Fwd: Re: [DW] Live Stream Monday - MIT-Knight Civic Media Conference - June 24-25 - #opengov News Challenge Winners Announcement

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Steven Clift" <clift@e-democracy.org>
Date: Jun 24, 2013 7:53 AM
Subject: Re: [DW] Live Stream Monday - MIT-Knight Civic Media Conference - June 24-25 - #opengov News Challenge Winners Announcement
To: <newswire@groups.dowire.org>
Cc:

Starts at 9am Eastern today!

http://www.knightfoundation.org/live/

Tweets:
https://mobile.twitter.com/search?q=%23civicmedia&s=typd

The agenda:
http://civic.mit.edu/conference2013

Here is their meaty framing text - what do you think???

(I plan to tweet from the audience @democracy that we need to focus on
raising new and less represented voices as a civic tech movement. New
insiders can't just be new squeaky wheels with more in common with existing
insiders than our diverse community reality today. The Pew study suggest we
have a looong way to go http://bit.ly/pewcivic http://bit.ly/digicivic )

Civic engagement is changing shape.

When paths to change run through YouTube and Facebook as well as through
state legislatures and Congress, outsiders find themselves insiders, and
vice versa.

Over the past few years the ways weve traditionally engaged in government
 following the news, attending community meetings, writing to legislators,
voting for political candidates  are being complemented by a new set of
tactics and practices such as online petitions, viral videos, civic
crowdfunding, and collective brainstorming.

If traditional forms of engagement focused on helping citizens understand
their (often narrow) role in governance, the new civics promises an active
role in raising attention, building communities, and proposing solutions.

This year's Civic Media Conference, featuring Open Government Foundation
co-founder Rep. Darrell Issa and more than 250 others will explore civic
participation through the lens of Insiders and Outsiders.

We're seeing governments and institutions open themselves to inputs from
people who see themselves as outside of political processes. And we're
watching individuals and activists increasingly use "insider" tactics to
build constituencies and wield influence.

What will civic participation look like when we're all insiders of some
communities and outsiders of others?

How do we work to address social problems and make governments more
responsive offline and online, from both inside and out?

Whether the promise of this new civics is real or mostly imagined, it's
sparking a debate about what public participation could be: rich and
engaging, creative and participatory, civil and constructive, and open to
all.

We look forward to hearing your voice in that debate.


>
> FYI, they have a full-up affiliated pre-hackathon:
> https://wiki.mozilla.org/OpenNews/hackdays/insideroutsider
>
> And if you want to join me AND you are in Boston on Sunday, I have a
> conference room at the MIT Media Lab to chat with folks about
> inclusive civic tech, neighbors online, etc. from 2-4 pm:
> http://bit.ly/bostoncivictech
>
>
> ... From Knight ...
>
> Join us virtually next week for the livestream of the 2013 MIT-Knight
> Civic Media Conference. Themed Insiders and Outsiders, the gathering
> will explore the changing nature of civic participation through the
> work of advocates both inside and outside government institutions.
>
> There, at 10:45 a.m. ET Monday morning, Knight Foundation will
> announce the winners of the Knight News Challenge: Open Gov, who will
> receive funding for their ideas to improve the way citizens and
> governments interact.
>
> The livestream, taking place Monday and Tuesday, will be available at
> knightfoundation.org/live, where you can also find a full schedule.
>
> Follow along on Twitter too via @knightfdn, #newschallenge and
#civicmedia.
>
>
>
>
> Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
>   Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
>   Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy
>   Tel/Text: +1.612.234.7072

-----------------------------------------
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Fwd: [ACA Google Group] 10mTT results

Fast cycling for a 10 mile time trial at the oval tonight.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <swan@pitt.edu>
Date: Jun 21, 2013 8:44 PM
Subject: [ACA Google Group] 10mTT results
To: "Allegheny Cycling Association" <acaracing@googlegroups.com>
Cc:

RESULTS OF 10 MILE TT, June 21, 2013. Nice weather, fast times, everything
went smoothly. Andrew Seitz set a new 10m record, at 20.21, smashing the
old record of 20.46 by Joe Valese. Thanks to Stephanie Swan for
registering and officiating.

