Inlander 03/30/2023

Sometimes, what’s inside the cover can be so much more than a story

BY MADISON PEARSON PAGE 16

Built for times like these.

Clear thinking, expertise and smart solutions have sustained us for more than 120 years. Washington Trust Bank has the strength and wisdom needed for times like these. We prepare for the unexpected and we’re just a phone call away: 1-800-788-4578.

To find a personal banker or learn more about Washington Trust, visit watrust.com/FinancialPartner

INSIDE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Books are resilient. Using a broad definition, books have been around for more than 5,000 years, beginning with cuneiform Sumerian tablets in Mesopotamia, where Iraq sits today. By some estimates, the Great Library of Alexandria in Egypt held upwards of 400,000 papyrus scrolls during its heyday as the ancient world’s largest storehouse of knowledge. Printing was invented around the year 700 in China — and then again 700 years later by Johannes Gutenberg. There’s the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist religious text from 868, thought to be the oldest surviving printed book. Of course, in our age, the internet led to all kinds of predictions — the end of newspapers, the end of loneliness — and the book has been swept up in that frenzy. Despite soothsayers prognosticating the death of the book, 843 million books were sold in 2021.

So here’s my prediction: Books aren’t going anywhere. Human civilization began with the written word. It might end when it goes away. One sign of the book’s continued significance to our culture is how artists see a book as “loaded with infinite complexities,” as staffer Madison Pearson writes in this week’s cover story, BEYOND THE PAGE. Book Art is a quicksilver term, and can mean everything from the work to make a collection of writing beautiful to dismantling a book to turn it into something else entirely. But like our civilization, it all begins — or ends — with a book.

— NICHOLAS DESHAIS, editor

Donate

Families who partner with Habitat build their own homes alongside volunteers, BUY their house, pay an a ordable mortgage, and are grateful for your help. Every donation makes a di erence!

Volunteer

By volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, you can be a part of the change you want to see in your community. Help is needed on the jobsite, and in the Habitat Store!

SOLVING HOMELESSNESS PAGE 6

THE LAW AND CAMP HOPE PAGE 12

CRAVENS TURNS 30 PAGE 26

NO MAN’S AT THE PANIDA PAGE 30

april 28

first interstate center

may 6 spokane arena

MAY 11

first interstate center

june 2-4

ARENA

june 14 the podium

july 6

JULY 14 the podium

Get Tickets at

SPOKAnE

SPOKAnE ARENA

COMMENT

STAFF DIRECTORY

PHONE: 509-325-0634

Ted S. McGregor Jr. (tedm@inlander.com)

PUBLISHER

Jer McGregor (x224)

GENERAL MANAGER

EDITORIAL

Nicholas Deshais (x239) EDITOR

Chey Scott (x225)

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Derek Harrison (x248)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Seth Sommerfeld (x250)

MUSIC & SCREEN EDITOR

Samantha Wohlfeil (x234)

BREAKING NEWS EDITOR

Daniel Walters (x263)

SENIOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Madison Pearson (x218)

LISTINGS EDITOR

Nate Sanford (x282), Summer Sandstrom (x232)

STAFF WRITERS

Chris Frisella

COPY CHIEF

Young Kwak, Erick Doxey

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ellie Rothstrom INTERN

Gavin Cooley, Chase Hutchinson, Will Maupin, Rick Romero, Renée Sande

CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISING

Kristi Gotzian (x215)

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carolyn Padgham (x214), Autumn Potts (x251)

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Grinols (x216) , Tracy Menasco (x260), Claire Price (x217), Skip Mitchell (x247)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Tamara McGregor (x233)

COMMUNICATION & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Kristina Smith (x223)

EVENT & SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

Colleen Bell-Craig (x212), Raja Bejjani (x242)

ADVERTISING ASSISTANTS

PRODUCTION

Tom Stover (x265)

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Ali Blackwood (x228)

CREATIVE LEAD &

MARKETING MANAGER

Derrick King (x238)

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Todd Goodner (x231)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

OPERATIONS

Dee Ann Cook (x211)

BUSINESS MANAGER

Kristin Wagner (x210)

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

CIRCULATION

Frank DeCaro (x226)

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Travis Beck (x237)

CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FESTIVAL LINEUP?

NAOMI (ITCHY KITTY)

Everyone that I would want to see at a festival is already dead.

That’s OK. It can all be dead people. Marc Bolan [T. Rex], David Bowie. F—. Who else?

Well what would you want the vibe to be? Pure chaos.

NICK (GOTU GOTU)

For me, that would be Darkest Hour, the original lineup of Black Dahlia Murder, Carcass, Cannibal Corpse, Necrophagist.

So really hard, heavy vibe. Yeah, really heavy shit.

LAUREN (PRIESTESS)

Purple Disco Machine, John Summit. Ugh, this is tough. Earth n Days, J. Worra. I’ll do one more… Honestly? Chromeo. I really love Chromeo. [laughs]

How would you describe the vibe of that fest? It’s a lot of funk, a lot of disco-y vibes. Very happy, uplifting and positive, but then like also we’re here to party, and we’re here to dance.

BAILEY ALLEN BAKER

If I could go to anything, it would be Talking Heads, Jason Molina doing Magnolia Electric Company and CCR, just to really make it a funky thing that doesn’t make any sense. [laughs]

What if you had to do active bands?

Oooo, I’d really love to see Black Country, New Road and Black Midi. Two English bands I’m really hyped on.

JASON (GOTU GOTU)

Let’s do Radiohead, Fugazi, At the Drive-In. Cursive would be sick to see. The Faint — I would love to see the Faint again live. And just to have someone to hold tightly, let’s do some Bright Eyes.

Little emo!

A little emo love, baby!

(BOISE,

Join in the Discussion

How can we best manage homelessness? It starts with a community conversation

BY GAVIN COOLEY AND RICK ROMERO

Last month, 19 of our 20 elected leaders in Spokane County and the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley agreed on why a regional and collaborative approach to managing homelessness may be exactly what’s needed. A joint statement signed by our elected representatives begins:

Our region’s greatest strength is our ability to build community vitality through regional partnerships and collaboration, and now is the time to utilize that strength to more effectively and collaboratively address homelessness in our community.

It’s important to pause here. When was the last time you recall 95 percent of elected officials agreeing on anything, much less on a fundamental approach to addressing one of the most complex and daunting challenges of our modern age?

This is just the beginning, but it’s a really big and important beginning. Think of the many great stories we all know where the protagonist suddenly realizes why it matters to do something differently. Moments like Scrooge waking up from his visitations suddenly knowing his life must take a bold turn, or Rocky, where he suddenly sees a way out of his half efforts and failures. These are just beginnings, but they start with a sudden and very clear understanding of why something must change.

And that is precisely where we now stand. Our elected leaders have strongly articulated and agreed on why a regional, collaborative approach to homelessness in our community is the right approach. And, as described in earlier columns, the two of us, along with our colleague Theresa Sanders, are now facilitating a communitywide, 90-day due diligence period to explore the what and how of that approach.

This is where all of you come in, as stated in the joint statement:

Gathering comprehensive regional stakeholder input will be key to our success. Many different stakeholder

groups, providers throughout the homeless response system, people with lived experience, our local Continuum of Care Board, local, state, and federal government agencies, their staff and advisory boards, as well as businesses and residents, will be encouraged to actively participate in this process.

On our website, SpokaneUnite.org, you will see opportunities to participate in this communitywide dialogue around homelessness. There are a great many questions to answer and priorities to set. Although there will be some sponsored events, we are also encouraging citizens, businesses and organizations of all kinds to have their own conversations. These could be community events, neighborhood meetings, forums, online meet-ups or just about any type of dialogue. We, in turn, will work with the organizers of these events to document their conversations on our website and, after the 90-day period, to integrate them all into a set of recommendations to our elected officials.

We also believe now is a good time to lay some foundation and review some of the thinking that has guided us here. So please take a few moments to read the entire Joint Statement on our website. Also, the following are other foundational considerations guiding us:

Much of the discussion of the past few years has revolved around how and who can fix the problem. As we take swings at one another over

Can the Public Facilities District, Spokane Transit Authority and the Airport Board be templates to help tackle homelessness? YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Cooley (top) and Romero

the how and the who, we are greatly simplifying a challenge that is complex, societal and long-term.

We haven’t come across another community that has “solved” homelessness. The communities that have demonstrated the best results are those that are “managing” this challenge in an integrated, data-driven and results-based manner. When we acknowledge that this is a long-term management challenge, it shifts the discussion from who can fix it to what is the best structure to effectively manage it.

INTEGRATION

One of the most important lessons we have learned in our many years of public service is that governmental collaboration is incred ibly difficult. The headwinds of culture, finance and politics are blowing strongly against government collaboration and integration.

City and county governments are built around a multitude of funds and departments that can become siloed and protective of turf. But breaking down those silos within each organization is only the beginning. Because government entities by nature are po litical bodies, each with its own culture and identity, trying to find alignment across multiple cities and counties is even more difficult.

But the more important lesson we have learned in our careers is that governmental collaboration and integration are the only way really big things get accomplished.

A NEW ENTITY

City and county governments and their organizational structures have evolved over many decades. Those structures are generally built around six core public service functions. They build and maintain streets and utilities, operate parks and libraries, and provide public safety and criminal justice within their jurisdictions. Cities and counties have other community responsibilities, but these six comprise the vast majority of their budgets, staffing and attention.

Managing homelessness is not a new issue, but the magnitude of this challenge here has grown exponentially in the past few years. Fortunately, Spokane has a great track record of recognizing when a critical community opportunity or challenge doesn’t fit within the strength or structure of city or county government.

The creation of the Public Facilities District to manage convention, entertainment and sporting events is one example. City government tried to put the square peg in the round hole for a few years and then wisely recognized that a single purpose public corporation could manage this more effectively. That decision has paid us back many times over with the fantastic facilities and events that the PFD brings to Spokane.

The same could be said for the creation of the Airport Board and Spokane Transit Authority — both single-purpose public corporations that were created with independent boards, budgets and staffing.

It is now inconceivable to think of city or county governments trying to run an airport or a transit system without major disruption to their other core services. We would argue that the same holds true in managing the homelessness challenge.

DEPOLITICIZING THE ISSUE

Common sense would say that homelessness is not a D or an R issue. But in today’s politically divided world, pretty much everything becomes a D or R issue. Again, Spokane has a really good track record of being able to find common ground on major initiatives.

We may be a region with one foot in Seattle and one foot in Montana, but we still have a pretty good track record of doing big innovative things together. What we love about our region is when we decide to climb a hill, we do it. And we usually do it our way — so let’s go! n

Gavin Cooley was the city of Spokane’s chief financial officer for 17 years, serving five different mayors, starting with John Powers. He currently is working with the city on projects including investments and the Spokane River Trail System. Rick Romero is the former utilities director and director of strategic planning for the city of Spokane. He worked on a variety of projects, including the renovation of Riverfront Park, the Podium and the downtown Spokane football stadium.

GET BACK TO THE HEART OF

NURSING

Join us! Heart of Nursing Job Fair

• Thursday, April 6, 5 – 9 p.m.

• Davenport Grand Hotel (2-hour on-site parking will be validated)

Promotion - Free Tickets! Nurses who attend will receive a choice of two tickets to a Spokane Chiefs game, the Spokane Comedy Club, or the Night Lights Lantern Festival at Stateline!

• Talk to us about hiring bonuses and bonus pay-back opportunities!

kh.org/heart-of-nursing-job-fair careers@kh.org

Readers respond to Nate Sanford’s article about “special access” between Spokane

Police Chief Craig Meidl and a group of downtown property owners

KEITH NORTH: Young voters of Spokane take note, this is the good old boys club at its finest. The special access that Chud and friends have been enjoying (access that you and I do not have) may be coming to bite them.

APRIL MOORE: It’s time that the downtown area is cleaned up. Every time I drive downtown it makes me ill. People lying in the street shooting up drugs. The City Council needs to get their nose out of the police department and let them do their job!

JAMES HOLT: Hardly surprising that [Mayor Nadine] Woodward would defend Meidl when one of her endorsements for running for mayor in 2019 was the SPD. I don’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth or the SPD chief.

BECKY TUCKER: Perhaps instead of bad-mouthing Ms. Woodward, Ms. [Lisa] Brown should work at providing solutions. There seems to be a condemning tone from Ms. Brown about people trying to maintain and grow safe neighborhoods.

BOB HAUSS: Having Nadine defend you is not a good sign. We know she only does what the groups who bought her want her to do. She is a puppet just like Kevin McCarthy. n

CORRECTIONS

A recent item in our Arts & Culture Buzz Bin (“Extreme Athletics,” 3/16/2023) miscalculated converting Korean won to U.S. dollars. Specifically, 300 million Korean won is like $230,000, the prize for winning the real life version of Squid Game. We’re turning red with shame, but refuse to squirt ink.

A recent item on Washington Trust Bank incorrectly stated the amount of assets the bank has, which total $11 billion.

We regret these errors.

(“Behind the Curtain,” 3/16/2023):

Kootenai Health often takes a different path. It helped us earn our fourth Magnet designation. It keeps our nurses’ voices at the forefront of patient care, and it has helped us recruit skilled and dedicated nursing leaders. Work and partner with amazing leaders and get back to the heart of why you became a nurse.

Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

PROTECTING LINCOLN

Neighbors rally to stop a South Hill dog park

BY SUMMER SANDSTROM

From her home, Sheila Evans — an avid birder, photographer and painter — can walk to Lincoln Park, one of the city’s oldest parks, to photograph birds that she normally only finds at the 18,000-acre Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in the Channeled Scablands near Cheney.

“So far that I’m aware of, I’ve identified like 42 species of birds that I’ve seen there, and probably at least five of those are ones I’ve never seen before or a few of them I’ve never seen anywhere else,” she says of the 51-acre park.

Evans regularly spots calliope hummingbirds, lazuli buntings and a variety of sparrows at Lincoln Park, in addition to great blue herons standing by the pond and merlin falcons darting through the trees.

It’s a quiet spot in an otherwise typical city neighborhood. So typical, in fact, that city officials are again considering it as a site for a dog park, an amenity that — unlike many other cities — Spokane struggles to provide.

Searching for a new dog park location on the South Hill seems like a simple enough task. The original unofficial dog park on the South Hill was displaced due to its location at the construction site of the future Carla Peperzak Middle School on East 63rd Avenue. The only other dog park south of the Spokane River is the SpokAnimal Dog Park at Highbridge Park.

But when Lincoln Park in east Spokane was brought into consideration for a 7.5-acre dog park, Evans and other nearby residents rallied to protect it. One of Evans’ concerns with the addition of a dog park to the field at the south end of Lincoln Park was that the development would increase noise levels within the park, scaring off wildlife and possibly bringing in seeds from invasive plant species.

With neighborhood opposition, the Spokane Park Board dropped the plan in October and resumed hunting for another location. But in January, Lincoln Park was brought back to the table.

The new plan for a dog park was coupled with a plot of land adjacent to the park that would be acquired and categorized as natural land, allowing the Spokane Parks Department to preserve it as a nature and wildlife sanctuary.

Residents of the surrounding Rockwood, Lincoln Heights and East Central neighborhoods were still opposed to the proposition.

“The problem with that was the lands were not equal,” says Kara Odegard, a member of the neighborhood group Spokane Urban Nature. “It was, ‘Hey, we’re going to destroy this completely untouched native ecosystem, but we also are going to give you this previously disturbed area and then promise not to develop it.’ It wasn’t the same.”

Spokane Urban Nature formed with the primary goal of providing permanent protection for Lincoln Park and some other vital green spaces in Spokane, as they realized that there isn’t a clear process for providing long-term protection to these areas.

According to Garrett Jones, director of Spokane Parks and Recreation, the group would need to work with the city park board to reassess its planning processes and determine how it could provide additional protection to locations that the community is advocating for.

No here.jokes

We're giving away over $70,000 in cash and prizes this April.

“The south end of Lincoln Park is a rare piece of undisturbed land on the South Hill,” says Karen Mobley, a former city arts official and member of Spokane Urban Nature. “It’s home to all sorts of unique creatures: ground nesting birds, water birds, unusual and unique lichens, wildflowers, there’s also a lot of coyotes there.”

Lincoln Park serves as an important reminder of what Spokane’s native plant species and ecosystems look like.

“It’s a small layer of soil over a basalt rock outcropping where you get all these beautiful wildflowers that pop up in the spring, and you would think that this is an uninhabitable piece of soil, but there’s so much life that’s happening within this,” says Odegard. “Personally, I feel that this basalt outcropping and the wildflowers that we call the shrubsteppe landscape is as much of a defining piece of our identity as the Spokane River.”

Shrubsteppe is an arid ecosystem found in Eastern Washington composed of sagebrush, lichens and, depending on the area’s precipitation levels, flowering plants.

While the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has marked Lincoln Park as a presumptive shrubsteppe location with the use of their Priority Habitat and Species satellite mapping system, habitat biologist Kile Westerman says the system isn’t always accurate. Still, it provides Fish and Wildlife with important information when looking at potential sites for development.

He also states that about 80 percent of the historic shrubsteppe habitats in the state have been lost or degraded from development projects, resulting in shrubsteppe being added to their Fish and Wildlife of priority habitats.

