Inlander 09/07/2017 by The Inlander

SEPTEMBER 7-13, 2017 | FAMILY OWNED. COMMUNITY FOCUSED.

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VOL. 24, NO. 47 | ON THE COVER: JONATHAN HILL ILLUSTRATION

COMMENT 5 13 NEWS COVER STORY 20 CULTURE 29

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ublic education has become big business. Over the past decade, huge for-profit companies — operating under the auspices of a local school district — have come to dominate the world of online education in the Inland Northwest. Each year, they rake in millions in public funds to teach our kids, and yet, as seen across Washington state, these companies operate with little accountability. As one researcher tells staff reporter Wilson Criscione, the performances of these online schools are an “absolute disaster” for kids. Indeed, what limited data exists about these schools raises questions about their effectiveness. It’s an issue that’s beginning to catch the attention of some lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who warns, “All too often, for-profit online schools put their bottom lines above the needs of students and parents.” Don’t miss our special report on page 20. — JACOB H. FRIES, Editor

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That is a really tough one… I would say, probably Martin Luther. The religious figure? Yeah. Why’s that? I think he was really important, first of all, in practically everything, and then sort of a really important piece of our history.

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ROBERT CARTER

I already have a statue that I’ve got designed for the children. Really? What is it? It’s a contemporary angel, with a motorcycle at the base of it, with a female handing a baby child up to the angel, in dedication to the kids that have lost their life due to child abuse and acts of violence.

ROBERT WHIFFEN

I think any outstanding American would be a great addition to the city, whether they’re a rebel or not. Is there anybody in general that you think is worth making a statue of? I’ve always been really impressed with Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, and because he did his duty, Robert E. Lee. Even though he didn’t want to, he did it.

BARB RIELLY

When all that mess in Charlottesville came up, it occurred to me what we need is a statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. And I thought that’d make a statement that we don’t subscribe to all of those racist theories and whatnot, and it’d make a profound statement that we support everything that he believed in, as far as equality.

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6 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

It Can Be Done Here Perhaps Spokane used to define itself by its foibles and setbacks; all that is changing now BY TOM SIMPSON

major roadblock to Spokane’s economic success and vitality has been lifted with the retirement of Doug Clark from the Spokesman-Review and the elimination of his column. Gone will be the very public and regular bashing of our community that has contributed to a cultural mentality that “it can’t be done here.” If Spokane were a publicly held entity, the city’s stock price would have increased upon his departure. In 2009, after Clark penned a column claiming that servers at the Davenport intentionally stuck their fingers into glasses of water served to guests, I couldn’t take his negativity any longer. I wrote a letter to the editor labeling Doug as “Spokane’s biggest drawback” and added that his columns “significantly deter economic growth and prosperity in Spokane.” Clark responded to my published letter by naming me to his 22nd Annual “Budnick Award” list with the commentary, “I knew something was holding us back.” Clark assembled this list annually to recognize his “favorite local dubious newsmakers from the past year.” The award was named after Thomas P. Budnick, a former Massachusetts social worker who took a brief ride on the fame train after Clark outed his proclivity for filing Martian mining claims through Spokane County. I admit that is pretty funny, but I felt I needed to speak out and was honored to make Clark’s list.

am ecstatic that impressionable youth in our community, and anyone monitoring Spokane as a place to relocate to or start a business in, will no longer be biased by a stream of unfavorable messaging. Clark’s ongoing mission to emphasize every grain of dirt in our city no doubt fueled Spokane’s grassroots brand of “Spokane Doesn’t Suck,” an effort led by Derrick Oliver (aka D.O.). D.O. coined Spokane Doesn’t Suck to combat an attitude of negativity he felt was prevalent and LETTERS unwarranted. Send comments to With no budget editor@inlander.com. and without any formal research, Spokane Doesn’t Suck has become the city’s de facto tagline — particularly among millennials. D.O. is creative by nature. Spokane is prone to suffering from low self-esteem, which has a tendency to become self-fulfilling. One example I am familiar with is Spokane-based Stay Alfred, a company on whose Board of Directors I serve. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend their all-company meeting. Formed in 2011, Stay Alfred has established an entirely new hotel experience by offering wellappointed accommodations with multiple bedrooms, living spaces, full kitchens and washer/

dryers located in many of the largest cities in the country. At the all-company meeting, Jordan Allen, co-founder and CEO, good-naturedly recognized certain employees who, early in the company’s formation, doubted Stay Alfred’s ability to attain success. Some of the doubts Allen heard included: • Stay Alfred won’t be able to raise any real money. • There isn’t any talent in Spokane, you’ll have to move it to San Francisco or Boston. • You’ll never be able to scale this thing; your team isn’t sophisticated enough. • You can’t operate a real business in Spokane. It’s a farm town. These are actual, near-verbatim statements made by early Stay Alfred employees. I can’t imagine such a list being compiled by a company based in Austin, Boulder, Bend or any other city Spokane considers a peer. Those who work for Stay Alfred are highly talented, incredibly innovative and passionately tenacious; yet they had been impacted by Spokane’s “it can’t be done here” mentality. Allen, born and raised in Spokane, effectively challenged his team to overcome those false sentiments. Stay Alfred now employs approximately 110 people, currently operates in 14 cities, recently raised $15 million in growth capital, and has recruited key individuals away from other leading companies. It is achieving rapid growth and generating meaningful revenues, and already is profitable.

ulture often trumps everything else. Allen wouldn’t be hindered by what others thought about Spokane, and he established a culture within Stay Alfred to combat prevailing thoughts about building a successful business in our region. I understand the power and role of good journalism, and Doug Clark was a very colorful and entertaining writer. I just never understood why he was motivated to consistently look at the glass as half full. Maybe it was just easier to be a critic, or perhaps he just wrote what readers wanted to hear. In any event, Spokane Doesn’t Suck, and I’m delighted we have a new generation of leaders like Allen and D.O. who are highlighting and proving that, yes, it “can be done here.” n Tom Simpson is an entrepreneur, angel investor and advisor to startups and other businesses in the Spokane region. You can reach him at tsimpson@inlander.com.

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Spokane Police Annual K9 Day Meet the Spokane Police Department’s K9 Unit and see demonstrations from the dogs, enjoy free food and soda, and tour the K9 vehicles. Free. Sat, Sept. 9 from 4-6 pm. Spokane Police Academy, 2302 N. Waterworks. bit.ly/2wQbnUj

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This fourth annual event of playing soccer in a golf format supports the nonprofit organization that gives scholarship opportunities to kids in the local community, allowing them to participate in the sports and activities they love. $35/person. Sept. 9-10 from 8 am-6 pm. Eagle Ridge Short Course, 5840 S. Meadowlane Rd., playforgraciefoundation.org. (939-7540)

KYRS MOVIE NIGHT: THE COMING WAR ON CHINA

A nuclear war between the U.S. and China is not only imaginable, but a current “contingency,” says the Pentagon. This film by Australian journalist and documentarian John Pilger reveals the buildup to war on more than 400 U.S. military bases that encircle China in a “perfect noose.” $5. Mon, Sept. 11 at 7 pm. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main. kyrs.org

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Come meet 350 Spokane and fellow climate activists as they share ideas and plans for local climate action in the community. All are welcome. Free. Tue, Sept. 12 from 6:30-8 pm. Community Building, 35 W. Main. bit.ly/2weH1dy n Tell us about your event or other opportunities to get involved. Submit events at Inlander.com/getlisted or email getlisted@inlander.com.

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COMMENT | ACTIVISM

Resistance is Survival

CALEB WALSH ILLUSTRATION

How to be a “positive disruptor,” and why meaningful change is worth fighting for BY PAUL DILLON

ear Resistance: Nov. 9, 2016, wasn’t the best day we’ve ever had. But let’s take a step back and think about the now. First, we are not defined by what we are fighting against, but what we are fighting for, like fairness and equality. Every action, no matter how small, is meaningful, but this isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a marathon, not a race, to be part of a legacy of change. You’ve made sure that the checks and balances in the American political system work as intended — and they are working — but don’t let your guard down. What we’ve been told can’t happen can happen tomorrow: I’m

looking at you, Sheriff Joe Arpaio. If building anti-oppressive, inclusive spaces gets you called a snowflake? Then winter is coming. We’ve all had a moment, possibly at work or on social media, where somebody said something that didn’t sit well with us, and we let it pass by. For example, even if your trans friend isn’t in the room, if you consider yourself an ally, don’t let the moment pass. Be an actual “positive disruptor.” And to antifa: You are at risk of helping President Trump. To be clear, you are not on equal footing with white supremacists and neo-Nazis. You don’t represent that extremist tradition of violence and murder in this country, but you will help justify the worst impulses of “the all sides” crowd, since they don’t care about distinc-

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tions. Violence begets violence. Pain turns to protest — so when somebody tells you that protesting doesn’t work, they are just gaslighting. They disagree not only with what you are saying, but your right to say it. Help avoid burnout by surrounding yourself with people who aren’t political. Take up a hobby — I try to dance — but know what burnout feels like for you. Sometimes, we may just need a break from what we’re doing. And that’s OK. Dr. Willie Parker, an African-American Christian abortion provider in the Deep South and an outspoken advocate for reproductive justice, shares a quote from his grandmother: “At times like these? There’s always been times like these.” The resurgence of white supremacy isn’t surprising, because our country was founded on white supremacy. Genocide, culturicide, colonialism, slavery: It’s the United States’ DNA. “Identity politics” is destructive code for human rights. Blaming diversification is another form of white supremacy. You can’t just say that if we work on economic justice, everybody benefits, if the platform ignores how race and gender are connected to class. Everybody is now on the chopping block — even those who support Trump. Yes, it’s getting harder to even agree what a fact is any longer, but you know what? After stopping the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, we proved that no Congressional Budget Office score was as impactful as your faces and stories. Your grassroots organizing works. (Thank you, town halls!) The lessons from mobilizing on health care should be channeled to stop the dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects DREAMers — undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as youths — from deportation. This is their home, too. Immigrants who graduated from high school and are legally allowed to work will find their lives at risk. Everybody is involved in an intricate web of advantages and disadvantages, but please take the time to understand that some disadvantages matter more. Congress gets back to work this week. Watch them closely, even when they are staying silent. We can only protect our communities — all of our communities — if we stand together and speak out. You won’t always change hearts and minds. Or policy. But when you do — like keeping a racial-profiling initiative off the Spokane ballot this November, or passing a climate change ordinance — damn, it feels good to be a resister. If you haven’t joined? We need you. Why? Because resistance is survival. n

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You’re so money. financial educ ation presented by stcu.

Kids and money: It’s never too early to learn financial responsibility.

s children mature into teenagers, it gets more difficult to strike a balance where finances are concerned. How much money should parents give to their children? How much should children be expected to earn for themselves? How can children learn financial independence while getting the support they need? Marcee Hartzell, a community development officer in STCU’s Community Relations department, says sometimes it comes down to jeans. Not genes. Jeans. “I have a teenager, and we have hard discussions with her,” says Hartzell. For example, a pair of brand-name jeans that cost more than $80. She and her daughter talked about setting priorities, about fashion’s fleetingness, about the money that couldn’t be spent on other things if it were spent on a pair of pre-shredded jeans. Eventually, Hartzell agreed to pay $25 toward the jeans if her daughter covered the rest. Hartzell’s daughter bought the jeans she wanted, and her parents were able to make a point about personal budgeting, and drawing the distinction between luxury items and essentials. “As a parent, being a role model — and a financial role model — is one of the best ways to help my children,” Hartzell says. “That, and letting them make affordable mistakes.” It starts with education On behalf of STCU, Hartzell regularly goes into elementary, middle and high schools to discuss financial responsibility. A game she plays with high-school audiences shows two investment trajectories, one starting at age 20, the other at 35. Over the decades, the two trajectories begin to separate by hundreds of thousands of dollars. “When they see that chart, it really hits home, and one of the things we roll into that is the concept of retirement,” Hartzell says.

She also lays out the benefits and pitfalls of credit cards, the importance of establishing a positive credit history, and the vital need to save for emergencies as well as big purchases. Hartzell says those budget-related conversations should carry on into college, when expenses are greater and “setting the boundaries” becomes more important for family and financial harmony. Postscript The financial life lesson didn’t quite end with Hartzell’s daughter buying the name-brand jeans. The day after her purchase, while changing after gym class, she put her foot through one of the holes. The pant leg ripped off. It wasn’t the outcome either wanted, but talking openly about the purchase meant that they were both able to see things from the other’s point of view. The experience wasn’t lost on Hartzell’s daughter. “They’re just jeans,” she said. “I don’t know why I had to spend $80 on a pair of jeans.”

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COMMENT | FROM READERS

Readers respond to “We Can’t Tolerate Intolerance” (8/31/17), Jace Bylenga’s column on the need for white people to actively fight racism:

SCOTT DIAMOND: There will always be racism. From all sides. Let them have their KKK parties, Black Panther parties and protest all they want. It’s their right as an American citizen. There will always be good and evil.

Readers respond to our blog about chef Ian Wingate’s departure from Table 13 at the Davenport Grand (9/1/17):

HARRY CRASE: End of an era. This man did a lot for the food scene here in Spokane. You will be missed and good luck!

JONATHAN ZARAGOZA: Good men just stand by and do nothing. Got it. JULIE COCHRAN: Our fathers fought WWII to end the Nazi plague ... that argument has already been settled and millions died because of the Nazis and their hate ... the subject is not open again. KHIRA MIKKELSEN: Wooooow all the people offended by this article. Empathy is a beautiful thing y’all. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes? Take a sociology class, learn about some of the systemic racism in this country and stop taking things so personally... unless maybe you should?

ELLIE CARACAJOU-LITTLEWOLF: I have loved every venue Ian has developed here. He certainly held the culinary spotlight here for a very long time. Thank you for being an innovator in the epicurean scene in Spokane. You’ve made those of us in “the industry” quite proud.

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Readers respond to “Blessings and Burdens” (8/31/17), our story about nonprofit Blessings Under the Bridge’s impending eviction:

LINDSAY HOWELL: The city wants to spend $150,000 to put jagged rocks underneath bridges so homeless people can’t sleep there anymore. I think $150,000 could do a lot better addressing the homeless problem than spending it on rocks.

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CB ZORROZUA: Absolutely agreed! BUTB is actually doing meaningful work under the freeway. It’s just shameful to make them find another place to provide services to these people. n

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12 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Checkerboard owner Ian Maye has started a GoFundMe page to help his bar, which struggled during construction on East Sprague.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

TRANSPORTATION

END IN SIGHT

With construction wrapping up on major East Sprague construction, businesses say the city can learn a few things for its similar work on North Monroe

ew sidewalks now reach farther into the road along a nearly half-mile stretch of Sprague Avenue, making room for new lighting, trees and hanging flowers, and making it safer to use parking spaces along the revitalized stretch of the well-traveled city commute. With the last layer of asphalt on the final four-block stretch of this $4.3 million project being laid in recent days, there are only a few finishing touches left until the road reopens to traffic in mid-September. Where there used to be four lanes, there’s now one in

BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL each direction, with a center turn lane sporadically dotted with pedestrian islands, making crosswalks safer for those on foot. Round concrete corners stick out at the end of each block, which should calm traffic and also make it easier to see pedestrians getting ready to cross. Many business owners, such as Heather Hanley of the Tin Roof furniture store, say the end result is beautiful, and well worth the “Main Street” feeling it’s giving this stretch of the city, but businesses all along this stretch have been hurting during construction. With confusing detours and communication issues over water shutoffs,

there are lessons to take away as the city prepares to redo another major commuter corridor along North Monroe Street next year.

he Checkerboard Bar on Sprague near Madelia Street is at risk of closing again, as owner Ian Maye says they’re behind on payments to the previous owner. The seller has given them a foreclosure notice, and if they don’t raise about $25,000, their doors could close ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 13

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14 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

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come Nov. 6, ending the bar’s tenure that started at the end of Prohibition in 1933. They’ve got a GoFundMe page for the bar, hoping to collect donations. The bar was hit with a “double whammy” of construction, with apartments going in next to it starting last fall, and then the road construction starting in spring. With other projects all around that area, including work on Altamont Street and now on Riverside Avenue, it’s been difficult for people who aren’t familiar with the neighborhood to navigate their way. “Of all the obstacles we have faced, gang violence, threats and intimidation, prostitution, vandalism and the negative reputation of East Central Spokane, we always managed to survive somehow,” Maye writes for the GoFundMe page. “I never would have thought road construction and the building of apartments adjacent to us could take us out.” The city has been trying a new method of road work here, closing four full blocks at a time for everything from sewer line replacement to sidewalk and road work, rather than shutting down a few lanes of traffic at a time. That’s made it safer for workers, and the construction is set to wrap up much earlier than expected. It also avoids the type of delays seen with partial road closures, like downtown road construction work last year, which was delayed by weather and had to be finished this summer. “From an operational standpoint, it’s been much safer and easier for crews to work out there without having to look over their shoulder constantly for traffic,” says city spokesman Brian Coddington. “Obviously, there’s been an impact to business owners; there’s no way around that. But from a psychological standpoint, it’s allowed them to see the work done in sequences. They were able to see the end in sight, so to speak, when we finished the first phase.” Closing the entire stretch also makes it easier to replace pipes and do underground utility work, Coddington says. “Especially with stormwater pipes crossing

the roadway, it’s always a tricky dance how to sequence all of that to get that done when you’re only closing a few lanes at a time,” he says. The work on Monroe is likely to be done in a similar manner to Sprague, Coddington says, with contractors working on a few blocks of a closed stretch of the street, because it’s safer and faster. One of the main issues that has arisen with that method, though, is that it completely shuts down traffic along that route. For many businesses along Sprague, which saw as many as 14,000 cars per day in 2016, customer traffic decreased dramatically as soon as the first portion of the road was blocked, even as the street in front of their shops was still open.

“When you look at those people up north, I’m not sure how they’re going to do that.” And it’s not just affecting establishments in the district, says Tin Roof owner Jim Hanley. “We’re almost through this thing, but gosh, when you look at those people up north, I’m not sure how they’re going to do that,” Hanley says. “Because it hurt our business, and it’s hurt some businesses a lot. Everyone in the whole district, from Sherman to Freya.” Business owners who spoke with the Inlander say they’ve lost 40 percent or more of their customers and sales during construction. Detour signage is one of the main concerns. While alleys and back doors were open, signs well ahead of the road work detoured traffic away from the area, and in some places, drivers had to pull around road closure signs to get to a specific business. Not only have drivers been unable to use Sprague, but in the past few weeks, Riverside was also closed in that area, says Chris Bennett, who owns Bennidito’s Brewpub. Co-owner Sigrid Bennett says it’s a good thing they have a second location on South Hill, or they might have had to take a loan out to make it through the season.