1. 20.21 Andrew Seitz (new record, 29.48 mph)
2. 21.22 John Heffner
3. 21.47 Stephen Marlette
4. 21.53* Dan Wilson (pro-rated; rode extra lap)
5. 21.54 Skip Rogers (1st 50+)
6. 22.15 Birk McGilvrey
7. 22.22 Jimmy Feudale (2nd 50+)
8. 22.25 Chris McElhinney (3rd 50+)
9. 22.35 Mark Briercheck
10. 22.45 Al Meder (4th 50+)
11. 22.46 Clifton Kimbrough (5th 50+)
12. 22.50 Paul Lieber (6th 50+)
13. 23.11 Mark Bedel (7th 50+)
14. 23.28 Jakob Yundt
15. 23.39 Bill Kanarek (8th 50+)
16. 24.06 Greg Ellis (9th 50+)
17. 24.25 Marko Milojevic
18. 24.55 Chris Mayhew
19. 24.59 Ray Sielski (10th 50+)
20. 25.06 Paul Upson (11th 50+)
21. 25.13 Ester Erbe (1st woman)
22. 25.43 Alan Lucas
23. 26.10 Michael Wagner


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Turkey update

i won't / can' t write long.

*last night, they emptied gezi park following erdogan's direct orders.

*the attack was brutal as always.
find the statements of claudia roth (german green party), google it, youtube it. she was there with us.

*after emptying the park, police pursued us with gas and water. they confessed that they added tear gas solution to the water they cannoned to us. it burns like hell.

* police shot gas inside the infirmaries. { geneva convention? yeah, baby, our police, our humanist heroes ;-) } they entered into the "german hospital" to arrest the wounded people. they succeeded.

* this morning, police arrested many doctors who worked voluntarily in the infirmaries and hospitals. in tv channels, they referred them as 'marginal resistors wearing white, long shirts'. THEY ARE DOCTORS, it's their uniform all over the world :))

* there are at least 150 confirmed arrests. BUT, we can't find them. you heard right. volunteered lawyers of bar search them to defend, however, all the precincts and police stations reply that they don't have anyone. WHERE ARE THEY???

the dumbness of the majority who sit at home and still believe erdogan, the $#!#$$@* - ness  of turkish media, the lies of governor and parliament and erdogan doesn't drive me crazy anymore. no, sir. i got used to :) even the pepper gas doesn't effect me, we're evolving :))

we're on the streets, still.
we're resisting peacefully, still.
we'll protect the weak, now and forever.

with my warmest regards from istanbul,
ender nafi

one more thing: the chief editor of tv channel Kanal24, Yigit Bulut, claimed that some evil international organizations are trying to kill erdogan using TELEKINESIS :)))) no, it's not a joke. *chief editor, mainstream tv, official statement* erdogan's defenders and voters are these ;-)

Fwd: Reminder: Call for entries -- 2 Minute Film Festival

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Carnegie Museum of Art" <membership@carnegiemuseums.org>
Date: Jun 16, 2013 8:31 AM
Subject: Reminder: Call for entries -- 2 Minute Film Festival
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

View in Browser.   We're screening YOUR short films at Carnegie Museum of Art! There's still time to submit your 2-minute films! It's your turn to play the filmmaker! The third installment of the 2-Minute Film Festival is back at Carnegie Museum of Art. This year's theme, "At Play," challenges you to test your boundaries and take imaginative risks with your own two-minute video. Submit your most creative, most innovative, briefest video engaging in some way with the notion of play. Films selected will be screened in Carnegie Museum of Art's courtyard at Culture Club on Thursday, July 18, at 9 p.m. Each selected entry will be eligible for People's Choice and Juror's Choice prizes. For the first time this year, films chosen for the festival screening will also be made available on the 2MFF website, where visitors will be able to vote for their favorite prior to the event. The submission deadline is Friday, June 21, 2013. Please see the entry form to send your video now! Click here to see the #2MFF Vines!   One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh   |   4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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Fwd: ACTION NEEDED: Urge Your Representative to Co-Sponsor Clean Indoor Air Legislation!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Melissa Brown, American Heart Association" <paadv@heart.org>
Date: Jun 13, 2013 9:35 AM
Subject: ACTION NEEDED: Urge Your Representative to Co-Sponsor Clean Indoor Air Legislation!
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Help Us Significantly Strengthen PA's Clean Indoor Air Law!   Dear Mark:  The current clean indoor air law in PA has dozens of exemptions, which leaves many individuals unprotected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke! With your help we're working to change that.  If you haven't already, Send a message to your Representative today and ask them to co-sponsor House Bill 1485, which would eliminate exemptions to the law, so that ALL Pennsylvanians are protected from secondhand smoke. Long-term exposure to second hand smoke, such as that occurring in a home or workplace, is associated with a 25%–30% increased risk for coronary heart disease in adult nonsmokers. A recent study published in the American Heart Association's journal, Circulation, found that smoke free laws were associated with substantially fewer hospitalizations and deaths from heart and respiratory diseases. Pennsylvania needs a truly comprehensive clean indoor air law -- with no exemptions -- to protect the health of its citizens. Don't delay - send a message to your legislator about this vitally important issue today! Jennifer Ebersole, PA Government Relations Director American Heart Association Melissa Brown, Grassroots Director American Heart Association Click here to unsubscribe.