While Spokane Urban Nature wants to conserve Lincoln Park and its unique ecosystem, they recognize the need for a new dog park and plan to help the park board find a suitable location.

“Somebody said to me recently, you must not like dogs, and I was like, actually, this isn’t about liking dogs,” says Mobley. “It’s about making sure that we take good care of these unique and special places that remain in our communities.” n

summers@inlander.com

A great blue heron (facing page) and a warbling vireo at Lincoln Park. SHEILA EVANS PHOTOS

877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

‘Lawless’

Camp Hope officials say they repeatedly asked police for help removing dangerous residents — that help rarely came

BY DANIEL WALTERS

The legal strategy the City of Spokane used to successfully get Camp Hope declared a nuisance was simple: Portray the East Central homeless encampment as a den of drug use and crime. Argue that attempts by the Washington State Department of Transportation, which owns the land the camp is on, to impose order by having residents wear badges and increasing security had failed.

“Despite the fence, badge and curfew,” the city said in its legal filing, “the camp was still lawless.”

But affidavits from WSDOT and testimony from Camp Hope security members argued that things had genuinely improved and that the remaining disorder wasn’t just because of the struggles that come with a homeless encampment. They also allege that police frequently refused to remove violent or threatening campers — despite repeated requests and multiple officers being stationed just outside the camp.

“If it turned into Lord of the Flies, it was pushed that way,” says Jeffry Finer, an attorney for Jewels Helping Hands, which helped manage the camp. “The city has strangled the resources that it can, including police protection.”

SHUT WINDOWS

Arguably, it was the lack of police response that allowed Camp Hope to grow to begin with. When Camp Hope first relocated from City Hall to the empty field on state-owned land in the East Central neighborhood, Rob Beamer, property manager for WSDOT, reached out to

YET ANOTHER LAWSUIT BRINGS CAMP HOPE ONE STEP CLOSER TO A PERMANENT END

After 15 months, three lawsuits and countless hours of debate, what was once the largest homeless encampment in Washington state appears to be winding down.

Last week, a Superior Court judge granted the City of Spokane’s request to declare Camp Hope — which sits on land owned by the state of Washington — a nuisance. The judge didn’t grant the city permission to go in and clear the camp, but did order the state to work with the city and come back to court on April 19 with a plan to close the camp.

Both the city and the state say they’re pleased with the ruling, and that working together is what they’ve wanted this whole time.

Lisa Brown, who stepped down as the director of the Department of Commerce earlier this year to run for Spokane mayor, says the state’s position has always been that the camp needs to close — not by sweeping it, but by funding housing and shelter options like the Trent Resource and Assistance Center.

“That’s part of the irony of the city versus the state thing,” Brown says. “I think the administration filed the lawsuit after the Commerce dollars were firmly in their grasp.”

The latest lawsuit comes as the camp has just 65 residents — down from an estimated 600 last summer. The state has been working to move people out of the camp, but the city argues that the camp is a safety threat that needs a firm timeline for closure.

The Spokane Police Department has already drafted a plan to close the camp in a one- to two-week window. It would start with a notice directing campers to shelter options in Spokane. A team from the police Behavior Health Unit, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Fire Department would then secure the perimeter and offer transport to shelters.

If the camp is vacant or down to less than 20 people after a week, law enforcement would move in to search each tent and begin “dismantling efforts.”

the Spokane Police Department’s neighborhood resource office to try to get the camp removed. Instead, Beamer says, the office was told to “sit this one out.”

Police have pointed to messy jurisdictional questions and the Martin v. Boise legal precedent, which requires adequate shelter space before enforcing broad anti-camping ordinances, as the reason for the initial hesitancy.

When the Legislature passed a budget in March 2022 and the state was explicitly tasked with finding housing for homeless people living along the state highway properties, WSDOT said it couldn’t simply oust the entire camp if there wasn’t somewhere for people to go.

Starting in March 2022, the police department began stationing two police officers just outside the camp.

But Chris Senn, who has been working security at Camp Hope for Jewels Helping Hands for around a year, says he’s only seen police step foot on the property twice. Once was when he was assaulted. The second was when a Camp Hope resident took down a police drone over the camp, midair.

By contrast, last summer Senn says he watched a woman beat her boyfriend with a two-by-four in the street, right in front of a police vehicle.

“The cop came down the street, and I was like, ‘Great, they’re gonna stop this,’” Senn says. Instead, the officer “got on his loudspeaker and told them to take it out of the road onto the side so he could get by.”

In a statement, Nick Briggs, a police department spokesperson, stresses that there’s no blanket policy against officers entering Camp Hope, and he cites

The city said in court filings that Spokane has sufficient shelter space for everyone at the camp — a claim the state disputes. Service providers say the remaining campers have especially intensive needs that can’t be met by the current shelter network.

As part of their legal filing on Monday, the city gathered declarations from dozens of neighbors and local businesses who described significant crime from the camp harming the surrounding neighborhood.

In response, the state argued that the city’s characterization was “stale,” and that security measures and a shrinking population had significantly improved the quality of life issues associated with the camp.

One of the city’s affidavits was signed by Timothy Morgan, a former security guard at Camp Hope, who described Camp Hope as ridden with crime, drugs and even sex trafficking.

But after the city filed Morgan’s declaration on Monday, he wrote a new one for the state, saying the city’s declaration, written last fall and signed in December, is no longer an accurate reflection of conditions at the camp, and that the city filed it without his knowledge of approval. Morgan also told the Inlander that he felt pressured into signing in the first place.

Randy McGlenn, the former chair of the East Central neighborhood who recently announced a run for City Council, says car break-ins and other property crime near the camp continue to be an issue, but that overall, things don’t seem as bad as they were in the summer and fall.

McGlenn says he’s glad to see the city and state finally moving toward some sort of resolution — he just wishes it’d happened sooner.

Two police officers who had been stationed outside of Camp Hope were redeployed to outside the Trent shelter. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

several instances — a drive-by shooting, a death investigation, a propane tank explosion — in which police entered the camp. Police resources, he says, are limited.

But on multiple occasions, Senn says, he’d approach a nearby officer in their vehicle to ask for help and “would be met with them rolling up their window.”

As a former military police officer himself, Senn says he doesn’t blame the individual cops for their lack of responses.

“I get it. They’ve got bosses. It was the same thing when I was in the Army,” Senn says.“Some of these officers want to help, you can tell by their demeanor. They’re directed not to.”

BEGGING FOR HELP

When Jewels Helping Hands co-founder Julie Garcia was involved with running the Cannon Street shelter, police would regularly be called to help boot out disruptive patrons or to prevent campers who had been “trespassed” from re-entering. But she says Camp Hope was treated differently.

“We have literally begged them to please come help us remove these folks,” Garcia says. But in some cases, she says, it took months to make that happen, if at all.

Theoretically, the fencing and badging strategy was supposed to make things easier. On Oct. 5, the city and state signed a deal. The state would give the city permission to respond to criminal behavior on the property, while the city would help enforce requests to boot troublemakers from the property. It didn’t happen.

“I think it is entirely illegal to assist in enforcing arbitrary rules or norms set by the camp,” police Lt. David Staben wrote that month in an email to a Transportation Department official.

Jerry Cantrell Friday, March 31

8 PM

In his own email that month, Assistant Chief Justin Lundgren stressed that “we will not be enforcing trespassing complaints at the DOT camp site until further notice.”

When City Council members raised concerns at a Public Safety Committee meeting in November, the police responded by pointing out the messy legal precedents around who has the right to kick someone out of a homeless camp and how it’s done.

“When you trespass someone, there’s an obligation on the part of the government to give them due process so that they can appeal that,” said Police Chief Craig Meidl.

Interim City Attorney Lynden Smithson suggested the city wanted to remain cautious.

“We don’t want to go in with a heavy use of force or something and then be sued because we’re clearing state property,” said Smithson.

In other words, the city was arguing on two fronts: first, that the camp was so troubled it justified shutting it down entirely as a nuisance, and second, that ejecting individual troublemakers could violate campers’ rights.

“The biggest issue is it is public property that is tacitly open to the public,” says police spokesman Briggs. “Even though there’s some fencing and some restrictions, it is still a public venue.”

But with the perception that the camp was a no-go zone for police officers, Senn says it became a more attractive place for criminals to try to hide. Pretty quickly, he says, campers would identify the outsiders, and the security team would escort them out. But without a police presence, all the security team could do was ask nicely — or loudly — for the criminals to leave.

“It lingers in the back of my head: What if something drastic happens, and I need them?” Senn says of the police. “Are they going to roll their window up on me?” n

“We don’t want to go in with a heavy use of force or something and then be sued because we’re clearing state property.”

Vocalist, lead guitarist and main songwriter of the iconic Alice In Chains, Jerry Cantrell rocks the stage with AIC hits and solo singles.

Drafting Resiliency

Washington cities could soon be required to plan for climate change as they manage growth

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL

For more than 30 years, Washington communities have been required to formally plan for the future, with the state’s Growth Management Act directing local governments to limit sprawl and focus population growth within existing urban areas.

The act requires large cities and counties to update their plans every 10 years to guide decisions about new housing, transportation, public services like fire stations and water/sewer service, and more.

Now, environmental groups are pushing the state to require those plans to take climate change into account. House Bill 1181, which passed the House 57-41 and is now making its way through the state Senate, would add greenhouse gas reduction and climate resiliency elements to comprehensive plans.

Other state rules already require communities to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slash vehicle miles traveled in half by 2050. But it will also be key to plan for increasing drought, flooding and wildfires, and to prioritize investments in areas historically overburdened by pollution and health disparities, according to the 20-plus nonprofits in the Environmental Priorities Coalition, which is promoting the bill.

“There was always an understanding that redirecting growth into our existing cities and towns, and investing in infrastructure, rather than building new suburban development further and further out, had better climate impacts,” says Alex Brennan, executive director of Futurewise, a nonprofit formed by those who originally pushed the Growth Management Act in 1990. “But in the subsequent decades, we’ve learned a lot more about the urgency and scale of the climate change problem that our world faces.”

The legislation could require coastal communities to plan for sea level rise, while others could focus on preserving drinking water and limiting development in the wildland urban interface where homes are more at risk during fire season.

Not everyone is a fan of the proposal, with the Building Industry Association of Washington opposing the bill because of concerns it could further increase permitting costs (which already increased with energy and building code changes in recent years) and delay housing projects.

“We’re trying to make housing more affordable and accessible, especially for first time homebuyers,” association lobbyist Bill Stauffacher told lawmakers last week. “We ask you to set this one aside.”

Still, some larger communities are already planning for climate impacts, and the structure of the bill that’s been developed over the last three years would make it easier for

communities of all sizes to meet compliance, with more collaboration with state agencies up front.

At the direction of the Legislature, the state Department of Commerce has already been working on a menu of options that would comply with the requirement, with model language that could be copied into plans. If a community includes enough items from Commerce’s list, its plan will meet state standards and be shielded from appeals. Communities can also come up with their own strategies, but those need to get approval from Commerce to ensure they’ll effectively reduce emissions and protect natural resources.

One of the best ways to address climate impacts is to build housing close to grocery stores, shops and places to work, enabling people to walk, bike or take transit, Brennan says.

“Transportation is our largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington state. A big part of that is because people live in communities where you need to drive to do any of your daily essential needs,” Brennan says. “We’re hoping this is a step toward designing communities where people will still drive for things, but for many needs you’ll be able to get there with a short walk to the corner store or a bus somewhere nearby.”

Some of the other changes that people could see in their communities might include things like renewable energy retrofits for existing buildings, a focus on building up urban tree canopy, and development of community centers that can provide shelter in times of extreme heat or other natural disasters. Other upgrades may not seem obviously connected to climate change and resiliency, as they’ll provide other community benefits, says Dave Andersen, managing director at Commerce.

That could look like new parks that actually provide stormwater infiltration, or sidewalk and street design changes that are geared toward pedestrian safety but also reduce time spent in vehicles.

“I think a lot of the things you’re going to see that have some real demonstrated ability to influence the per capita greenhouse gas reductions are also going to be generating a whole bunch of other benefits,” Andersen says. n samanthaw@inlander.com

Build in, not out, says the Growth Management Act.

Unsafe Streets

Spokane settles a lawsuit over its dangerous roads. Plus, the candidates in city races so far, and the roadwork on North Monroe continues

In 2018, 22-year-old Benjamin Gedeon was walking back to work after grabbing lunch at a nearby Panera Bread. As he crossed Division Street at Rhoades Avenue, a southbound car struck him and threw his body 51 feet. Gedeon suffered a traumatic brain injury, and doctors had to remove part of his skull. He still has trouble with daily activities today. On Monday evening, the Spokane City Council approved a $3.1 million settlement with Gedeon, who filed a lawsuit alleging the city’s failure to design a safe pedestrian crossing at Division and Rhoades was a primary cause of his life-altering injuries. Gedeon’s lawyer identified four other people who had been struck by cars at the intersection in the six years before Gedeon’s accident, and alleged that the city knew the intersection was unsafe. (NATE SANFORD)

HORSE RACE

As we reported online earlier this month, Spokane City Council member Betsy Wilkerson is running for council president, facing off against Kim Plese, former owner of Plese Printing and Marketing. But who else is running for Spokane City Council this year? With current members Lori Kinnear and Karen Stratton reaching term limits, conservative Michael Cathcart is the only other incumbent council member in the race, running in Northeast Spokane’s District 1. He’ll be facing off against one-time Pullman City Council member Derrick Skaug. Northwest Spokane’s District 3 got a little easier for liberals, thanks to new boundaries the City Council chose after tossing the independent redistricting committee’s recommendation. That’ll help Spokane Pride President and CEO Esteban Herevia in a race against libertarian and former East Valley Neighborhood Council President Randy McGlenn II and perennial candidate Christopher Savage. In Spokane’s District 2 liberal stronghold, Planned Parenthood spokesman Paul Dillon might have an advantage, but he’s not the only progressive in the race. He’s facing off against small business owner Cyndi Donahue, who touts her experience with the Ignite Northwest startup accelerator as a way to provide a nonpartisan perspective. From the conservative side, that leaves former Spokane Public Schools elementary teacher Katey Trealor, a former school board candidate, to try to take both of them down. (DANIEL WALTERS)

CONSTRUCTION DEJA VU

Monroe Street will soon be closed from the north side of the Monroe Street Bridge to Boone Avenue. Again. While a city announcement about the project last week noted that the work set to begin April 10 would address “failed pavement” from last year’s overhaul of several blocks, city Public Works spokesperson Kirstin Davis says the new closure on the primary commuter route of Monroe is actually happening so crews can add the permanent lane markers that weren’t installed last year. “When the paving was able to be completed late in the construction season in the fall, weather conditions prevented us from applying permanent striping,” Davis says. “The striping that is currently on the street is temporary to get us through winter and will not last.”

The good news? The last addition to the $1.6 million repaving project, which also included the replacement of non-ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps on the sidewalk along that route, is expected to take just days this spring, instead of months, as the bulk of the work did last year. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

Get the latest on Inlander.com

April Spa Special

50% OFF ANY FACIAL ADD-ON

Beautiful skin starts at Spa Ssakwa’q’n With over 10 different facials, our skilled estheticians will leave you with glowing, healthy skin. Enhance your experience with 50% off one facial add-on.

Lack of a safe crosswalk cost the city $3.1 million. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

BYMADISON PEARSON

What is a book?

To most people, the answer is straightforward: a collection of writing, bound between two covers, perhaps.

Beginning with clay tablets and then moving to papyrus scrolls, the book’s form has constantly been modified to adapt to an ever-changing reader demographic.

But to a niche subset of artists, the book is loaded with infinite complexities.

Hollow out the pages of a hefty book to store your prized possessions in, and you’ve made a piece of art called a faux book. Fold a piece of paper into a mini magazine, and you’ve created a zine, one of the most common forms of book art.

These artists challenge a book’s purpose by deconstructing, reimagining and redefining what exactly a book can be.

Book art communities have long been thriving in big cities like New York and San Francisco, both boasting their own museums specifically for book art and adjacent works. Seattle is home to multiple book art groups, maker circles, book art collections and book art societies. Portland is no different.

Book art has yet to have a big moment under the Inland Northwest’s often-present sun. Some artists are convinced that time is drawing nearer, however, as book art bubbles toward the top of the local arts scene of late.

But just like a book’s myriad possible contents, pinpointing exactly what book art is can be difficult, and widely varies from artist to artist. Here, you’ll meet three book art fanatics in the greater Spokane art community who hold a deep love for the art form and aim to spread the good word of book art to as many people as possible.

Mel Antuna Hewitt

Full-time Spokane bookbinder and book artist

Some books get shipped out from Amazon warehouses, collect dust on bookshelves and under beds, or sit at 0 percent complete on an e-reader. Other books are laboriously stitched together by hand, bound and illustrated by one singular artist.

Bookbinder and book artist Mel Antuna Hewitt is self-taught and motivated, and aspires to bring book arts into the spotlight in Spokane with her hand-stitched journals and artists’ books.

Hewitt has two great loves in life: making things and reading.

“My fondest memories are from when we would visit my tante [aunt] in Germany,” says Hewitt, also known in arts circles as Mel the Maker.