The restaurant also had to close for a day when the construction crews came in one morning to say that water would be shut off for half the day. “They don’t talk to each other really well, I don’t think,” Chris Bennett says of the city and contractor, “and they don’t communicate to us. We have a brewery and have tons of hot water. We’ve got a 30-barrel hot water tank. That would have screwed us up if he was doing a batch.”

here are always issues with detours during construction, but the city has tried to keep traffic as close to businesses as possible, and it seems to have worked well, Coddington says. “We’ve had some learning on signage,” he says. “It’s always difficult when you sign one of these projects, there’s a lot of signs competing for visual space. You’ve got road closure signs, business signs and directional signs. We try to do the best we can to address those needs.” To help make communication easier, the city has also hired a construction ombudsman, Michele Vazquez, to make sure neighbors and businesses have one point of contact through the many projects going on. This year is the biggest construction season in city history, Coddington says, with $100 million in projects going on at once. Even as the city is wrapping up the work on Sprague, planning for the North Monroe “road diet” project is underway, Coddington says. “We are fully committed to a single construction season for that project next year,” he says. “A lot of work is happening, but there’s a lot of planning in the background to make sure we can apply lessons learned from this year.” For Monroe, traffic will be diverted to arterials, not residential areas, for safety, Coddington says. “That’s all something they’ll work through on sequencing, how to move people through in an efficient manner and keep traffic in close proximity to those businesses so they still benefit,” he says.

hrough outreach, the city is trying to give owners as much of a heads-up as possible to prepare for the road work, as construction is the hardest part for businesses to weather. Heather Hanley says the city gave them a document with tips for how to survive road construction. Among the advice they took, Hanley says the furniture store held events each month and ran a promotion with Northern Quest Resort & Casino, where everyone who came in got a pass to the spa, and could enter to win a $100 gift certificate for the spa. “Your customers will still come, especially if you keep inviting them back and you give them a reason to come down,” she says. She was shocked when the number of customers coming in dropped by half, but Hanley says their sales weren’t affected LETTERS to the same extent, because Send comments to those who were coming in editor@inlander.com. really wanted to be there. She suggests that business owners along Monroe plan for the worst, expect to advertise more, speak with landlords about reducing their rent, and be sure to stay in touch to know where things are at with the work schedule. For some, she recommends they consider moving or opening a second location. As for the actual construction work in front of their store, she says it has been amazing to watch. “Everything was so well orchestrated,” she says. “I called it a ballet of bulldozers; it was amazing to watch these guys work.” And as the work is wrapping up, some owners agree that for East Sprague, the improvements will be worth the inconvenience. At least, for those who can afford the hit on their business. “It’s like remodeling a kitchen. You know you’ll be without that kitchen ’til it’s done, and once you’re started, you have to go forward. There’s nothing you can do until you get through it,” Maye says. “I just hope we’re around to enjoy those changes.” n samanthaw@inlander.com

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16 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

BOARD GAMES A billboard claiming that Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers “wants a slower, censored, and more expensive internet” has gone up at the corner of Monroe Street and Mallon Avenue. The sign, calling out the Republican who represents the 5th Congressional District, was paid for by Fight for the Future; the Boston-based internet advocacy group wants people to contact their legislators and ask them to protect NET NEUTRALITY regulations that prevent internet companies from throttling speeds for certain websites. The new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has proposed rolling back the protections that the FCC put in place two years ago. McMorris Rodgers says she’s all for an open, fast internet, but believes that the current regulations have slowed rural broadband development. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

POLITICS Last week, LISA BROWN, former Washington state Senate Majority Leader and chancellor of WSU Spokane, entered the 5th Congressional District race against seventerm Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. For nine months, local political observers have assumed that Brown would run. During that time period, City Council President Ben Stuckart announced he would run for the seat, raised a sizable chunk of money, then dropped out of the race due to family issues. Because Brown hadn’t announced, Stuckart couldn’t give her the money he’d raised. But Brown says the long wait was always a part of her timetable. She wanted to finish up her biggest achievement at WSU, Brown says, before entering the race; on Aug. 18, the new WSU medical school held the first white coat ceremony for its inaugural class. (DANIEL WALTERS)

NEWS | BRIEFS

End of the Dream? Trump’s plan to discontinue the DACA policy; plus, new Spokane policies on homeless camps and panhandling DREAMERS DEFERRED?

Nearly 800,000 people who came to the United States illegally as children or young teenagers, and have been protected from DEPORTATION, could be at risk of being deported, sent to countries where many of them have never lived. President Trump announced Tuesday morning that he is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and called on Congress to pass legislation to replace it. Until then, DACA’s participants, known as “dreamers,” are caught in legal limbo. The decision to rescind the Obama-era policy has inflamed debate about the rule of law, executive power and compassion for undocumented immigrants who were raised here. “Now is the time for Republicans to join us to reverse this shameful decision & find a permanent solution for DREAMers here in the US,” Washington Sen. Patty Murray tweeted. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represents the 5th District, expressed her intent to work with other House members to “establish common sense policies for children of immigrants,” while recognizing that “many of these children came to our country at no fault of their own.” Trump sent U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an immigration hard-liner, to announce his decision. Speaking Tuesday, Sessions called the program, which began in 2012 with an executive order from President Barack Obama, an “open ended circumvention of immigration laws.” Under Trump’s new policy, new DACA applications are no longer accepted, though current participants can renew their applications until Oct. 5 of this year. The program will expire March 5, 2018, giving Congress six months to find a solution. Ahead of the announcement, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced his intention to sue the Trump administration should it decide to cancel the DACA program, which has more than 19,000 participants in Washington state, and about 3,000 in Idaho, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (MITCH RYALS)

“REAL CHANGE”

After investing more than $12 million in shelters and homeless services this year, the city of Spokane is working to make it harder for HOMELESS PEOPLE to beg for money or live on the streets. The city is starting a “Give Real Change” campaign, posting signs to encourage drivers to donate to local homeless service providers by calling 311, instead of handing cash to people who are asking for money. Those who need services can call 211 for help. At the end of August, the city paid $150,000 to landscape and dump rocks underneath Interstate 90 at Bernard Street to make it less appealing to hang out or sleep there. The reasoning? Partly to encourage people to access the shelter system, which can connect people with housing opportunities. Business owners and workers in the area say that issues with litter, human feces and used needles have been increasing. While the rocks’ presence may move people along, both shelters in the city’s 24/7 shelter system have been at or near capacity recently. Open Doors family shelter, which started offering overnight space in June, turns people away nightly. Since reopening its expanded sleeping space on Aug. 1, House of Charity hasn’t turned anyone away, says shelter director Sam Dompier. But their men’s mats are full right now, and they’ve got 22 more beds on order. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 17

NEWS | HISTORY

An Evening with

J. A. Jance

Wright and Wrongs As the country debates the fate of Confederate monuments, a local push to rename Fort George Wright Drive is heating up again BY DANIEL WALTERS

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he address of Spokane’s Unitarian Universalist Church continues to drive minister Todd Eklof crazy. Not the location, to be clear. The address itself, specifically the street name: Fort George Wright Drive. “Those institutions who are on that road have to literally put it on our envelopes every day,” Eklof says. Eklof’s church sits on land that was once Fort George Wright, named after Col. George Wright, one of the most controversial figures in Spokane’s history. “To have this name on a street in the town remembering him, when he was responsible for so much bloodshed?” Eklof says. “It is our version of a Confederate flag. It is our version of a Confederate monument.” Two years ago, after the Charleston, South Carolina, church massacre sparked a national debate over the Confederate flag, Eklof and several others sent letters to the Spokane City Council, urging them to rename the street named after Wright. The effort convinced the city council to add the name change proposal to the plan commission’s agenda. Two years later, Fort George Wright Drive remains. And now, as the controversy over the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Virginia, has raised questions again about glorifying the Confederacy, Eklof wants to restart the debate over Spokane’s own grim history. “It’s time to renew my personal push to get the name changed,” Eklof says. “It’s an important part of our society to say we’re not going to stand for these symbols.”

THE UNMERCIFUL HANGMAN

“Put your faith in me and trust to my mercy,” Col. George Wright implored the local Indian tribes, according to Donald Cutler’s “Hang Them All”: George Wright and the Plateau Indian War. It was a ruse. Wright was a man of faith — deeply religious, Cutler says — but he wasn’t a man of mercy. In May of 1858, Lt. Col. Edward Steptoe, intending to investigate the murder of two prospectors, ignited a 10-hour-long battle with local Indian tribes, barely escaping with his life. Wright rode in, seeking retribution and to “bring those Indians under subjugation.” Wright’s men burned storehouses of wheat, razed grain fields and eliminated root caches. The decision to slaughter hundreds of the tribe’s horses disturbed even his own men. “To see 700 beautiful mares, colts and horses in one slaughter pen was truly awful,” one soldier wrote. Rounds after rounds of hostages were taken, some under the pretense of a truce. Prisoners were hanged — 17 in all. In one incident, there were six prisoners, marked for execution after only a cursory round of questions, but only three

18 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Col. George Wright led a brutal campaign against local Indian tribes in 1858. nooses. So three had to wait, watching the other three being executed. Wright issued threats — if hostilities didn’t cease he would return and “annihilate the whole nation” — with hanged warriors swaying behind him. Through an interpreter, he told them they all deserved execution, and threatened to “hang them all, men, women and children.” Over the years, plenty of observers excused Wright’s actions as necessary, even laudatory. “The hangings marked the end of the Indian wars and brought a permanent peace and a feeling of safety to the whites of this territory for the first time,” Silas Cook, a resident urging Spokane to change the name “Latah Creek” back to “Hangman Creek,” told the Spokane Daily Chronicle in 1934. But Cutler’s interpretation is clear. “He knew what he was doing was the essence of terrorism,” Cutler says. “He knew he was inflicting cruelty for the sake of cruelty.” Today, Wright’s name is synonymous with infamy for many local American Indians. “He was the bad guy for sure,” said Barry Moses, a Spokane Tribe member who translates textbooks for the Kalispel Tribe. “He came into the Spokane country, really as an aggressor or as a conqueror.” Moses doesn’t want to generalize — not every American Indian, of course, cares about how George Wright is remembered. But he cares. He thinks about how some argue that all this stuff should be brushed off, and that everyone should just get past it and “be Americans.” “I see something like Fort George Wright Drive,” Moses says. “Am I supposed to celebrate, then, the conquering and the destruction and the defeat of my own people? Is that what it takes for me to blend in and be an American?”

THE RENAME GAME

The controversy over Fort George Wright Drive

isn’t a new one, of course. North Central High School students objected to the name in 1987. And in 1993 and 1994, the Peace and Justice Action League and a group of Spokane Falls Community College students attempted to rouse support for changing the street name in front of the college. But most SFCC faculty members opposed a change, with some arguing that it was an attempt to judge the past by modern values. Recently, however, Spokane has seen a spate of name changes. City Council President Ben Stuckart rejected a 2014 proposal to name a new City Hall plaza after Spokane city founder James Glover, after concerns were raised about how Glover treated his wife. Instead, city council voted to name the plaza the Spokane Tribal Gathering Place. Last year, over objections from some Italian Americans, the council changed the city’s recognition of Columbus Day to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” noting Columbus’ legacy of slavery and brutality. But renaming a street requires going through the Plan Commission, Stuckart says. Since other councilmembers ranked the name change as a low priority, it’s been gathering dust on the commission’s agenda. Stuckart says he’s willing to push for the name change again, but only if he hears from constituents who desire it. “Changing the holiday didn’t require a process through the municipal code,” Stuckart says. “It was easier for it to get done.”

MEMORIAL AND MEMORY

City Councilman Mike Fagan points to a printout on the table, a list of local street names and their controversial history. For Fagan, the council’s lone sole conservative, the biggest objection to changing Fort George Wright Drive is a simple question: Where do you draw the line? “There’s a lot of history in the city of Spokane, with regard to our streets and our bridges, that in today’s political environment wouldn’t be considered politically correct,” Fagan says. We have streets, he says, named after slave owners like Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, James Madison and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Even before Spokane’s Sandifur Memorial Bridge was completed, C. Paul Sandifur Jr., a former Metropolitan Mortgage chief executive, was caught up in the major financial fraud scandal. Fagan doesn’t even mention Stevens Street and Stevens County, both named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory, who imposed martial law and forced tribes to sign treaties at gunpoint. Fagan argues for keeping it all, even the statue of Lenin in Seattle or of Planned Parenthood’s founder in the Smithsonian: “It’s hard to say what people in the past had in their hearts and minds when these decisions were made. If you erase or alter our history, you’re doomed to repeat it.” But Moses says it’s useful to consider why a figure is being celebrated. Jefferson owned slaves, but is celebrated for his other contributions, like authoring the Declaration of Independence. But Wright? “What are we celebrating about him? That he came in and destroyed a nation of people to advance a superiority of another race?” Moses says. “We don’t put up a monument of George Wright because he was a good father or a loving husband.” To Moses, renaming Fort George Wright Drive is not about erasing history. It’s about acknowledging the truth of it. In 1997 and 1999, there was a debate over renaming “Hangman Creek” once again, back to Latah Creek. But in that case, Moses recalls that the Spokane Tribe, at least, overwhelmingly wanted to keep the name, as a way of remembering a war crime. “We have to recognize that the atrocities were long ago, but there are still communities who are living the effects of those atrocities,” Moses says. There is still overwhelming poverty on many Indian reservations, he notes. That’s something Eklof also keeps in mind. Changing names is not enough, he says: “If all we do is change names and tear down monuments, it’s going to harm the situation, not help it.” n danielw@inlander.com

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 19

THE BIG BUSINESS OF VIRTUAL EDUCATION For-profit companies now dominate the world of online education in Washington and Idaho, but researchers say these schools can be disastrous for kids BY WILSON CRISCIONE

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

20 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Nearly bankrupt, the rural Omak School District in central Washington was operating on borrowed money eight years ago. It couldn’t even afford new textbooks. Running out of options, the district turned to a Virginia-based for-profit company called K12 Inc., which specializes in operating public online schools. Washington Virtual Academy opened as part of the Omak district. It advertised across the state, attracting more and more students from outside the area. Enrollment ballooned from 1,700 to about 5,500. And with each student came more state funding. Now, Superintendent Erik Swanson says, Omak can update decades-old curriculum materials. It can invest in new technology. It can replace school roofs. “It’s a business. And I have to operate on a business model that says I have limited revenue flow, and I have to deal with all the same things a corporation does,” says Swanson, in his fifth year as Omak’s superintendent. Other school districts in Washington have made a similar decision to partner with K12 Inc., or its for-profit competitor Connections Education. These side deals give small districts the opportunity to deliver virtual education while also filling gaps in their budgets. Consequently, the state has seen a rapid expansion in the number of students taking online courses. During the past school year, around 33,000 students statewide took at least one online course, about a 65 percent increase from the roughly 20,000 students who took online courses five years earlier. A majority of those courses are taken from a school run by a for-profit company. But an Inlander review of state education data, citizen complaints and district records reveals that while the companies and schools may profit from the arrangement, students often fall further behind academically. Following national trends, students graduate at a much lower rate when attending virtual schools run by for-profits compared to brickand-mortar schools. Fewer students successfully complete online courses overall, compared to traditional schools. And at Washington Virtual Academy, some students with special needs — often attracted to a nontraditional school setting — have been denied the specialized instruction they’re entitled to under state and federal laws, despite multiple reprimands from the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Still, millions of Washington taxpayer dollars flow to for-profit companies each year, with districts

and state agencies largely in the dark about how that money is spent. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has supported virtual schools and was once an investor in K12 Inc., according to news reports. A proponent of “school choice,” DeVos has called these schools a valuable option for rural families. One of the major national critics of the schools, however, has been Washington Sen. Patty Murray. “Small communities need flexible learning options to make sure that every one of their students has access to a high-quality public education,” Murray tells the Inlander. “But all too often, for-profit online schools put their bottom lines above the needs of students and parents.”

IN THE GREEN

K12 Inc., the nation’s biggest player in the online school market, currently runs two of the largest online programs in Washington: Omak’s Washington Virtual Academy, including an elementary, middle and high school; and Insight School of Washington, under the Quillayute Valley School District on the Olympic Peninsula. Nearly 6,000 students attend these schools full-time in Washington. K12 Inc. says it operates schools in 33 states. In many of those states, including LETTERS Idaho, the schools Send comments to are online public editor@inlander.com. charter schools. Idaho law requires that all districts and charter schools publish their expense information for the public. By law, charter schools must have nonprofit governing boards. In Washington, they’re not technically charter schools. They arrived in Washington before voters approved charter schools in 2012, and are instead called “Alternative Learning Experiences.” The individual school district is ultimately responsible for oversight of the programs, but the operation of the school is controlled by K12. As a result, K12 receives most of the money — millions of taxpayer dollars — to manage the schools. In the 2016-17 school year, the Omak School District served more than 3,400 full-time students for Washington Virtual Academy, or WAVA. The state paid roughly $6,400 per student, a lower rate than

normal because it’s an Alternative Learning Experience school. Add extra funding for special education students, and WAVA generates an estimated $26 million by attracting full-time, out-of-district students. Omak retains just 3 percent of that as an administrative oversight fee, about $780,000. The rest of the more than $25 million is for WAVA to use to run the school, the district says. But there’s another perk for the school district. With higher enrollment, districts can increase the amount of money collected from property tax levies. That doesn’t mean that Omak increases the amount it taxes its own residents — although it could, OSPI data shows. Instead, it receives more state funding through the state’s “local effort assistance” program, also referred to as “levy equalization,” created as a way to mitigate disparities between property-rich and property-poor school districts. In short, for Omak, more students equals more revenue, which equals more money from state levy equalization, says Omak’s fiscal administrator Scott Haeberle. Omak received nearly $6 million from levy equalization in the past school year. That’s on top of what it collected from the levy approved by voters, which brought in around $2.1 million. Overall, in the 2017 calendar year, Omak will take in $3 million more from levy equalization than it would have without WAVA students, according to OSPI. Quillayute Valley, operating Insight School of Washington, similarly benefits. Insight has a total of 2,000 students, mostly out of district. It sees $2.7 million in levy equalization on top of $628,000, the money it normally receives from its levy. Tack on the administrative fee Quillayute Valley gets — 6 percent of revenue from state funding for the first 1,750 students enrolled in Insight, then 3 percent after that — and it makes a huge difference, says Diana Reaume, Quillayute Valley School District superintendent. “It affects the budget to a plus,” she says. Other Washington districts have caught on. In 2015, Mary M. Knight School District in Elma, home to fewer than 200 students, entered into an agreement with national K12 competitor Connections Education to deliver a virtual K-8 school called Washington Connections Academy. It enrolled 500 ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 21

