Summer is here and gas prices are up - more of us are on bicycles. Remember to use lights for night. Here is some local inspiration: Night riding

What I really dig is when a company takes something that is beneficial yet boring, like safety, and makes it fun. Drivers give you room like you won't believe, kids will love you, everybody else wants to talk to you and riding around on a cloud of neon light is just plain fun.

Olympia Voter-Owned Elections
Informational/Organizing Meeting
7pm, Wednesday July 2
Traditions Cafe
300 5th Ave SW Olympia

Adopting a system of "Voter-Owned Elections" will:

• Eliminate financial barriers to running for local office for persons demonstrating community support
• Expand voters' choice of candidates
• Allow candidates to focus on public issues instead of fundraising
• Discourage excessive campaign spending

With the recent passage of the "Local Option" bill, public financing of local elections is possible once again in Washington State! Talk has started in the Olympia area of bringing "Voter-Owned Elections" here.

Join Volunteers from all over Olympia Saturday, June 28 from 10am – 1 pm, to help rid Decatur Woods Park of English Ivy. This will be a fun work party that is suitable for all ages. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Decatur Woods Park is at 1015 Decatur Street SW in Olympia. Volunteers are asked to park via 11th Avenue because of construction on Decatur street. Walk, bike or carpool if possible.

All are welcome, but those 17 and under must have signed parental permission, 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No need to RSVP, just show up! Contact Olympia Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Coordinator Todd Smith at 753-8365.

I was browsing through the City of Olympia website today and found that through a program with the Olympia police, while you're on vacation, you can have the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) conduct "low-level security checks" of your home while you're away:

 "Vacation Checks Now Available.  The Olympia Police Department Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) are pleased to offer a vacation check program to the residents of Olympia.  This program allows residents to request that VIPS conduct low-level security security checks of their homes while they are away.  We believe our presence and observation of the residence may deter criminal activity and lead to better over-all safety in our community.

Residents wishing to use this service must appear in person at the Olympia Police Department front office during regular business hours (Mon-Fri/8 AM - 5 PM) and complete an application."

Anyone ever had this done?