“She always had this book of arts and crafts for kids, ‘basteln’ in German, and I just loved it,” she continues. “One year we made a lantern out of paper with a candle in it. That always stuck with me because it was something that I made that was beautiful and also useful. That was the first piece of the puzzle.”

The second piece appeared to Hewitt during college, where she was studying theater.

“My roommate, who was in graduate school, started taking a bookbinding class,” she says. “And I was like ‘What? You can take classes for that kind of stuff?’ But I was deterred because she told me that the classes usually fill up fairly quickly. Looking back, that was really stupid of me to not even try.”

After college, Hewitt got married and had two children. After the birth of her second child in 2015, one of the happiest moments in her life quickly turned into months of postpartum depression and anxiety. In order to deal with the overwhelming feelings she was experiencing, Hewitt turned to her love for the power of words.

“At the time I was on a really big journaling kick,” Hewitt says. “It was one of the best ways for me to process everything that was going on in my head. So, I thought that I could start by making my own journal and filling it with my thoughts.”

Hewitt sought out every bit of information she could find about bookbinding. She scoured YouTube, read every book she could get her hands on, and came out of the experience with newfound knowledge and a handmade Coptic stitch (a flexible chain stitch used for bookbinding that was originally developed in the second century) journal with exposed binding.

...continued on next page

Mel Antuna Hewitt (top right) teaches bookbinding classes and often utilizes studio space at the Spokane Print and Publishing Center.

Hewitt’s artists’ books (from top): Honey, Be Healed and Grown Up’s First Alphabet

YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

From there, Hewitt’s obsession with the craft snowballed. She began making more journals, as well as leather-bound books for family members, and started to see her love of books as a form of artistic expression.

Hewitt’s artists’ books often stay true to the traditional book form.

“One of my very basic definitions of a book is that it must hold knowledge,” she says. “Book arts is a huge umbrella term that encapsulates fine binding, conservation, repair and sculptural book objects. It covers all of those areas.”

One of Hewitt’s first artists’ books is titled Be Healed The small rectangular book is skewered by an orange prescription pill bottle. Once the bottle is removed from a circular hole, the book can be thumbed through, read, and the bottle can be also opened.

During a February event for Spark Central’s Creative Circle series, Hewitt describes this artists’ book as another way that she dealt with her postpartum depression.

“In the Bible,” she explained at the lecture, “there is a woman who is cured of a long-lasting ailment because she touched the cloak of Jesus. When in the thick of my suffering, I wished that I could touch that cloak and be healed from everything I was feeling.”

Inside the prescription pill bottle Hewitt placed a piece of white cloth that reads “be healed,” a nod to the mental health journey she went on after the birth of her daughter and a tangible object serving as a reminder of her healing process.

Hewitt’s other artists’ books deal with moments of personal and global significance. Many of these were created during the 2020 pandemic lockdown and the tumultuous political atmosphere during that period.

Honey was created in response to an @AreYouBookEnough Instagram prompt based on the word “hexagon.” When Hewitt began formulating the idea for her hexagonal piece, bees came to the front of her mind.

“I came across the thought that within their hexagons, bees store honey which is their livelihood and all they need for sustenance,” she writes in an Instagram post.

The resulting creation is a fully formed hexagon constructed out of paper and thread. The pages inside of the hexagon create an intricate pattern. These pages cannot be flipped through like a traditional book but have words written on them in yellow ink. Peer in closely and the three-dimensional pages reveal Hewitt’s “honey,” the things she needs for sustenance.

“Spouse,” reads one of the pages. “Love,” reads another.

Is Honey a book?

By some definitions, yes. It contains pages, text and some semblance of binding. Technically, Honey conveys information about Hewitt’s life, but the form of Honey is so nontraditional that no reader would ever pick it up for a casual flip-through.

But that’s what makes Hewitt’s book art creations so special: the blurring of the lines between the worlds of fine art and literature.

“For a long, long time there were very few people who were still practicing making books by hand,” Hewitt says. “If we want to be able to keep this art form, then we need to make sure that people can experience this unique joy of having handmade books available to them.”

Hewitt is doing everything in her power to bring that joy to Spokane.

In early 2022, Hewitt and local hobbyist bookbinder Beth McIlraith created the Inland Northwest Book Arts Society in hopes of drumming up support and chatter about the local book arts community. So far, the group has five regular participants.

“There’s a huge part of me that wants Spokane to understand, appreciate and acknowledge books as art,” Hewitt says. “There are plenty of groups over on the west side like the Puget Sound Book Artists and such, so if we

want to commune with other book artists, we would have to drive four and a half hours just to do that. My dream is to have that same accessibility over here.”

While Hewitt says her own life is in flux right now, and that she doesn’t know where she’ll be in five years — let alone the state of book arts in Spokane — she hopes the region expands opportunities to explore book arts.

“My hope is that we have an accessible collection here,” she says. “I would love to see more book arts classes being taught in the universities. Book art is so important to the art world, but also just to life in general because it teaches us that things don’t always just have to be one certain way. Books can be a lot of different things if you open your mind.”

Amanda Clark

Dean of the Library & Special Programs at Whitworth University, book art enthusiast

There’s love for what you do, and there’s doing what you love. Amanda Clark is doing what she loves.

A self-proclaimed book art enthusiast and book art scholar, Clark serves as dean of the Library and Special Programs at Whitworth University, overseeing the school’s collection of rare books, including a small collection of artists’ books.

“When I was getting into this field about a decade ago, it was just starting to get popular,” Clark says. “And nowadays, you go to Terrain and there’s a piece of book art on the wall. It’s everywhere.”

Thanks to Clark, Whitworth’s Cheney Cowles Library houses a mishmash of book art.

An excavated book sits in a glass case near the circulation desk. Its cover and pages have been sliced with an Exacto knife, allowing only certain illustrations and

“BEYOND THE PAGE,” CONTINUED...

Whitworth University library dean Amanda Clark safeguards many rare and unusual artists’ books. ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS

BOOK ARTS VOCAB LIST

Altered Book

An art object that has been created from an existing, printed book.

Artists’ Book

Not an “artist’s book,” not an “art book.” An artists’ book is a work of art that utilizes the form of the book and is made by an artist.

Book Arts

Art taking the form of or made from a book.

Democratic Multiples

Typically inexpensive artists’ books sold cheaply or even given away to as many people as possible.

Editions

When an artist works in editions, they create multiple of the same, or similar, books for purchase or display.

Endbands

A part of a book, most often found with hardcover bindings, that consists of a small cord or strip of material affixed near the spine to provide structural reinforcement and sometimes a decorative effect.

Endpaper

A blank or decorated leaf of paper at the beginning or end of a book, usually fixed to the inside of the cover.

One-of-a-Kinds

When an artist works in one-ofa-kinds, they create only one of each book. These books are usually not similar to other books the artist has made.

Text Block

All of the leaves in a book on which the text is written or printed.

Zine

A small-circulation, self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images, usually reproduced using a copy machine.

words to come to the forefront. A student-made altered book piece hangs on the wall near employee offices. Pages of various books have been shaped into miniature playground equipment, the tiny words barely legible. Students pass by, and some spare an extra glance, but most stroll past on their way to a study session or class.

Clark graduated in 2013 from the University of Alabama with a Ph.D. in library science, a degree equipping future librarians with the knowledge of how to organize and manage books, as well as other information through collecting and preservation. She added some flair to her studies by combining her affinities for books and art.

“I didn’t want to hate what I studied by the end of my program,” she says. “Alabama has a great book arts program, so I decided to incorporate that into my studies. Many people in the field are obsessed with democratic multiples [artists’ books produced in large quantities], so I decided to take the alternate route and study one-of-akind artists’ books.”

Clark says scholars typically avoid studying these unique artists’ books because it’s troublesome, expensive and hard to acquire solid information without reaching out to the artists directly. During her postgraduate research on the subject, Clark found herself back in the Pacific Northwest asking artists to allow her to see and photograph such works.

After completing her 400-page thesis on one-of-a-kind artists’ books, she’d acquired dozens of new connections to book artists in the Inland Northwest.

One point of contention within the book arts community is what exactly constitutes a work of book art. Some artists are pickier than others, claiming the piece must have

an illustration. A pull-down tab on each page reveals a Donald Trump quote that slides down to cover the main illustration.

“Trump hammers on women, minorities too. Only rich white men’s causes does he give due,” reads one page. The pull tab then reveals the quote, in red ink: “There has to be some form of punishment,” as well as the context of the quote, “Trump on women seeking abortion, 2016.”

Clark stresses the importance of keeping artists’ books like Spring’s accessible to the public.

“Over time, artists’ books become more and more like historical documents,” says Clark. “They pinpoint specific moments in our history and must be preserved just like any other historical document.”

Timothy Ely

Colfax-based bookbinder

Upon entering Timothy Ely’s home studio, it’s apparent that you’ve been transported to an alternate universe: a space full of geometric shapes, archaic machines, unfamiliar objects and, of course, a world where books reign supreme.

There’s no need for interstellar travel — the entirety of this sci-fi setting sits just a couple of stories above downtown Colfax.

Like his studio, Ely creates drawings that can only be described as otherworldly. Pages are strewn about, littering various countertops and drawing desks. The paper itself is carefully crowded with vaguely space-like objects, diagrams and glyphs that Ely calls “cribriform.”

Upon first look, the drawings make no sense. But, that’s exactly what Ely hopes for.

“I’ve always been really interested in how libraries catalog things,” he says. “I don’t want my books to be easily categorized. So, a lot of my stuff depicts maps, diagrams, things that deliver information, but then I want to squirrel it around and make it something that’s abstract.”

One of Ely’s books, Obelisk Stare, reflects this notion to a T.

The cover is textured, rough to the touch and looks like rusted metal that’s been out in the elements for years. Open it up, and be greeted by stark white paper with gray and red geometric forms sketched with precision across the page. Though these patterns look as if they could resemble something that exists in our plane of existence, the longer you look, the more jumbled the shapes become. Look even longer, and you might be able to decipher the story they tell.

definitions of what book art is. Like my necklace, it’s a little microfilm of a magazine. It doesn’t have words, but it communicates something. So, I think it’s definitely a piece of book art.”

She believes anything that conveys a feeling or communicates information can be considered book art.

The Whitworth library’s special collections include artists’ books from prolific local creators like Hewitt and Colfax-based Timothy Ely alongside work from Tacoma artist Jessica Spring.

Ely’s fascination with abstract art started, unsurprisingly, with a book, an atlas he was gifted for graduation.

“I went to a local public library on the west side and noticed that they had all of these atlases, but in different languages,” Ely says. “I was viewing a landscape from above, but I couldn’t read it. I was intrigued by that. It gave me the scale that I work in now.”

October 22, 1975. That is the exact date that Timothy Ely first decided to use books as a means of artistic expression.

“Oh, also that was around 4:15 pm,” he says with complete seriousness.

Spring’s book Trump and Judy is a play on the English puppet duo Punch and Judy. It features four sets of pages each containing rhyming couplets accompanied by ...continued on next page

In the 1970s, there was little information out there about how to craft a book of your own. Let alone in the tiny town of Snohomish, where Ely hails from.

“The only bookbinder I found at that time lived in Seattle, and he was really cranky,” Ely says. “He was just not willing to help me at all because he figured I would become a binder and try to compete with him. But that’s not what I was about. I couldn’t even tell him what I was about because I had no clue yet.”

During this research period, Ely saw his first artists’ books in the University of Washington special collections library — handmade, manuscript books, and plenty of them.

“They were just beautiful,” he says. “It was transformative.”

Ely went from one bookbinder to another, seeking out information on how to bind his own books. One finally gave him a chunk of bookbinding leather and sent him on his way, not knowing that would be the catalyst for Ely’s entire career.

Ely is what the book arts community calls a “one-of-a-kind” artist, meaning he makes only one copy of each of his artists’ books. However, his process is even more intriguing due to the fact that he not only creates the art, but also binds and presses books himself, a lengthy process that not many do without help from outsourced companies or experts.

It’s been almost 50 years since Ely began making his artist books but, much like tomes throughout history, his have also morphed in form over the years.

LOCAL BOOK ART EVENTS

The following events are hosted at the Spokane Print & Publishing Center at 1921 N. Ash St. To register, visit spokaneprint.org

 Book Arts: Secret Belgian Binding with Mel Antuna Hewitt, April 20

 Paper Marbling with Mel Antuna Hewitt, May 18

 Typesetting with Thom Caraway, May 20

 Japanese Stab Stitch Binding with Bethany Taylor, May 27

 Lego Printed Zine with Mel Antuna Hewitt, June 22

“At first, it was like falling into a wealth of knowledge,” he says. “Nothing has been subtracted from my process, just a lot of things have been added. New tools, lots of new processes, new people, new ideas. Lots of reading material. Books feed books.”

Ely uses his art to capture the unknown, the unthinkable. Just like his art, he has a hard time defining his role in the greater book art space. He’s not fond of the title “book artist” or even “artist.” Even so, Ely believes everyone involved in the book-making process is something of a book artist, from the calligrapher to the binder, the paper-maker, and even the writer.

“Book arts is a very accessible thing in my eyes,” Ely says. “You know, you can buy the ingredients to make cookies, and you’re a baker. You can also get a needle, some thread and leather, and make something. Then you’re a book artist.”

Even in Colfax, a rural town of just 3,000 people, there might be others who also consider themselves book artists. But there is only one Timothy Ely.

“Art is something that happens between a person and an object,” he says. “So if someone views a book as art, then it is.”

Books are bought and borrowed. People take them home, read them in bed, on a park bench. As long as there aren’t any world-scale apocalyptic events or Fahrenheit 451 situations, books will continue to exist and readers will continue to consume them.

On the other hand, artists’ books like Ely’s don’t get around much. People don’t view artists’ books in the bathtub or bring them to the waiting room of a doctor’s office. But artists’ books are loved, preserved and cared for, usually more so than ordinary books.

So what exactly is a book? Is a book a piece of art?

There are infinite answers to those questions. You, dear reader, must decide for yourself. n

“BEYOND THE PAGE,” CONTINUED...

Timothy Ely’s (above) books, like Obelisk Stare (below), depict otherworldly forms. COURTESY PHOTOS

SUNDAY, MAY 7TH

JR BLOOMSDAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Entry Fee: Only $20!

SUNDAY, April 16

Spokane Falls Community College

Entry includes an incredible assortment of prizes!

Please note: Your child MUST FINISH Jr. Bloomsday to earn the coveted prize pack!

REGISTER NOW!

REGISTER NOW! $35 BLOOMSDAYRUN.ORG ENTRY FEE

VIRTUAL OPTION ALSO AVAILABLE

VIRTUAL BLOOMSDAY RACE REGISTRATION DATES

January 1 - March 31, 2023 • $28+ shipping*

(includes personalized race bib with on-time delivery)

April 1 - May 7, 2023 • $35 + shipping*

(includes personalized race bib until April 15, but delivery will be after virtual race dates)

*Shipping & handling fee: $9.99 U.S. addresses, $19.99 International addresses

Since humans started figuring out how to make marks on semi-permanent surfaces and, eventually, how to duplicate those ideas with new processes and tools, printing has evolved into a diverse and universal means of communication. Printing lets us learn, entertain, connect and even demand change.

However, now that modern technology makes it all as easy as clicking a button, many early printing techniques — block printing, monotyping, lithography, letterpress, etching and more — have fallen out of mainstream favor. These processes are often relegated to university art curricula, niche commercial studios and a small subset of working artists.

There’s still value in doing things the old, slow way, though, and that’s what artists behind the monthlong Spokane Print Fest hope to impress upon people.

The fifth annual event kicks off April 1 with an af-

ARTS THE POWER OF PRINT

Spokane Print Fest returns for its fifth run, introducing an array of printmaking processes and artists to the community

BY CHEY SCOTT

ternoon print fair at Spokane Public Library’s The Hive, where anyone can see printmaking methods up close and in person during live demonstrations. Attendees can buy art directly from makers. Print Fest also includes three art shows — at the Liberty Art Gallery, Terrain Gallery and the Gonzaga University Urban Art Center — plus handson craft workshops with local printmakers.

Print Fest founder Reinaldo Gil Zambrano, who teaches printmaking and drawing at Gonzaga University, says printing democratizes art and makes art ownership more accessible.

“First of all, it’s democratic multiples,” Zambrano says. “The opportunity that you have for creating and reproducing that multiple times makes the work more available for more people at a lower cost.”

“The other component is community involvement,” he continues. “Many of us spend a lot of time carving or

making matrices [an original used to duplicate an image] by ourselves, but the printing process is communal. It’s always a sensory collaboration with other people.”

Perched on a stool in the middle of Spokane Print & Publishing Center, one of Print Fest’s activity hubs, Zambrano’s surrounded by the many tools and equipment used to create printed art. Along the room’s outer walls, wooden cabinets of shallow drawers are stacked with old metal typefaces. Cans of creamy ink and reams of paper fill shelves, while huge, tabletop rollers and handoperated, antique letterpresses spread across the shop’s floor. Print center members’ art hangs on every available surface of the wall, and the air has that piquant aroma of wet ink and woody paper.

“We continue doing the same things that people were doing 400 years ago,” Zambrano says of the modern printmaking, “but we bring new technologies into it.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Koichi Yamamoto’s Gani, Mary Farrell’s Random Thoughts and Sean Caufield’s Ascent featured in the Transmutations exhibition

THE BUZZ BIN

WORLD’S NOT FAIR

Is Spokane’s Pavilion actually cooler than the Seattle Space Needle?