EDUCATION “THE BIG BUSINESS OF VIRTUAL EDUCATION,” CONTINUED... students last year. It’s expanding through 10th grade this dominate the national and regional online school market, Arts proficiency was 50 percent and science proficiency school year, says Mary M. Knight Superintendent Ellen whether they operate as charter schools or work directly was 65 percent. Perconti. with a school district. In Washington, results haven’t been much better Mary M. Knight took two considerations into But national studies of online charter schools overall since K12 Inc. arrived in 2004. account when deciding to enter into a contract with Conreveal grim results. In 2015, a study from Stanford The company originally started Washington Virtual nections Education, Perconti says. The first: It would proUniversity’s Center for Research on Education OutAcademy as a K-8 school, under Steilacoom Historivide a virtual school option for Mary M. Knight students, comes found that “academic benefits from online charter cal School District. Within two years, enrollment had though only a few — at most — would actually use it. schools are currently the exception rather than the rule.” climbed beyond 1,000 students. The second consideration? With a lack of state fundA 2016 report by the National Education Policy Center Samuel Scott, a member of the Steilacoom Historiing, the district needed any extra money it could get, she found that student outcomes says. In order to serve its own students, it needed outside for virtual schools lag sighelp. nificantly behind traditional “The fiscal part was part of why we looked at it,” schools. It recommended that Perconti says. “We thought, ‘How do we make sure we policymakers slow or stop the can provide the best services here, locally?’” growth until reasons for the While the vast majority of taxpayer money these poor performance have been districts receive flows to K12 or Connections Education, addressed. the districts themselves do not directly oversee or manage Miron, with the National the company’s budget, district records show. Omak, for Education Policy Center, says instance, monitors K12’s performance. But K12 runs the annual studies on virtual the school. It recruits teachers, it provides the approved schools have produced “dismal” results. cal School District school board for 14 years, says he is curriculum, and, crucially, it advertises for new students “We track all these school outcomes — school perforproud that Steilacoom helped break ground on virtual across the state. mance ratings from the state, average mean performance education in the state. He says K12 did a “good job of For Gary Miron, a researcher for the National Educaon math and reading, graduation rate, attrition rate — educating,” and praised its model. Any revenue it brought tion Policy Center and professor at Western Michigan across all measures every single year,” Miron says. “It’s to the district was offset by administrative costs, he says. This looks We’d to remove information on thedisaster.” left side underneath the date (early birdButregistration…) and University, it’sgreat! a concern thatlike districts don’t seethe K12’s an absolute as WAVA sought to expand and enroll more high budget. In Idaho, virtual charter schools have dragged down school and out-of-district replace it with ‘With a route across Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and thestudents, Steilacoom decided it “The problem, for accountability,” Miron says, “is the state’s graduation rate. No virtual school had a graduwasn’t worth the extra administrative work. surrounding mountains what elseit’scould we call ation it butrate theabove ‘Scenic Half Marathon’!’ that once it goes behind the veil– of privacy, hard to 50 percent during the 2015-16 school “K12 Inc. is a for-profit. They have to make money. know how they spend the money.” year, according to the Idaho Public Charter School ComAnd so in order for them to actually thrive, they needed mission. The largest, Idaho Virtual Academy, a K12 Inc. to expand, and we just didn’t want to incur all that adPOOR OUTCOMES NATIONWIDE school, had a graduation rate of 33 percent. At IVA, math ministration work,” Scott says. Large virtual schools operated by for-profit companies proficiency was also 33 percent, while English Language Student performance on state assessments for WAVA

“The problem, for accountability, is that once it goes behind the veil of privacy, it’s hard to know how they spend the money.”

With a route across Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains – what else could we call it but the ‘Scenic Half Marathon’! 22 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

students from 2004 until 2013, the year WAVA left Steilacoom, was markedly worse than the rest of the district and state as a whole, according to data from OSPI. As more and more families became interested in online education, K12 Inc. spread to other districts. Quillayute Valley School District started Insight, which is a high school program, in 2006. By 2010-11, almost 3,000 students were enrolled, nearly all from out of the district. The dropout rate was 44 percent. The four-year graduation rate? Less than 20 percent, according to OSPI. It improved slightly from there, reaching 31 percent for the 2015-16 school year. Omak began contracting with WAVA in 2009. By comparison, its high school WAVA program had a graduation rate of 23 percent for the class of 2012, but by 2015 it jumped to 71 percent, according to OSPI. For comparison, the four-year graduation rate statewide for the class of 2015 was 78 percent. There are plenty of caveats when measuring success of online schools. Online students often have been struggling with a traditional school when they choose an online program. The students are more mobile, meaning they don’t stay in the program for as long. They’re typically more at-risk. And when students who are at-risk of not graduating transfer from their home district to a virtual school, it only impacts the virtual school’s graduation rate, says Insight Head of School Jeff Bush, who responded to Inlander questions via email through K12’s corporate communications office. “Grad rate is a complex issue,” he writes. “It is important to look beyond the numbers and unpack the nuances.” Reaume, the Quillayute Valley superintendent, agrees that circumstances of individual students must be considered. Insight brings in students who can’t attend

a brick-and-mortar school. One of the enrolled students, Reaume says, is an actor in Los Angeles who flies back and forth to Washington from there. An online school is the only way that student can make school work. Other Insight students — about three-quarters of the population, Reaume says — are those who are already disengaged from public school, unlikely to graduate on-time anyway. When asked about Insight’s graduation rate, Rhett Nelson, OSPI online learning program manager, says OSPI is “definitely interested” in starting to measure the performance of online schools. But comparing the numbers with a traditional school, he notes, would not do the program justice. “There are a lot of different factors in assessing performance,” Nelson says. Right now, OSPI is limited in the way it measures success for virtual schools, no matter if the provider is for-profit or not. Students who attend virtual schools part-time, for example, don’t show up in state graduationrate data. Nelson says right now, OSPI is looking at better ways to measure performance in online programs. “We did discover over the last year that we don’t have the data, the data tools, needed to review the programs and assess the program’s performance,” Nelson says. “We’re working on getting those in place.”

SPECIAL EDUCATION

For Leslie Gwiazda’s daughter, Lala, a brick-and-mortar public school never really was an option. Gwiazda adopted Lala as an infant. She was a “drug baby,” Gwiazda says. That came with a host of issues that made attending a public school a risk. Lala, 7, has an autoimmune disorder. She’s constantly seeing specialists for various issues — eye surgery, hearing

aids, bladder or kidney problems. She has a strong vocabulary, but has difficulty writing with her hands. She loves swimming, riding her bike, coloring and playing with dolls, but her sensory-processing issues can get in the way of physical activities. Gwiazda says she saw the advertisements for Washington Virtual Academy saying that students of all ages can learn from home, that they can learn at their own pace. Lala’s older brother, now in college, had success in WAVA. So Gwiazda enrolled Lala as a kindergartener. “But the program just is not designed for kids with special needs,” says Gwiazda, who lives in Spokane. Lala had what’s called an IEP, or an Individualized Education Plan, which is for children with disabilities who need specialized instruction. In recent years, WAVA has been the subject of multiple complaints accusing the school of not following state and federal laws regarding special education students and students with IEPs. Gwiazda says her daughter couldn’t keep up with the work. She claims that when Lala didn’t finish an assignment on time, WAVA would frequently tell Gwiazda to finish the assignment for her daughter. Gwiazda says she asked WAVA multiple times to modify her daughter’s IEP, developed when Lala was in preschool, so that Lala could keep up with the work without Gwiazda doing it for her. But WAVA never modified the IEP, she says. She pulled her daughter out of WAVA months into first grade, and now Lala is repeating the first grade at a homeschool program run by Spokane Public Schools. Gwiazda’s main complaint is that she thinks WAVA should stop advertising itself as a school for kids with special needs. “It needs to be advertised as a school for kids who don’t have special needs,” she says. “They weren’t willing ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 23

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to modify Lala’s IEP. They weren’t willing to make her the best she could be.” Gwiazda’s issues with WAVA echo other written complaints about the program obtained by the Inlander through public records requests:  In 2012, OSPI’s Digital Learning Department received a parent complaint claiming WAVA required that a student revoke their IEP as a condition of enrollment. Karl Nelson, former director of OSPI’s Digital Learning Department, asked WAVA to discontinue the practice. “Can you please reiterate — again — with your enrollment team that they should not require revocation of a student’s IEP as a condition of enrollment?” Nelson wrote to WAVA Head of School Mark Christiano. “This seems institutionalized to me… despite our repeated warnings,” said an email from another OSPI employee.  In September 2014, OSPI again received a complaint that WAVA had denied a student’s transfer request based on the student’s IEP status. OSPI notified WAVA that denying a student based on their disability is a violation of state and federal laws. Christiano, WAVA’s head of school, said that WAVA would take steps to ensure it complied with state and federal civil rights laws. That included a policy that WAVA will not deny a student based on IEP status. The email also stated that WAVA would re-evaluate or write a new IEP if a student’s IEP is overdue.  In October 2016, a parent alleged through an attorney that WAVA — and the Omak School

District — violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by failing to implement an 8-year-old’s IEP. OSPI investigated and ordered that Omak hire an outside trainer to address special education and IEP procedures. Scott Raub, the Special Education Parent Liaison for OSPI, says that a school district cannot deny enrollment to a student if that student initially met the school’s criteria. And once the school does enroll a student with special needs, the district can’t deny them special education services, by law. WAVA’s Christiano only agreed to respond to Inlander questions via email. He said he was

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not familiar with the 2012 complaint. Regarding the 2014 complaint, he said that WAVA never had a policy to deny a student based on disability, but says the review practice was changed. He called the 2016 complaint an “isolated incident.” He notes that WAVA currently serves 500 students with IEPs. “WAVA’s percentage of special education students has increased over the last five years,”

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Ted and Leslie Gwiazda pulled their daughter, Lala, out of WAVA, saying the school isn’t good for kids with special needs. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO he writes. “Our internal [special education] parent surveys show a very high level of satisfaction with the program and services provided.” Swanson, the Omak superintendent, admits that WAVA took a “limited approach” regarding what kind of special-needs students could be served. WAVA, he says, has made some staffing changes that will help. “Starting this year,” Swanson says, “all kids with IEPs are enrolled.” The National Education Policy Center’s Miron notes that enrolling students with special needs means that K12 Inc. gets more money to service those students. “They get a lot of money for special ed, but we don’t know how they’re spending it,” he says. Lindy MacMillan, a Northwest Justice Project attorney who represented the parent who filed the complaint in October 2016, is more concerned with WAVA potentially not providing the services to special-needs students once they are enrolled. While other schools have been knocked for similar issues related to student IEPs, she says that particular issue may be unique to WAVA. “It’s a huge barrier to kids with disabilities, because they won’t learn the things they need to learn,” MacMillan says. “To bring in a kid with an IEP, and not provide services — it’s stagnated them, basically.”

ANOTHER OPTION

The majority of students who attend an online school full-time in Washington are in a school run by for-profits K12 or Connections Education. But school districts also have their own online schools without contracting with an outside company. Spokane Public Schools has been running Spokane Virtual Learning for more than a decade. The curriculum is designed to match the curriculum of the district, says Spokane Virtual Learning Director Kristin Whiteaker. Other districts are increasingly partnering with SVL for online services. Instead of students leaving their home districts for SVL online courses, Whiteaker ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 25

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says that SVL tries to partner with those districts instead for online curricula. Swanson says he sees SVL “trying to compete with WAVA.” Whiteaker objects to that characterization. “I wouldn’t think we’re competing with them. We’re providing support for local school districts to be able to serve their own students,” she says. “We’re providing a means for public schools not to lose their students to a for-profit.” Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, for example, recently switched from using a curriculum from K12 Inc., to using a curriculum from SVL. Heather Fowler, principal of Vancouver’s Legacy High School, which was called iQ Academy before the curriculum change, says they switched to SVL because it was local. “We liked the fact that the curriculum was created by classroom teachers at the local level here in Washington, and that it is consistently updated based on the feedback of teachers who use it,” Fowler says. The curriculum for an online provider must meet “at least eighty percent of the current applicable grade/subject area Washington state standards,” according to OSPI. However, it’s not necessarily an exact science. Rhett Nelson, the OSPI online learning program manager, says there isn’t really a precise way to measure that. There’s an initial review of the curriculum; otherwise, he says, “we basically trust” that online providers and school districts are working within the standards. A major difference between SVL and schools run by for-profits is that SVL discourages fulltime enrollment in an online school. Only a few students attend SVL full-time; most attend parttime, in an effort to catch up or recover needed credits for graduation. The challenge, Whiteaker says, is that being in front of a computer 30 to 35 hours a week for schoolwork is like having an office job. “It’s very difficult to take full-time online and be successful,” she says. While thousands of students attend online schools full-time through WAVA, Insight or Washington Connections Academy, the vast majority — nearly 90 percent — of the 30,000plus students attending a Washington virtual

school split their time between it and a traditional school. Miron, the National Education Policy Center’s researcher, argues that full-time virtual enrollment should happen sparingly. There’s a place for full-time virtual students, he says, but it should be reserved for a very small portion of kids who use it while dealing with an illness, or who play sports, or LETTERS are acting in Send comments to a movie. He editor@inlander.com. says that the increasing number of online students across the country is causing problems for states when it comes to oversight and measuring success. “We don’t have the personnel and routines and process in place to track all these kids,” Miron says. In Washington, there have only been minor reforms to online education in recent years. In 2011 and 2013, the Washington state legislature enacted new laws related to Alternative Learning Experiences, including online schools. Mainly, the changes had to do with creating more transparency in how ALE programs report for state funding. The legislature ordered that the Washington State Auditor’s Office conduct a three-part “performance audit” on Alternative Learning Experiences, including online schools in Washington. It’s already behind schedule. Spokane state Sen. Andy Billig, a member of the Senate’s K-12 Education committee, says the legislature has been more focused on funding general education as mandated by the state Supreme Court’s 2012 McCleary decision. He admits “it may be time for another look” at online programs. Swanson, in Omak, still believes the WAVA program is delivering a quality education. Yet even he says that OSPI and the state legislature need to keep their eye on virtual education. It’s moving at a faster pace than people, including lawmakers, perhaps want to admit, he says, adding: “It’s gonna change the game completely.” n wilsonc@inlander.com

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FESTIVAL

Riverfront Festival Spokane’s newest music festival Tinnabulation kicks off this weekend, bringing some big names to Riverfront Park BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

innabulation labels itself as Spokane’s largest music festival. It’s also the city’s newest, set to take over most of Riverfront Park (at least the parts that aren’t currently under construction) and the neighboring Convention Center for the first time this weekend. Tinnabulation has more than just music in store. Alongside the four stages, which will feature more than 50 bands, there will be vendors, comedians, poets, food trucks, a “watering hole” serving craft beer from eight breweries, and various art installations, including large murals and a 20-foot-tall robot made out of No-Li beer cans. “We’re incorporating everything from the art scene that

the Inland Northwest can offer,” says Matt Meyer, Tinnabulation’s CEO. “If you need to take a break from listening to music, you’re going to be able to find something to do.” Meyer, who also works as event manager for the Spokane Convention Center, says the notion of starting up his own festival has almost always been in the back of his mind. “Back in college, my buddies and I always talked about doing something like this,” he says. “We were talking semirealistically, but we were always throwing the idea around.” And then he attended a conference in Portland and sat in on a discussion about the logistics of best utilizing public ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 29

CULTURE | FESTIVAL

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“RIVERFRONT FESTIVAL,” CONTINUED... spaces for events, and his imagination was sparked. “It just got my brain running again. I was looking out over the park and thinking about the logistics,” Meyer says. “The more I thought about it, the more it became a realistic possibility.” He started planning the festival in earnest nearly four years ago, and Tinnabulation is finally getting off the ground amid a crowded marketplace. There are a lot of music festivals out there, likely more than ever before: Sasquatch, Elkfest, the Festival at Sandpoint and the Inlander’s Volume festival are already in this summer’s rearview mirror, and Schweitzer’s Fall Fest and Pig Out in the Park just wrapped up this past weekend. But Tinnabulation is different in a couple of ways, Meyer says. First, it’s larger in scope and variety than your typical Spokane festival. It’s also aiming to be more of an intergenerational experience, with an array of artists whose fanbases span age groups. “When we went into this looking at the music side of things, we wanted it to be a family event in a family-friendly setting, but it’s also attracting the college demographic,” Meyer says. “We wanted artists the college kids would want to hear, and also incorporating what older generations want to hear. “A lot of the comments we hear are, ‘It’s about time Spokane has something like this.’” n Tinnabulation Music Festival • Fri-Sun, Sept. 8-10; Fri, 2-11 pm; Sat, 11 am-11 pm; Sun, 11 am-10:30 pm • $43.50 for 1 day, $74.50 for 2 days, $102.50 for 3 days; $210.50 for 3-day VIP pass • Riverfront Park • 507 N. Howard • Spokane Convention Center • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • tinnabulation.com

THE HEADLINERS THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO

Friday at 9 pm These Australian roots-rockers are huge in their home country: Nearly all of their albums have been certified platinum a few times over. And while their following in America is more of the cult variety, they’ll no doubt bring out all the diehard jam-band aficionados.

AMERICAN AUTHORS

Saturday at 9 pm Even if you don’t recognize this New York band offhand, the odds are still pretty high that you’ve heard their biggest hit. The 2013 single “Best Day of My Life,” with its distinctive banjo lick and “whoa-oh-oh” sing-along hook, has been used in films, commercials and video games, and it’s racked up 226 million listens on Spotify.

OK GO

Sunday at 8:30 pm Best known for their low-budget, intricately choreographed music videos (remember the one with all the treadmills?), this quartet has been knocking out super-catchy pop songs since the early 2000s. Their set will no doubt involve some kind of synchronized dancing; be prepared to move right along with them. — NATHAN WEINBENDER

CULTURE | DIGEST

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ALBUM Looking for a positive to come out of the Trump administration is virtually impossible, but allow me to reach for one with the ongoing existence of Filthy Friends, a new-ish band revolving around Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker, R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and some other Northwest rock royalty. They started as a Bowie-covering lark, but joined in the “30 Days, 30 Songs” anti-Trump effort last fall and decided to make a real go of it. Now they have a killer full-length album, INVITATION, that includes some of the Tucker punk fury (“No Forgotten Son”) and Buck garage-jangle (“Any Kind of Crowd”) you’d expect, plus a few moves you wouldn’t (the folky beauty of “Faded Afternoon”). It’s a thrill to hear rock vets finding new things to say in such bewitching ways.

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BOOK I first saw Jessi Klein do stand-up probably 15 years ago, and she disappeared off my radar until reappearing as the Emmy-winning writer and executive producer of Inside Amy Schumer. Turns out she was mostly working behind the scenes, as a Saturday Night Live writer and development director at Comedy Central, and last year she released her first book. I grabbed YOU’LL GROW OUT OF IT after its paperback release this summer, and Klein’s essays about growing into adulthood and navigating life as a woman in the entertainment business work in the same way Mindy Kaling’s books do — equal parts hilarious jokes and revealing autobiography.

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CULTURE | THEATER

“Instead of having a cast of, like, 30 to 50 people, it’s reduced down to nine,” says Cyrano director Chris Wooley.