 

Fwd: NEWS ALERT: County councilman Matt Drozd introduced a motion to reduce the size of the State Legislature (please forward motion herein to others)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Matthew Drozd" <mdrozd@verizon.net>
Date: Jun 11, 2013 7:29 AM
Subject: NEWS ALERT: County councilman Matt Drozd introduced a motion to reduce the size of the State Legislature (please forward motion herein to others)
To: <mattdrozd@verizon.net>
Cc:

COUNTY OF   ALLEGHENY   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2013 CONTACT: Matt Drozd 412-364-1600   Bill No.  ________________   MOTION OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY   Expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County calling for the General Assembly to amend the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reduce the size and the compensation of the members of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. WHEREAS, during this time of economic crises we have not seen comparable action on behalf of the government of the Commonwealth in regard to its own staff and expenses, in fact we have existed under a bloated system of representation throughout the recession and before; and         WHEREAS, a recent report from the National Conference of State Legislatures shows that Pennsylvania, while ranking sixth in the nation in population, employs a legislative branch of 253 lawmakers and 2,918 support staff, which significantly far exceeds the amount of law makers and staff in states having much larger populations; and   WHEREAS, the NCSL reports that the nation's third most expensive full-time legislature, New York, has 212 lawmakers, a support staff of 2,676 and a population of 19.4 million. It spent $216 million in 2008-09, more than $100 million less than Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, Florida, with the fourth largest population at 18.4 million, has only 160 lawmakers with a support staff of 1,457, spending $175 million in 2008-09; and WHEREAS, States with populations closer to Pennsylvania, like Ohio at 11.5 million and Illinois at 12.8 million, spent far less. Pennsylvania spent over $300 million compared to Illinois which spent $71 million; Ohio, $48 million. Illinois has 177 lawmakers and 980 staffers. Ohio has 132 legislators and 465 staffers; and   WHEREAS, according to the NCSL, only 10 of the country's 50 legislatures are considered full time and Texas represents the largest of all part-time legislatures with 181 lawmakers and a legislative staff of 2,090 serving a population of 24.3 million, it spent $126 million in 2008-09; and pays its legislators approximately $7200 per year compared to Pennsylvania legislators who receive over $80,000 per year plus a car of their choosing, retirement in approx. 10 years, per diem of approx. $161 per day, a lucrative health care package, and many other benefits.      WHEREAS, a reduction in the size of the State Legislature has been called for periodically throughout history and most recently in  2005 when the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed pay increases for state lawmakers, judges, and top executive-branch officials in a non-pubilcized vote at 2 am spurring advocacy groups seeking support for a Constitutional Convention or a reduction in the size of the legislature; and         WHEREAS, reduction in the membership of state legislatures is a growing trend according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as proposals to reduce the number of legislative seats in at least one chamber have been presented in Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota and Nebraska; and . WHEREAS, further, in 2002 Rhode Island reduced the number of seats in its state legislature by one-quarter;  Illinois reduced its House membership from 177 to 118 in 1980; and due to reapportionments in 1991 and 2001, North Dakota also reduced its number of legislative districts thus reducing overall membership; and   WHEREAS, according to an article by Charles E. Greenawalt II, Ph.D., of The Susquehanna Valley Center, "the large size of the Pennsylvania Legislature and the failure to amend the state Constitution to reduce it has brought forth criticism from organizations such as Common Cause to the League of Women Voters. Critics of the Legislature cite a lack of decorum, frequent periods of confusion during session, the difficulty in organizing majorities to move legislation and the necessity to reconcile various interests as the most common complaints"; and  WHEREAS,  Mr. Greenawalt further states that "a reduction in size of the General Assembly or the House of Representatives could have beneficial effects for the finances of the commonwealth because the cost of operating the General Assembly has risen to over $300 million from a cost of $148.4 million in 1989-90 and $88.4 million in 1984-85"; and   WHEREAS, the Citizens' Conference on State Legislatures, a private nonpartisan research organization, called attention to the size of Pennsylvania's House, terming it one of the General Assembly's "most pressing problems"; and NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Calls for the General Assembly to amend the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to address the size and costs associated with the current Legislature by approving amendment(s) to reduce the number of representatives, the staff allocated to the General Assembly and the compensation granted to the representatives. After such amendments are passed by a majority of the House and Senate, the amendment shall be submitted to the electors of the State and approved by a majority of those voting, and then shall become part of the Pennsylvania Constitution.   IT IS FURTHER MOVED that copies of this Motion be distributed to Allegheny County's delegation to the General Assembly.     PRIMARY SPONSOR:  COUNCIL MEMBERS DROZD   CO-SPONSORS:      In Council ______________________________________________________________,  2013.                                   Read and Approved.       ___________________________________________                                           Dr. Charles Martoni                                           President of Council     Attest:  _______________________________________ Jared E. Barker, Chief Clerk Allegheny County Council                                                                                      # # # #                 To