BY NATE SANFORD

At its peak, the World’s Fair was a chance for cities to wow visitors with massive, awe-inspiring structures that promised a unique vision of the future. But the world inevitably moves on, and the cities that spent millions on those experimental structures are left with a simple question: What happens next?

In Washington state, two World’s Fair relics attempt to answer that question. After several decades and significant renovations, both stand today as landmarks of their respective cities.

The Seattle Space Needle is the famous one.

The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair with lofty, space-age ambitions. Today, the structure is instantly recognizable. It’s a towering, futuristic saber that pierces the Seattle skyline — a world-famous symbol that ranks with icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and maybe even the Eiffel Tower.

The same can’t really be said for Spokane’s Pavilion.

The Pavilion was built for the 1974 World’s Fair that was focused on the environment and (quite literally) more grounded. The tent-like structure is unique, but it’s certainly not world famous, and I doubt most Americans would instantly recognize its silhouette.

Despite that, I think the Pavilion is actually cooler than the Space Needle.

Ask someone from Seattle about their last trip to the Space Needle. They’ll probably tell you about that time a few years ago when their relatives were visiting from out of town. They couldn’t think of anything else to do. They spent $35 on an elevator ride. The sitdown restaurant at the top was too expensive, so they bought food from the Observation Deck Cafe, which charges $10 for a can of Rainier. They left with a dorky T-shirt and a couple selfies. It was cloudy and the view was alright.

Now ask someone from Spokane about the last time they were at the Pavilion.

Maybe they were last there for Hoopfest, part of a mob of fans cheering as people competed in a slam dunk contest on a temporary basketball court. Maybe they’ll tell you about a concert they saw there over the summer. Maybe they were there last week, lying on the grass with a date watching the rainbow lights dance above them on the first warm night of spring. Maybe they walk by it every morning on their way to work.

Public art and architecture so often strives to be bold and iconic — it’s easy to overlook the public it’s actually there to serve, and the way it interacts with the daily, lived experience of the people who call the city home. When you compare these two World’s Fair icons, ask yourself: Who was this built for? When the visitors leave, how does this serve the people who live here?

You wouldn’t know it from most photographs, but the Space Needle isn’t even really in downtown Seattle. It’s closer to Queen Anne and South Lake Union, a neighborhood with a distinct culture defined by the software made there.

The Pavilion, on the other hand, is in the beating heart of Spokane. And when it’s not being used as an event space, the Pavilion is totally free. Anyone can wander around, sit on the grass or take in the views from the elevated walkway.

And while the Space Needle might tower above the Pavilion, it’s important to remember that the 600-foottall structure has, in practice, just three floors.

Don’t get me wrong: the Space Needle is cool. It’s a weird building that makes Seattle recognizable and looks good on touristy T-shirts. But the Pavilion is a place. It’s for the people who live here. n

SUMMER INDIE SOUNDS

Who knew this week would be indie rock Christmas for Inland Northwest music fans? A few absolute must-see concerts arrived in our proverbial stockings. Of most locationally immediate importance, the Spokane Pavilion revealed an absolutely stacked Sept. 6 show: MODEST MOUSE, PIXIES, and CAT POWER. Literally a fest-worthy slate. If that wasn’t enough, supergroup BOYGENIUS (Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus) announced a show at the Gorge on July 29, with killer support from Carley Rae Jepson and Illuminati Hotties (and one on Aug. 1 at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater outside of Missoula if you prefer driving east). I, for one, appreciate these majestic presents Sonic Summer Santa has bestowed. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

THE LAST LASSO

It’s not often that a TV series invokes the full range of human emotions, and even rarer that it presents a cast of characters so personable that they become friends through the screen. However, for two seasons, TED LASSO has been doing just that, and now it’s back for a third and final time. The Apple TV series follows titular, thickly mustachioed character Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) as he faces myriad challenges while coaching a British pro soccer team as a fish-out-of-water, former American football coach from the Midwest. Through a mixture of humor and sincerity, the first episode of the new season (airing Wednesdays), sets the stage for new tensions and challenges, while delivering all the charm for which the show is beloved. (ELLIE

ROTHSTROM)

THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST

Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on March 31.

BOYGENIUS, THE RECORD. The only supergroup that matters (see above) returns with a full-length LP boasting more gorgeously heartbreaking folk-rock harmonies.

THE HOLD STEADY, THE PRICE OF PROGRESS. The most literate bar band on the planet is back with more rich, hardscrabble and heartbreaking narratives set over energetic distortion.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, CONTINUE AS A GUEST. OK, maybe other supergroups matter too. The Canadian indie rock all-stars reemerge with more uplifting melodies to bring light to the darker days. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

When you compare World’s Fair icons, ask yourself: Who were these built for? YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Swinging for the Fences

After finally ending the playoff drought, what’s next for the Seattle Mariners?

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

The streak finally died.

After decades of incompetence, the Seattle Mariners finally made the playoffs last season, ending the longest postseason drought in American pro sports.

That playoff run saw one of the most thrilling victories in franchise history when the M’s miraculously came back to stun the Toronto Blue Jays. But mere days later, the team suffered one of the worst losses in franchise history, being eliminated when they went an agonizing 18 innings without scoring a run in the first Major League Baseball playoff game in Seattle since 2001. Then again, occasional highs and crushing lows have kind of been the Mariners thing for a while.

So where does that leave the franchise heading into the 2023 season? Was last season the start of the M’s becoming an actual perennial contender or a flukey blip on the usually miserable radar?

There are certainly more reasons to be optimistic about the team’s future than not. And it all starts with Julio Rodriguez. Not only did the 22-year-old center fielder win Rookie of the Year in 2022, he established himself as a superstar, and his infectious personality overtook the often dour Mariners franchise. He’s already being positioned as one of the faces of the game by MLB, and it’s easy to see why. He can hit for average. He can hit for power. His defense is stellar. His throwing arm is stellar. His speed is electric. There’s basically nothing he can’t do on the field, and it wouldn’t be shocking to hear his name in the MVP conversation this season. He’s a franchise-altering talent.

In addition to Rodriguez, catcher Cal Raleigh established himself as a clear building block with star

potential last season. No Mariners fan will ever forget his clutch home run that sent the Mariners to the playoffs, but it was hardly a fluke occurrence. “The Big Dumper” (nicknamed as such for his prodigious posterior) was unquestionably a top five catcher in all of baseball last year, leading all backstops in homers while also expertly handling the pitching staff.

Speaking of that staff, the starting arms should provide the foundation for this team. After coming over midseason in a trade, Luis Castillo pitched like an elite ace. But he wasn’t the only one, both of the rotation’s young arms, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, also pitched like No. 1 starters down the stretch. They form the core of a pitching rotation that can stack up with any other team in the bigs.

As far as new faces, the Mariners’ two big moves were trades for the Blue Jays’ slugging right fielder Teoscar Hernández and Brewers’ second baseman Kolten Wong. Both have had periods where they’ve been very good starters over their careers, and they could provide the Mariners with more consistency than they got from those positions last year.

But there’s also a few spots of concern heading into ’23.

While Castillo, Gilbert and Kirby seem like near guarantees for lights out as long as they’re healthy, the other two spots in the rotation are less sure things. While Robbie Ray just might be one year removed from a Cy Young, the starter was terrible down the stretch and really killed the Mariners in the playoffs. He’s certainly got the skills to bounce back and has been killer in spring

training, but skeptical M’s fans probably want to see it in real games before they rebuild their faith in Ray.

The Mariners also have kept Gonzaga alumni Marco Gonzales as the fifth starter despite him tailing way off in recent years. While it’s great that the franchise has stayed loyal to Gonzales, when you’re trying to win a title it’s hard to keep a subpar guy in the rotation simply because you want to be nice to him and keep up locker room chemistry.

On a similar note, despite another bad year at the plate and his defense falling off, the Mariners decided to stick with J.P. Crawford as shortstop rather than pursuing any of the big-time free agent shortstops available. While those guys may have been too pricey anyway, it’s kinda tough for the Mariners to pass on upgrading their most obviously upgradable spot in the field if they’re truly trying to win the World Series.

That leads to another general frustration among Mariners fans: The team basically didn’t do anything in free agency (aside from adding backup outfielder AJ Pollock). While Hernández and Wong were solid pickups, a lot of talent also left last year’s team, including Mitch Haniger, Adam Frazier, Kyle Lewis, Carlos Santana, and Erik Swanson. While it still might all work out, there’s certainly a growing concern among M’s supporters that the team’s ownership group might be cheapskates not willing to shell out the money to be a true top-line contender.

Perhaps the bellwether of the season will be left fielder Jarred Kelenic. The 23-year-old former top-prospect has yet to find success in the bigs, but he absolutely lit up spring training. If he can pan out and provide another elite young outfielder alongside Rodriguez, then the team’s tight purse strings might not matter.

Hope springs eternal. And for the first spring in forever, the Mariners’ fountain of hope isn’t purely theoretical. n

Seattle Mariners Opening Day vs. Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park • Thu, March 30 at 7:10 pm • Televised on the MLB Network

Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodrigez look to carry Seattle to new baseball heights.

For the Love of Coffee

Cravens Coffee Co. celebrates 30 years in Spokane as co-founder Simon Thompson reflects on the roastery’s journey

BY RENÉE SANDE

You could say the early 1990s were serendipitous for Simon Thompson. Not only did he find the love of his life, he found his life’s calling, too.

This year, Thompson is celebrating the 30th anniversary — on April 1 (no joke!) — of his Spokane-based company Cravens Coffee, which helped push the Inland Northwest toward what’s now a nearly universal focus on high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee.

A decade before Cravens Coffee was founded, Thompson arrived in the U.S. from Norwich, England, with a hotel and restaurant management degree in hand. He eventually made his way to Seattle, Starbucks’ birthplace, where the coffee industry was just starting to percolate its third wave, marking a shift in how coffee is viewed, as an artisanal ingredient more like wine and chocolate.

It was 1991, and a former colleague had offered Thompson a management position at Seattle’s Best Coffee’s roasting facility.

“I told him, ‘I don’t know anything about coffee,’” Thompson recalls. “And he said, ‘We don’t have coffee problems, we have management problems.’”

Thompson quickly realized how much he really did want to know about coffee. And not just because he was being paid to do it.

“When I stumbled into the coffee business, it was

almost instantaneous,” he says. “I loved the sensory part of it and got passionate about it in a hurry.”

A year later, Seattle’s Best was preparing to be bought out. Not interested in working for a large corporation, Thompson and his future-wife and then-girlfriend, Becky, decided they wanted to strike out on their own. Though they met while both were working in the restaurant industry, Becky had experience working as a marketing consultant for Seattle’s Best.

“Here we were, talking about starting a business, and we weren’t even married,” Thompson says, laughing. “We thought, ‘This had better work.’”

As the U.S. coffee industry was ramping up, the pair started looking at cities where they could really gain traction. Atlanta and Minneapolis were initially at the top of the list, but starting a business in those cities would have cost more than they could afford. So they narrowed down their list to Portland, Boise and Spokane. At the time, Portland already had 17 roasters, so it was out. Boise was too small, but Spokane intrigued them.

While more than a dozen locally owned coffee roasters now call the Inland Northwest home, in the early ’90s there were only two others: 4 Seasons Coffee Roasters, founded in 1976 and the oldest continually operating, and Uccello, which is now closed. Among many other attractive traits, Spokane seemed to have all the right

ingredients for success.

“It just made sense. Spokane spoke to us. And it was the best decision we could’ve possibly made,” Thompson says.

It also somehow made sense to open their new business on April Fool’s Day, 1993.

“We knew the failure rate for opening a new business, then we decided to test fate by opening it on April Fool’s Day,” Thompson says with a laugh.

Even though the Thompsons never saw themselves as a direct-to-consumer retailer with their own cafes like other roasters, the couple thought it was the best way to introduce themselves to the Spokane community. They opened Cravens Coffee as an 800-squarefoot cafe and roasting facility downtown at the corner of First Avenue and Cedar Street.

Craven is Thompson’s middle name, passed down in his family.

“We sent it out for a vote, and while nobody knew the connection, they liked the cadence of it,” he recalls.

Being only the third roaster in the greater Spokane area, Cravens quickly made itself known.

“If you weren’t serving 4 Seasons, you were buying coffee from Seattle, so we were able to convert those people over quite quickly,” Thompson says.

Cravens brings beans from around the world to locals’ cups. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

Three years later, the couple decided to close the cafe and roast full time, shifting the company’s focus to wholesale. For consumers, Cravens Coffee is available online, at cravenscoffee. com, and in many grocery stores around the region like Rosauers, where its custom-built fixtures showcase pre-bagged coffee, whole bean bulk bins and even a grinding station to ensure freshness. The roaster’s hub remains in Spokane, though over the years it’s added offices in Montana and Colorado.

As the Thompsons look back on the past three decades of doing what they love, they credit Cravens Coffee’s success to much more than hard work. They also place product excellence, meaningful relationships and paying it forward at the heart of what they do.

“When we started, there were tiers in coffee quality,” Thompson says. “But we thought, our very best coffee is excellent — why would we sell anything else? We’ve been blending these fantastic single-origin coffees for 30 years and working with our same green coffee importer this whole time.”

Cravens sources its coffee beans from farmers across Central and South America, Africa, and Indonesia. On annual trips, Thompson nurtures the company’s relationships with those farmers and coffee-growing cooperatives, allowing him to secure the very best beans possible at the point of origin.

When it comes to roasting that coffee, Craven’s uses triedand-true roasting equipment from the 1940s and 1960s, not relying on technology to do the work.

“Roasting is stewardship, it’s not magic,” Thompson says. “The magic happens on the coffee farms and in the mills where the coffee is processed. This roasting equipment relies on the art, craft, and senses of the person roasting to steer the coffee through the process.”

The Thompsons also decided from the beginning that they wanted to support and be involved with their community on every level.

“Something I’ve enjoyed more than anything over the years is helping others fulfill a dream of starting their own business,” Thompson says. “When the whole cafe, drive-through thing took off, a lot of people came to us and said, ‘I want to open a cafe, I want to open a drive-through…’ They were so passionate, we would say, “Of course, we’ll help you every step of the way.’”

Cravens also continues its longstanding “The Coffee’s on Us” campaign in partnership with KHQ-TV, which lets community members nominate local nonprofits to be surprised by the Cravens’ team with free coffee delivery.

And Thompson’s passion for what he does — roasting greattasting coffee — is still as front and center as day one.

“I’ll walk down the grocery aisle and if someone is at one of our [coffee displays], I can’t wait to thank them for buying our coffee. I am always truly flattered,” he says. “I still love coffee and being at the cupping table. To the roasters that are tasting with me, I’ll say, ‘Doesn’t this remind you of why we do this?’ And they say, ‘Yeah, you say that every time.’” n

*Here’s the legal stuff:

Rate information

APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Bonus checking is subject to a tiered variable rate. 2.00% APY applies to balances $0 to $25,000. .05% APY applies to balances $25,000 and above. APY accurate as of 1/1/2023. Rates may change after account opening. Fees may reduce earnings.

Monthly Qualifiers

In order to earn dividends at the disclosed rate, during each monthly qualification cycle you must: (a) using your Bonus Checking VISA Debit Card 12 or more point of sale transactions in an amount equal or greater than $5.00 that post and settle to your account by your monthly statement; and (b) consent to receive your periodic statements electronically (eStatements). Each qualification cycle will begin on the last business day of the preceding monthly statement cycle, and end on the day that immediately precedes the last day of the current monthly’s statement cycle. No dividends will be earned if the monthly qualifiers are not met.

General Bonus Checking requirements

There is a limit of 1 Bonus Checking account per prime member based on Social security number. The minimum balance required to open a Bonus Checking is $25. No minimum balance must be maintained to earn dividends.

Federally insured by NCUA

Becky and Simon Thompson started their coffee journey 30 years ago.

Not Another Puff Piece

With roots in Osaka, Japan, Beard Papa’s recently expanded to the Inland Northwest with the opening of a new franchise location of the international dessert chain.

The cream puff bakery takes its name from its original owner, who was lovingly referred to as “Beard Papa” for his fluffy white beard. Yuji Hirota’s mission was to create light and airy cream puffs and house-made custards to leave his customers smiling. Since that fateful founding 24 years ago, Beard Papa’s now has more than 400 locations worldwide, with one of its newest on the edge of Spokane.

Local owner Marc Bryant has always considered himself an entrepreneur. He didn’t know what form this passion would take, however, until his Japanese wife, Sawako Hiraoka, introduced him to Beard Papa’s before a Mariners game in Seattle. After that first bite of cream puff, Bryant says he’s been “hooked ever since.”

Beard Papa’s puffs are double-layered, French-inspired choux pastries. Traditional choux rises in the oven as the dough’s high moisture content evaporates, creating its light and airy texture. What sets Beard Papa’s pastries apart from traditional choux is a double-layer technique, employing pie crust dough for the outside layer. The fillings are made from a blend of whipped vanilla and custard cream.

The couple spent years searching Spokane for a location to open their own version of Beard Papa’s before finally debuting the bakery in January. The store’s grand opening gained ample traction, with a line stretching down the block, affirming the couple’s decision to bring its treats to Spokane.