Nosing Around Stage Left opens its new season with a modern translation of a classic play BY E.J. IANNELLI

ix years ago, Edmond Rostand’s 19th-century play Cyrano de Bergerac (itself set in 1640) was given a fresh English translation by Michael Hollinger. The contemporary playwright was looking to remedy what he saw as the shortcomings of the two “biggies” — namely, the “prosaic” quality of Brian Hooker’s 1923 translation and the “over-embellished” quality of Anthony Burgess’ poetic translation from 1970. Hollinger said he wanted the language to be “immediate, rhythmic and lively,” the jokes to resonate with modern audiences, and the verse to be more reminiscent of slam poetry. The nose, of course — Cyrano’s tragicomic impediment to life and love — would remain untouched. Along with his new translation, now shortened to simply Cyrano, Hollinger adapted the play for smaller troupes and stages. He trimmed scenes, condensed action and cut the size of the cast by more than two-thirds, making it more suitable for venues like Stage Left, which is featuring the play as its 2017-18 season opener. “Instead of having a cast of, like, 30 to 50 people, it’s reduced down to nine,” says Cyrano director Chris Wooley. “Each person is playing multiple roles, so it’s very much an ensemble-type show. The same storyline goes through — just with minor tweaks to make it work with nine actors.” One of those tweaks, though not exactly minor, is the

32 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

inclusion of the hundred-man sword fight that otherwise “happens offstage during intermission,” Wooley says. “In this one, you actually get to see a cool fight happen” despite the reduced cast. “Each actor gets to die several times,” he says, laughing. Up to this point, Wooley has primarily been involved with the Spokane Civic Theatre, directing productions such as Becky’s New Car and Catfish Moon. Cyrano is his first venture with Stage Left. “I hadn’t worked with Stage Left before, and I wanted to,” says Wooley. “I was looking at the show lineup that they had, and I absolutely love heroic stories, which Cyrano is. We have adventure, you’ve got some romance, cool storytelling, and of course sword fights are a huge plus, too.” There also was a family connection. Wooley’s mother, Tia, who has extensive experience in local theater, became the managing director at Stage Left last year. “If anything, we’re probably able to get more done, because I’ve got a nice working relationship with her,” he says. “And we know a lot of the same people, which can help to pull in favors to up the production value.” A few of those favors are evident in the costumes and props. The swords are on loan from Eastern Washington University, for example, and the period attire was

CHRIS WOOLEY/HEADS & TAILS PHOTOS

sourced from the Civic’s massive wardrobe. It was also through Wooley’s work with the Civic that he met Dalin Tipton, who was called in at the 11th hour to assume the leading role when Jeremy Lindholm bowed out of the production. Lindholm, who appeared at Stage Left last year in Wittenberg and had a bit part in the latest season of Twin Peaks, was arrested on assault and attempted murder charges the day after quitting Cyrano, due to what Wooley describes as “family issues.” “The replacement actor is amazing. He’s crazy, crazy good,” says Wooley, adding that Tipton was “off book” (no longer needing the script to rehearse) and comfortable with the fight choreography within a matter of days. “He pulls in such dedication and professionalism that it’s just remarkable — and inspiring to the rest of the cast.” Tipton will star in this production of Cyrano alongside Lindsay Teter as Roxane and Blake King-Krueger as Christian. As for that other star, the nose? It’s a “seamless” latex prosthesis that will be applied to Tipton with the help of costumer and makeup artist Tresa Black. “It looks pretty funny, but kind of cool too,” says Wooley. “It just adds a couple of extra inches. It does look authentic.” That sense of authenticity can be important, because Cyrano’s nose is meant to symbolize the private hang-ups and perceived inadequacies that can inhibit us. “He’s an expert poet, an amazing fighter. Yet he’s afraid that because he has a disfigured nose that he’s going to be completely unlovable,” says Wooley. “Having a chance to reflect on yourself — what am I good at and what’s holding me back? It’s a cool theme to play with and think about.” n Cyrano • Sept. 8-24 • Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 2 pm • $20 • Stage Left Theater • 108 W. Third • spokanestageleft.org • 838-9727

CULTURE | BOOKS

A Compelling Voice

OPENING NIGHT ROMANCE

Omnivorous, prolific and unflinchingly honest, writer David Shields visits the University of Idaho with 20 titles to his credit BY SHERI BOGGS

here’s a moment at the beginning of I Think You’re Totally Wrong: A Quarrel, James Franco’s 2014 documentary on writer David Shields, that could put you off the whole enterprise altogether. “It’s an ancient tradition… two psyches argue,” Shields muses, echoes of Woody Allen in his didactic tenor, pausing for maximum effect, “...and I wanted someone to argue with me... about my life.” It’s then that you know what you’re in for: an hour and 28 minutes of Shields solipsizing with former student Caleb Powell on a weekend retreat where the viewer is promised nice footage of the Cascades and beer consumption, but also the very real and ominous possibility of James Franco dropping in. Based on scenes from the documentary, it would be easy to write Shields off as a grandiose, self-referential academic. But Shields, who visits Moscow next Wednesday as part of the University of Idaho’s Distinguished Visiting Writer program, is also an omnivorous cultural critic and a compelling voice in favor of new and emerging forms of narrative that accurately capture what it’s like to be living now. In his 20 titles, including The Thing About Life Is That One Day You’ll Be Dead, How Literature Saved My Life, Black Planet and Reality Hunger, Shields argues that the literature of the future is being born digital, won’t be in the form of the novel, and will rely on unflinching, often unflattering, authenticity in order to stay relevant. His latest, Other People: Takes & Mistakes, is a collection of not only essays, but aphorisms and fragments that reveal Shields to be an enthusiastic consumer of the kinds of performance that tell us who we are: Bill Murray’s jaded hope in Rushmore, the soothing smarm of radio host Delilah, George W. Bush’s entire fumbling presidency. Although Shields clearly possesses a fierce intellect and is rumored to enjoy a good (verbal)

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David Shields loves a good (verbal) fight.

TOM COLLICOTT PHOTO

fight, it’s our flaws and weaknesses that he finds the most interesting, and in this department he gives as good as he gets. Unafraid to write about his own cowardice, prejudice and schadenfreude, Other People is Shields at his most relatable. In a chapter where he responds to early critics of his work and its self-absorption, he is all of us: “Doesn’t everybody have a pitiable heart? Aren’t we all Bozos on this bus?” n The University of Idaho Distinguished Visiting Writer program presents David Shields • Wed, Sept. 13 at 7:30 pm • 1910 Center • 412 E. Third St., Moscow • 1912center.org • 208669-2249

Oct 28 2PM | 8PM A musical ode to Harry Potter and other scary classics. Enjoy pre-concert activities. PROFESSOR MORIHIKO NAKAHARA CONDUCTOR

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hen Chef John Sundstrom moved to Seattle in the early ’90s, it seemed like a whole other world to him. Raised in Utah, Sundstrom went to culinary school in Vermont and cooked in California before moving to the Northwest in his mid-twenties. There, he met his wife JM Enos. Along with her and business partner Kelly Ronan, he opened Lark, one of the first restaurants to deal in small plates (way back in 2003). Along the way, as he received awards — the James Beard Foundation named him Best Chef Northwest in 2007, after being nominated in both 2006 and 2007, among other recognitions — he also fell in love with the unique bounty the Northwest has to offer. “The menu reflected the seasonal changes, and all the great things that grow here and that we can catch here,” says Sundstrom. Eventually, he decided he wanted to communicate some of his passion for local food in a different medium: a book. “I wanted to have a focus on the restaurant and what the restaurant is all about,” he says. “But I also wanted to tell the story of living in the Northwest and what we can use here to cook with, from my perspective. Not growing up here, it was all very fresh to me.” Five years ago, the book Lark: Cooking Against the Grain came to fruition when Sundstrom and his team self-published it, using Kickstarter. Last year, the regional publisher Sasquatch Books picked it up, giving Sundstrom a chance to add more content and context (and the new paperback version, renamed Lark: Cooking Wild in the Northwest, makes it a bit more affordable). Sundstrom wanted the book to explore the Northwest through the eyes of an outsider, so that someone from another region would be able to see what our corner of the world has to offer, and so that those from the area might also be able to see it with new eyes. “I organized the book by three seasons, because to me those are sort of our overarching themes when it comes to what grows when, and certainly within each of those you have lots of

BOOK

On a Lark Behind the scenes of a recent book by one of the Pacific Northwest’s top culinary talents BY CARA STRICKLAND

hile the cookbook is aimed at mediumlevel home cooks, Sundstrom hopes there’s something for everyone. “The idea is to help people who are probably already pretty decent cooks to become better cooks, and to throw in a few of those professional tips and tricks of the trade that will make your weekend dinner party smoother and more fun by planning ahead,” he says. Besides the careful recipes, the book is filled with beautiful photography and inspiration, making it a worthy addition to your shelf. Above all, Sundstrom wanted the book to be approachable, a sort of love letter to the Northwest and the style of dining here. “There are beautiful cookbooks from worldrenowned chefs, but even I will pick up a new book from a chef in Europe or South America, and I’m like, ‘There’s no way I’m ever going to cook anything in this book,’ because the techniques or the ingredients are so esoteric,” he reflects. “I wanted to represent real possibilities. If you are someone who loves steak tartare, our recipe will allow you to make a really ENTRÉE delicious steak Get the scoop on local tartare, even if food news with our weekly you’ve never Entrée newsletter. Sign up done it. We at Inlander.com/newsletter. don’t put too many things in there that are super scary or foreign … really, all of the dishes are very possible.” A flip through this book, or an attempt at a recipe, and you’ll likely want to plan a trip to Lark, to see where it all began. n Find Lark: Cooking Wild in the Northwest ($29.95) at Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main.

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variety,” says Sundstrom. His seasons are Evergreen, Bounty and Mist (with lots of micro-seasons thrown in, for ingredients that come and go quickly). “I wanted to have something a little more poetic, and a little more unique,” he says.

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This bright beet smoothie is one of City Beach Organic’s many healthful offerings.

Organic By Design

CARRIE SCOZZARO PHOTO

City Beach Organics fills a necessary niche in Sandpoint’s dining scene BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

“W

e’re just really, really passionate about healthy living, and eating more simply and living more simply,” says Mandy Edmondson, who recently opened City Beach Organics with her husband, Bob Edmondson. The couple relocated to the area last year from Northern California, where they’d run an organic food home delivery business called Country Organics. Everything in the Sandpoint eatery is momapproved, says Mandy, and is made just like what the couple’s family eats at home: from scratch, gluten-free, and fresh and organic as possible. The wraps ($5.95/$9.95) and melts ($6.95/$11.95) are popular — especially the pesto melt with smoked turkey, avocado and cheese, which can be made vegan with turmeric walnut meat and vegan ranch dressing. Her favorite is a hybrid of the Reuben melt (summer sausage, cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, horseradish sauce) and City Beach’s vegan melt. In addition to coffee and tea, City Beach Organics offers a range of 16-ounce smoothies ($6.75), like the “Blue Breeze” with banana, blueberry and coconut milk. They also serve fresh-pressed juices, ranging from 8-ounce ($4.25) to 32-ounce ($11.50) servings. Gluten-free is the standard at City Beach Organics. Many dishes are vegan or can be made vegan, including the caramel cappuccino cheesecake, which uses a cashew base and incorporates

local Evans Brothers coffee shots ($3.50). Additional local food vendors include Segovia Farm for microgreens; Red Wheelbarrow Produce, Pack River Farm and Solstice Farm for produce, as well as Ki Ferment, which makes a probiotic drink called kefir. City Beach Organics also showcases local craft vendors, selling goods like hand-stitched items and individually potted succulents, creating a homey feel in their brightly lit First Avenue storefront. Some crafts are actually made by the Edmondson children (there are seven), many of whom help run the business. Oldest daughter Rylie, for example, comes up with recipes, which are taste-tested and adjusted until they’re perfect for the menu board. “She is the master kitchen artist, for sure,” says her mother. Look for seasonal menu changes, including soups in cooler weather, like vegan pumpkin chili. Although the menu or hours of operation might change a bit, one thing that won’t change is the Edmondsons’ commitment to quality. “We’re not going to compromise on that,” says Mandy, “and people are happy to know there is a safe place to eat.” n City Beach Organics • 117 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • Open Mon-Fri from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm • facebook.com/ citybeachorganics • 208-265-9919

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Unorthodox Orthodoxy The narrative debut of a documentarian, Menashe is an empathetic character study with a vivid sense of place BY NATHAN WEINBENDER

enashe tells the gentle, carefully observed story of a man caught between strict social constructs and his own paternal instincts. Its basic building blocks suggest the sort of plot we’ve seen many times before, but its vivid backdrop makes this one different: It’s set in the bustling Orthodox Jewish community of Brooklyn’s Borough Park, and like many of its inhabitants, it never steps beyond the perimeter of the neighborhood. One of the great joys of going to the movies is experiencing worlds and cultures few of us have seen, though Hollywood rarely affords us such pleasures. Menashe is the narrative debut of director Joshua Z Weinstein, whose résumé thus far has been dominated by nonfiction features and shorts. Despite being scripted, Menashe has a documentary-like shagginess to it, and we sometimes get the sense that we’re watching not actors but real people caught on camera. It’s surprisingly tough to manufacture authenticity, but Weinstein pulls it off. The film’s title character, played quite well by first-time actor Menashe Lustig, is an Orthodox Jewish widower. He’s rumpled, often harried, a bit impetuous, but no doubt MENASHE well-intentioned. He works in a kosher Rated PG grocery store, where he never seems to Directed by Joshua Z Weinstein be on the manager’s good side, and he Starring Menashe Lustig, Ruben spends most of his evenings alone in his Niborski, Yoel Weisshaus sparsely furnished apartment. He’s serious about his faith, but his own beliefs seem slightly at odds with those of his elders, though the film thankfully never defines or diagnoses his personal doctrines. Menashe’s young son is now living with his late mother’s brother, and he will not be permitted to move back in with his father until he remarries, likely with the aid of a matchmaking service. (“Gentiles have broken homes,” someone explains.) Menashe also balks at the strictness with which his former brother-in-law runs his household; the brother-in-law, meanwhile, argues that Menashe didn’t adequately care for his wife while she was sick. Because we’ve only met Menashe in the aftermath of her death, this may very well be true. When it comes time to put on a memorial for the anniversary of Menashe’s wife’s death, he demands it be at his place, even though doing so would deviate from custom. Whether Menashe’s soft-spoken rebellion is a symptom of his personal hardships (or the other way around) remains something of a mystery, but the film itself is neither critical of Hasidic traditions nor Menashe’s divergence from them. You’ve no doubt seen elements of this film elsewhere — the notion of a somewhat hopeless single father attempting to win over his own child is territory that has been explored before — but the world in which it’s set feels real, lived-in and genuine. And while there’s an inherent fascination in documenting a world that’s unfamiliar to so many of us, Menashe isn’t exploitative of its central environment, nor has been made with the prying eyes of someone merely trying to make an anthropological study of Orthodox Judaism. That’s an important distinction, because Menashe is ultimately a film about personal empathy. This is a small film, played in a minor key, but it has something important (if not too terribly groundbreaking) to say. n

FILM | SHORTS

OPENING FILMS 9/11

I think we can all agree that any narrative centered on the Sept. 11 attacks must (if it has to be told at all) be approached with the utmost grace and tact. But do we really expect those qualities of a film from the director of National Lampoon’s Cattle Call and starring Charlie Sheen? I guess we’ll find out. (NW) Rated R

HOME AGAIN

Single mother Reese Witherspoon has a one-night stand with a handsome 20-something and then begrudgingly allows him and his two deadbeat friends to move into her house. Sure. This rom-com is preposterous, sexist and weighed down by white privilege, and since it was directed by the daughter of Nancy Meyers (It’s Complicated), you won’t be surprised to learn it’s set in a tastefully decorated bungalow with a beautiful, spacious kitchen. (MJ) Rated PG-13

Since publication in 1986, Stephen King’s dense horror tome It has been giving clowns a bad rap; that creepy 1990 miniseries adaptation certainly didn’t help matters. Pennywise, the

balloon-toting, razor-toothed clown of everyone’s nightmares, hits the big screen for the first time this week, again terrorizing a group of young social outcasts in the sleepy (and no doubt cursed) town of Derry, Maine. (NW) Rated R

MENASHE

An empathetic character study set in a primarily Orthodox Jewish borough of New York, in which a widowed father works against the tenets of his religion to win back his young son. Because it’s directed by documentarian Joshua Z Weinstein, the film possesses the shagginess and sense of place that you’d expect from a nonfiction film, and it’s authentic in both its emotions and its exploration of faith. At the Magic Lantern. (NW) Rated PG

TRUE TO THE GAME

Based on a series of novels by Teri Woods, this gritty urban thriller centers on an enterprising criminal who becomes involved in the drug- and gun-filled underworld of Philadelphia. From the director of the sleeper hit This Christmas and starring Columbus Short, Vivica A. Fox and the late Nelsan Ellis. (NW) Rated R

NOW PLAYING ALL SAINTS

John Corbett stars as a corporate salesman-turned-pastor who is assigned to shut down a struggling church in his small town. When a group of South Asian refugees shows up at his door, he teams up with them to turn the church’s land into a working farm. The latest from Affirm Films, which produces family-friendly features aimed at evangelical audiences. (NW) Rated PG

ANNABELLE: CREATION

Everyone’s favorite demonic doll is back to terrorize a new batch of characters, namely a group of young orphans and their kindly nun overseer. Quickly devolves into a series of predictable jump scares, in spite of its eerie atmosphere. (NW) Rated R

ATOMIC BLONDE

Charlize Theron kicks a whole lotta ass as an MI6 agent tracking down a double agents in 1989 Berlin. This second action spectacle from John Wick director David Leitch is too long and densely plotted, but it’s uber-stylish and set to a thumping soundtrack of great ’80s pop hits. (NW) Rated R

BABY DRIVER

The latest genre deconstruction from Edgar Wright stars Ansel Elgort as a young, music-obsessed getaway driver who becomes wrapped up in a heist that’s destined to self-destruct. Stellar car chases, a fully loaded soundtrack and a deceptively sweet love story. (SS) Rated R

THE BIG SICK

Inspired by the courtship of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon (who also wrote the script), this is the rare rom-com that’s both consistently funny and genuinely emotional. Nanjiani plays himself, a stand-up who meets and falls in love with Emily (Zoe Kazan). There’s only one problem: He’s keeping their relationship a secret from his traditional Pakistani parents. This is further complicated when Emily falls into a medically induced coma. At the Magic Lantern. (SS) Rated R

THE DARK TOWER

Stephen King’s epic, multi-novel fantasy series finally hits the big screen, and the result is rushed, incoherent and lifeless. The interdimensional world of ...continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 37 Tinnabulation_Tinnfest_082417_12V_MB_NEW.jpg

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FILM | SHORTS mythical gunslinger Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) and the evil Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey) was complex enough to span thousands of pages in King’s books, but all that mythology has been condensed down into 95 chaotic minutes. (NW) Rated PG-13

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This documentary should be required viewing for anyone obsessed with rare, archival film footage. Director Bill Morrison focuses on a cache of nitrate film reels that was literally unearthed in northwestern Canada; it’s not only about the contents of the celluloid itself, but also the history of the former mining town where it was buried. At the Magic Lantern. (NW) Not Rated The hugely popular animated series continues unabated, and this time reformed bad guy Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) has just been kicked out of the Anti-Villain League. Enter his long-lost twin brother Dru, who convinces Gru to go back to all his evil ways. (NW) Rated PG

DUNKIRK

Christopher Nolan’s WWII drama, painstakingly and authentically depicting the bloody Battle of Dunkirk, is a remarkable example of sheer filmmaking craft. The only thing it’s missing is a little humanity. Although the technical skill on display is dazzling, Nolan’s attempts to elicit any emotion from the audience feel strangely calculated. (SS) Rated PG-13

THE EMOJI MOVIE

Dreamworks’ latest family-friendly animated allegory about the importance of individuality has a “meh” emoji discovering he has more than one emotion. Feature films have been predicated on concepts less substantial, but does that mean this needed to be made? (NW) Rated PG

THE GLASS CASTLE

This adaptation of Jeannette Walls’ bestselling memoir is buoyed by three stellar performances: Woody Harrelson as an alcoholic father, Naomi Watts as his equally irresponsible wife, an aspiring artist who shirks most of her maternal responsibilities; and Brie Larson as their grown daughter. (KJ) Rated PG-13

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD

Ryan Reynolds is a bodyguard whose career has hit the skids, and Samuel L. Jackson is his newest charge, an assassin who must be transported to the Hague, where he’ll testify against an Eastern European dictator (Gary Oldman). The twist: Jackson has previously tried to kill Reynolds numerous times, and now they’re forced into helping each other. Anybody wanna play Buddy Comedy Cliché Bingo? (NW) Rated R

KIDNAP

When Halle Berry’s son is nabbed from the park by strangers, she morphs into an unstoppable action hero in an increasingly ludicrous high-speed minivan pursuit. Although not long enough to be tedious, this cheap thriller is clumsily directed and full of

38 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

THE INLANDER

NEW YORK TIMES

VARIETY

(LOS ANGELES)

METACRITIC.COM (OUT OF 100)

Dawson City: Frozen Time

Menashe

Logan Lucky

Patti Cake$

The Trip to Spain

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

Tulip Fever

DAWSON CITY: FROZEN TIME

DESPICABLE ME 3

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frustrating lapses in logic. (NW) Rated R

LEAP!

