what is surprising for the valley, it is really polished, one of my major complaints about most original bands in our area.
I'd heard about two of these a while ago, but apparently there are even more in the works.
Nampa looks at more roundabouts
NAMPA — Nampa is looking at building four more traffic roundabout intersections in coming years.
The city opened its first roundabout at South Happy Valley Road and East Amity Road in East Nampa in 2006. Plans are in the works for more roundabouts at North Middleton Road and West Orchard Avenue in West Nampa, South Midland Boulevard and Lake Lowell Avenue in Southwest Nampa and East Franklin Road and Star Road-North Robinson Boulevard in Northeast Nampa.
The city is also looking at a roundabout at East Greenhurst Road and South Happy Valley Road in East Nampa, Mayor Tom Dale said.
As a huge fan of roundabouts I'm glad to see Nampa leading the valley and the state in their usage.
I don't think enough can be said about the safety and ease of use of roundabouts. I had dinner a little while ago with a pretty established traffic engineer (he had constructed Utah's first roundabout) and he couldn't say enough about them -- cheaper, easier to maintain, and once people figure them out much safer than a stop sign or traffic signal.
After all it's always better to get sideswiped at 15 mph in a roundabout than it is to get broadsided by a Suburban going 55 mph that just ran a stop sign.
While I'm sure that the intention is noble, I can't seem to think that calling your school "Original Gangster's Basic Academy of Delinquency Development" is the greatest idea ever.
Updated
The linked story yesterday had "Delinquency" instead of "Development".
Update II
Linked story correctly labeled the school "Development" and not "Delinquency", it musta been another outlet I read that had it "Delinquency". This is exactly why you can't trust us weblogger people; we have short attention spans, or at least I do.
Update III
I just want to say this is a lot of updates for an original post that was only one line.
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