Beard Papa’s model engages customers at each step, and the ordering process is simple. Customers are invited to select a cream puff shell from eight different flavors, priced from $3.75 to $4.25 each. Pastry dough flavors include the “plain” original, churro, Oreo cookie crumble, honey and butter, chocolate, s’mores, strawberry, and green tea. Next, customers pick from among four choices of rich custard filling: green tea, strawberry, chocolate or vanilla.

Beard Papa’s cream puff combos are endless, resulting in lots of nontraditional flavors. The shop also offers other desserts, including a creme brulee puff, chocolate fondant, custard cheesecake, and cinnamon rusk, or sweet biscuit.

Bryant’s personal favorite cream puff combination is churro with strawberry filling, a crunchy cinnamon-dusted shell, filled with tangy, sweet strawberry custard.

“There’s something special about that churro,” he says. “I’m not even a cinnamon fan.”

Local couple bring Beard Papa’s cream puff bakery from Japan to Spokane

BY ELLIE ROTHSTROM

From the shop’s vibrant yellow hues to its colorful variety of fresh cream puffs at the counter, Beard Papa’s is designed to spark joy. Bryant’s favorite thing about Beard Papa’s opening has been interacting with the community.

“Seeing different faces, and then just seeing how this has impacted people… Getting nice feedback from the community” are some of his personal highlights, he says.

The couples’ plans to expand the shop’s current offerings include adding boba tea and espresso, a mobile food truck, and even expanding to a second location in the Spokane area. Bryant wants to spread the joy of Beard Papa’s, and already customers are coming from all over the city. Whether they’ve had a cream puff before or are trying one for the first time, Bryant says many appear to leave happier than when they first arrived.

“When people walk around and see their cream puff being puffed in front of them, little childrens’ eyes light up, adults’ eyes light up — they’ve never seen it before,” he says. “That unique experience of seeing it made in front of you speaks for itself.” n

Beard Papa’s • 4808 E. Sprague Ave. • Open Mon-Thu 10 am-7 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm • beardpapas.com/spokane • 509-290-5128

Beard Papa’s treats are widely customizable.

April 1ST – 3RD

SAT Matinee Session

Regular Session

SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

MON Monday Night Bingo

April 7TH – 10TH

BINGO UPSTAIRS

FRI Regular Session

SAT Matinee Session

Regular Session

SUN Regular Session

April 2023

Easter Basket Giveaway

MON Monday Night Bingo

April 14TH – 17TH

FRI Regular Session – $5 Buy-in Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

SAT Matinee Session

Regular Session – $5 Buy-in Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in

Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

MON Monday Night Bingo

April 21ST – 24TH

FRI Regular Session – $5 Buy-in Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

SAT Matinee Session

Regular Session

SUN Regular Session

MON Monday Night Bingo

April 28TH – 30TH

FRI Regular Session

SAT Matinee Session

Regular Session

SUN Regular Session

Session types and hours are subject to change on holidays and during other special event celebrations. Please see the Bingo venue for more details.

OUTSIDE OUTSIDERS

No Man’s Land Film Fest spotlights the experiences of communities underrepresented in outdoor recreation and athletics

BY SUMMER SANDSTROM

Scaling a mountain, trekking through the woods on a mountain bike or surfing towering waves in the Pacific Ocean are accomplished by humans of all identities and abilities. Yet most mainstream media highlighting such stories focus primarily on the experiences of men, which leaves behind women, nonbinary and transgender peers.

No Man’s Land Film Festival, which originated in Carbondale, Colorado, in 2015, strives to expand the representation of women and marginalized communities and their roles in sports and film. The touring festival features 95 films, allowing each traveling stop to build localized programming around the films featured.

Marking its Idaho debut, No Man’s Land is stopping at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater, where a select eight films will be shown on the big screen. It’s co-hosted with Roam Collective, a nonprofit focusing on increasing accessibility and inclusion in the mountain biking community.

“There’s just an amazing combination of films in this festival, from climbing to mountain biking to skiing to navigating motherhood, and to me it just absolutely screamed Sandpoint because the outdoor recreation scene here is thriving,” says Sami Ryan, the director of operations and partnerships with Roam. “There is a lot of gender equality here, and I think that we can always be continuing to work towards further expanding that, so it felt like a natural festival to pitch to the Panida.”

Two films, Naomi Glasses and Part of me: Alexann, focus on Native American athletes and their experiences reconnecting to the land after a history of being severed from it by white settlers, says Ryan. Not Just a Boys’ Club Part 4 features women and female-identifying rock climbers who are making their way into the male-dominated the industry by setting routes.

One of the films Ryan is most excited about is called This Is the Motherload, which delves into the world of two professional skiers who lost their spouses and continue to navigate the world of skiing with each other and their children.

Ryan feels Sandpoint still has a lot of work to do when it comes to gender-equality, a reason she pitched the festival to the Panida.

“I think the place we have to really challenge ourselves and to push is helping queer folk feel comfortable in this community,” she says. “Sandpoint Pride I think is coming on its third year this year, which is really exciting. But… we have a lot of work to do.”

While the film festival is called No Man’s Land, that doesn’t mean that men aren’t welcome at the showing.

“That’s a wonderful learning opportunity to not feel like the majority, which is not a common experience for men sometimes,” Ryan says. “We all have levels of privilege, and so I think the event has an opportunity to highlight that in a really loving and supportive way and teach us all how we can be better allies to those who might not have those opportunities.”

The Panida is donating ticket and raffle proceeds from the event to Kaniksu Land Trust and the Pend Oreille Pedalers to further support access to outdoor recreation in the region. The raffle features items from a variety of local businesses, including La Chic Boutique, Embody Studio and Evans Brothers Coffee.

After the show, there’s a panel discussion led by Ryan. Panelists include Spokesman-Review columnist and author Ammi Midstokke, Sandpoint park planning and development manager Maeve NevinsLavtar, and Gwen Victorson, Idaho Department of Lands lands resource specialist and co-founder of True North Treks, a nonprofit that connects outdoor enthusiasts with one another to form a community through exploring nature. The discussion focuses on the topic of inclusivity in outdoor spaces for people of all abilities, genders and races.

Lauren Sanders, the Panida’s managing director, says community response to the event has so far been overwhelmingly positive.

“This event is really just about celebrating all these amazing, badass women that we have who are leaders within our outdoor industries here in our region,” Sanders says. “It’s really amazing all of the support that we’re getting for [these films].” n

No Man’s Land Film Festival • Fri, March 31 at 7 pm • $5-$15 • Panida Theater • 300 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • panida.org • 208-263-9191

This Is the Motherload explores the junction of single motherhood and outdoor recreation.

High Charisma, OK Dexterity

They then set out to assemble a team that will include the sorcerer Simon, played by Justice Smith of the recent thriller Sharper, the shapeshifting Doric, played by Sophia Lillis of the It films, and, for a bit, the literalistic Xenk, played by Regé-Jean Page of Bridgerton. They’ll have to go to a place to get a thing that allows them to find another thing in order to take on Forge and another enemy lurking in the shadows.

In any adventure film worth its salt — whether it’s one in search of treasure or the salvation of the world itself — having a band of characters you actually want to spend time with is paramount. Take the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, where the emotional bond between the loyal Samwise Gamgee and the troubled Frodo Baggins ensured the story endured for decades.

In Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, everything is more farcical as a goofy guy with a lute, a hardened warrior dealing with heartbreak, a clumsy sorcerer with a family legacy, and a tiefling druid who shapeshifts into animals must band together. The film doesn’t have the emotional gravity it halfheartedly reaches for, as it is better at being silly than serious. This suits it just fine as it’s largely light on its feet, leaping its way through a standard story that it manages to make fun, even if its 134-minute runtime does overstay its welcome.

Of course, in the spirit of the role-playing game the film is adapting, none of this really matters. It is merely about creating a narrative reason for the characters to set out on a quest. As those who have ever played a campaign will know, the enjoyment can often stem from the banter that takes place between the bloodshed. In Honor Among Thieves, there is a cast that has charisma to spare and makes this all sing.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES

Rated PG-13

ALSO OPENING

HIS ONLY SON

This Christian film tells the Old Testament tale of God calling on Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of faith. Rated PG-13

SCI-FEST

Integral to this all is the delightful thieving duo of Chris Pine as Edgin and Michelle Rodriguez as Holga, who we meet as they’re locked away in a snowy prison after a prior heist didn’t go according to plan. Their days are defined by hard labor, knitting and dreaming of one day breaking free. They take an opportunity to escape during a hearing for their clemency, which culminates with the best punchline of the entire film delivered by one of the panel after the two go crashing through a window. It serves as a strong introduction for the romp to come.

Following this, the duo hastily make their way back to Edgin’s daughter, who the two of them raised after her mother died many years ago. Currently looking after her is their former friend Forge, played with a haughty disposition by Hugh Grant, who attempts to kill them for his own nefarious purposes. Thanks to some quick thinking by Holga and a few wrestling moves for good measure, they are able to escape with their lives.

One standout scene involves an interrogation of characters who have since passed on, all of whom are fittingly voiced by the absurdist comedy group Aunty Donna. It works marvelously because of how simple yet silly it is, skewering itself in more ways than one. What is uncovered for the plot matters less than the darkly humorous energy it taps into. All the zingers that fly about connect far more than any of the film’s fight sequences.

A key example of this comes in the final showdown where a quick visual gag of something flying across the frame elicits more emotion via its silliness than the middling battle itself. Some of this comes down to how the movie is lacking stakes — it doesn’t feel as though anyone is in real danger. However, it is also frequently flatly staged and shot — lots going on, yet little splendor.

The infinitely more dynamic sequences come when the action is intertwined with the absurdity, like when the characters undertake a heist on a heavily guarded convoy using a magical item. These clever, smaller-scale shenanigans are far sharper than the moments of empty spectacle. Had the film pulled back on its excesses to let the charming characters truly shine, it would have landed the critical hit it was rolling for. One can only hope, if there are more quests ahead, that they more fully set their sights on the mirth discovered in the friends made along the way. n

The Panida’s first Sci-Fest features a presentation by University of Idaho professor Jason Barnes on NASA’s quadcopter spacecraft, the Dragonfly, which will voyage to Titan (a moon of Saturn) to search for life-forms. After the talk, there’s a screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Rated PG-13 Sat, April 1 at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater at 6 pm

SPINNING GOLD

The story of Neil Bogart and his record imprint Casablanca Records — which turned out ’70s hits by artists like Kiss, Donna Summer and the Village People — gets the rock biopic treatment. Rated R

A THOUSAND AND ONE

This year’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning drama centers on a mother who kidnaps her son from foster care as the two struggle to find a sense of home and family in the chaos of New York City. Rated R

25 W Main Ave #125 • MagicLanternOnMain.com MAGIC LANTERN THEATER FOR SHOWTIMES: 509-209-2383 or MAGICLANTERNONMAIN.COM FOR PRIVATE RESERVATIONS EMAIL: magiclanternevents@gmail.com TICKETS: $10-11 NOW SERVING BEER & WINE FRI 3/30 - THU 4/6 OPENING: EMILY TURN EVERY PAGE MOVING ON MOVIE TIMES Every Theater. Every Movie. All in one place. by Time, by Theater, or Movie SEARCHABLE PAGE 34 KARMA’S CIRCLE • MAR 31 & APR 1 • IRON HORSE (CDA) KARMA’S CIRCLE

Directed by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

Nerds rejoice: The D&D movie

is

FESTIVAL

Holding Down the Fort

Navigating a week in Boise for Treefort Music Fest

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

Who came up with the pitch: “What if we did South by Southwest… but cold!” Fire that man.

Actually, a little fire would’ve done wonders last week in Boise, where the annual Treefort Music Fest was trying to heat things up in the face of very wintry weather. There’s simply no getting around how much of a damper sub-45-degree weather puts on the festivities when your event requires a bunch of outdoor stages and walking between venues. Regulars kept telling me how last year Treefort temperatures were mostly in the 70s, but it still fundamentally seems like a bad idea to host a festival when frigid temps feel like a 50/50 proposition. (Just bump it to April, jeez!)

That said, I’d never attended Treefort before, so I tried to make the most of the experience.

For the uninitiated, Treefort sort of operates like SXSW in Austin. Over five days, a bunch of musical acts play the various downtown venues and a big main stage, for over 40 stages total. While a bulk of the lower-tier bands are Boise or Idaho acts, it also draws in headliners — this year included Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ani DiFranco, Margo Price, Surf Curse and local legend Built to Spill, plus tons of up-and-coming touring artists. There’s also a variety of entertainment like comedy, podcasts (full disclosure/plug: I did my podcast Everyone is Wrong as part of the fest), beer, food and yoga. While this year’s slate wasn’t the strongest in Treefort’s history, it still seemed worth the trek south to check it out.

INLAND NORTHWEST SOUND

For artistic folks in our parts, Treefort is great because you can usually find a handful of acts from the greater Spokane area on the bill. This year was no exception.

 ITCHY KITTY has become a Treefort staple with its delightful hissing punk. In part thanks to the band’s friendship with Built to Spill (which is taking Itchy Kitty on tour again starting in late April), the group is an annual fixture. While singers Ami and Naomi’s typical fishnet-heavy attire might not have been ideal for playing the frigid outdoor stage at a bus station parking lot, the group’s always kinetic and shrieking energy helped heat up the crowd. Spokane’s best band ripped through plenty of favorites and a few new tunes from its upcoming album during a wicked Saturday night shredfest.

 A few days before at the same bus station (though inside one of the open air garages), fellow local punks GOTU GOTU also brought a noise attack to the Idahoans. With their always dependable, wacky, wavy inflatable tube men in tow, the band created a little Thursday evening chaos before the temps turned colder.

 On a much more chill end of the spectrum (sonically speaking), Spokane’s PRIESTESS brought incredibly positive dance vibes to a couple indoor sets. The pink-and purple-coiffed master of the decks played the gaming hotspot Spacebar Arcade late Friday and then turned around Saturday for a set at Boise Center as part of Hackfort (Treefort’s tech component). After days of festing, the vibes she brought for that Saturday set were a

comforting, danceable electronic aloe for the soul.

 Not to neglect our compadres across the border, BAILEY ALLEN BAKER was the lone Coeur d’Alene representative on the bill. The deep-voiced folk singer enlisted a band of Boise locals to help him through an agreeably homespun set at Lost Grove Brewing’s little outdoor stage.

Spokanites Jango the Goon and Dirt Miller were also at Treefort, but I wasn’t able to catch any of their sets. There were 511 total music acts at Treefort, folks. Unlike Pokemon, I simply cannot catch them all!

SONIC HIGHLIGHTS

Of course, I wasn’t gonna spend most of my time seeing folks I can see in my own backyard on the regular. Here’s a smattering of other standouts from Treefort 2023.

 NNAMDÏ was so nice, I saw him twice. The genre-blurring polymath had been on my “need to see” list for a while, and his sets totally delivered with a combination of singer-songwriter creativity, hip-hop flow, brash humor and mental health meditations.

 Perhaps the best set of the fest came from rising experimental Brooklyn art punks MODEL/ACTRIZ The band plays its instruments in all sorts of atypical ways to create an always on-edge musical palette, while singer Cole Haden strutted around the bus lot stage and wandered among the crowd, getting in people’s faces and intensely singing with direct eye contact. It was a fierce and menacing energy release.

Well, the weather outside was frightful... DJ DAVIS/TREEFORT PHOTO

 Tacoma’s SKATING POLLY probably rips harder than your favorite band. The group’s “ugly pop” sound shined on 2018’s The Make It All Show, and the high kicks and new songs (from the upcoming album Chaos County Line) that the family band busted out at the bus station stage indicate they won’t stop rocking out anytime soon.

 Immediately after the Zags face-planted against UConn in the Elite Eight, I was able to seamlessly transition to seeing PEARL CHARLES. Her mix of graceful songwriting and disco flair were a welcome sight after she had to cancel her Spokane gig in 2022.

 A host of acts brought delightfully fun energy to keep people powering through the wintry conditions. The horns-free Philly ska band CATBITE had folks in the Shredder skanking the night away on Wednesday. Fellow Philly oddballs GROCER delivered quirky pop rock that was both investive and silly at Lost Grove Brewing. ILLUMINATI HOTTIES started the main stage mud pit shenanigans on Thursday afternoon with one of their typically bratty pop punk sets. Nerdy hip-hop is almost always a winning proposition, as MEGA RAN proved once again at Spacebar Arcade late Friday with songs about The Mandalorian, Mega Man and more. Itchy Kitty besties PRISM BITCH never skimp on the rocking energy, and their capacity show on Wednesday at the Shredder was one of the wildest times at Treefort. Seattle hardcore pop artist TEZATALKS got the early crowd hyped at Treefort’s coolest venue, Rhodes Skate Park. And the winner for too-on-the-nose set of the fest goes to standout Boise post-hardcore band WINTERFOREVER, as the first snow of Treefort began during the group’s Thursday midnight performance.

Hidden in Plain Sight 70+

 When I badly needed a mental health break and escape from the cold, popping into the splendid Egyptian Theatre and taking in the always-excellent low energy comedy of TIG NOTARO was a relieving treat.