 

Fwd: [DW] Hack for Change - CFA: Be Part of Something Big – This Weekend

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steven Clift
Date: Friday, May 31, 2013
Subject: [DW] Hack for Change - CFA: Be Part of Something Big – This Weekend
To: newswire@groups.dowire.org


From
 http://codeforamerica.org/2013/05/31/be-part-of-something-big-this-weekend

From: IFTTT Action <action@ifttt.com>
Date: Fri, May 31, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Blog CFA: Be Part of Something Big  This Weekend
To: clift@e-democracy.org


   This weekend more than 6,000 individuals from businesses, nonprofits,
and government agencies, as well as local citizens will come together to
participate in 95 events throughout the United States as part of the
National Day of Civic Hacking (NDoCH). This is the largest convening of
civic hackers to ever assemble.

Code for America is one of the organizing partners of NDoCH and through our
Brigade program is organizing more than 30 of the NDoCH events  all of
which will be attended by the local government staff.

You should join us. Find an event in your area.

*WHO:* Urbanists, Civic Hackers, City and County Officials, Developers,
Designers, and anyone with the passion and motivation to make their
community better

*WHEN:* June 1-2, 2013

*WHAT: *Civic hackers and government collaborate for National Day of Civic
Hacking

*WHERE: *Events in 95 cities. CfA Brigade events will be held in these 32
cities:

   1. Boston, Massachusetts <http://hackforchange.org/boston-civic-expo>
   2. Seattle, Washington <http://hackforchange.org/hack-change-seattle>
   3. Honolulu, Hawaii <http://hackforchange.org/hack-future>
   4. Macon, Georgia<http://hackforchange.org/middle-georgia-national-day-civic-hacking>
   5. Chicago, Illinois <http://hackforchange.org/events?tid=All&state=IL>
   6. Las Vegas,
Nevada<http://hackforchange.org/vegashack-national-civic-day-hacking>
   7. New York, New
York<http://hackforchange.org/nyc-bigapps-citycamp-demo-night>
   8. Oakland, California <http://hackforchange.org/rewrite-oakland>
   9. Asheville, North Carolina <http://hackforchange.org/hack-food>
   10. Chattanooga,
Tennessee<http://hackforchange.org/open-chattanooga-hack-thon>
   11. Lexington,
Kentucky<http://hackforchange.org/national-day-civic-hacking-lexington-0>
   12. Norfolk,
Virginia<http://hackforchange.org/national-day-civic-hacking-norfolk>
   13. Raleigh, North Carolina <http://hackforchange.org/citycamp-nc-2013>
   14. Sacramento, California <http://hackforchange.org/hack4sac>
   15. San Diego,
California<http://hackforchange.org/san-diego-day-civic-innovation>
   16. Tulsa, Oklahoma<http://hackforchange.org/national-day-civic-hacking-tulsa>
   17. Virginia Beach,
Virginia<http://hackforchange.org/national-day-civic-hacking-virginia-beach>
   18. Salt Lake City, Utah <http://hackforchange.org/hack-salt-lake>
   19. Miami, Florida <http://hackforchange.org/hack-change-miami-arts-more>
   20. Portland, Maine<http://hackforchange.org/maine-civic-hack-day-portland>
   21. Alexandria,
Virginia<http://hackforchange.org/northern-virginias-national-day-civic-hacking-national-science-foundation-2-day-event>
   22. Orlando, Florida <http://hackforchange.org/hack-change-orlando>
   23. Akron, Ohio <http://hackforchange.org/hackneo>
   24. Denver, Colorado <http://hackforchange.org/hack4colorado>
   25. Detroit,
Michigan<http://hackforchange.org/code-america-detroit-brigade-presents-hall-free-civic-apps>
   26. South Bend, Indiana <http://hackforchange.org/hack-michiana>
   27. Savannah,
Georgia<http://hackforchange.org/savannah-national-day-civic-hacking>
   28. Augusta,
Georgia<http://hackforchange.org/super-happy-block-party-greater-augusta>
   29. Washington, District of
Columbia<http://hackforchange.org/hack-change-dc>
   30. Kansas City, Missouri <http://hackforchange.org/hack-kansas-city>
   31. Burlington, Vermont <http://hackforchange.org/burlington-vermont>
   32. Anchorage, Alaska<http://hackforchange.org/anchorage-day-civic-hacking>