A French-Canadian animated film about an aspiring ballerina who escapes from her orphanage and hitches a train ride to Paris in hopes of making it big as a dancer. Features the voice talents of Elle Fanning, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kate McKinnon and the invaluable Mel Brooks. (NW) Rated PG

LOGAN LUCKY

Steven Soderbergh has re-emerged from his four-year “retirement” and has returned to the heist genre with this leisurely, off-the-cuff comed about an out-of-work coal miner (Channing Tatum) who enlists a group of misfits — including his superstitious brother (Adam Driver) and an incarcerated explosives expert (Daniel Craig) — to rob a NASCAR speedway. (ES) Rated PG-13

THE NUT JOB 2: NUTTY BY NATURE

Remember the first Nut Job movie, in which enterprising rodents foiled a robbery? No? Well, it doesn’t matter, because now there’s a sequel, with Surly the Squirrel and friends thwarting a crooked mayor from bulldozing their home. (NW) Rated PG

PATTI CAKE$

Teenager Patti Dombrowski has but two life goals — to finally leave her low-income New Jersey neighborhood, and to become the world’s next great rapper. Being an overweight white girl, she meets plenty of resistance from the male-centric hip-hop scene. Hits all the beats of the underdog formula, though Danielle Macdonald’s electric starring performance makes up for the predictability. (NW) Rated R

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

After being mistreated in his last few movies, Peter Parker and his webslinging alter ego finally get another feature worthy of the character’s long history. With fresh-faced Tom Holland donning Spidey’s spandex, the SpiderMan franchise feels more grounded and human than ever. (ES) Rated PG-13

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY

James Cameron’s hugely entertaining 1991 blockbuster gets the 3-D rerelease

WATCH IT AT HOME

SKIP IT

treatment, and it still holds up as one of the few sequels to actually improve upon its predecessor. The film returned Arnold Schwarzenegger to his most iconic role — the catchphrase-spouting cyborg from the future — but as a hero rather than a villain, sent to the past to protect the young boy who will eventually save humanity from destruction. (NW) Rated R

THE TRIP TO SPAIN

The third of director Michael Winterbottom’s Trip films, in which British comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon travel through photogenic countries and taste the finest cuisine, busting out dueling improv routines and celebrity impressions along the way. Like its predecessors, it originally screened as a six-part BBC miniseries and was trimmed to feature length, though it still seems long at nearly two hours. But if you liked the first two, you’ll probably like this. At the Magic Lantern. (NW) Not Rated

TULIP FEVER

In 17th-century Amsterdam, a struggling artist (Dane DeHaan) begins a passionate affair with the lovely young noblewoman (Alicia Vikander) whose portrait he’s been commissioned to paint. This bodice-ripper, which has been languishing on the shelf for more than a year, might look like a Vermeer, but its plot — involving an illegitimate baby and a valuable tulip bulb — is so ludicrous that it plays out like unintentional farce. (NW) Rated R

WIND RIVER

After the body of a young woman is found on a Native American reservation in Wyoming, a local wildlife tracker (Jeremy Renner) acts as a makeshift envoy for the visiting FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) assigned to the case. Unlike director Taylor Sheridan’s scripts for the thrillers Sicario and Hell or High Water, this snowblind noir is overwritten but under-plotted. (NW) Rated R

WONDER WOMAN

DC’s latest actually does justice to one of its longest-running and most beloved characters in one of the better superhero origin films. Gal Gadot announces herself as a major new star, playing the Amazon princess and Lasso of Truth-brandishing warrior who finds herself on the front lines of the first World War. (MS) Rated PG-13 n

FILM | REVIEW

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MENASHE (81 MIN) FRI/SAT: 7:00 SUN: 1:00 WED/THU: 6:00

DAWSON CITY: FROZEN TIME (120 MIN) FRI/SAT: 6:00 SUN: 2:00 WED/THU: 5:00 (509) 209-2383 • 25 W Main Ave MagicLanternOnMain.com • /MagicLanternOnMain

Home Again is brought to you by white privilege and L.L. Bean.

Midlife Crisis

The preposterous rom-com Home Again is basically a Pottery Barn catalog brought to life BY MARYANN JOHANSON

lice Kinney spends the morning of her director Harry (Pico Alexander), will not just 40th birthday crying in the bathroom. move into her guest house with his wannabe Of course she does — that’s what women screenwriter (Jon Rudnitsky) and wannabe actor do — and Alice (Reese Witherspoon) has so much (Nat Wolff) pals: They will take over her houseto be sad about. She lives in a big, beautiful hold and her life, cooking random dinners for house in sunny Los Angeles that once belonged everyone, babysitting the kids and arranging for to her now-deceased film-director father, who thoughtful surprises all around. was a super-genius, enormously popular and The big “romantic” moment involves Harry won Oscars and everything. She doesn’t have to fixing a loose door on one of Alice’s kitchen cabiwork (see: wealthy dead dad), but she’s embarknets, which causes her to swoon. It’s ridiculous. ing on the latest in her long line of rich-white-girl It’s like a parody of bad porn, except it’s softhobbies-turned-careers anyway: She’s gonna try focus and everything fades to black before we get to be an interior decorator this time. What fun! to the sex. It’s straight-up creepy and screamingly Wait — what does she have to cry about inappropriate, and everyone acts like it’s normal. again? Well, OK, she’s separated from her husIt’s one thing for a movie to showcase the band (Michael Sheen), but she’s totally chill with don’t-amount-to-a-hill-of-beans problems of that. Her two young daughters, 6-ish Rosie (Eden privileged, wealthy white people. Nancy Meyers, Grace Redfield) and 11-year-old Isafor instance, has practically created bel (Lola Flanery), are doing OK. HOME AGAIN an entire subgenre of movies that In fact, Alice is living so much in a look like they take place in a Pottery Rated PG-13 fantasy world that bears absolutely Directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer Barn catalog. But Home Again isn’t no resemblance to reality that she’s Starring Reese Witherspoon, even relatable in that aspirational completely comfortable inviting Pico Alexander, Michael Sheen, way of Pottery Barn, or of Diane three 20-something wannabe filmKeaton moping around a $50,000 Candice Bergen maker bros she literally just met to kitchen in cashmere. This is more come stay in her guest house for a while. like a cheap magazine shoot — one that’s overly Also, she has a guest house. lit, like a bad sitcom — about laid-back HollyHome Again is the sort of movie that steadwood lifestyles that even laid-back Hollywood fastly refuses to set limits on itself. If it’s going to people would scoff at. It’s Nancy Meyers lite. be preposterous, it’s not going to splash around Very, very lite. in the kiddie pool. It’s going deep-sea diving. So perhaps it won’t come as a shock to learn This is not a rom-com about how it’s actually that this film was written and directed by Meyers’ really great and perfectly normal if a 40-somedaughter, Hallie Meyers-Shyer, making her filmthing chick like Alice is hooking up with a much making debut, because Hollywood nepotism is a younger man, who also happens to find her inpowerful thing. The entirety of her prior “career” credibly sexy. (I mean, she’s Reese Witherspoon. in movies consists of a handful of roles — such as Her sexiness is not in question. Also: younger “Girl at Lunch Counter” and “Girl in Barn” — in men and older women get together all the time. her parents’ films (her father is director Charles It’s not reality’s fault if Hollywood doesn’t generShyer, who also makes Pottery Barn-esque movally like to acknowledge it.) ies like Father of the Bride). The rich-white-girlThis is going to be a movie about how Alice’s hobby-turned-career nonsense might be the only new squeeze, 27-year-old aspiring Hollywood plausible factor at play here. n

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On tour with his album Drunk, the bass virtuoso known as Thundercat makes his way to the Knitting Factory on Monday.

EDDIE ALCAZAR PHOTO

R&B

Bass Master One of the busiest session musicians in the game, Thundercat has developed into an eccentric, unpredictable artist in his own right BY HOWARD HARDEE

hundercat’s fretwork can seem like an illusion. Between fingering full chords on his monstrous six-string bass and singing in a delicate, soulful falsetto, he’ll throw in licks so quick and fluid, they look like they’re being played in fast-forward. Equally captivating is his stage presence as a blearyeyed bass virtuoso who is sometimes trashed, sometimes wearing a knit hat with feathers poking out of the back, or maybe a viking helmet. Who knows? His eccentricities know no bounds. You realize he’s a flamboyantly weird combination of the Isley Brothers and Victor Wooten, and you ask yourself: Is this guy for real? The answer is that Thundercat (real name Stephen Bruner) is about as real as they come. His third solo album — appropriately titled Drunk — is music without pretense; a psyche and soul laid bare through wildly experimental jazz and R&B and the filthiest funk. His lyrics, mixed in with the odd fart noise, swing from scathing social media commentary on “Bus in These Streets” (“Thank God for technology / ’Cause where would we be if we couldn’t tweet our thoughts?”) to achingly sad admissions on “Them Changes” (“Deep in the cut, drowning in a pain / Somebody help ’cause I can’t find my way”) and just plain funny stream-of-consciousness on “Captain Stupido.” Considered as a whole, the album has serious ADD.

Most of the 23 songs clock in under three minutes, making for a frenetic flow, and feature guest spots from artists as disparate as Kenny Loggins, Kendrick Lamar, Michael McDonald, Pharrell Williams and Wiz Khalifa. What’s crazy is that Drunk still feels strangely coherent and accessible. Even so, it’s not the sort of album one expects to be met with near-universal critical acclaim, leading to a profile in GQ Style and rave reviews from MORE EVENTS Billboard, Rolling Stone Visit Inlander.com for and Pitchfork. Thanks complete listings of in part to a renewed local events. mainstream interest in jazz, Thundercat finds himself in an unlikely limelight and on a massive world tour, including Monday night’s show at the Knitting Factory. “Everything’s happening really quick; I don’t know what the hell’s going on,” Bruner told the Independent in April as he struggled to comprehend the huge response to Drunk. “I was kinda … not expecting it.” Previously, Thundercat had been better known for the work he’s done with other artists, including a stint in the L.A.-based hardcore punk/thrash metal band Suicidal Tendencies, super-weird collaborations with his studio soulmate Flying Lotus and working as a session musician

and producer for Erykah Badu, Kamasi Washington and Kendrick Lamar. Most notably, Bruner has production credits on Lamar’s 2015 opus To Pimp A Butterfly, including the album’s ass-shaking single “King Kunta.” Bruner’s rolling bassline carries the G-funk torch on one of the grooviest West Coast rap songs in recent memory, and like all of Thundercat’s music, “King Kunta” is a mash-up of black music history, from the re-sung lyrics of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” to elements lifted from James Brown’s “The Payback.” Thundercat wouldn’t be the first to make the leap from session musician to stardom (examples include Glen Campbell, Sheryl Crow and Jimi Hendrix). Actually, as he told Bass Player magazine in 2011, it might have been a long time coming. “There’s a difference between being an artist and a musician, and it’s important not to blur that line,” he said. “Some artists, like Erykah, encourage me to be more of an artist; when I’m being a sideman, I just play the gig. When it’s my time to shine, I’m ready, but it may or may not come.” Now, he’s finally receiving attention outside of avantgarde jazz aficionados and bass geeks, though he’s still adored in those circles. Interestingly, bass isn’t just his instrument of choice, it’s also central to his music-making process. As a composer, he uses his six-string as his primary writing tool, and he leans on pedalboard effects to color his funk licks with tones and textures. “I’ve recorded everything on bass — the chord structure, the melody, the harmony, and the ambience,” he told Bass Player. “Every time I did a take, I’d change the tone. I wanted everything to be as clear as possible, but not recognizable as bass guitar. I took time to do stuff like that, and it has developed into its own thing.” n Thundercat with PBDY • Mon, Sept. 11 at 8 pm • $18 • All-ages • Knitting Factory • 919 W. Sprague • sp.knittingfactory.com • 244-3279

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 41

MUSIC | SOUND ADVICE

SOFT ROCK MAC DEMARCO

“U

h-oh — looks like I’m seeing more of my old man in me,” Mac DeMarco observes on the opening track of his third full-length, This Old Dog. That title initially seems at odds with the fact that the Canadian musician is only 27, though plunging into any DeMarco album is akin to thumbing through that yellowing record collection your dad just brought down from the attic. But his hazy, perpetually laid-back style of singersongwriter pop isn’t some kind of kitschy puton: It distinctly and vividly recalls an era when bands like 10cc or Steely Dan could conceivably rule the AM airwaves, when 8-tracks were still en vogue, and when the chiller the music was, the better. — NATHAN WEINBENDER Mac DeMarco with the Garden • Thu, Sept. 14 at 8 pm • $20 • All-ages • Knitting Factory • 919 W. Sprague • sp.knittingfactory.com • 244-3279

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW

Thursday, 09/7

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Truck Mills Trio BEEROCRACY, Open Mic BOOTS BAKERY & LOUNGE, The Song Project BRAVO CONCERT HOUSE, Zomboy, Eptic, Xilent J BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB, Open Jazz Jam with Erik Bowen CORBY’S BAR, Open Mic and Karaoke CRAVE, DJ Freaky Fred CRUISERS, J.W. Scattergun THE JACKSON ST., Tommy G JOHN’S ALLEY, Will West and the Friendly Strangers J J KNITTING FACTORY, Com Truise, Nosaj Thing, Cleopold J MONARCH MOUNTAIN COFFEE, Open Mic Hosted by Scott Reid NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), PJ Destiny THE OBSERVATORY, Vinyl Meltdown J THE PIN!, Nik Evergreen POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Clinton Lane Darnell RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL, Open Mic THE RESERVE, Safar THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler THE THIRSTY DOG, DJ WesOne & DJ Sassy, DJ Big Mike WAGON WHEEL BAR & GRILL, William Nover ZOLA, Blake Braley

Friday, 09/8

12 TRIBES RESORT CASINO, The Phoenix J J THE BARTLETT, Heatwarmer (see above), Bandit Train BEVERLY’S, Robert Vaughn BIG SKY’S TAVERN, PJ Destiny

42 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

JAZZ POP HEATWARMER

his Seattle three-piece always seems to be on the verge of a smirk. Just head over to their official website (the address is, no joke, heatwarmer.cool) and dig the three members — bassist and vocalist Luke Bergman, keyboardist Aaron Otheim and drummer Evan Woodle — posing in the kind of glamour shots you would’ve paid top dollar for at a JCPenney portrait studio in 1984. Their music — a quirky melange of ’70s yacht rock, ambient electronica, proggy jazz and the goofiest pop stylings of Ween — follows suit. If you pick up Heatwarmer’s upcoming LP Here Comes the Band, be sure to wear your best thrift-store sweater when you do it. — NATHAN WEINBENDER Heatwarmer with Bandit Train • Fri, Sept. 8 at 8 pm • $5/$7 at the door • All-ages • The Bartlett • 228 W. Sprague • thebartlettspokane.com • 747-2174

BLACK DIAMOND, DJ Sterling BOLO’S, My Own Worst Enemy BORRACHO TACOS & TEQUILERIA, Borracho Fest feat. Elton Jah, Fat Lady, Daethstar, Christy Lee Band, Brotha Nature, Funky Unkle, MC Squared CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA AND SPIRITS (CDA CASINO), Kicho CORBY’S BAR, Karaoke CURLEY’S, DragonFly DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS, Harlis Sweetwater Band FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Echo Elysium FORTY-ONE SOUTH, Truck Mills IRON GOAT BREWING CO., Wyatt Wood IRON HORSE BAR, Karma’s Circle THE JACKSON ST., Rusted Hand, Idol Hands JOHN’S ALLEY, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method

J KNITTING FACTORY, Alive in Barcelona, Vial 8, Sleep Signals, Ghost Heart, A Cryptic Ending MICKDUFF’S BEER HALL, Ron Greene MOOSE LOUNGE, The Zach Cooper Band J J MOSCOW, Vandal Town Block Party feat. Eclectic Approach, Igor and the Swamp Donkeys, Landrace, Skinny the Kid MULLIGAN’S BAR & GRILLE, Brother Music NASHVILLE NORTH, Ladies Night with Luke Jaxon and DJ Tom NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Smash Hit Carnival NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, DJ Patrick PATIT CREEK CELLARS, Ken Davis In Transit PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Brian Jacobs

PHILANTHROPY CENTER, Buffalo Jones, Aaron Young RED ROOM LOUNGE, Breadbox, The Dodgy Mountain Men REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Danville THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler RIPPLES RIVERSIDE GRILL, Yesterdayscake J J RIVERFRONT PARK, Tinnabulation Music Festival (see page 29) feat. John Butler Trio, Frenship, Barns Courtney, Hollow Wood and more J SPIKE’S PHILLYS & MORE, LifeRocks Music Festival feat. 9ELECTRIC, Righteous Vendetta, Drone Epidemic, Helldorado, Heart Avail and more SPOKANE VALLEY EAGLES, Honky Tonk A’ Go-Go

THE THIRSTY DOG, Soulful Brothers ZOLA, Ryan Larsen Band

Saturday, 09/9

J 12 TRIBES RESORT CASINO, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany and Downtown Julie Brown 315 MARTINIS & TAPAS, Truck Mills J J THE BARTLETT, Tacocat, Lisa Prank, Itchy Kitty BEVERLY’S, Robert Vaughn BLACK DIAMOND, DJ Stud BOLO’S, My Own Worst Enemy J BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB, Moscow Mules CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA AND SPIRITS (CDA CASINO), Kicho J CLEARWATER RIVER CASINO, Collin Raye CURLEY’S, DragonFly FEDORA PUB & GRILLE, Nate Ostrander

FLAME & CORK, Echo Elysium J J HUMBLE BURGER, Bread and Butter, Skinny the Kid IRON GOAT BREWING CO., Old Sap IRON HORSE BAR, Karma’s Circle THE JACKSON ST., Karaoke w/James JOHN’S ALLEY, Cattywomp THE LOCAL DELI, Wyatt Wood MICKDUFF’S BEER HALL, The Brandon and Cole Show MOOSE LOUNGE, The Zach Cooper Band MULLIGAN’S BAR & GRILLE, Echo Elysium NASHVILLE NORTH, Ladies Night with Luke Jaxon and DJ Tom NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Smash Hit Carnival NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, DJ Patrick NYNE, DJ C-Mad J THE OBSERVATORY, The Toads, Runaway Octopus, The Monties PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Mike Wagoner J THE PIN!, Back to School Show feat. The Kid, Slim Rick, Yung Spade POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Pamela Jean

GET LISTED!