 And of course, I don’t think I could say I officially attended Treefort without seeing BUILT TO SPILL. The Idaho indie icons fully delivered, closing down the fest with a super late-night rock jam at El Korah Shrine on Sunday.

TAKEAWAYS

So if you’re a Northwest music fan, is Treefort worth the trek down to Boise?

I’d put it at a conditional “yes.”

There are certainly things that could be improved about the fest. A better shuttle system? More bands playing multiple sets (like SXSW does), so you don’t feel like you’re having to make as many tough scheduling choices? Definitely, the fest’s choice to move the main stage to Julia Davis Park seems like a total misfire (it was formerly in a big parking lot), as the entire field in front of the stage was a full-on mud pit by Thursday afternoon. Definitely change that! And of course, I might suggest not springing for an wristband (they won’t sell out) until the week before to make sure the weather isn’t gonna be this sour for the 2024 edition.

That said, it’s a chance to mainline music in a way that’s just rare to find in the Northwest. Just the ability to wander downtown Boise and be able to catch parts of three or four wildly different musical sets in the course of an hour or two is a thrill. Treefort Music Fest is not perfect, but no fest ever is. Don’t miss the forest for the Treeforts. n

Itchy Kitty brought a little Spokane punk hiss bliss to Treefort. SETH SOMMERFELD PHOTO

INDIE ROCK BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT ROCK JERRY CANTRELL

Thursday, 3/30

J THE BIG DIPPER, Twin Void, Kiss The Tiger, Roderick Bambino

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Thursday Night Jam

CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds

J HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL, Riley Grey

J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin

STEAM PLANT RESTAURANT & BREW

PUB, Kyle Swaffard

ZOLA, The Desperate Eights

Friday, 3/31

AK ASIAN RESTAURANT, Gil Rivas

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Just Plain Darin

BARRISTER WINERY, The Rising

J THE BIG DIPPER, Dead Low, Warcrime, Insidual, Cold Hearts

BIGFOOT PUB, Bruiser

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Hasenpfeffer

BOTTLE JOY, Wiebe Jammin

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, The Longnecks

CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA & SPIRITS, Ron Greene

CURLEY’S, Pastiche

THE DRAFT ZONE, Sam Leyde, Sam McCue

J EICHARDT’S PUB, Headwaters

HAMMERS BAR & GRILL, Rusty Nail & The Hammers

J HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL, Kate Skinner

IRON HORSE (CDA), Karma’s Circle

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Liam St. John

MOOSE LOUNGE, Tamarack Ridge Band

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), The Happiness

OLD MILL BAR & GRILL, Steve Starkey

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Son of Brad

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Ron Kieper Trio

J THE FOX THEATER, Jerry Cantrell, Thunderpussy

Saturday, 4/1

J THE BIG DIPPER, Not.Greenday, Stubborn Will, The Emergency Exit, Not For Nothing

BIGFOOT PUB, Bruiser

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Hasenpfeffer

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Cary Fly Band

CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA & SPIRITS, Ron Greene

CURLEY’S, Pastiche

HAMMERS BAR & GRILL, Rusty Nail & The Hammers

J HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL, Eugene Jablonski, Kate Skinner Trio

HUCKLEBERRY’S NATURAL MARKET, Just Plain Darin

IRON HORSE (CDA), Karma’s Circle

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Black Belt Eagle Scout

MOOSE LOUNGE, Tamarack Ridge Band

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), The Happiness

Home became a vital concept when the COVID pandemic hit. For indie singersongwriter Katherine Paul, aka Black Belt Eagle Scout, that meant uprooting from Portland to her ancestral Swinomish lands in LaConner, Washington. The emotions of the experience of returning home and reconnecting with her roots — and all the complications, beauty and grief that evoked — flow out across Black Belt Eagle Scout’s new album, The Land, The Water, The Sky. It’s a poetic, contemplative, sorrowful, ethereal meditation on life that floats on swirling walls of guitar noise. There’s certainly plenty of thorny aspects of reservation life, but BBES invites listeners into her sonic home with warm, open arms.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Black Belt Eagle Scout • Sat, April 1 at 8 pm • $15-$17 • 21+ • Lucky You Lounge • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • luckyyoulounge.com

The boomtime for grunge may be long past, but Jerry Cantrell is still out here rocking. While he rose to fame as a singer, lead guitarist and songwriter for Alice in Chains, he’s hardly been a one-trick pony throughout his career. In addition to keeping AiC going after singer Layne Staley’s death, he’s collaborated with the likes of Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig and Deftones, plus put out three solo LPs (most recently, 2021’s Brighten). His skills on the fretboard have never been in question, with Guitar World naming him one of their “100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time.” Expect a very rocking evening, as the always-energetic women of Seattle’s Thunderpussy open up for Cantrell.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Jerry Cantrell, Thunderpussy • Fri, March 31 at 8 pm • $35-$350 • 21+ • The Fox Theater • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • foxtheaterspokane.org

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Sean Kavanaugh

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Kosh

JACKLIN ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, Josh Collins: The Best of Queen ZOLA, Blake Braley

Sunday, 4/2

J BING CROSBY THEATER, Girl Named Tom

J HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL, Dr. Paul Grove

HOGFISH, Open Mic

IRON HORSE (VALLEY), Into the Drift Duo

J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin

Monday, 4/3

J EICHARDT’S PUB, Monday Night Blues Jam with John Firshi

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic Night

Tuesday, 4/4

LITZ’S PUB & EATERY, Shuffle Dawgs LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Bumpin Uglies, Kyle Smith ZOLA, The Night Mayors

Wednesday, 4/5

J THE BIG DIPPER, Careful Gaze, Sinking Season, Thirty Seven, Graceholder

THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic

J HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL, Dr. Don Goodwin

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Dwayne Parsons RED ROOM LOUNGE, The Roomates ZOLA, Runaway Lemonade

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW

J = ALL AGES SHOW

Coming Up ...

J THE BIG DIPPER, Sleep Signals, Quor, A Day On Earth, Incoming Days, Snacks At Midnight, April 6, 7 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, The Ongoing Concept, Straight To Our Enemies, Nothing Shameful, April 7, 7:30 pm.

J J THE FOX THEATER, Epic Queen, April 7, 8 pm.

J J THE FOX THEATER, Hagfest Northwest 2023, April 8, 7-10 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Snow Tha Product, April 8, 8 pm.

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Kristen Grainger & True North, April 8, 8 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Extortionist, Dark Watch, Drowner, Manifesto, April 9, 7:30 pm.

J BING CROSBY THEATER, Joanne Shaw Taylor, April 10, 8 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Kayzo, Calcium, Automhate, April 11, 8 pm.

THE FOX THEATER, Zach Williams, Blessing Offor, April 13.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Exmortus, Paladin, Immortal Guardian, Toxic Vengeance, April 14, 7:30 pm.

J J NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, LeAnn Rimes, April 14, 7:30 pm.

J J SPOKANE ARENA, Journey, Toto, April 14, 7:30 pm.

KNITTING FACTORY, Lorna Shore, April 15, 7 pm.

J BING CROSBY THEATER, Brian Lynch with the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble, April 15, 8 pm.

J MONTVALE EVENT CENTER, PNW Local Lead Out Fest, April 16, 6 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Torena, Witness Chamber, Black Force Energy, Room 13, April 17, 7:30 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Wormwitch, Age of Nephilim, Reaping Fields, April 19, 7:30 pm.

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Nick Shoulders and The Okay Crawdad, Dylan Earl, April 19, 8 pm.

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, Steel Panther, April 20, 7:30 pm.

J J SPOKANE ARENA, Cypress Hill, Dr. Green Thumbs, Too $hort, Do Or Die, April 20, 7:30 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, River City Reggae Fest, April 20, 8 pm.

J PANIDA THEATER, Black Market Trust, April 21, 7:30 pm.

MUSIC | VENUES

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463

BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234

BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591

BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Hayden • 208-758-0558

BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101

THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 509-863-8098

BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638

BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-227-7638

BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509891-8357

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-891-8995

BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847

BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-596-0887

THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • 509-838-9717

CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • 509-838-6688

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336

CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-446-7154

CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, Post Falls • 208-773-5816

EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint •

208-263-4005

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000

FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. •

509-624-1200

IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314

IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411

JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662

KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. •

509-244-3279

LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington St. • 509-315-8623

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • 509-474-0511

MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. •

509-443-3832

THE MASON JAR • 101 F St., Cheney • 509-359-8052

MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-922-6252

MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510

MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901

MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-1570

NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772

NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. •

509-474-1621

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint

• 208-265-8545

THE PODIUM • 511 W. Dean Ave. • 509-279-7000

POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301

RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874

RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. •

509-838-7613

THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938

SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008

SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000

SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098

STEAM PLANT • 159 S. Lincoln St. • 509-777-3900

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852

TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • 509-526-3500

ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416

COMMUNITY SPRING FORWARD

In Spokane, it’s easy to tell when spring has sprung. Bloomsday draws nearer, the lilacs start to flower, and outdoor markets pop up all throughout town. The seasonal spring market at scenic Riverfront Park features over 50 local vendors and activities geared toward the whole family. Spend the day in the sunshine browsing dozens of booths featuring local businesses, artists and food vendors selling their unique goods. Taking place at various places in the park — the Rotary Fountain, the Orange Howard St. Bridge and the lawn next to the numerica Skate Ribbon — this market won’t happen again until the winter edition in November. So get out there while the sun is still shining bright, soak up all of the sunlight you can get and shop local!

— MADISON PEARSON

Riverfront Spring Market • Wed, April 5 from 12-6 pm • Free • Riverfront Park • 507 N. Howard St. • riverfrontspokane.com

MUSIC FEELING THE BLUES

In terms of providing various entry points to a music fest, the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival does a pretty bang-up job. While the core of the festival at the Coeur d’Alene Resort is Saturday’s eight-hour, two-stage showcase featuring acts like Maria Muldaur, Johnny Rawls, Blood Brothers (pictured) and Hoodoo Udu, there are other options to get that bluesy rockin’ fix. There’s a Friday night blues cruise on the lake featuring Justyn Priest and Natasha’s Force of Nature, free early performances at the resort’s lounges, a rooftop blues party with Voodoo Church and Whack-A-Mole, and even a Sunday gospel blues brunch at Dockside. It’s a veritable musical buffet waiting for you to sample your favorite flavors.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival • March 31-April 2; times vary • Free-$49 • The Coeur d’Alene Resort • 115 S. Second St. • cdaresort.com/blues-festival

VISUAL ARTS WHEN HOME IS FLEETING

It might take a careful viewing of Seattle-based, Pakistan-born artist Humaira Abid’s artwork to realize that the objects on display are wood carvings. After noting the intricate carvings and attention to detail visible in the woodwork, the deeper meaning of the art comes to light. “Searching for Home” showcases generic day-to-day objects such as suitcases, shoes, bricks and backpacks, but these items represent the upheaval and instability experienced by many women refugees. Women and girls make up a disproportionate percentage of refugees who have fled their homes due to political strife, and Abid’s art highlights the challenges and hardships these women face as a result of these conflicts in an impactful and masterful way.

— SUMMER SANDSTROM

Humaira Abid: Searching for Home • April 1-Aug. 6, Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm • $7-$12 • Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture • 2316 W. First Ave. • northwestmuseum.org • 509-456-3931

ARTS / BENEFIT

Over a decade ago, Terrain began as an effort to increase access, visibility and support of the Inland Northwest’s art community. With its flagship, one-night arts extravaganza each fall, two annual art markets, the retail store From Here, and a year-round fine art gallery, this mission has only ballooned in the years since, proving that the community is eager to make sure its resident creatives flourish. For Terrain’s next fundraising event, which helps ensure its gallery remains open and accessible to all, the concept is another win-win. During a two-day showcase, 50 works by local artists are available to purchase for $200 apiece, an incredibly affordable price for both entry-level and experienced arts collectors. All proceeds from those sales go directly back to the gallery, which, if every piece sells, would result in $10,000 raised. Find more about the show’s participating artists and Terrain’s mission at the link below.

— CHEY SCOTT

Terrain Gallery Fundraiser • Fri, March 31 from 5-8 pm and Sat, April 1 from noon-7 pm • Free • Terrain Gallery • 628 N. Monroe St. • terrainspokane.com/ galleryfundraiser

COMMUNITY HBD VALLEY!

Even though many of us longtimers still (and might always) call it simply “The Valley,” Spokane Valley would like you to know it’s actually a real city, and has been since March 31, 2003, thank you very much. It’s also the state’s ninth-largest city by population, with roughly 104,000 residents within its borders. Whether you call Spokane Valley home or not, everyone’s invited to this community celebration, which includes a social hour, anniversary proclamation and toast, and a presentation of the city’s history from the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. There’s also music, a no-host bar and appetizers, and plenty of nostalgic reflections to hear and share. Events to celebrate the big milestone are also being planned throughout the rest of this year, including collaborations with the Spokane Indians baseball team, ValleyFest and more.

— CHEY SCOTT

I SAW YOU

WILL YOU We saw you struggling, drowning, grasping, gasping. She stepped up when we could no longer offer ideas that you would consider. She was your rope, “Dude.” Not to save you from yourself, but to help YOU. She only wanted you to love yourself as much as we all love you. ... Did you even hear what she was saying when you asked her to speak? When she supported you with connection? Did you read those letters you waited to receive? Maybe one day you will see it and hear beyond the distractions you crave. The distractions you create.

WE ALL SEE YOU NOW I’ve never been a die-hard supporter of “the police” as a whole, but I do believe that the police could be a force for good, and I did vote for a bill to increase police funding ... I believed that maybe with more funding and/or oversight, we could make positive changes. Chief, you personally gave a disproportionate amount of this community’s resources that the hard-working people of this city collectively gave you, in good faith, ... to a wealthy business owner, personal friend and political ally. Speaking only on behalf of this one citizen, I can have no faith in the Spokane Police Department while you are at the helm. From someone who was once skeptical but had hope. Resign.

FIRST METAL SHOW I ran into you at the Knitting Factory last week (Soufly show). Your name is Hannah, you study jazz, and it was your first metal concert. I am interested in doing a piano/keyboard forward project, and you were cool and funny. Email me,

sashathechop@outlook.com if you would like to discuss. Grazie!

SHOOT YOUR SHOT You. Tall and handsome. Me admiring from table behind you. Have seen you often at a local pizza spot. Hearing you talk about golf, chili cooking at home and the overpriced beers makes me want to take care of you. When you left, you “shot” your receipt across the bar. Wondering if you’d “shoot your shot” with me?

YOU SAW ME

NOT OPTIONAL Wheelchair users, like myself, park in accessible spots so we are able to use our mobility aids to get into stores. Those white-painted lines that run alongside parking spots are NOT for you to park in — especially so close to the door of a car that they cannot get back in. I am an amputee, I require my wheelchair to get around, and the gentleman who parked next to my car at the Cheney Dollar Tree today seemed to fail to understand the white lines are not FOR YOU. I couldn’t get my wheelchair back in my car and had to hop through the slim gap you left me. You had an entire parking space to your right, and instead you decided to park like a donkey’s rear. If you cannot park your vehicle safely and in alignment with the rules of the road and parking lots, don’t bother driving. Sincerely, a disabled person with ruffled feathers about my safety and my accessibility.

CHEERS

SHOUT-OUT TO LEO’S I would like to thank all law enforcement officers. Without you there would be chaos. I wanted to write this because all I seem to ever hear about are the negative things going on in this World. ... If we all tried to spread the positive more, this World would be a better place. Thank you to all that protect and serve. You rock!!!

YOU ARE SO KIND! To the two young men at the Spokane Valley Rosauers on Friday, March 24, handing out BEAUTIFUL fresh roses to all the women! What an AWESOME gesture! You are truly appreciated!

DOUBLE CHEERS TO DOG WASH Cheers to the wonderful employee Chisholm at Ritzy’s Dog Spa and Car Wash Plaza on Thor for helping us and for some delicious Tootsie Pops. Second Cheer to the kind couple grooming their dog that didn’t do

well with other dogs, and had us wait for 10 minutes, but then paid for our dog afterwards. We need more kind people in the world like you!

GOOD ENERGY Thanks to Ms. Beautiful at the Hillyard Safeway for giving me potted plant advice. Your smile and sincerity made my week.

Diego to focus on my online college studies, and I’ve been trapped indoors for months. All the Google images I looked up before I came here to live with my uncle had snow on mountains. Below the snow were the roads, and they were all clear of snow. Was it CGI or a snow-take-a-way filter on them? Then people say go take a hike to me all the time at gas stations. Hello! I tried, there’s snow! ... I’m looking forward to spring break.

of the library. There are particular ones about people sleeping there. If you’re not going to enforce the rules for the rest of us, perhaps it’s time for you to seek different employment. I’ve rarely read a bunch of dumb responses to the issue of people congregating in the library. Dumb. Dumb.

LIBRARY ISSUES JEERS Wait a minute. Someone expresses concern about

AWESOME YOUNG MEN U-City Rosauers, March 24 around 3 pm. Walking into the store, two young men asked if I would like a rose. I hesitated at first, then they said they are free. As I took a pretty yellow rose, we all smiled then I asked them why they are doing this. They simply said to make people smile. I told them that they were doing a great job! As I was leaving the store, they were still there with more roses handing them out to all the women. Our future looks a lot better with young men like these in the world. Again, thank you!!