You can view the full list of events here: http://hackforchange.org/events.



Questions? Comments? Hit us up
@codeforamerica<http://twitter.com/codeforamerica>
.


via Code for America
http://codeforamerica.org/2013/05/31/be-part-of-something-big-this-weekend/

-----------------------------------------
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--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: Tim Stevens to Speak Live TODAY AT NOON!!

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP)

Tim Stevens, Chairman & CEO of The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) and Co-Convener of Coalition Against Violence (CAV) Will be  guest speaking live on WESA radio 90.5 (formerly WDUQ) "Essential Pittsburgh" show between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON to speak about B-PEP's request for a moratorium on the extraordinary level of houses being demolished in the black community.  Members of B-PEP went to City Council on Wednesday, May 29 with letters requesting a special post agenda it was passed unanimously! We encourage you to call during this live broadcasting.  Call 412-246-2002 from 12pm to 1 pm weekdays to participate in the discussion. Dial 412-256-8783 to leave a question or comment before or after the show FOR MORE INFORMATION  The "B-PEP Community Moments Radio Show!"   On WGBN Radio AM 1150, "The Voice of Urban Pittsburgh," With Odell Richardson, Bill Neal and Lois "Toni" McClendon features conversations about issues, concerns and events of interest to the African American community in the Pittsburgh region. The show is broadcast each first and fourth Saturday of every month from 12 noon to 1 pm.    Below are articles from 3-29-2013 Post Gazette and Tribune Review B-PEP asks Pittsburgh City Council for special meeting on property demolitions May 29, 2013 11:52 pm By Ed Blazina / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh Councilman Ricky Burgess should understand the conundrum created by vacant lots and buildings: His council district has about 4,000 of them, many of them in Homewood. What's the best thing to do with empty buildings? Board them up, leaving them available for squatters and vagrants? Tear them down, the solution favored by neighbors? Then what happens with the empty lots? For more than two years, Mr. Burgess said Wednesday, he has been working behind the scenes to develop a land bank and establish a process for handling the  property . Now, he said, it's time to make that process more public after the Black Political Empowerment Program asked council Wednesday for a moratorium on demolition in poor communities and a special meeting to discuss vacant property. "I'm going to engage them in this so they are involved in the process," Mr. Burgess said. Tim Stevens, B-PEP's chairman and CEO, told council he's alarmed by the number of vacant lots in Homewood and other poor neighborhoods, including many streets with more overgrown lots than active residences. Another 329 Homewood properties are on the city's list for demolition this year, he said. "How can you have a community when you have no neighbors?" asked Mr. Stevens, who said the atmosphere leads to more crime and less diligence by the remaining homeowners to care for their property. "That's not a community." He called for many of the buildings to be refurbished by workers enrolled in training  programs rather than continuing with demolition. Mr. Burgess said he will meet with community leaders first, then hold a series of special council meetings to discuss how to accumulate land, care for it until it is ready for redevelopment and hire and train neighborhood residents in demolition and construction. The scope of the problem is the biggest hurdle. Mr. Burgess estimated it could cost as much as $500 million to  deal  with every vacant parcel in his district. Mr. Stevens found at least one sympathetic ear in Councilman Bill Peduto, who last week won the Democratic nomination for mayor. He said he favors a more measured approach, with the city partnering with nonprofit neighborhood groups to refurbish as many buildings as possible. "We have the ability to demolish houses that need to be demolished, but that's not all of them," he said. "If you took one of those houses and moved it to Squirrel Hill it would sell for $300,000." Marissa Doyle, a spokeswoman for outgoing Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, was noncommittal about a moratorium on demolition. "Rehabilitation is always preferred, but when certain properties are deemed a safety hazard