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THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Dueling Pianos feat. Christan Raxter & Steve Ridler RIPPLES RIVERSIDE GRILL, Yesterdayscake J J RIVERFRONT PARK, Tinnabulation Music Festival feat. American Authors, Cobi, Coast Modern, Molly Kate Kestner, The New Respects and more J SPIKE’S PHILLYS & MORE, LifeRocks Music Festival THE STATION HOUSE BAR & GRILL, J.W. Scattergun THE THIRSTY DOG, DJ WesOne & DJ Sassy, DJ Big Mike ZOLA, Ryan Larsen Band

Sunday, 09/10

J J THE BARTLETT, Thelma and the Sleaze, Donna Donna BIG BARN BREWING CO., Gil Rivas Band BULL HEAD TAVERN, Rusty Jackson CHINOOK STEAK, PASTA AND SPIRITS (CDA CASINO), KOSH CURLEY’S, Vern and the Volcanoes DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS, Jam Night with VooDoo Church J KNITTING FACTORY, Tribal Seeds, Aloha Radio LINGER LONGER LOUNGE, Open Jam O’DOHERTY’S IRISH GRILLE, Live Irish Music J THE PIN!, Days N Daze, Scatterbox, Blacktracks, Snakes/Sermons RED ROOM LOUNGE, Amoramora, Icky Business THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Karaoke

ZOLA, Dueling Cronkites

J J RIVERFRONT PARK, Tinnabulation Music Festival feat. OK Go, Coleman Hell, MISSIO, Handsome Ghost, Colter Wall, LOLO and more THE ROADHOUSE, Kori Ailene ZOLA, Lazy Love

Wednesday, 09/13

Monday, 09/11

J CALYPSOS COFFEE & CREAMERY, Open Mic EICHARDT’S, Monday Night Jam with Truck Mills J J KNITTING FACTORY, Thundercat (see page 41), PBDY J THE PIN!, Kung Fu Vampire, LockSmith RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic with Lucas Brookbank Brown ZOLA, Perfect Mess

Tuesday, 09/12

J BABY BAR, Mr. Wrong, Newman J THE BARTLETT, Carbon Leaf, Kat Myers J KNITTING FACTORY, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Hirie LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Turntable Tuesday MICKDUFF’S BEER HALL, Open Mic Night MIK’S, DJ Brentano RED ROOM LOUNGE, Tuesday Takeover with Storme THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, Open Mic/ Jam Night J SPOKANE COUNTY FAIR & EXPO CENTER, Gary Allan UP NORTH DISTILLERY, Larry Meyer

J BABY BAR, Origami Ghosts, The Colourflies BLACK DIAMOND, Daniel Hall GENO’S TRADITIONAL FOOD & ALES, Open Mic with Host Travis Goulding JOHN’S ALLEY, The Good Time Travelers J KENDALL YARDS, Dan Conrad, Sally Jablonsky, Erin Parkes LEFTBANK WINE BAR, Carey Brazil LUCKY’S IRISH PUB, DJ D3VIN3 NO-LI BREWHOUSE, Dylan Hathaway J THE PIN!, Venom Inc, Goatwhore, Toxic Holocaust, The Convalescene, Rutah, Dysfunktynal Kaos THE RIDLER PIANO BAR, The Ronaldos feat. Ron Criscione, Ray Younker and Emily Ridler SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS, Open Mic J J SPOKANE COUNTY FAIR & EXPO CENTER, Fifth Harmony THE THIRSTY DOG, DJ Dave ZOLA, Whsk&Keys

Coming Up ...

J THE BARTLETT, Blitzen Trapper, Sep. 14 J J KNITTING FACTORY, Mac DeMarco (see facing page), Sep. 14 J NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, Hank Williams Jr., The Cadillac Three, Sep. 15 J KNITTING FACTORY, Method Man, Sep. 15 J THE PIN!, The Vibrators, Sep. 17

BEYOND

PINK DESIGNER BRA FASHION SHOW SILENT AUCTION

LIVE AUCTION FRIDAY, OCT 13

5-9 PM SPOKANE

CONVENTION CENTER

GET YOUR TICKETS SOON! THIS AWARD WINNING EVENT WILL SELL OUT!

BEYONDPINK.NET

MUSIC | VENUES 315 MARTINIS & TAPAS • 315 E. Wallace, CdA • 208-667-9660 ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. • 927-9463 BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 847-1234 BARLOWS • 1428 N. Liberty Lake Rd. • 924-1446 THE BARTLETT • 228 W. Sprague Ave. • 747-2174 BEEROCRACY • 911 W. Garland Ave. THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington • 863-8098 BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 467-9638 BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 227-7638 BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague • 891-8357 BOLO’S • 116 S. Best Rd. • 891-8995 BOOMERS • 18219 E. Appleway Ave. • 755-7486 BOOTS BAKERY & LOUNGE • 24 W. Main Ave. • 703-7223 BRAVO CONCERT HOUSE • 25 E. Lincoln Rd. • 703-7474 BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main, Moscow • 208-882-5216 BUZZ COFFEEHOUSE • 501 S. Thor • 340-3099 CALYPSOS COFFEE & CREAMERY • 116 E. Lakeside Ave., CdA • 208-665-0591 CHAPS • 4237 Cheney-Spokane Rd. • 624-4182 CHATEAU RIVE • 621 W. Mallon Ave. • 795-2030 CHECKERBOARD BAR • 1716 E. Sprague Ave. • 535-4007 COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw Rd., Worley, Idaho • 800-523-2464 COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, CdA • 208-664-2336 CRAFTED TAP HOUSE • 523 Sherman Ave., CdA • 208-292-4813 CRAVE• 401 W. Riverside • 321-7480 CRUISERS • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208773-4706 CURLEY’S • 26433 W. Hwy. 53 • 208-773-5816 DALEY’S CHEAP SHOTS • 6412 E. Trent • 535-9309 DIAMS DEN • 412 W. Sprague • 934-3640 EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005 THE FEDORA • 1726 W. Kathleen, CdA • 208-7658888 FIZZIE MULLIGANS • 331 W. Hastings • 466-5354 FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague • 624-1200 HOGFISH • 1920 E. Sherman, CdA • 208-667-1896 HOTEL RL BY RED LION AT THE PARK • 303 W. North River Dr. • 326-8000 IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman Ave., CdA • 208667-7314 JACKSON ST. BAR & GRILL • 2436 N. Astor St. • 315-8497 JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208883-7662 KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 244-3279 LAGUNA CAFÉ • 2013 E. 29th Ave. • 448-0887 THE LANTERN TAP HOUSE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 315-9531 THE LARIAT • 11820 N. Market St. • 466-9918 LA ROSA CLUB • 105 S. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-255-2100 LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington • 315-8623 LUCKY’S IRISH PUB • 408 W. Sprague • 747-2605 MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan • 924-9000 MICKDUFF’S • 312 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208)255-4351 MONARCH MOUNTAIN COFFEE • 208 N 4th Ave, Sandpoint • 208-265-9382 MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman • 208-664-7901 MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague • 838-1570 MULLIGAN’S • 506 Appleway Ave., CdA • 208- 7653200 ext. 310 NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128 NECTAR CATERING & EVENTS • 120 N. Stevens St. • 869-1572 NORTHERN QUEST RESORT • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 242-7000 NYNE • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 474-1621 THE OBSERVATORY • 15 S. Howard • 598-8933 O’SHAY’S • 313 E. CdA Lake Dr. • 208-667-4666 PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545 THE PIN! • 412 W. Sprague • 368-4077 RED LION RIVER INN • 700 N. Division • 326-5577 RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague • 838-7613 REPUBLIC BREWING • 26 Clark Ave. • 775-2700 THE RESERVE • 120 N. Wall • 598-8783 THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside • 822-7938 RIVELLE’S • 2360 N Old Mill Loop, CdA • 208-9300381 THE ROADHOUSE • 20 N. Raymond • 413-1894 SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 209 E. Lakeside Ave. • 208-664-8008 THE SHOP • 924 S. Perry St. • 534-1647 SOULFUL SOUPS & SPIRITS • 117 N. Howard St. • 459-1190 SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon • 279-7000 THE THIRSTY DOG • 3027 E. Liberty Ave. • 487-3000 TIMBER GASTRO PUB •1610 E Schneidmiller, Post Falls • 208-262-9593 ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 624-2416

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 43

Get your fill of carnival rides, concessions and entertainment at the 66th Spokane County Interstate Fair.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

COMMUNITY FAIR AFFAIR

“Get your kicks, it’s year 66” of the Spokane County Interstate Fair, which kicks off this weekend for nine days of countrystyle entertainment, from the rodeo and demolition derby to concerts, carnival games and concessions galore. This year’s grandstand headliners include country music star Gary Allan (Sept. 12), along with all-girl pop group Fifth Harmony (Sept. 13), and comedian Gabriel Iglesias (Sept. 14). Local and regional entertainers round out the daily lineup, which is listed in detail online. Attendees of all ages can also enjoy the fair’s classic attractions, including agricultural and livestock displays featuring the award-winning pursuits of farmers around the region. Of course, the fair is also the spot to get your fill of tasty, greasy concessions and take a spin on one of the many carnival rides — we recommend doing the latter before filling your belly. — CHEY SCOTT Spokane County Interstate Fair • Fri, Sept. 8 through Sun, Sept. 17; open daily from 10 am-10:30 pm (Sept. 17 until 8 pm) • $8/youth, seniors, military; $11/adults • Spokane County Fair & Expo Center • 404 N. Havana • spokanecounty. org/972/Interstate-Fair • 477-1766

44 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

CLASSICAL ROMANTIC KICKOFF

The Spokane Symphony kicks off its new season with a show that should make for an ideal date night (or afternoon) for both classical music lovers and neophytes. Conductor Eckart Preu will lead the players through works by Alexander von Zemlinsky (The Mermaid), Johannes Brahms (Concerto for Violin and Cello) and Johann Strauss II (Blue Danube Waltz), and the symphony will be joined by two ace guest musicians. Violinist Jessica Lee has “breathtaking dexterity,” according to the Chicago Tribune, while cellist Peter Stumpf’s skills made him the principal cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a dozen years. — DAN NAILEN Spokane Symphony’s Classics 1: Opening Night Romance • Sat, Sept. 9 at 8 pm; Sun, Sept. 10 at 3 pm • $17-$60 • Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox • 1001 W. Sprague • spokanesymphony.org • 624-1200

FILM ON-SCREEN HERITAGE

The One Heart Festival, which shines a spotlight on the work of Native American artists and filmmakers, returns to the Bing to again bring audiences the kind of viewpoints that mainstream Hollywood completely and callously ignores. Last year’s flagship fest boasted a screening of the gentle character study Smoke Signals and a panel hosted by its author, Sherman Alexie. This year’s festivities, meanwhile, open with New Zealand director Taika Waititi’s wonderful comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople; also in the mix are the documentary Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock, a look at the work of regional actress DeLanna Studi, a collection of short films and a workshop with artist Steven Paul Judd. — NATHAN WEINBENDER One Heart Native Arts and Film Festival • Fri, Sept. 8 and Sat, Sept. 9 • $10-$15 per film, $50 full festival pass • Bing Crosby Theater • 901 W. Sprague • oneheartfestival.org

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Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

WORDS WHODUNIT

Bestselling mystery/crime author J.A. Jance is heading back to Spokane this Saturday to celebrate the release of her newest book, the 23rd installment in her popular J.P. Beaumont detective series, titled Proof of Life. Set in the author’s part-time residence of Seattle, this new mystery in the series that Jance first began in the mid-1980s finds our hero tasked with a strange request from his longtime nemesis, a retired crime reporter who’s now dead after an accidental fire. Jance heads to Spokane Valley to read from and talk about this latest page-turner just days after its release; local fans of the prolific author won’t want to miss this special reading hosted by the Friends of the Spokane County Library District. — CHEY SCOTT An Evening with J.A. Jance • Sat, Sept. 9 at 7 pm • Mirabeau Park Hotel • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • scld.org

ARTS TALENT ON TOUR

Art by Robert Karr

Get an inside look at the talents of more than two dozen local artists — both in progress and on display — at the 14th annual Spokane Studio Art Tour, happening this weekend. Spread across three locations in North Spokane, the annual art sale and demonstration of technique features many names who will be familiar to local arts collectors and supporters. At each stop, visitors can watch these creative minds at work on their respective projects, ranging from pottery to watercolors, and fiber arts to jewelry. Best of all, the event is free and attendees can peruse the three tour stops at their own pace on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the tour website for a map and list of all participating artists. — CHEY SCOTT Spokane Art Studio Tour • Sat, Sept. 9 from 10 am-5 pm; Sun, Sept. 10 from 11 am-5 pm • Free • Map and details at studioarttour.com

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 45

W I SAW YOU

S S

CHEERS JEERS

I SAW YOU JACK ASSES We see you there every night, At the bar in Liberty Lake. Yes..we are YOUR bar, but you guys are a-holes!! You sit there and degrade women, with how your OLD ASSES are going to get laid!! We hear you talking about us and we serve you and hate every minute of it!! Grow up! Realize that you are alone becuse you are jerks!! You think you are so cool, but you are nothing but HAS beens! Try to be polite and respectful...that’s a far stretch for you guys. Until you figure out that you’re NOT “all that” at least be nice to those of us that have to put up with you jerks! What a bunch!! Do you realize that there other patrons and they don’t want to hear about how you “could have had her’ rhetoric!?? Get over yourselves, a-holes!! REPUBLIC PI You and your mom were getting a bite to eat on Sept 2nd at Republic Pi. We were sitting outside, a group of us were there after a ride and you caught my eye. Let’s grab some food. I KNOW YOU DON’T LIKE PINA COLADAS ...or getting caught in the rain because I’ve known you 15 years, and know most everything about you. You weather storms better than anyone I’ve ever known, and have saved my life countless times. Our 10th anniversary is near Christmas, and I look forward to spending every day in the snow with you in our new home. Sometimes the songs you play on your guitar are like a worn-out recording, but

SOUND OFF

you are my favorite song. I know I’m the love that you looked for, and I’m glad we escaped to each other.

CHEERS STAND UP CITIZEN A big thank you to a very stand up citizen. I walked back to my pick up truck to find a note on my windshield stating you were responsible for the damage to the back. Truthfully, I did not notice it until I read the note. My truck had just gotten scratched (my fault) in the front, had the windshield broken by my own motorcycle when I kicked up a rock, then this. You helped to restore my faith in the human race. It would have been much easier to drive away, you didn’t. Thank you for doing good when no one is looking April W. DOG IS GOOD You know us, the old folks who think our dog is our baby. My wife even talks to her like she’s human. Funny thing is, sometimes it works. I don’t believe that dog is human any more than I believe in God. I talk to him like he’s human anyway. Funny thing is, sometimes it works. TEAM PLAYERS I was at Avista stadium Friday, September 1 for the baseball game. The employees of Avista stadium were cheerful and helpful to me and my family. I noticed throughout the game how involved the employees of the stadium were with the crowd. We were sitting in the disability section and needed some extra help and the staff not just one person, the entire staff that we came in contact with was caring towards us to the point that it felt like it was personal to them to make sure that we enjoyed our evening at the game. I looked around the stadium during the game and could feel the fun they wanted to inspire in us as a crowd and the safety that I felt because of their involvement with the fans. Thank you so much Avista stadium staff for making our evening so special. I AM NOT GONE... I admit that I have been hiding, but I love you just as much as ever. I had realised that you did not deserve to be with the mess I had made of myself, and so I have spent a long, lonely time confronting those vises that have made me a person not deserving of your

companionship. So far I have given up the brew (9 months ago) and have given up the green (2 months ago). The hardest vice, that took so much away, has yet to be fully controlled. I continue to work at it, while I continue to hold you dear and close to my heart. I miss you terribly and will love you ALWAYS.

“

light runners.” Consequently it is getting worse over here AND in Spokane. We have logging trucks and semi trucks running red lights with impunity. This is a nation of law breakers and we are at their mercy. CARELESS/RUDE DRIVER To the thoughtless, reckless, in a hurry, rude, tail-gating driver who nearly caused a multiple car

Failing to use your turn signal doesn’t make you look cool or edgy — you look like an inconsiderate tool.

THANK YOU FOR THE RIDE To the very nice/kind school counselor from the Palouse that pick me up on Highway 27 Monday (Labor day) and gave me a ride. I had a flat tire and using my cell phone to get help when you and stopped and asked me if I needed a ride. Very, very kind of you to take time out of your day and helped me to my house and I can’t thank you enough. You saved me a big hassle and your good deed will not be forgotten.

JEERS CHASE BANK As a newly arrived native of Spokane, I am constantly amazed at all the improvements, upgrades, and development (Kendall Yards, Riverfront Park etc. etc.) to my hometown...gone for 18 years to Portland, and now back for friends, family, and new opportunities I am so impressed at all thats happened during my long absence! Hereupon, on this day; I do pronounce the Chase Bank Building DT Spokane to be the FUG-LIEST structure. Dont argue its age, because the building was constructed at the same time period as the Sheraton — now the Double Tree Hotel. The building they occupy looks totally swank...so whats the excuse? Chase took billions in taxpayer bailout money in 2008, and to this day continues in the same vein as its doublecrossing ugly twin Wells Fargo in dissect-

1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3. Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”

46 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

ing its clients in fees and swindling. C’Mon Chase either Man-Up and sand blast this structure and repaint it white (or any other color other than soiled diapers) or blow it up and start over. OR hand it over to someone else that will properly maintain the building, so it passes for at minimum something we all have to look at during a daily commute.