JEERS

YOU BROUGHT A BABY...TO A BAR As the weather starts getting better, I want to preemptively send jeers to those who are about to make a regular occurrence of bringing their underage children to breweries. I get the appeal. There are fun activities, lots of board games, and yes, most breweries encourage family involvement. That said, it’s still a bar. And yes, I’m aware that a brewery is not a bar in the eyes of the liquor board, so spare me the lesson in semantics. To those who are able to have a beer, play a game and keep their kids from screaming and running around? More power to you. Well done. I’ve heard stories of such things happening, but much like the existence of the great white buffalo, no one has ever seen such a thing. In reality, it turns into parents who prioritize drinking over interacting with their own children and then go full “Karen” when someone drops an f-bomb at a bar in front of their little darlings. Take it elsewhere.

COLD WEATHER I moved here from San

SPOKANE SADNESS Jeers to the people that think the homeless people are a nuisance. Do you have any idea the traumas that some of them have gone through? Well, I do! Because whenever I am out, I try to share a kind word or words of encouragement or even some spare change. I went downtown the other day, and I saw a man literally lying on the ground. My heart broke! Not all the people out there are lazy and don’t want to work. Most are in a cycle of addiction that most don’t make it back from. We need to love one another. So, maybe next time that you see a homeless person you can spread the love. These people are human beings and should be treated as such. ...

WHAT CAN YA DO? In response to the person who wrote about how Spokane is changing for the worse… I feel ya. I used to be angry about how much Spokane has changed; now anytime I am reminded of everything that’s changed, I just shrug my shoulders. There were many a time I’d overhear conversations between transplants and them raving about how much they love Spokane so far, what a quaint little town it is, and how much easier and less expensive life is for them here. When maybe 10 years ago, those same people wouldn’t dare live here, and they looked at us locals as slack-jawed uncivilized trash. Well, they still look at us like trash, AND they’ve out priced us in the housing market.

LIBRARY HOMELESS SHELTER To the people who keep writing the uninformed cheers and jeers regarding homeless people in the library (including the one who says they work at the library), it sounds like you’re part of the problem rather than the solution. Go back and read the “rules”

homeless people sleeping and causing disturbances in the library, and you want that person to stay away from the library or use drive-up to pick up their materials? Now I understand what is wrong with Spokane. People like you! Wow! Just wow! ... Clear out the library patrons. It sounds like it was made for “everyone” even though the problem issues are chasing away “everyone” but those creating the problems.

RED LIGHTS Who is in charge of traffic lights around here?! You are an absolute moron!

REALLY, DOG LOVERS? I don’t mind if you have a dog or like to take them on car rides! GREAT! What I do mind is that your tiny, little yapping puffball stay away from my costly SERVICE ANIMAL!!! I am blind, and I need my dog to help me navigate thru the store or businesses ... But when your companion comes up to my service animal, next time I will have my dog take a bite of your dog, and then we’ll see how you handle the situation! Go ahead, call the cops. Then they’ll ticket your fluffy princess, and I’ll send you the bill for our hospital bills! n

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.

“

...The problem issues are chasing away ‘everyone’ but those creating the problems. ”

BENEFIT

TERRAIN GALLERY FUNDRAISER A two-day show featuring artwork from a variety of local artists. Each artwork is available for $200 and all proceeds go directly toward keeping the gallery open. Fri, March 31 from 5-8 pm and Sat, April 1 from 12-7 pm. $200. Terrain Gallery, 628 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com

EMERGE RUMMAGE SALE This spring cleaning sale features gently used items donated by the community. April 6, 10 am-5 pm. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second St. emergecda.com (208-930-1876)

CHOCOLATE & CHAMPAGNE GALA Lutheran Community Service’s annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event go toward providing trauma recovery services for youth, families and individuals impacted by abuse, sexual assault or other trauma. April 15, 5 pm. $125-$200. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. ccgalaspokane.org

COMEDY

JAY OAKERSON Oakerson co-hosts The Bonfire on Comedy Central Radio Siius XM and has Comedy Central special, Big Jay Oakerson: Live at Webster Hall. March 30, 7:30 pm, March 31, 7:30 & 10:15 pm and April 1, 7 & 9:45 pm. $22-$33. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

THE PUNDERGROUND: GARLAND EDI -

TION An improvised punning competition featuring puns and dad jokes. There are spots for 12 to compete, and many seats for pun-appreciators to spectate. Give it a go, or just come to support. March 30, 7-9 pm. Free. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

SPACE QUEERS This LGBTQIA+ comedy show includes stand up, characters and local drag talent. Ages 18+. March 30, 7:30 pm. Free. Lucky You Lounge, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. luckyyoulounge.com

DETECTIVE DO RIGHTS This improvised show creates a mystery-solving case file based on audience suggestions for the Blue Door Players to crack. March 31, 7:30-8:45 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

APRIL FOOL’S COMEDY This show features two teams of comedians facing off in a comedy competition. Watch as they debate their way through three alcoholfueled rounds and decide who gets the title of Master Debator. April 1, 8-9:30 pm. $12. Black Diamond, 9614 E. Sprague Ave. fb.me/e/417g9tUnP (562-544-4612)

HASAN MINAJ The stand up comedian known for his Netflix special, Homecoming King performs as part of WSU Spring Family Weekend. April 1, 8 am-10 pm. $70-$75. Beasley Coliseum, 925 NE Fairway Rd. beasley.wsu.edu

NEW TALENT TUESDAYS Watch comedians of all skill levels work out jokes together. Tuesdays at 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

OPEN MIC STAND-UP Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. See website for sign-up details. Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

BRAD WILLIAMS Williams has appeared on multiple television shows including the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel and Pit Boss. April 6, 7 pm, April 7, 7:30 & 10:15 pm and April 8, 7 & 9:45 pm. $22-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

KEVIN POLLAK The actor, comedian and impressionist is best known for his work in the 1995 film The Usual Suspects. April 6, 7:30 pm. $39-$69. Northern Quest, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

SAFARI Blue Door’s version of “Whose Line,” a fast-paced improv show with a. Rated for mature audiences/ages 16+. Reservations recommended. April 7-28, Sat at 7:30 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland. bluedoortheatre.com

YOU’VE BEEN CONN-ED Bring ideas for quirky conventions and characters, and the Blue Door Players create a show around them. Reservations recommended. Fridays in April from 7:30-8:45 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

GARETH REYNOLDS Reynolds has written on various comedy shows such as Arrested Development, Flaked and Hoops April 13, 7:30 pm. $25. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

COMMUNITY

COFFEE WITH SPS All community members are invited to join Spokane Public Schools leaders for conversation over coffee from Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters. March 30, 8-10 am. Free. Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St. spokaneschools.org/coffee

ROLE-PLAYING GAME DROP IN Improve your RPG skills by watching and participating in games. Fridays from 4-8 pm and Saturdays from 1-5 pm. Free. RPG Community Center, 101 N. Stone Street. rpgcenter.org (509-608-7630)

SPOKANE VALLEY 20TH ANNIVER-

SARY Recognize 20 years of Spokane Valley history with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar, a presentation of history and live music. March 31, 5-7 pm. Free. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place Dr. spokanevalley.org/anniversary20

DROP IN & RPG Stop by and explore the world of role playing games. Build a shared narrative using cooperative problem solving, exploration, imagination and rich social interaction. Ages 5-105. First and third Saturdays of the month from 1-3:45 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

SHRED DAY Bring old financial or other confidential documents to have them safely destroyed in a document shredding truck operated by Devries Business Services. April 1, 9 am-noon. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)

RIVERFRONT SPRING MARKET A oneday market featuring over 50 local businesses, artists and food vendors. April 5, 12-6 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org

SPOKANE FOLKLORE SOCIETY CON -

TRA DANCE Each dance features a local folk music band as well as a caller who teaches easy-to-learn folk-style dances called contras. Sessions begin with a newcomer hour followed by a two-hour general dance. Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is required. First and third Wednesday of each month from 7:159:30 pm. $7-$10. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. spokanefolklore.org

JURASSIC QUEST Explore a land of animatronic dinosaurs, bounce houses, crafts and much more at this immersive exhibit. April 7,-8, 9 am-8 pm and April 9, 9 am-4 pm. $19-$36. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

spokanecenter.com (279-7000)

EASTER EGG HUNT Over 20,000 eggs are hidden in Riverfront Park for this annual Easter egg hunt. Find a golden egg with prizes totaling up to $500 from River Park Square and other prizes. Food trucks on the orange bridge from 10 am-2 pm. April 8, 10-11 am. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (509-625-6600)

SENSORY SUPPORTIVE EASTER EGG

HUNT This Easter egg hunt is geared toward all ages/abilities and includes stuffed eggs, staggered start times and smaller crowds. Registration is highly encouraged. April 8, 11 am-1 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (509-625-6600)

NEIGHBORHOOD MEET-UP A casual event to bring together families and make new connections in their respective neighborhoods. April 12, 10 am-noon. Free. John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. spokanemama.org

DART’S ON POINT COMMUNITY FORUM

This panel is hosted to help voters make an informed decision while electing two trustees to the Community Library Network. April 13, 6-8 pm. Free. Harding Center, 411 N. 15th St., Coeur d’Alene. nic. edu (208-292-1650)

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT A presentation and discussion where parents, caregivers, educators, school staff and other adults, age 21+, who work with youth walk through a mock teen bedroom and try to identify 70+ items that can indicate a problem or risky behaviors. April 13, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Freeman High School, 14626 S. Jackson Rd. freemansd. org ((509) 291-3721)

THINK BIG FESTIVAL This three-day event features panels, tech expert lectures, a street fair with innovative tech displays and much more. April 13-15; Thu from 7-10 pm, Fri from 5-9 pm and Sat from 1-9 pm. $45. Innovation Den, 415 E. Lakeside Ave. innovationcollective.co

FILM

UNCOVERED: THE SECRETS WE HIDE

A screening of four documentaries centered around the journeys of people uncovering parts of themselves that they once kept hidden. Stories highlighted include those from Stephanie Hance, Askia Underwood, Virginia Clark and Katie Chin. March 30, 6-9 pm. $25. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

NO MAN’S LAND FILM FESTIVAL This festival features eight films by female and gender non-conforming directors featuring athletes who also fit that category. Intermission features a raffle as well as a panel discussion with the leaders in Sandpoint who have and are creating spaces that are accessible for all humans. A portion of the proceeds go to local nonprofits supporting accessibility to the outdoors. March 31, 7 pm. $5-$15. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida. org (208-263-9191)

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW A newly-engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. April 1, 11:59 pm. $8. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

RRR: FAN CELEBRRRATION A screen of RRR which mythologizes two reallife freedom fighters who helped lead India’s fight for independence from the

British Raj, Komaram Bheem (N.T Rama Rao Jr., aka Jr NTR) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan). April 2, 4-7 pm. $7. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St., Moscow. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

ALIENS Decades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony, but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring. April 4, 7-9:30 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

PARIS IS BURNING The landmark LGBTQIA+ film chronicles New York City’s drag scene in the 1980s focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions of the queens who paved the way. April 5, 7 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

DO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY The story of Spokane native Gabe Tesch, a pediatric brain cancer survivor turned race car driver. He survived brain cancer, 48 days of radiation, 48 weeks of chemotherapy and a school shooting. April 13, 7 pm. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. firstinterstatecenter.org (509-279-7000)

FOOD & DRINK

BRING YOUR OWN VINYL NIGHT Bring your own vinyl to spin while sipping on craft cocktails and listening to music. Every Thursday from 3-10 pm. The Boneyard - Side Hustle Syrups, 17905 E. Appleway Ave. sidehustlesyrups.com

FIRESIDE DINNER & MUSIC SERIES Enjoy selections from Arbor Crest’s seasonal menu along with wine and beer from Square Wheel Brewing. Music lineup varies, see website for more. Thu-Sat from 6-8 pm. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. arborcrest.com

KITCHEN COOKING CLASS: HANDFORMED PASTA Commellini Estate’s executive chef Frank Comito teaches how to create hand-formed pasta. The class culminates in a meal, served family style. March 30, 6:30-9:30 pm. $85. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commelliniestate.com (509-466-0667)

RAID THE CELLAR WINE DINNER Celebrate the season of renewal with an evening of hand-selected wine and chefcurated cuisine. Chefs Jim Barrett and Taylor Wolters have created a six-course menu featuring seasonal ingredients that complement the wines chosen by the sommelier, Justine Recor. March 31, 6-9 pm. $100. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. beverlyscda.com

BOTTOMLESS(ISH) MIMOSA SUNDAY

BRUNCH This buffet-style brunch includes various breakfast food options and a bottomless mimosa bar. April 2-May 21, Sundays from 10 am-2 pm. $25. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. bit. ly/mimosa-brunch (509-951-2096)

DRAG BRUNCH The cast of Runway performs while enjoying a full breakfast menu and mimosas. Hosted by Savannah SoReal. Sundays from 10 am-2 pm. Globe Bar & Kitchen, 204 N. Division. globespokane.com (509-443-4014)

NOVA KAINE’S DON’T TELL MAMA

CABARET & DRAG BRUNCH Various Inland Northwest drag performers take the stage and perform pieces choreographed by Troy Nickerson. First and third Sunday of every month, 11 am. Highball A Modern Speakeasy, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com (877-871-6772)

SPRING BREAK KID’S COOKING CAMP

Kids learn knife skills, kitchen safety and cleanliness, and of course how to cook and follow a recipe. Ages 8-12. April 3-6, from 2-4 pm. $100. Second Harvest, 1234 E. Front Ave. secondharvestkitchen.org

EASTER BRUNCH ON THE RIVER This brunch includes an Easter egg hunt, a visit with the Easter Bunny, crafts, lawn games and door prizes, April 9, 9-11 am & 12-2 pm. $30-$50. Ruby River Hotel, 700 N. Division St. easterbrunchontheriver. eventbrite.com (509-326-5577)

NO-LI SQUATCH FEST Celebrate the release of the Squatch series beers and Squatch V.3 seasonal release. Be one of the first 500 people to purchase a mug and fill and receive a complimentary Squatch Fest trucker hat. Ages 21+. April 15, 11 am-3 pm. Free. No-Li Brewhouse, 1003 E. Trent Ave. nolibrewhouse.com

MUSIC & CONCERTS

COEUR D’ALENE BLUES FESTIVAL A three-day festival featuring 13 local and national blues artists, bands and singers. Prices vary, see website for fulls schedule and details. March 31-April 2. $5-$18. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdabluesfestival.com (208-765-4000)

JELNI EDDINGTON A pops concert performed by the youngest recipient of the Theatre Organist of the Year award. March 31, 7 pm. Free. Spokane First Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd. (509-467-8986)

SPIRIT OF SPOKANE CHORUS REHEARSAL Sit in on the rehearsals of the Spirit of Spokane chorus. Tuesdays from 6:30-9 pm. Free. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Rd. spiritofspokanechorus.org/ (509-866-6354)

PROJECT JOY SPRING SHOWCASE Kevin Hekmatpanah, cellist and conductor of the Project Joy Orchestra and the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra, performs along with vocalist Harlan Henderson and other featured performers. April 8, 1-2:30 pm. Free. Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. projectjoy.org

KOSHER RED HOTS The Kosher Red Hots perform songs in Yiddish, and klezmer music from Eastern Europe. April 14, 7:30-9:30 pm. $15. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. barristerwinery.com

SPOKANE SYMPHONY MASTERWORKS

8: JAMES, ZUILL AND MOZART Internationally renowned cellist Zuill Bailey performs Elgar’s last major work, a lament to a lost era after the first World War. April 15, 7:30 pm and April 16, 3 pm. The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. spokanesymphony.org (509-624-1200)

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

APRIL FOOLS DAY AT LOOKOUT Celebrate jersey day by wearing your favorite team’s jersey and participate in prize drawings. April 1, 9 am-4 pm. $55. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)

BLOOMSDAY TRAINING CLINICS This seven-week program helps people prepare for Bloomsday with presentations from health experts and an instructor-lead warm up. Saturdays at 8:30 amthrough April 29. Free. Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. providence.org (509-533-3500)

EVENTS | CALENDAR

SPOKANE ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW & SALE

This annual show features orchid vendors, classes and seminars on orchid culture, and various demonstrations. Sat, April 1, 12-6 pm and April 2, 10 am-3 pm. $5. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. spokaneorchids.org

WALLACE FOOD DRIVE Donate seven cans of non-perishable food and receive a $20 lift ticket. All cans are donated to the Wallace Food Bank. April 7, 9 am-1 pm. $20. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. skilookout.com

CARDBOARD BOX DERBY Create something out of cardboard and duct tape and slide down a short section of a trail. Awards are given for most unique and best theme. April 8, 2 pm. Included with lift ticket. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. skilookout.com

LILAC CITY ROLLER DERBY DOUBLE

HEADER An evening of face-paced roller derby games. The Lilac City team takes on Bellingham followed by the Open Gender team facing off against Idaho Wildfire. April 8, 5-9 pm. $12-$15. Eastern Washington University, 526 Fifth St. fb.me/e/150crJUgX

LAST DAY OF THE SEASON Head up on Mt. Spokane for the last hours of the season. All lift tickets are free. April 9, 9 am-1 pm. Free. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (509-238-2220)

SPOKANE INDIANS VS. EUGENE EMERALDS Promotional events during the three-game series include Opening Night Fireworks (April 11), Doris’s Birthday and Storybook Princess Night (April 15) and Dollars in your Dog Day Game (April 16). April 11, 6:35 pm, April 15, 5:09 pm and April 16, 1:05 pm. $8-$22. Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. spokaneindians.com

SPOKANE AUDUBON SOCIETY MEET-

ING A presentation by Washington State University Raptor Club students with live birds of prey. The meeting is held in-person and via Zoom online. April 12, 7-8:30 pm. Free. John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. audubonspokane.org

HOUSE OF FURY & KING OF THE CAGE

This event features seven MMA fights and three boxing matches. April 13, 7-10 pm. $50. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com (208-769-2464)

ESPORTS CLUB Teens are invited to play video games and hang out with other local teens. April 14, April 21 and April 28, 4-5:30 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org

MEDICAL LAKE GEO WALK & WATER

SAMPLING Walk along the trail around Medical Lake with Chad Pritchard, associate professor of geology, and Larry Cebula, professor of history, at Eastern Washington University. During the geo walk, learn about the lake’s history and natural science. Walkers assist in gathering water samples for stormwater research and picking up trash along the way. April 15, 1-3 pm. Free. Waterfront Park, 1386 S. Lefevre St. scld.org (869-0252)

JUNIOR BLOOMSDAY A 1.5-mile run through SFCC’s campus. Winners receive a ticket to Silverwood, Gatorade, a Dutch Bros gift card and a Darigold chocolate milk coupon. Kids in grades 3rd-7th may participate. April 16, 9 am. $20. Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. bloomsdayrun.org

THEATER

RHINOCEROS Directed by guest artist Josh Stamoolis, a meditation, among

others, on the spread of dangerous ideologies and baseless beliefs, the denizens of a small provincial town begin turning, one by one, to the increasing alarm of our protagonist, into rampaging pachyderms. March 30-April 1, 7:30 pm. $8. Gonzaga Magnuson Theatre, 502 E. Boone. gonzaga.edu/theatreanddance

MURDER AT THE GATSBY SPEAKEASY

It’s the height of Prohibition in 1920s Chicago, and there’s a mob war brewing. Help solve this murder mystery between the South Side Gangsters and the Northern Chicago Mob Outfit. March 31, 7-9:30 pm. $35-$45. Lyfe Coffee Roasters & Public House, 116 E. Lakeside Ave. crimesceneentertainment.com (208-369-3695)

THE MEETING This play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Differing in their philosophies but alike in their mutual respect, the two men debate their varying approaches to the same grave social problems, neither aware of how soon their assassins’ bullets would await them. March 31-April 2; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm. $5-$25. The Forge Theater, 404 Sweet Ave. uidaho.edu/ class/theatre (208-885-6465)

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE A new imagining, set at the University of Idaho in the 1950’s, the cast of ultimately lovable pirates combines the nostalgia of days gone by with larger-than-life characters, creating the model of a modern major opera. March 31, 7:30-9 pm and April 1, 7:30-9 pm. $10-$12. University of Idaho Administration Building, 851 Campus Dr. uidaho.edu/music

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH

EDITION When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. March 31-April 2; Fri-Sat from 7-8 pm, Sat-Sun from 2-3 pm and Sat from 10-11 am. $10. Chewelah Center for the Arts, 405 N. Third St. chewelahcenterforthearts.com (509-936-9333)

MET LIVE IN HD: FALSTAFF Baritone Michael Volle stars as the caddish knight Falstaff, gleefully tormented by a trio of clever women who deliver his comeuppance, in Verdi’s glorious Shakespearean comedy. April 1, 9:30 am and April 3, 6 pm. $15-$20. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

TEEN IMPROV WORKSHOP Learn the building blocks of improvisational theatre in this workshop. Each workshop focuses on one main aspect of improv: storytelling, mime, environment creation, character development and spontaneity. Students work together as a group to create and tell stories through scene work. Although each class features a different theme/emphasis, each workshop will start with a review of previous workshops, new students may join anytime.

First Saturday of each month from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. $25/session. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com (509-747-7045)

MET LIVE IN HD: DER ROSENKAVALIER Strauss’s grand Viennese comedy features soprano Lise Davidsen is the aristocratic Marschallin, opposite mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as her lover, Octavian, and soprano Erin Morley as Sophie, the beautiful younger woman who steals his heart. April 15, 9 am and April 17, 6 pm. $15-$20. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

VISUAL ARTS

DANCING WITH LIFE: MEXICAN MASKS

Through humor and subversion, Mexican mask makers respond to the social and political circumstances of contemporary life. With a regional focus in Michoacan, Mexico, this exhibition presents a selection of dance masks from the MAC collection and contemporary Mexican artists. Tues-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through April 16. $7-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

MARY ANNA POMONIS: SMOKE & MIRRORS This exhibition features paintings and sculptures associated with spirituality, geometric patterns and textiles in the tradition of Greece and Italy. Mon-Fri from 9 am-6 pm through April 21. Free. EWU Gallery of Art, 140 Art Building. ewu.edu/cahss (509-359-2494)

WSU MASTER OF FINE ARTS THESIS

EXHIBITION Traveling from many places, these student artists have engaged in an intense interdisciplinary studio program and met regularly with faculty members for critiques. This year’s MFA candidates are Shanda Stinebaugh, Adam Stuart, Sean Sullivan, and Allen Vu. March 28May 6, Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu

PICTURES OF POETS Viewers are connected to their favorite local poets via large portraits and recordings. Bring headphones for the best experience.

JTue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through April 2. $7-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

PLATEAU PICTORIAL BEADWORK: FRED L. MITCHELL COLLECTION During a lifetime collecting Plateau floral, geometric, and pictorial beadwork, Walla Walla resident Fred L. Mitchell has amassed the premier collection of this material. The collection includes beaded bags, cuffs, gauntlets, vests, cradleboards and horse regalia. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through May 14. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

STAN MILLER: PORTRAITS & LANDSCAPES An array of portraits and landscapes, and Miller’s iteration of “Salvator Mundi” by Leonardo da Vinci. Tue-Fri from 10 am-6 pm, Sun from 10 am-4 pm through April 30. Free. William Grant Gallery & Framing, 1188 W. Summit Pkwy. williamgrantgf.com/ (509-484-3535)

UBUHLE WOMEN: BEADWORK & THE ART OF INDEPENDENCE This exhibition showcases a new form of bead art, the ndwango, developed by a community of women living and working together in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The six artists featured call their paintings in beads ndwangos, which translates as “cloth” or “rag.” FTue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through April 30. $10-$15. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

WSU MASTER OF FINE ARTS THESIS

ARTIST TALKS & RECEPTION Short talks by the four graduate candidates featured in the Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition. Each artist introduces the body of work they are presenting, followed by an reception from in the Pavilion Gallery. March 31, 3-6 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu (509-335-1910)

16TH DEMONSTRATION DAYS Artists demonstrate weaving, quilting, fabric art techniques, felting and more. This event also includes vendor booths. April 1, 11 am-3 pm. Free. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way, Uniontown. artisanbarn.org

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM Original work by female regional artists who work in the field of abstract expressionism. This exhibition seeks to celebrate the contributions of women to the field. April 1-30, Wed-Sun from 11 am-6 pm. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com (208-765-6006)

HUMAIRA ABID: SEARCHING FOR

HOME This exhibition features the woodwork of Seattle-based, Pakistan-born artist Humaira Abid, who focuses on the refugee crisis, specifically the plight of women and girls. April 1-Aug. 6, Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

SPOKANE PRINT FEST This annual celebration of print media features workshops on relief printing, three print exhibitions, lectures and more spanning the month of April. See website for full schedule. April 1-29, locations and times vary; more at spokaneprintfest.org

SPRING A group exhibit of women artists from the Palouse in the theme of “spring.” April 1-30, Thu-Sun from 10 am-6 pm. Free. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way, Uniontown. artisanbarn.org

LAUREN RANTS & JOEL GREEN Lauren Rants creates handmade, wooden pens cast with resin. Joel Green works in similar mediums, expressing the human experience through means of drawings, paintings, wood and resin. April 1-30, daily from 11 am-7 pm. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com (509-327-6920)

FUSED GLASS JEWELRY MAKING Students learn how to create pendants from casting glass stones using two different techniques. April 6, 6-8 pm. $75. Emerge, 119 N. Second St. emergecda.com

MENTOR This exhibition features selected regional ceramic faculty as well as students they’ve personally mentored. Featured faculty include Lance Sinnema from Whitworth, Mat Rude from Gonzaga, Tybre Newcomer from SFCC and Stephen Robison from CWU. April 7-28; Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm. Free. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams. TracksideStudio.net

FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries and businesses across downtown Spokane and beyond host monthly receptions to showcase new art. April 7 from 5-8 pm. Details at firstfridayspokane.org.

ELLEN PICKEN AT ENTROPY Art by Ellen Picken with an accompanying performance by Rajah Bose. Artist reception: First Friday April 7, from 5-10pm, Regular gallery hours: April 7-May 1, Thu-Sat from 10 am-6 pm. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. explodingstars.com (509-414-3226)

MCCUDDIN An exhibition of work by the late Mel McCuddin, a prolific local painter who passed away Sept. 2022. April 7-30, Wed-Sun from 11 am-6 pm. Free. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. theartspiritgallery.com (509-465-3591)

SHEILA EVANS: OF LEAST CONCERN

This solo exhibit celebrates the beauty of birds via oil paintings, even birds classified “of least concern.” A portion of all sales benefit The Audubon Society. April 7-28; Fri from 5-8 pm, Sat from 11 am-3 pm. Free. Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams St. kolva-sullivangallery.com

REBEKAH WILKINS-PEPITON & JAMIN

KUHN Wilkins-Pepiton’s “Climbing Eros” is a series of 17 paintings made of foraged inks. Kuhn’s “Custom Text” attempts to conceptually and materially engage with select visual bullhorns of western culture. April 7-29, Fri-Sat from 12-8 pm.pril 29.

Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. fb.me/e/2kcFDXsPx

SPRING FLING

This annual show features Timothy Connor, an outdoor photographer and writer, and painter Janis Saiki. All work featured celebrates spring. April 7 from 5-8 pm; April 8-29, Wed-Sat from 11 am-5 pm. Free. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague. newmoonartgallery.com

WICKED FRIDAY ART SHOW This show features a variety of art, oddities and books following the theme of folk horror. Snacks and beverages available. April 7, 5-8 pm. Free. Giant Nerd Books, 607 W. Garland Ave. giantnerdbooks.com

DIRECT STONE CARVING This six-week class teaches students to identify suitable carving materials and how to safely use stone carving tools to create a 3D work of art. Ages 13+. April 8-May 13, Sat from 10 am-12 pm. $169. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave. spokaneartschool.net

EMERGE ARTIST INCUBATOR This fiveweek series is a professional development course geared towards up-andcoming artists taught by professional artist Alexandra Iosub. April 8-13, Sat from 12-2 pm. $175. Emerge, 119 N. Second St. emergecda.com

WORDS

ALL THE RAGE: HOW AMERICAN POLITICS BOILED OVER Using historical examples and contemporary cases, Professor Steven Stehr shows how the erosion of civil discourse harms democracy and what can be done to combat it. March 30, 6 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. foley.wsu.edu (509-444-5336)

THE BUSINESS OF TRANSFORMATIVE CULTURE Tune in via Zoom to watch the live podcast recording of The Business of Transformative Culture with Andrew Chanse, Zeke Smith and Bobby Enslow as they discuss the importance of transforming culture to meet staff, target audience and community needs. March 30, 4:30-5:30 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. spokanelibrary.org

PIVOT OPEN MIC: THE GREAT OUTDOORS Tell a story or just listen. All stories must be 8 minutes or less and told without notes. Beer and wine available for purchase. March 30, 6:30 pm. By donation. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. pivotspokane.com (509-444-5336)

NICK ESTES & ALI MICHAEL: SMUDG -

ING THE SETTLER LENS A discussion of how we as a society might co-construct paths forward toward a more just future. March 30, 6-7:30 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

WINTER STORYTELLING & CRAFT

CULTURAL NIGHT Learn about Native American regalia while listening to traditional stories. Thursdays from 4-6 pm through May 25. Free. American Indian Community Center, 1025 W. Indiana Ave. aiccinc.org

10 TIPS FROM THE TOOTH FAIRY This book details the magical experience of being visited by the tooth fairy. The event includes crafts and door prizes. April 1, 12-2 pm. Free. Barnes & Noble, 4750 N. Division St. believeinthetoothfairy.com

LUCY GILMORE: LONELY HEARTS

BOOK CLUB A young librarian and an old curmudgeon forge the unlikeliest of friendships in this charming, feel-good novel about one misfit book club and the lives it changed along the way. April 3, 7-8 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main. auntiesbooks.com n

Whiff of Change in Idaho?

Republican lawmaker rolls his own medical marijuana bill, inspiring a look at Gem State cannabis policy

BY WILL MAUPIN

Despite being almost entirely surrounded by states that have legalized recreational cannabis, Idaho persists as an anti-cannabis bulwark. Last week, however, a Republican state representative submitted a bill that would legalize medical marijuana in Idaho. House Health and Welfare Committee Vice Chair John Vander Woude introduced the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act on Friday. The Nampa Republican offered the measure, House Bill 370, as a personal bill.

Could change be coming to the Gem State? Don’t get too excited.

As it stands, Idaho has arguably the strictest anticannabis policy in the country. The federal government legalized hemp and CBD with the 2018 Farm Bill. Idaho did not legalize hemp or, by extension, CBD, until last year, the last state to do so. Even then, it banned CBD products made for pets in November 2022.

This should be no surprise. The state Legislature had, after all, passed a resolution in 2013 committing to the perpetual prohibition of cannabis in Idaho.

“The Idaho Legislature takes this opportunity to state its opposition to efforts to legalize marijuana for any purpose in the State of Idaho,” reads the conclusion of Idaho Senate Concurrent Resolution 112.

In 2015, Gov. Butch Otter vetoed a bill that would have legalized cannabis oil as a treatment for children with epilepsy, despite

cannabis-derived products providing relief for many who live with epilepsy.

“Of course I sympathize with the heartbreaking dilemma facing some families trying to cope with the debilitating impacts of disease,” Otter wrote in a statement, after denying them the legal right to use cannabis products to cope with the debilitating impacts of that disease.

Six years later, in 2021, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have prohibited legalization of cannabis for any reason in the state was approved in the Senate, though it later died in the state House.

Now, in 2023, cannabis as medicine is once again on the table in Idaho.

Again, Idaho is not looking at broad legalization. House Bill 370 would only authorize medical marijuana for a select few conditions and would limit it to essentially pills, tablets or chewables. Smoking is off the table.

Idaho has a chance to catch up with the rest of the country, albeit only slightly, by passing this legislation. Will it? Time will tell, but history suggests they’ll elect to stay in the past. n

GREEN ZONE

BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects; there may be health risks associated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

1. British singer with the hits “How We Do (Party)” and “Your Song”

8. Counting everything

15. Ankle-deep, say

16. City that’s home to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

17. It’s breathed in by sailors

18. Melissa of “Little House on the Prairie”

19. Big 12 sch. in Fort Worth

20. Focus of many HGTV shows

22. Half of bi-

23. “Hot Shots! Part ____” (1993 movie spoof)

24. “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. ____

25. When tripled, a “Seinfeld” expression

27. Desired result

28. The ____ (collective term for two U.S. states that joined the

PHONE:(509)444-7355 E-MAIL:BulletinBoard@Inlander.com

INPERSON: 1227WestSummitParkway Spokane,WA 99201

Union in 1889)

32. Swiatek who won the French Open in 2020 and 2022

33. Aptly named Vt. ski resort

35. Moscow moolah

37. With 59-Across, campaign message of Jimmy McMillan when he ran for New York City mayor in 2005 and 2009 ... and the problem you’re going to run into while solving 4-, 7-, 8- and 11-Down

41. Cows chew them

44. Commercial prefix with Pen

45. On vacation

49. Actress de Armas

50. Enjoy, as a hot tub or hammock

54. Lager alternative

55. Popular soup mushroom

57. Deservingly

59. See 37-Across

61. Omen

63. Nine: Prefix

64. “____ Flux” (1990s MTV series)

67. Desierto’s lack

68. Squirrel’s cheekful

69. Delivery cart

70. Didi of “Grease”

71. Fix, as worn brakes

72. Like some pretzels

DOWN

1. Online feed letters

2. “Big thumbs-down!”

3. Powders used to combat moisture

4. Common prom expenditure

5. Hello in São Paulo

6. ____ rage

7. Company that’s leased preowned vehicles since 1973

8. Offering, as an apartment

9. Depilatory brand

10. “____ we meet again”

11. Decision when looking for a place to live

12. Pedicurist’s target 13. Make a long story short, e.g. 14. On fire 21. Comic Margaret

batteries

designer

36. Org. that first allowed girls to join in 2018

38. Trust

39. Clean Water Act org.

40. 1969-74, politically

41. Upper limit

42. Inspiration for the card game Dos 43. Tranquilizing weapon 46. Purple