by public safety officials, demolition is a possible solution," she said. "We are glad that attention is being brought to the hundreds of condemned properties that can be salvaged, and we are open to any suggested solutions that will help transform these blighted houses into homes for residents." Ed Blazina: eblazina@post-gazette.com. First Published May 29, 2013 11:49 am Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/b-pep-asks-pittsburgh-city-council-for-special-meeting-on-property-demolitions-689520/#ixzz2UpbCUrZn Residents ask Pittsburgh to halt demolition of vacant homes This house at 2722 Hazelton Street in Perry Hilltop, shown, Tuesday, is an example of the blight upsetting some residents of the neighborhood. About Aaron Aupperlee Aaron Aupperlee  412-320-7986 Staff Reporter Pittsburgh Tribune-Review  Contact Us | Video | RSS | Mobile Daily Photo Galleries Thursday - May 30, 2013 Allegheny Photo Galleries Search of wooded area in West Mifflin yields no clues in teen's disappearance By Aaron Aupperlee  Published: Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 11:47 p.m. Updated 11 hours ago  Shakeeta Scott walks by a vacant house on Reed Street in the Hill District each morning. The roof sags. Windows are missing, broken or boarded. Old tires pile up in the driveway. The garage is wide open, filled with garbage and discarded furniture. "I don't know what's in there or what's going to jump out," said Scott, 37, who lives just up the road. "Tear that down. Knock that down," chanted William Johnson, 18, who also lives nearby. The city has marked 2351 Reed St. for demolition, one of hundreds of buildings it expects to tear down this year. But residents on Wednesday urged city council members to temporarily halt demolitions, especially in less affluent East End neighborhoods, where 329 buildings are on a condemnation list. Council responded on Wednesday by requiring the Bureau of Building Inspection to consider a neighborhood's plan for the building or its historic context before applying to the city planning department for a demolition permit. The city, community organizations and community development corporations may petition the department for a hearing to halt any demolition. "We're not saying, 'Don't tear down houses that need to be torn down,'" said Tim Stevens, chairman of the Black Political Empowerment Project. "We think there should be some kind of balance between demolition and rehabbing." Stevens said the city could use the money it spends to tear down houses to pay for workers to rebuild them. He and others asked council to consider a plan championed by Councilman Bill Peduto during his mayoral campaign to use abandoned buildings as on-job training centers, where city residents could find work, learn building trades and rehabilitate older buildings. The city spent more than $3.3 million last year tearing down homes and plans to spend $3 million this year. "To keep things from being demolished, someone has to take responsibility for it," said Paul Loy, the city's demolition manager. "Unfortunately, that rarely happens." Councilman Daniel Lavelle said it does happen. He can point to rehabbed and reinhabited houses in his district to prove it. Lavelle's district, which includes the Hill District and several North Side neighborhoods, pursues an "anti-demolition" policy, asking the city to spare houses neighborhoods think they can rehabilitate. Demolishing homes can divide a neighborhood, pitting those who live near the dilapidated buildings against community organizations that want to save them, said Councilman Ricky Burgess, whose district includes Homewood and thousands of vacant properties. "I think the community groups and the citizens need to be on the same page," Burgess said. Council intends to conduct a public hearing later on the issue. Staff writer Bob Bauder contributed to this story. Aaron Aupperlee is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7986 or aaupperlee@tribweb.com. Read more:http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/4095797-74/demolition-buildings-district#ixzz2UpcaBTU8  Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP) | C/O The Hill House Center | 1835 Centre Avenue | Pittsburgh | PA | 15219

Best screen cast

Fwd: NEWS RELEASE: County Councilman Matt Drozd changed his party affiliation and outlines some serious concerns about extremely misleading and negative campaigning

Matt Drozd is fighting back after being a target of serious mud slinging in a primary for retaining his seat in Allegheny County Council. 