TURN SIGNALS A THING OF THE PAST? I don’t know what you think is going on but failing to use your turn signal doesn’t make you look cool or edgy — you look like an inconsiderate tool. If you fail at moving your finger a few inches I wonder what else you fail at in life?! Everyone is laughing at how dumb and rude you are. It’s like the bat signal for douchebags. You’ll think it’s funny until you merge/turn without signalling and kill a motorcyclist or get creamed out by a semi. Don’t be dumb, use your blinker. BAIT AND SWITCH Jeers to that insurance agency in Cheney. By now you have seen me picket in front of your business. Apparently you don’t give a damn. It just defines the arrogant and incompetent people I have dealt with. I opted my insurance coverage with you based on quotes given by your agency. But when the actual policies arrived with total increases of $300 over quote, I called B.S & canceled. My protest is to inform others of the deplorable service you offer. How many people defenseless people have you screwed? Word travels fast in a small town. May bad karma bite your ass. AGREE WITH “RED MEANS STOP” To the person who wrote red means stop, I do so agree with you. I live in CDA Idaho and our police chief says, “It is too boring to station a policeman at a red light to stop red

”

accident last night heading east on Trent Ave. towards Hauser Lake. You — riding my bumper within inches all the way from Sullivan Road to Curley’s, although I was going the speed limit +. As traffic came to a stop & cars were swerving right & left to avoid a collision with a left turning vehicle ahead, you passed me and others with no regard to anyone’s safety. I shouted to you “What kind of f#)%&’d driver are you” only to be greeted by your middle finger. Lady ( I use the term loosely), you need to slow down & learn the rules of the road or simply surrender your drivers license for being a hazard on the highways! You were wearing some kind of uniformed shirt; I wish I could have identified it to report you to the proper authorities to prevent someone being killed in the future by your terrible erratic driving. n

THIS WEEK'S ANSWERS G E T Z I D E A G U N P A W H A T C O C A S O L P U T I A H N A P U S N O T M E G O I S E N T T E E H

N A U S M A A L

A P S S H Y

O N N O U I N P P O Q H O T A N Y S T T O E E

L E D A T A D O N E N D A N A S O M U O I N T E I T S N E T K E Y

O N E I F

C E S S P O O O L L E S H E A R T I A L

U S E S U P

S C R U B S

T O T E S

E S T A

Y E A A T R M

N K S B I T A D Y

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.

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

BRINGING IN THE HARVEST Spokane Edible Tree Project’s 4th annual “FriendRaiser” features local food and beverages, a silent auction, and live music. All proceeds benefit Spokane Edible Tree Project’s food recovery and hunger relief programs. Sep. 8, 6-9 pm. $30, free for children under 12. Philanthropy Center, 1020 W. Riverside. spokaneedibletreeproject.org (360-209-2890) ‘LONG’ LIVE TO RIDE & DRIVE POKER RUN The 7th annual charity poker run benefits Cancer Care Northwest in memory of Marv Long. Registration begins at 8 am, ride leaves Cheap Shots at 10. Includes trivia at each stop for prizes. Winning hands to be awarded at Cheap Shots, followed by raffles and silent auction. Sep. 9, 8-10, 10 am-4 pm and 4-6 pm. $30. Daley’s Cheap Shots, 6412 E. Trent Ave. (944-6416) BARKAID 2017 - SPOKANE STOP Spokane Valley Paul Mitchell School and Power of the Paw is hosting Master Stylist Patrick Lomantini on his BarkAID 2017 tour through 50 states. Call the school to schedule appt.; proceeds benefit rescue dogs and cats in the area. $20 min. donation for haircut, festivities free. Sep. 9, 9 am-3 pm. Paul Mitchell The School Spokane, 15303 E. Sprague. facebook.com/ Power.of.the.Paw.Rescue PLAY FOR GRACIE FOOTGOLF TOURNAMENT The fourth annual event to play soccer in a golf format supports the nonprofit organization that gives scholarship opportunities to kids in the local community that allow them to participate in the sports and activities they love. Event in-

cludes prizes, swag bag, raffle items and a barbecue. Sept. 9-10 from 8 am-6 pm. $35/person. Eagle Ridge Short Course, 5840 S. Meadow Lane Rd. playforgraciefoundation.org (939-7540) TEKOA TRAIL GALA The Tekoa Trail and Trestle Association’s third annual gala raises funds for restoration of the John Wayne Trail and its connection to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Event includes wine/beer, life music, prizes, games, silent auction and more. Sept. 9, 6-9 pm. $25-$45. Tekoa Mansion, 141 S. Howard. savethejohnwaynetrail.com COBRA POLO CLASSIC An afternoon of elegant indulgence including gourmet food, local wines and handcrafted cocktails, a traditional champagne divot stomp and a chance to witness “the sport of kings.” Proceeds support the Ronald McDonald House of Spokane. Sept. 10, 12-4 pm. $200+. Spokane Polo Club, 7500 W Hwy. 2. (624-0500) GRANDPARENTS DAY CELEBRATION Celebrate the grandparents in your life and community during this annual celebration hosted by and benefiting GSC Meals on Wheels. Includes food, entertainment, a silent auction and announcement of the Grandparent of the Year. Sep. 10, 1-4 pm. $15; ages 10 and under free. Southside Senior & Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. sssac.org (924-6976) MEDVENGERS GALA The new event benefiting WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Scholarships features appetizers, cocktails, dinner and a live auction. Sep. 15, 6 pm. $150. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. go.wsu.edu/medvengers (279-7000)

COMEDY

2.0PEN MIC Local comedy night hosted by Ken McComb. Thursdays, from 8-10 pm. Free. The District Bar, 916 W. First Ave. facebook.com/districtbarspokane/ GUFFAW YOURSELF! Open mic comedy night hosted by Casey Strain; Thursdays at 10 pm. Free. Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. (509-847-1234) ONCE MORE WITH FEELING In celebration of the BDT’s 20th anniversary, they’ll revisit as many previous shows as possible each night with the turbo speed version. Fridays, at 8 pm, Through Sept. 22. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland. bluedoortheatre.com STAND-UP COMEDY Live comedy featuring established and up-and-coming local comedians. Fridays at 8 pm. No cover. Red Dragon Chinese, 1406 W. Third Ave. reddragondelivery.com SAFARI The fast-paced short-form improv show relies on audience suggestions to fuel each scene. Saturdays at 8 pm, through Dec. 30. $7. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland. bluedoortheatre.com THE SOCIAL HOUR COMEDY SHOWCASE Featuring comics from the Northwest and beyond, hosted by Deece Casillas. Sundays, 8-9:30 pm. Free. Ridler Piano Bar, 718 W. Riverside. (822-7938) COMEDY OPEN MIC Five minutes for anyone who knows at least one joke. No two drink minimum, but with dollar beers, who cares? Monday nights; signups at 8:30 pm, mic starts at 9. Ages 21+. Free. Garland Drinkery, 828 W. Garland Ave. facebook.com/drinkerynation/

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COMMUNITY

SPOKANE COUNTY INTERSTATE FAIR The 2017 fair is themed “Get Your Kicks, it’s Year 66” and includes all the traditional and favorite events, from grandstand entertainment to the PRCA rodeo, demolition derby, food vendors, carnival rides, ag demos and displays and more. Sept. 8-16 from 10 am-10:30 pm, Sept. 17 from 10 am-8 pm. $5-$7. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. spokanecounty.org/972/Interstate-Fair TITANOBOA: MONSTER SNAKE Slithering in at 48 feet and weighing an estimated 1.5 tons, The Smithsonian shares an exhibit which features a full-scale model of Titanoboa, casts of the original fossil vertebrae, and clips from a documentary that delves into the discovery, reconstruction, and implications of this enormous reptile. Through Nov. 26; TueSat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun 11 am-5 pm. $8. Mobius Science Center, 331 N. Post. mobiusspokane.org FALL PLANT SALE The Friends of Manito again offer its “Garden-in-a-Box” designs for the fall plant sale. Order in advance, and all plants included in the design will be ready for you to pick-up at the plant sale. Sep. 9, 8 am-3 pm. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. t (509-456-8038) IRISH COMMUNITY DANCE A community Irish dance party, offering an evening of traditional Irish group dancing. Sep. 9, 5-7 pm. Free. Corbin Senior Center, 827 W. Cleveland. msdirishdance.com SPOKANE POLICE ANNUAL K9 DAY Meet the department’s K9 Unit and see demos from the K9s, enjoy free food and

soda and tour the K9 vehicles. Sep. 9, 4-6 pm. Free. Spokane Police Academy, 2302 N. Waterworks. bit.ly/2wQbnUj SURFACE DESIGN A process combining printmaking and design basics to help you create two usable — or frameable — art-print tea towels. Sep. 9, 10 am-noon. $10. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org (279-0299) WHY TORTURE IS WRONG A lecture and discussion with Curt Goering, executive director of the Center for Victims of Torture. As part a series of events related to the recently settled trial of “torture psychologists” James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen, CIA contractors who developed its illegal torture program during the Bush admin. Sep. 9, 7 pm. Free. Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln. (509-327-8000) 10 YEARS ON FRONT The library and its support organizations are celebrating 10 years in the “new” building with the 9th annual Mudgy & Millie Birthday Party, a reading by author Susan Nipp, video presentations about the character statues by sculptor Terry Lee, a visit from Mudgy and Millie, book signing, cake and more. Sep. 10, noon. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org HERITAGE GARDENS TOURS A guided tour of the gardens, restored in 2007 to look as they did when in use in 1915. Learn about the discovery, the restoration and the two influential families of early Spokane who enjoyed them. Upcoming tours: Sept. 10, 17 and 24, from 11 am-noon. Tours also offered during Art in Bloom, Sept. 22-23, at 1 and 3 pm. Free. Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens, 507 W. Seventh. heritagegardens.org

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 47

The Straight Dope

Separating fact from fiction.

MARIJUANA IS THE NATION’S BIGGEST CASH CROP

Let’s put some cannabis-related myths to the test BY MIKE BOOKEY

aybe it was all those years of cannabis culture existing largely underground that led to the bevy of tall tales and myths associated with the substance. Or maybe people were just super high when they came up with some of these. Then again, there could be some truth to be found. You’ve heard some of these, for sure, but let’s dig in and find some reality.

HYPOTHESIS: COUGHING AFTER INHALING INCREASES THE EFFECTS OF THE POT

REALITY: There’s nothing fun about a coughing attack, regardless of what brings it on. But that didn’t prevent the spread of the dorm-room belief that coughing after smoking cannabis makes you much higher. There is very little good science to be found on this one, but science does tell us that the coughing reaction is our body’s way of trying to clear the lungs. The theory

is that your lungs expand while coughing, and that lets more THC — the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis — into your system. That’s not likely. What’s more likely? A coughing fit makes it difficult to breathe, causing lightheadedness.

GEORGE WASHINGTON GREW CANNABIS… FIELDS OF IT

Yes, our first president did grow cannabis on his plantation at Mount Vernon, but according to his presidential library, it was industrial hemp. The hemp he grew likely had less than 0.3 percent THC levels. His cash crop was used for making everyday items like rope, paper and other necessary items. So that monologue in Dazed and Confused about Martha loading up a big bowl for George when he got home every night is probably not accurate. This is not to say, however, that Martha wasn’t a hip, hip lady in other ways.

This assertion has been widely stated, especially by those against cannabis prohibition who argued that the nation was missing out on enormous tax revenues. A 2006 report by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws valued America’s marijuana crop at $35.8 billion. The 2012 book Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know, however, found that the total was closer to about $4 billion, at most. The book argues that production and sales values of marijuana were often confused and overstated. But as more states legalize the production of marijuana, these statistics will be more closely monitored and evaluated, so someday we may have some definitive truth on this statement. (Corn crops are currently valued at about $50 billion.)

USING CANNABIS LOWERS YOUR SPERM COUNT

You may remember hearing that smoking pot makes you less of a man by decreasing your, um, little men, if you will. A 2015 study from the University of Copenhagen found that men who used marijuana more than once a week had sperm counts 29 percent lower than the men in the study who didn’t smoke. The reason that this study and similar studies haven’t been found to be definitive? The subjects who regularly used cannabis also tended to use other drugs, including alcohol, which could perhaps also lower sperm counts. n

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EVENTS | CALENDAR FOR YOUR HIGHNESS

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SHARING THE DHARMA DAY Compassionate living is the theme for this month’s talk. Each month, the Abbey opens its doors to people of all faiths and backgrounds who would like to learn about Buddhist teachings. All are welcomed with a friendly curiosity and openness to learn. Sep. 10, 9:45 am-3 pm. By donation. Sravasti Abbey, 692 Country Lane Rd. sravastiabbey.org WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC SANDPOINT THEATERS To find out more about Sandpoint’s historic theaters, including the Panida, opera houses and dance halls, join historian Nancy Renk for a walking tour of these and other sites in the downtown area. Sep. 10, 4 pm. $5. (208-255-7801) CIVIL AIR PATROL OPEN HOUSE The Spokane Composite Squadron, a unit of the Washington Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), is hosting an open house in the Moody Aviation building at Felts Field (Bldg #68). Sep. 11, 6:30 pm. Felts Field, 6105 E. Rutter Rd. gocivilairpatrol.com DEVELOPING A COMPASSIONATE OPEN-HEARTED LIFE Join Semkye and Tsepal, Buddhist nuns from Sravasti Abbey Monastery in Newport, for a fourweek series exploring what compassion is, its many benefits, how to develop it, and how it can lead to a happier, more peaceful life. Mondays, 6:30-8 pm, Sept. 11-Oct. 2. Free. Create Arts Center, 900 W. Fourth St., Newport. createarts. org (509-447-9277) LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PUBLIC MEETING Featured presenter Carrie Phillips, of the Kootenai County Elections Office, conducts training on voter registration for both the League and the general public. Open discussion and opportunities to network held from 1-2 pm. Sep. 11, 12-2 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. lwv-kc.org (208-660-5394) 350 SPOKANE’S FIRST PUBLIC MEETING Come meet 350 Spokane and fellow climate activists as they share ideas and plans for local climate action in the community. All are welcome. Sep. 12, 6:30-8 pm. Free. Community Building, 35 W. Main. bit.ly/2weH1dy (232-1950) UNACCOMPANIED REFUGEE FOSTER PROGRAM INFO Spokane is accepting youth from overseas refugee camps looking to flee from unimaginable situations. They’ll be placed in homes while receiving services to make them productive members of society. Learn more at a series of informational sessions on the second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Lutheran Community Services, 210 W. Sprague. (343-5018) PACE WORLD CHARACTER DAY Schools, families, businesses and other organizations across the Spokane Valley and West Plains are invited to participate in a worldwide celebration of the importance of good character. Sep. 13. Free. pacecommunity.org POP UP SHOP COMMUNITY PARTNERS NIGHT Learn about Terrain’s downtown retail shop featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories, leather goods, home decor, gifts, and many other handcrafted items by regional artists and makers. Sep. 13, 4-7 pm. RSVP required. Window Dressing Pop Up Shop, 159 S. Lincoln. terrainspokane.com WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONTRA Spokane Folklore Society’s weekly dance, with the Jam band playing and host caller Karen Wilson-Bell. No experience necessary, beginner workshop at

7:15 pm. Sep. 13, 7:30-9:30 pm. $5/$7. Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth. womansclubspokane.org BUILDING A BUSINESS MODEL FOR ARTISTIC SUCCESS This workshop covers how to build a business model, as well as and pricing strategies to help achieve your art career goals. Topics covered include: pricing, understanding financial statements, setting sales goals, how to diversify your product mix. Hosted by Artist Trust. Sep. 14, 7-9 pm. $15-$25. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org HOW YOUTH CAN MOVE THE WORLD: SERVICE IS KEY Baha’is of Pullman joins with other Baha’is of the Palouse in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, with a public discussion. Sep. 14, 6:30 pm. Free. Neill Public Library, 210 N. Grand. (334-3595) NEXT GENERATION MEDICINE Nora Disis, M.D. is a renowned cancer researcher and UW School of Medicine associate dean for translational science. Her work is at the forefront of bringing laboratory discoveries into clinics and classrooms. Next Generation Medicine is a new lecture series for the Spokane community, presented by the University of Washington School of MedicineGonzaga University Regional Health Partnership. Sep. 14, 6-8 pm. Free; registration required. Gonzaga University Hemmingson Center, 702 E. Desmet Ave. events.uw.edu/d/p5qgbf PJALS POSTCARD HAPPY HOUR An opportunity for the public to communicate a short message to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Post cards will then be delivered to these elected officials. Event on the second Thursday of the month, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Saranac Commons, 19 W. Main. (838-7870)

FILM

Z NATION: BEHIND THE CAMERA During summer 2017, the MAC became a working TV studio and a celebration of the dozens of local artists behind the hit Syfy series Z Nation. The exhibit features props, costumes and other items used in the show. Through Sept. 24; open Tue-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. $5-$10/ admission. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (456-3931) BEATRIZ AT DINNER An immigrant from a poor town in Mexico has drawn on her innate kindness to build a career as a health practitioner in L.A. Doug Strutt is a cutthroat, self-satisfied billionaire. When these two opposites meet at a dinner party, their worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Showing Sept. 8-10, times vary. $6. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main. kenworthy.org ONE HEART NATIVE ARTS & FILM FESTIVAL The second annual festival and celebration of contemporary native arts and culture includes screenings of feature-length and short Native films, a Native art gallery, music and more, as it explores the vibrant, innovative and diverse world of contemporary Native arts. Sept. 8-9. $10-$50. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. oneheartfestival.org (227-7404) EDUCATION IS NOT A CRIME This screening is open to the first 100 people. The film and its campaign work with dozens of the world’s most prominent street artists to share their message. Sep. 9, 7-8:30 pm. Free. Spokane

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. notacrime.me/thefilm/ (599-2411) ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW The Garland hosts periodic screenings of the cult classic, at the midnight hour and with prop bags, shadow casts and more. Upcoming showings on Sept. 9 and Oct. 27-28. $7. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.com THE VIETNAM WAR The documentary series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick premiers on KSPS on Sept. 17; come watch a special pre-screening version of the documentary with KSPS staff on hand afterward to answer questions. Sep. 9, 2-3:30 pm. Free. Cheney Library, 610 First St. scld.org (893-8280) KYRS MOVIE NIGHT: THE COMING WAR ON CHINA A nuclear war between the US and China is not only imaginable but a current ‘contingency’, says the Pentagon. This film by John Pilger reveals the build-up to war on more than 400 U.S. military bases that encircle China in a ‘perfect noose.’ Sep. 11, 7-8:30 pm. $5. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. kyrs.org (747-3012) DUNKIRK Acclaimed auteur Christopher Nolan directs this World War II thriller about the evacuation of Allied troops from the French city of Dunkirk before Nazi forces can take hold. Showing Sept. 15-17, times vary. $6/adults; $3/ages 12 and under. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org/calendar/dunkirk/ (208-882-4127)

FOOD

WINE & DINE Learn what wines go well with fall fare. Chef Brian Hutchins cooks multiple courses while sharing some of his culinary tips and tricks. House wine guru Drew also pairs each course with some of his favorite wines. Sep. 8, 6-8 pm. $50. My Fresh Basket, 1030 W. Summit Pkwy. myfreshspokane.com SALSA FIESTA A day of live music, along with spicy food, arts and crafts, organic wine, family activities and more. Sep. 9, 12-5 pm. $5. China Bend Winery, 3751 Vineyard Way, Kettle Falls. chinabend.com (732-6123) COOKING FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Korrin Fotheringham reviews key immune vitamins and minerals and how to incorporate them into foods and recipes. Sep. 11, 6-7 pm. $20. My Fresh Basket, 1030 W. Summit Pkwy. myfreshspokane.com (558-2100) COCKTAIL DINNER A five-course dinner, featuring craft cocktail pairings with each course. Sep. 12. $100. Clover, 913 E. Sharp Ave. cloverspokane.com FRIED CHICKEN & LOCAL BEER SERIES The monthly event from Chef Adam Hegsted features fried chicken paired with beers from a local brewery. Second Wednesday, from 6-9 pm. $35 (tax/tip included). Wandering Table, 1242 W. Summit Pkwy. (443-4410) THE KITCHEN ENGINE’S 11TH ANNIVERSARY To celebrate 11 years, the local culinary resource center and retailer offers discounts, prizes, local chef and product rep demos, food samples and more. Sept. 13-15. Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com CRAB FEST Enjoy a seafood buffet with chilled fresh crab, clams casino, cod veracruz, lobster gumbo, New England style clam chowder and much more. Sep. 14, 3:30-9 pm. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S Hwy 95. cdacasino.com

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 INLANDER 51

RELATIONSHIPS

Advice Goddess THE SUM OF HIS BEERS

I’ve been with my boyfriend for nine months. We are both in our late 20s and go out drinking a lot with our friends. I’ve noticed that when he’s drunk, he’ll be super affectionate and say really gushy things about me, our getting married, etc. Are his true feelings coming out, or is he just talking loveydovey because of the booze? —Bridal Hopes You’ve got to be wondering what it would take for you two to live happily ever after…cirrhosis? Many people insist that their personality changes dramatically when they’re all likkered up. Remind them of some outrageous thing they did the other night at the bar and they’ll go all protest-y — “But that wasn’t the real me!” — and point the finger at Jack, Jose, or the Captain (as in, Daniel, Cuervo, or Morgan). The reality is, research on drinking’s effects on personality by clinical psychologist Rachel Winograd finds that beyond one area of personality — extroverson, which increases slightly in drunken people — we’re all pretty much the same jerks (or whatever) that we are when we’re sober. This consistency that Winograd and her colleagues observe makes sense vis-a-vis how psychologists find that personality has a strong genetic component and involves habitual patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. (There are five major personality dimensions: conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, openness to experience, and extroversion.) And though the Winograd team did find a small increase in extroversion, a body of research finds that personality traits are largely consistent across time and situations. However, the skeptic in you might ask: If personality doesn’t change after, say, three Sriracha margaritas, how come we’ve all seen people behaving differently when they’re sauced? Well, according to research by social psychologists Claude M. Steele and Robert A. Josephs, the behavioral changes of drunken excess appear to be caused not by alcohol itself but by alcohol-driven changes in perception that they call “alcohol myopia.” Alcohol appears to restrict attention, giving a person a sort of tunnel vision for whatever’s right in front of them. To explain this more simply, alcohol basically turns a person into the chimp version of themselves — focusing on whatever’s right in their face and experiencing simple basic emotions in response, like fear, lust, anger, or blubbering affection. Meanwhile, alcohol diminishes their ability for mental processing of any complexity — most notably the sort of thinking that normally leads a person to say, “Well, on the other hand…” (that little voice of reason that pipes up in more sober moments). Interestingly, the research on alcohol myopia debunks a widely believed myth — the assumption that getting drunk will necessarily lead a person to be much less inhibited. It may, but it may also lead the other way — to increased inhibition and less risk taking. That may be hard to believe when you’re watching your brother, the uptight accountant, do a drunken striptease on the bar. However, recall that whatever’s right in front of the sloshed person’s face tends to drive how restrained or unrestrained their behavior is. A fascinating example of this comes from field research by psychologist Tara MacDonald and her colleagues. Patrons entering a bar got their hands stamped — seemingly just to allow them to re-enter without standing in line again. Some had their hands stamped with the ominous warning (within a little circle) “AIDS KILLS.” Others got a circle containing the nebulous statement “SAFE SEX” or — in the control group — a smiley face. The 372 hand-stamped participants were later divided into two groups based on blood alcohol level. (Those with a blood alcohol level that was .08 percent or above were the “intoxicated group.”) The researchers found that the “intoxicated” people with the smiley or “SAFE SEX” stamp were more likely than sober participants to have sex without a condom. However, intoxicated people with the fear-inducing “AIDS KILLS” message expressed less willingness to have unprotected sex than even sober people the researchers surveyed. This is right in line with how alcohol leads to “tunnel vision” that makes whatever’s right in front of a person especially prominent. Getting back to your boyfriend’s drunken mushygushies, consider how the tunnel vision of alcohol myopia likely plays out for him as he looks at you in the moment at the bar: “She’s so sparkly and nice…” What’s missing, however, is all the adult complexity -- all that “on the other hand…” thinking that he’d likely do in more sober moments: whether you two can make it as lifelong partners, whether he’s up for creating little people who’d call him Daddy, etc. In other words, there’s probably some stuff he still needs to figure out. Give it some time -- tempting as it is to use the findings about alcohol myopia to answer the question “How will you make him hurry up and propose?” Two words: “open bar.” n ©2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. • Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405 or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com)

AMY ALKON

52 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

EVENTS | CALENDAR

MUSIC

BEETHOVEN, BREWS & BBQ An event benefiting the Washington Idaho Symphony, with a silent auction, wine pull, music and more. Sep. 8, 6-9 pm. $45-$50. Banyan’s on the Ridge, 1260 Palouse Ridge Dr. (509-335-8474) THE SOUND OF MUSIC SING-A-LONG Sing along to the beloved musical during a screening that encourages audience participation with subtitles. Sep. 9, 6:30 pm. $15. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. (208-667-1865) SPOKANE SYMPHONY: OPENING NIGHT ROMANCE The Spokane Symphony’s 72nd season opener features Zemlinsky’s “The Mermaid,” an orchestral rendition of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale. Violinist Jessica Lee and cellist Peter Stumpf perform Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello; program capped off with Strauss’ “Blue Danube Waltz.” Sept. 9 at 8 pm and Sept. 10 at 3 pm. $14-$57. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. spokanesymphony.org ON ENSEMBLE: TAIKO DRUMS On Ensemble infuses the powerful rhythms of Japanese taiko drumming with musical elements ranging from jazz, hip-hop, and rock to Central Asian overtone singing. Sept. 13, 7:30-9:30 pm. $9-$18. Jones Theatre at Daggy Hall, WSU Pullman. performingarts.wsu.edu ROSS HOLCOMBE IN RECITAL The principal trombonist of the Spokane Symphony presents a recital of music for trombone and piano. In the Music Building Recital Hall. Sep. 13, 8-9:30 pm. Free. Whitworth University, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd. whitworth.edu

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

FREE THE SNAKE FLOTILLA The third annual event invites kayak, canoe, motor boat or other vessels to show support of removing four dams on the river to restore wild salmon. Sept. 8, 5-11 pm and Sept. 9, 8 am-10 pm. Chief Timothy State Park, 13766 US-12, Clarkston, Wash. freethesnake.com (863-5696) PROVING GROUNDS MMA A mixed martial arts event featuring local athletes, organized by Warrior Camp MMA. Sept. 8; doors at 6:30, fights at 7 pm. $20-$30. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. hubsportscenter.org HARMONY YOGA OPEN HOUSE Come check out the local studio, meet staff and sample classes. Sep. 9, 9 am-6:30 pm. Free. Harmony Yoga, 1717 W. Sixth Ave. harmonyoga.com/workshops.html NIC ADOPT A CRAG Climbers, hikers, and community members alike are welcome to join NIC at Q’emiln Park for a morning to help maintain access to area trails. Sep. 9, 8 am-noon. Q’Emiln Park, 12201 W Parkway Dr. goo.gl/h7Wc13 INVITATIONAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW The finest in automotive beauty, specially chosen for display by invitation from area car club members. See the inspiration behind the winery’s limited edition “Cadillac Red” blend. Sep. 10, 11 am-2 pm. Free. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. (927-9463)

THEATER

12 ANGRY JURORS Twelve jurors deliberate the guilt or innocence of a

19-year-old man. Sept. 8-17, Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 3 pm. $7-$12. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave. pendoreilleplayers.org (509-447-9900) CDA MURDER MYSTERY THEATRE: THE MAUI MURDERS A luau fundraiser can’t help but turn deadly with so many nefarious characters. Sept. 8 and 15 at 7 pm. $25. Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls. mauimurderssept8.brownpapertickets.com CYRANO The most legendary nose in literature gets a makeover with this lively adaptation of the 1897 French classic. Sept. 8-24, Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $20. Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third. spokanestageleft.org THE DUMB WAITER Considered one of Pinter’s best early one-act plays. Directed by Stephen John, MFA candidate. Sept. 13-16 at 7:30 pm, Sept. 1617 at 2 pm. $10 (free UI students). The Forge Theater, 404 Sweet Ave. uidaho. edu/class/theatre/ (208-885-2558) ANGELS IN AMERICA PT. 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES Starring Andrew Garfield, Denise Gough, Nathan Lane, James McArdle and Russell Tovey, this new staging of Tony Kushner’s multiaward winning two-part play is directed by award-winning director Marianne Elliott. Sep. 14, 6:30 pm. $12. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. (208-882-4127)

VISUAL ARTS

COMTEMPORARY WOMEN PRINTMAKERS The museum’s fall exhibit celebrates six internationally recognized women artists invested in printmaking, a process both physically and technically demanding. Through Nov. 22; TueSat, noon-4 pm. Free. Museum of Art/ WSU, Wilson Road. museum.wsu.edu KAREN LAUB-NOVAK The late painter, sculptor, printmaker and illustrator explored questions of faith and meaning with the formal expression of a true modernist. Sept. 6-Jan. 6; Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Free admission. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet. (313-6843) DEL GISH A showcase of more than 45 new works by the classic oil painter of Medical Lake, Washington. Sept. 8-Oct. 7; open Tue-Sat, 9 am-6 pm. Free admission. Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com I AM THE FUTURE! A CRAFTIVIST INSTALLATION An installation in support of immigrant rights and a safe space for all in our community. Sept. 9-30, open during business hours. Community Building, 35 W. Main. bit.ly/2eHWBas SPOKANE STUDIO ART TOUR Twentyfour local artist join together to present a self-guided art tour at three locations on the North Side of Spokane. Sept. 9 from 10 am-5 pm and Sept. 10 from 11 am-5 pm. studioarttour.com SQUEAK MEISEL: THE IMMORTALS’ EXHIBITION The Bryan Oliver Gallery presents the work of Meisel, an associate professor of fine art at WSU who has several permanently-sited public works in the Seattle area. Sept. 13-Nov. 3; Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm. Opening reception Sept. 12, 5-7 pm. Free. Bryan Oliver Gallery, Whitworth, 300 W. Hawthorne Ave. whitworth.edu ANTINOMY Explore new work by artists in residence at Richmond Art Collective. This cross-disciplinary exhibit is the second in a series of three occurring in 2017, and features 8 Spokane artists. Sep. 15, 5-8 pm. Free. Richmond Gal-

lery, 228 W. Sprague. (499-4739)

WORDS

FOLIAGE FIRST Garden designer and author Karen Chapman presents a mini show-and-tell on garden foliage, covering year-round color and texture. Sep. 7, 6:30-9 pm. Free. CenterPlace Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. tieg.org DISTINGUISHED HUMANITIES LECTURE FEAT. JON MEACHAM: The Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian delivers the Idaho Humanities Council’s 14th Annual North Idaho Distinguished Humanities Lecture, “America Then and Now: What History Tells Us about the Future.” Sep. 7, 7-10 pm. $60-$125. CdA Resort, 115 S. 2nd. idahohumanities.org READING: DAVID LEONARD A reading and signing with the author and WSU professor. His latest book, “Playing While White,” argues that whiteness matters in sports culture, both on and off the field. Sep. 7, 7:30 pm. Free. BookPeople of Moscow, 521 S. Main St. bookpeopleofmoscow.com SPOKANE AUTHORS FEAT. STEPHEN PITTERS The poet and host of the “Open Poetry Program” at Spokane’s community-based radio station KYRS (88.1 FM) shares tips and techniques at the September meeting of Spokane Authors & Self-Publishers (SASP). Sep. 7, 2:30-4:30 pm. Golden Corral Buffet, 7117 N. Division. spokaneauthors.org AUTHOR BOB MANION The local author signs copies of his latest book, “Sabrina’s Promise,” along with other titles including “Springer’s Heart,” “Summer Rain” and “Treehouse.” Sep. 9, 11 am-2 pm. Free. 2nd Look Books, 2829 E. 29th Ave. 2ndlookbooks.com (535-6464) AN EVENING WITH J.A. JANCE The bestselling author reads from her new J.P. Beaumont novel, “Proof of Life.” She’ll sign books and meet fans after the reading. Sep. 9, 7-8 pm. Free. Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. scld.org (893-8260) READING: JOHN HERRINGTON The children’s author and former NASA astronaut reads from “Mission to Space,” which gives a glimpse into astronaut training and his mission to the International Space Station. Sep. 9, 11 am. Free. BookPeople of Moscow, 521 S. Main St. bookpeopleofmoscow.com READING: JAKE EBERLEIN + GERALD HICKMAN Jake Eberlein reads from “Wilderness Cathedral,” which tells the untold story of the Old Mission at the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park. He’s joined by Gerald Hickman who returns with both of his titles, “Medal of Honor: Courage of the Soldiers and Warriors at Custer’s Last Stand” and “Good Times in Old Genesee.” Sep. 9, 7-8 pm. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com AUTHOR J.A. JANCE The local P.E.O. chapter sponsors the NYT Bestselling murder mystery writer for a presentation and a signing, with light refreshments and door prizes. Sep. 10, 2 pm. $15. Millwood Presbyterian, 3223 N. Marguerite Rd. (509-435-7126) UI DISTINGUISHED VISITING WRITER: DAVID SHIELDS The bestselling author gives a free public reading. Shields has written 20 books, including “Reality Hunger,” named one of the best books of 2010 by more than 30 publications, Sep. 13, 7:30 pm. Free. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St. uidaho.edu/class/english/ (208-669-2249) n

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Seahawks Win the Super Bowl!

DEREK HARRISON ILLUSTRATION

Here are a few semi-educated predictions for the NFL season ahead:

THE SEAHAWKS ARE GOING TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL

And 5 more probably crazy, potentially accurate predictions for this year’s NFL season

Right now a bunch of so-called “Twelves” are thinking to themselves, “Dude, you can’t SAY that! You’re jinxing them!” And to that I say, “Did you miss the part when I said I was a Chiefs fan?” Seattle has an exceedingly advantageous schedule this year (just two games in the Eastern time zone and three of four prime-time games played at home) to go with the squishy-soft division they play in. Realistically, their toughest game of the year might be their first, this Sunday at Green Bay. Their trip to Dallas on Christmas Eve could be another loss. Even if they lose both those games, and another couple just for giggles (because the Seahawks always seem to tally an inexplicable loss to someone like the Rams), we’re still looking at a team that should be 12-4 and in contention for home-field advantage in the playoffs — as long as they stay healthy. And if that happens? See you in Minneapolis in February.

BY DAN NAILEN

COOPER KUPP WILL NOT BE OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

he 2017 National Football League season kicks off the day this issue hits the streets as the Super Bowl champion (and noted cheaters) New England Patriots take on my favorite team (and noted also-rans) the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that is sure to leave half of America rejoicing, the other half bored, and me quietly weeping into a tumbler of whiskey. I’ll get it together by Sunday, though, when the season has its first full slate of games, because I love football nearly as much as my coworkers love that show with the incest and the dragons. Football, similarly, has ornate costumes, a frightening death count and seemingly constant controversy. And like Game of Thrones fans, we NFL dorks spend the time between seasons obsessing over our beloved and occasionally dressing up for fantasy parties.

54 INLANDER SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

I know, Eastern fans, I know. Your boy is going to surprise some people who never got to see the Eagles’ legend play before he headed to the pros and the Los Angeles Rams. But he has on his team two veteran receivers who are going to demand the ball (Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods), a running back the coach wants to feed (Todd Gurley) and a quarterback (Jared Goff) who hasn’t shown quite yet that he can, you know, actually throw the ball. Could be a long season for Kupp. (I’ll totally take him for my fantasy football team if given the chance, though.)

CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY WILL BE OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Maybe this can be considered some sort of progress in race relations in America at a time when we sorely need it. I think Stanford all-everything player Christian McCaf-

frey is going to light it up for the Carolina Panthers and become the first white running back to win the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award since a fellow with the perfect football name, Ron Bull, played for the Chicago Bears in 1962. And McCaffrey will get the award because of his relationship with black quarterback and 2011 Rookie of the Year Cam Newton. Newton’s been dying for some weapons, and McCaffrey’s ability to run and catch will come in handy for the Panthers’ hopes of getting back to the playoffs. It will also make McCaffrey a breakout star this season.

THE NFL WILL SET A NEW RECORD FOR PLAYERS CAUGHT SMOKING WEED

The NFL is more secretive than the CIA about its disciplinary procedures, so we won’t know exactly what many players are being suspended for as the season progresses. But you can bet that as recreational marijuana becomes more common, more NFL players will be lighting up for relaxation and recovery from injuries. And to hit the club, yo!

THE NEW YORK JETS WILL WIN A GAME

You might be thinking to yourself, “Well, duh! Of course they will!” You might be overestimating them. This year’s Jets are going to be incredibly bad, perhaps historically so. They could become the first team to go winless through a season since the 2008 Detroit Lions. Their best chances to actually beat someone come in back-to-back weeks against the nearly-as-awful Jacksonville Jaguars and the allegedly improving Cleveland Browns. Team owner Woody Johnson is currently serving as President Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, and he might never want to come back.

TOM BRADY WILL RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SEASON

Speaking of Trump, he’ll nominate the Patriots quarterback to be ambassador to Brazil, and Brady will jump at the chance to keep his Brazilian supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen happy — and to get out of town after losing the Super Bowl to the Seahawks. n

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