If nothing else, this proves that there are different wings of the R party too. Well, to be sure, his tenure as an R is ended.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Matthew Drozd <mdrozd@verizon.net>
Date: Fri, May 24, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: County Councilman Matt Drozd changed his party affiliation and outlines some serious concerns about extremely misleading and negative campaigning
To: mattdrozd@verizon.net

At a news conference today, County Councilman Matt Drozd announced that he has switched his party affiliation to Independent and called upon the Chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Party to resign his chairmanship, and asked the voters to reject three Republican legislators when they are next up for re-election. He also urged his constituents not to vote for his opponent in the Primary, Mr. Baker, who perpetrated false statements that are absolutely not true. Mr. Roddy and the three legislators (see attached endorsement letter which bear the names of Mr. Roddy, Mr. Vulakovich, Mr. Mustio, and Mr. English) continued to support and then endorse Mr. Baker after he made these false accusations.  By not speaking up against such false accusations after the brochures were mailed and continuing to endorse the councilman's opponent, they must also accept the responsibility for condoning his actions….especially as they know all too well that local elected officials did not vote on Obamacare.  These false accusations misled many voters into casting their votes for Mr. Baker.  

The Councilman asked "How can we trust candidates for office and elected officials who convey and endorse untruthful information when either holding an office or running for an office. It is our responsibility to elect and re-elect people who tell us the truth and hold integrity above all else. Those that do not subscribe to a high standard of integrity should not receive or deserve our vote of confidence and should either resign or be voted out of office."

Several times the County Councilman's opponent mailed false brochures (see attached) that claimed Mr. Drozd voted yes to Obamacare when the truth was the County Councilman actually joined other county council members in a bipartisan manner to support a motion to restore monies to disabled and adult Pennsylvanians. In essence, the Councilman simply backed bipartisan legislation that opposed an initiative to end adultBasic.  A letter from County Council President Charles Martoni (also attached) which proves that County Councilman Matt Drozd never voted yes to…..or ever endorsed Obamacare . The truth is that the action of county council was actually in response to the state raiding monies set aside in the cigarette tax pool of money and diverting it to their budget.

The Councilman is letting this be known and changing his Party affiliation not because of the results of his election, but because he is taking a stance on behalf of his constituents who were misled when they cast their votes…….and please note that the Councilman has always put his constituents before party politics.

For further information or to speak with Matt Drozd, you can contact him at 412-364-1600  In the meantime, please pass this on to others so that the electorate are better informed to not vote for these individuals ever again

 

 

Pool permit request for Greenway

Mark Rauterkus
Head Swim Coach, PPS Obama Academy
Executive Head Coach, SDA's Swim & Waterpolo Camp

108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-298-3432
Mark@Rauterkus.com

May 20, 2013

Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools

Dear Doctor Lane,

This attached swim pool permit request is important to me. I would like your help in getting it approved. There should be no cost / charges from PPS.

In 2010, Summer Dreamers was at Peabody, and we used the pool in the mornings for a training group. The same case applies in 2013. We want to have practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8 am to 11:30 at PCA / Greenway. Custodians are on duty.

If cleaning needs to occur, do that on Mondays, Wednesdays or Saturdays.

We wish to start on July 1, 2013.

We wish to end at the end of August.

I will also send this request to Athletics, the Obama Athletic Director, the Obama Principal, the PCA Principal and the Gifted Office.

Myself and our people have all the necessary paperwork, clearances, and certifications. Plus, we have an extra measure of insurance as well so there is no reason to deny this vital request. I had written to you about this in past weeks and have heard nothing. I have also made the request to our new AD at Obama Academy as well.

It would be way better to practice at Obama Academy, but, there are some building things happening there and permits are not available to us there this summer, so I understand. Being that we are already using the pool in the afternoons at PCA, it makes sense to go there. Plus, Obama is a city-wide magnet so we have and continue to attract west end kids as well.

Thanks for your reply.

Mark Rauterkus

Summer Dreamers Night Out Posters

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130523205161/aforathlete/images/7/79/PPS_SDA_Night_Out_Poster.pdf

Fwd: Please fill out this survey on the Pittsburgh Public Schools District work

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Willson, Albert Edward IV" <awillson1@pghboe.net>
Date: May 22, 2013 3:59 PM
Subject: Please fill out this survey on the Pittsburgh Public Schools District work
To: "Willson, Albert Edward IV" <awillson1@pghboe.net>
Cc:

Greetings,

 

Pittsburgh Public Schools has an urgency to think differently about how it delivers a 21st Century education to all students – especially during a time when revenues are flat and expenditures are increasing. The District faces the challenge of closing a $50MM budget shortfall while ensuring that the structures are in place to support its vision that 80% of Pittsburgh Public Schools students earn a post-secondary degree or workforce certification. In January 2013, the District embarked on a large scale visioning process called Envisioning Education Excellence: A Plan for All of Pittsburgh's Students to address the current state challenges and future goals of the District. Continued engagement of students, teachers, principals, funders, and the broader community is critical to the success of this project.

 

In an effort to incorporate the community's feedback on Pittsburgh Public Schools into the Envisioning work, we'd like for you to take this short survey. It should take ~10 minutes to complete and your responses will remain anonymous. Your input will be used internally to assist in future decision making and evaluate proposed actions for the District.

 

You can find the link to the survey here: Pittsburgh Public Schools Online Survey. It will be open until Friday, May 31^st.

 

Please forward this message along to your networks so that others can take the survey. If you want to learn more about the work we are doing, please visit our website: Envisioning Educational Excellence. You may also feel free to email envisioning@pghboe.net with any questions.

 

Kind regards,

The Pittsburgh Public Schools "Envisioning Excellence" Team

 

 

Eddie Willson Director of Operations, Student Support Services pittsburgh public schools 341 S. Bellefield Ave. Pittsburgh, pa 15213   Rm. 428 412-622-3985 (W)  | 412-818-8659 (C)  |  awillson1@pghboe.net

 

 

 

Fwd: Will You Be Voting for the Most Bike Friendly Candidate?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "BikePGH" <news@bikepgh.org>
Date: May 20, 2013 2:43 PM
Subject: Will You Be Voting for the Most Bike Friendly Candidate?
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

"All the bike/ped news, events, and action alerts fit to email" Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Learn Where the Candidates Stand On Our Issues Before You Vote Biking and walking are political issues. When you choose to get around by foot or by bike, you are addressing critically important issues: personal health, air quality, oil dependence, economics, infrastructure, and safety. Making the choice easy and safe for people to use a bicycle or to walk for basic transportation is often up to our elected officials and their commitment to dedicate the financial resources needed to make our streets safe for everyone whether they are 8 years old or 80. This is why, since 2007, we have been conducting a Q&A for our prospective leaders during their election campaigns.  Before heading to the polls, please take a moment and learn what each candidate will do to make Pittsburgh better for biking and walking. Thank you for participating in the We Walk. We Bike. We Vote. campaign. Because of you our issues were front and center this election. Regards, Scott Bricker BikePGH Executive Director Click on the Candidate's name below to find out where they stand on biking and walking. 2013 Mayoral Candidates Democratic Candidates Bill Peduto A.J. Richardson Jack Wagner Jake Wheatley Republican Candidate Josh Wander 2013 City Council Candidates If you are not sure which Council District you are in, click here for the City of Pittsburgh's interactive map. Council District 2 Theresa Kail-Smith – Did not respond Council District 4 Natalia Rudiak* John Lee – Did not respond Council District 6 R. Daniel Lavelle* Franco Dok Harris Tonya Payne – Did not respond Council District 8 Jeanne Clark Dan Gilman Sam Hens-Greco *indicates incumbent   Forward to a Friend Log your miles, beat Cleveland! Membership Has Its Privileges Membership not only supports our mission to make our streets and communities better for biking and walking, it also gets you discounts at local establishments. Click here to see them all!  Biking 101 Click here to learn all you need to ride safe in the city. Bike Parking Resources We can help your business with your bike parking needs. For more information email racks@bikepgh.org. Business Membership Support a bikeable, walkable, livable Pittsburgh and attract and retain talent. Join the Fray Visit our online forums, meet local bicyclists, and weigh in on issues that affect you. BikePGH Blog Up-to-date news and commentary on bikepgh.org/blog  Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Forward to a friend  You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website, at one of our events, or by joining as a member. Our mailing address is: Bike Pittsburgh 188 43rd Street, Suite 1 Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences  Thanks to our Champion Business Members: