REALCHANGE May 27 – June 2, 2020 $2 CASHorVENMO

MAY 27 – JUNE 2, 2020 n VOLUME 27 NUMBER 22 n REALCHANGENEWS.ORG

YOUR VENDOR BUYS THIS PAPER FOR 60¢ AND KEEPS ALL THE PROCEEDS. PLEASE PURCHASE FROM VENDORS WITH LAVENDER 2020 BADGES.

$100,000 $90,000 For Seattle’s contemporary arts group $80,000

$70,000 On The Boards, performing during the pandemic $60,000 has been a challenge, but they’re seeking a $50,000

$40,000

$30,000 $33,252.00 $20,000 SPOTLIGHT AT $10,000 SPRING THE END OF FUND THE TUNNEL DRIVE See page 12

A TICKET TO RIDE Fare enforcement is back on Sound Transit June 1 but the fares will be discounted, p.3

THE SWEEPS CONTINUE Seattle continues to sweep homeless encampments during the pandemic, which is putting city officials at odds with each other, p.4

STOP ALL THE NOISE Living in a noisy city affects our health in many different ways, p.5 REALCHANGE REALCHANGE 2 OPINION May 27 – June 2, 2020 May 27 – June 2, 2020 NEWS 3 We must shift against substance-use

Real Change exists to provide opportunity and a voice for low-income and homeless disorder and support I-1715 people while taking action for economic, By REV. JAN BOLERJACK​ support is far more cost-effective than the the Treatment and Recovery Act, I-1715, REPORTER’S social and racial justice. Guest Writer status quo. Research shows that every dollar an initiative for this year’s ballot. Together NOTEBOOK Real Change offices spent on substance-use disorder treatment with dozens of experts and community lead- 219 First Ave. S., Suite 220 he covid-19 pandemic has caused saves $4 in health care costs and $7 in ers who have come together as Treatment Fraud claims Seattle, WA 98104 a major spike in the need for basic criminal legal costs. First Washington, I support replacing the 206.441.3247, www.realchangenews.org up in Washington T support, like food. Our ​Tukwila I see people who go to jail because strategy of trying to punish people out of Pantry, a ministry of Riverton Park United they can’t get the assistance they need substance-use disorder with a public health slew of fraudulent claims for BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yolanda Altamirano (President), Malou Chávez, Methodist Church,​ has gone from serv- to address the issues that are driving the approach. Our coalition includes treatment unemployment insurance ben- Shelly Cohen, Matthew Hayashi, ing 300 households to 1,500 households substance use. They may detox in jail, but professionals, legal and law enforcement efits forced Washington state Hannah Hunthausen, Pamela Kliment, A Jim Lauinger, Maria Elena Ramirez, Mary Riski a week. Folks who used to come once when they come out, their only connections experts, elected officials, people of color, officials to implement new rules that al- a month are showing up for food three are with folks who are using — it’s the only leaders of Black, Brown and Indigenous low the state to cut off weekly payments EDITORIAL STAFF times a week. We also host a growing car network they have to turn to for help. communities, and formerly incarcerated quickly if they suspect wrongdoing. Staff Reporter Ashley Archibald Editor Lee Nacozy camping and tent program at our church. Just as we are seeing skyrocketing job- and directly impacted community members. The new regulations allow the state Features Reporter Kamna Shastri I was already seeing more folks strug- lessness and spiking demand for food banks I-1715 would reclassify personal-use drug to suspend benefits if they suspect fraud Art Director Jon Williams gling with substance-use disorders before and housing solutions, covid-19 is causing offenses from crimes to a civil infraction and re- and do not receive personal, verifying REAL CHANGE STAFF covid-19. They are often turned away an increase in depression, anxiety, stress fer people to an assessment designed to identify information from the person receiving the Circulation Specialist Wes Browning from treatment services for lack of avail- and financial insecurity — all drivers of sub- the most promising services for their specific money. Without the verifying information, Organizer Evelyn Chow able beds or they don’t have the personal stance use. We were not responding to the experiences with substance-use disorder. If a the suspension can be “indefinite,” accord- Volunteer Manager Katie Comboy Managing Director Shelley Dooley resources to access inpatient care. Some needs of those struggling with substance- referred person attends the assessment within ing to the state. Communications and Development folks are in a vicious cycle, where a high use disorders before the lockdown, and now 72 hours, the civil infraction is waived. Existing The uptick in fraud corresponds with Associate Alexis Estrada incidence of trauma or mental health is- the crisis is more urgent. criminal penalties for selling or manufacturing a massive increase in the number of un- Founding Director Timothy Harris Field Organizer Neal Lampi sues is driving their substance use. Addressing substance-use disorder is illegal drugs remain in place. I-1715 would also employment claims at the office. Vendor Program Manager Rebecca Marriott It is difficult, if not impossible, for not a question of willpower, like vowing to kick off a statewide education campaign about According to the Washington Em- Lead Organizer Tiffani McCoy Vendor Case Manager Ainsley Meyer people to overcome substance use without exercise regularly. It is a chronic medical substance use and how people can get help for ployment Security Department, the Office Manager Ari Shirazi a safe place to live, because they often use disorder. We need to get at the roots of the themselves or loved ones. phone lines receive nearly 20,000 calls Development Director Camilla Walter alcohol or drugs to cope with the dangers trauma and past experiences that have led Our children, friends, family members a day from people trying to access un- and stresses of life on the streets. Even so many to this destructive way of self-med- and neighbors suffering from substance- use employment benefits, causing massive VOLUNTEERS Editorial Committee Susan Storer Clark, the relatively simple problem of not hav- icating. It’s critical to invest in interventions disorders desperately need better access to delays and long waits. The department Laura Ditsch, Willie Jones, James Jenkins, Dagmar ing consistent access to a working phone and services that are proven to be effective, drug treatment and recovery services, not reported that it saw a 28 percent in- Matheny, Paige Owens, Tiron Rowe makes getting help challenging. Often it’s such as individual case management. arrest, prosecution and incarceration. n crease in the number of claims during Contributing Writers Rabbi Olivier BenHaim, not that someone doesn’t want the help; We have to build trust and create a the week of May 10 compared with the Hanna Brooks Olsen, Wes Browning, John Helmiere, Michelle Galluzzo, Dave Gamrath, it’s just that getting the help is one step system where people are given realistic Rev. Jan Bolerjack​ is pastor at Riverton previous week, sparking suspicions Kelly Knickerbocker, Joe Martin, Patrick “Mac” beyond what they can manage currently. and meaningful opportunities to change. Park United Methodist Church and direc- File photo by Jon Williams that some of those claims have been McIntyre, Jill Mullins, Oscar Rosales Castaneda, Susan Storer Clark, Megan Wildhood, Mike Wold Ensuring adequate funding for case Folks struggling with drugs need to know tor for Tukwila School Board District A commuter boards a Sound Transit light rail train. Fare enforcement will resume on June 1, though the fare will be discounted. fraudulent. managers to connect those caught pos- they can ask for help even if they might 2. Bolerjack also serves on the Human It’s a deep well. That week, ESD paid Photographers and Artists Alex Bergstrom, sessing drugs to wrap-around services like fail ​— that they can ask for help without Services Advisory Board for the city of $1.01 billion in benefits. Matthew S. Browning, Sam Day, Natalie Dupille, Jeffrey Few, Valerie Franc, Susan Fried, Seth job apprenticeships, housing, resources for the fear of arrest and incarceration. Tukwila and as a citizen adviser for the Goodkind, Derek Gundy, Lisa Hagen Glynn, Lara food, health care, treatment and recovery That’s why I support a solution called Tukwila police department​. Fare enforcement resuming in Kaminoff, Ted Mase, Dave Parish, Joseph Romain, Property tax relief? Wes Sauer, Katie Wheeler he deadline to pay property Copy Editors Pamela Bradburn, Mason Duke, threat if not in actuality taxes is coming fast, causing King Merry Nye, Morgan Wegner DIRECTOR’S CORNER | Timothy Harris, founding director T County to consider a proposal to Real Change Volunteers Yolanda Altamirano, By ASHLEY ARCHIBALD was initially encouraged. That means lessen the burden on taxpayers hurt by Cathie Andersen, Carla Blaschka, Maridee Bonadea, Pamela Bradburn, Chris Burnside, ince Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a tered the bu- choice. Staff Reporter fare enforcement officers will ask for the economic fallout of the coronavirus. Cathy Clemens, Jim Freier, Candace Gallerani, Proclamation of Civil Emergency reaucratic But sleeping on the street brings its proof of fare, including a paper ticket, The legislation, floated by King County Michelle Galluzzo, Anne Jaworski, Carlo Jones, Kevin Jones, Ron Kaplan, Jesse Kleinman, S on March 3, we’ve seen an unprec- lexicon in the own risks. Despite a directive from the are enforcement on Sound Transit a purchasing app or an orca card. Of- Councilmember Reagan Dunn, would let Pamela Kliment, Daniel Kramer, Joe Martin, edented expansion of shelter in King covid-19 era. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- light rail and Sounder commuter ficers will maintain a distance, which households spread out their property tax Dagmar Matheny, John Maynard, Patrick McIntyre, Juan Montes, Carl Nakajima, Eileen Nicol, County. This is good, but not enough. “Deintensifica- vention to leave encampments in place F trains will resume June 1 due, in means they will not be able to scan and payments in five installments over the Deb Otto, Maria Elena Ramirez, Merri Jo Seil, For as long as I can remember, the tion” is what unless replacement housing is available, part, to concerns over vandalism and verify the proof of payment. course of six months rather than require Lawrence Soriano, Susan Storer Clark, Jeremy Tarpey, Moriah Vazquez, Jed Walsh, Mike Wold emergency shelter we’ve needed today has we call spread- at least three sweeps of unsanctioned biohazards, after more than two months “It’s on the honor system,” Gallagher them to pay one lump sum. Typically, been deferred by the promise of housing ing beds out to encampments have occurred in just the of coronavirus-spurred free ridership. said. property taxes are due in two large pay- The Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project is a sometime in the future. make emergen- past month. The fares will be discounted, cost- The goal behind bringing back fares ments over the course of the year. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Real Change is a member of the North American Street Newspaper Association As Mayor Durkan recently told CBS, cy shelter less Homeless sweeps increase the hard- ing $1 on the Link Light Rail and $2 on is, in part, to prevent further vandalism King County Executive Dow Constan- and the International Network of Street Papers. “we are finding some of the smart- deadly. ship for unsheltered people while offering the Sounder train. Sound Transit will and biohazards on the trains. Although tine extended the deadline from April 30 REAL CHANGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA est, best dollars we can spend is going King County has moved approximately nothing in the way of permanent solutions. also promote orca Lift, a reduced-fare ridership dropped 83 percent when to June 1, but that’s not enough, Dunn said upstream to stop people from becoming 600 people out of emergency shelters into They are the most expensive and ineffec- program for low-income riders that the state locked down, the number of in a press release. homeless in the first place.” temporary hotels. Another 600 or so beds tive tool that the city has. And until we reduces typical fares by an additional biohazards — urine, feces, vomit and “In our current crisis, a mere delay While this logic makes sense from the have opened in places like King County have better alternatives, they will likely 66 percent. needles — as well as incidents of graf- on property taxes isn’t enough to meet @RealChangeNews 58th floor of the Municipal Building, King Airport and Seattle Center’s Exhibition continue. Income-eligible people can apply fiti and vandalism more than doubled. the great financial need of many King County’s approximately 6,500 unsheltered Hall and Fisher Pavilion. At the moment, two proposals are on for orca Lift cards over the phone or There was also an increase in the County residents,” Dunn said. “We homeless people might see things differently. While this is impressive, it doesn’t get the table to dramatically increase the online, since offices have been closed number of “non-destination riders.” should act now to help taxpayers who Here’s the good news. In recent months, anyone new off the street. For that, we amount of permanent supportive housing due to the coronavirus. Real Change vendor Glenn Coles “Ridership is for essential riders, are doing everything they can to make we’ve seen new shelter in Bellevue for 80 need new shelter that homeless people in King County. Glenn Coles, a Real Change vendor frontline workers, people who need ends meet, but still face a due-in-full LETTERS TO THE EDITOR people, a new space for 24 people on actually want. The Tax Amazon Initiative promises who often sells the paper outside the However, the state announced on May to get to grocery stores and doctors,” property tax bill even as the economic Have something to say? Real Change accepts letters to the editor. Send them to editor@realchangenews. Harbor Island and 40 new enhanced beds While we still await the results of last 10,000 units of deeply affordable housing Sounder Train in better times, said he 22 that only a third of counties were Gallagher said. fallout intensifies.” org or visit realchangenews.org and click run by the Low Income Housing Initiative January’s point in time count, 2019 saw over 10 years. The Third Door Coalition wasn’t fussed about the changes. He eligible for the second phase. Under the It’s unclear if progressive changes Property taxes are a critical source “Write the Editor.” (lihi) in North Seattle. a 13 percent increase in the number of would build 6,500 units of housing in mostly rides King County Metro buses plan, high-risk people are encouraged to fare enforcement or the ability to ap- of money that counties in Washington Additionally, lihi has expanded their people counted in emergency shelter. Four about half that time. While both efforts and still has unused fare on his orca to “stay home, stay healthy,” but group ply for orca Lift remotely will survive state use to fund local governments and Lake Union Tiny House Village and opened hundred and eighty more people were are welcome, neither will create a single card should the need arise. Coles has gatherings of five people or fewer will after the pandemic slows and the state services. They make up 9.4 percent of the T.C. Spirit Village, offering shelter to 60 counted in shelter than the year before, unit of housing anytime soon. changed how he approaches transit to be allowed as well as some services returns to a new equilibrium. These are state’s general fund and pay for roughly more people in Seattle. Just last week, a even though just 100 new beds were added. Meanwhile, homeless people face an accommodate his health. such as dine-in restaurants and hair requests community members made to a third of the cost of the public school 200-bed family shelter run by Mary’s Place From this, we might surmise that increased risk of death and disease today. “I’ve been doing lots of walking,” he salons or barbers. Sound Transit at a February meeting system. opened on the Amazon campus. 2019’s reported 20 percent decrease in The case for expanded emergency shelter said. “Lots.” Neither King County nor its immedi- at El Centro de la Raza that was held The previous delay only impacted All told, this is more than four times unsheltered homelessness was achieved has never been more urgent. He misses selling the paper, which ate neighbors are eligible for Phase 2 to solicit the opinions of a more just households that pay their taxes directly the amount of new shelter created during by packing more people into existing Seattle City Council voted last Feb- is still only available online, somewhat right now, the state announced. system of fare enforcement that did not rather than through an escrow account the “Homeless State of Emergency” over emergency shelter than ever before. ruary to allow up to 40 new sanctioned for the money but mostly for the interac- The resumption of fare collection target marginalized groups. held by their mortgage lender. all of 2018. This might also have something to encampments or tiny villages to open in tions with his customers as they board was originally announced on May 18 Other suggestions included lower The proposal came just under the wire, ON THE COVER In addition, more than 1,200 new do with that year’s 32 percent reported Seattle. So far, we’ve seen one. and decamp the Sounder, Coles said. and will go ahead as planned, said John fines for fare violations. Fare enforce- heard before the King County Council on Lower Queen Anne performance venue On the spaces have been built to create some increase in unsanctioned encampments. Maybe, by Seattle standards, this is The beginning of June was also Gallagher, spokesperson for Sound ment officers will not be giving tickets May 26, just days before property taxes Boards showcases “Dark Matters” by Choreographer Crystal Pite. See the story about the theater measure of social distance in our existing When staying in shelter means being six fast. But we have to do better. Without Gov. Jay Inslee’s tentative date to begin Transit. in the short term, although riders will came due. n enterprise on page 6. Photo by Dean Buscher. emergency shelter system. inches from the next mat over, a tent on shelter, people die, and 2020 might be the reopening parts of the state in “Phase Fare enforcement will operate as be asked to leave if they cannot show a A new seven-syllable word has en- a sidewalk starts looking like the better deadliest year yet. n 2” of the four-phase “Safe Start” plan. it did in March when social distancing form of payment. n — Ashley Archibald REALCHANGE REALCHANGE 4 NEWS May 27 – June 2, 2020 May 27 – June 2, 2020 FEATURE 5 A SWEEPING TURNING DOWN THE VOLUME CONUNDRUM Constant exposure to noise has become an integral part of city life. We are so used to the noise of modern life that we HANDY think little of it, but sound — when it exceeds certain levels — can have multiple impacts on our physical and mental health Seattle officials debate whether to sweep away HYGIENE By MARIA PAPADODIMITRAKI ‘Urban Traffic 2025’ in order to minimize encampments, all the while frustrating and Street News Service car traffic and its negative effects. This is a program that includes the expansion of displacing community members oise pollution is a form of vio- the public transport network, the prioritiza- lence,” said Voula Pagagianni, tion of public transport over car traffic, the By ASHLEY ARCHIBALD safety. In parallel, City Councilmember “N who is an educator and the promotion of bicycle use, the creation of an Staff Reporter Tammy Morales, who represents the CID president of the Hellenic Young Children’s attractive pedestrian trail network, and the neighborhood, put forward legislation University. “[It is] an unrecognized danger expansion of Tempo 30 zones. In addition, he morning of May 21, dozens of cosponsored by councilmembers Teresa that threatens the health of everyone.” the City Council has approved a program police arrived at Weller Street Mosqueda and Kshama Sawant that would Noise pollution is currently the second for electric buses, which are quieter than the T and 12th Avenue in Seattle’s throw the brakes on such actions, effec- most significant environmental risk factor conventional ones.” Chinatown International District (CID) tively defunding the operations except for our health, after air pollution. As a result, For her part, Sonja Zöchling, the head for a publicized clearing of a large home- under specific conditions. the European Union (EU) set the maximum of corporate communication at Zurich air- less encampment. Community members Last week, a partnership of public noise exposure limit for people at 55 deci- port, informed us that in order to protect were there to meet them in the cold rain, and private entities called the Third Door bels (dB) during the day and 50 dB during residents of the surrounding area from the bearing protest signs and witness to the Coalition announced a $1.6 billion plan the night. The World Health Organization’s noise caused by planes, the residents were events. to reduce chronic homelessness in the guidelines are even stricter. In order to provided with special soundproofing win- It was the second such sweep in two region to “functional zero” by getting 6,500 counteract the negative impact of noise dows. The residents pay for the installation days. According to the city’s homeless- people who have been surviving outside pollution on health, it recommends that themselves and they can submit a request ness response blog, 25 or in shelters — often external sound levels should not exceed 40 for compensation, as this is something that people at the two sites for more than a year dB at night — a level of noise around equal they are entitled to. In addition, the airport accepted referrals to — into their own hous- to that of a quiet road in a residential area. operates from 6 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., but after 11 shelter, although lo- ing. They have not yet The United States has much higher — p.m. it is only used in special circumstances; cal homelessness ad- secured the funding. some would say “lower” — standards. The for example, to facilitate the movement vocates argue that Now, the KCHRA U.S. has a standard for occupational noise of aircraft when traffic is increased or for the sweeps should has met, although the pollution and one for environmental noise delayed flights. not have taken place two-hour meeting on pollution. The first refers to the sounds The results of a survey conducted in at all. May 21 seemed more and noises in your workplace; people who 62 European cities shows that Istanbul (72 Two hours after of an update than a work industrial and manual labor jobs are percent), Bucharest (67 percent), Palermo the sweep began, meeting of minds as more likely to encounter higher thresholds (66 percent) and Athens (66 percent) are the elected officials and the necessary commit- for noise exposure. Environmental noise urban centers with the least satisfied resi- experts sat down on tees, governing bodies might include what you hear on your daily dents in terms of the noise levels experienced a digital call, their and implementation walk or when you are sleeping at night. in their daily lives. faces popping up in groups are not yet ac- Ideally, these environs would result in less “These numbers do not surprise us. They Brady Bunch-style tive. noise exposure. are to be expected in big cities,” said Dr. panels. It was the Even the bylaws The National Institute for Occupational Konstantinos Vogiatzis, professor at the Poly- first meeting of the are at question. Safety and Health limits occupational noise technic School of the University of Thessaly King County Regional “I do feel it’s The Seattle City exposures to 85 dB at a sustained rate dur- and national representative of the European Homelessness Au- Council, represented ing an 8-hour work day. That is the equiva- Noise Committee. “In addition, let us keep in thority (KCRHA), important for us by Council President lent of listening to a chainsaw stationed 10 mind that the residents are not continuously a body years in the Lorena Gonzalez, meters (roughly 33 feet) away from you, for Portland, Oregon; Cologne and Amsterdam. results. The increased shift to the use of tires exposed to a constant intensity of noise.” making that some in the structure raised concerns in eight hours a day. Enduring this exposure Several European and non-European without studs has allowed for the use of new “Perhaps the best way to deal with noise hope will better co- December 2019 about for 40 hours in a week could lead to hearing countries are adopting a series of measures types of asphalt and has resulted in lower lev- pollution is prevention — to not make noise. ordinate a regional of setting up changes to the struc- loss. According to the Centers for Disease by which to limit noise pollution and its nega- els of noise at street level. The construction It is through our individual attitudes that we response to the ture of the KCRHA that Control and Prevention (CDC), noise- tive effects. Germany, for example, has been of road tunnels has also resulted in a reduc- can contribute to the reduction of noise emis- homelessness crisis this committee took power away from induced hearing loss is the third most com- experimenting since 2007 with the use of spe- tion in local noise levels, and heavy vehicles sions,” said Athanasios Trochidis, emeritus that has been grow- policy-minded tech- Photo by Susan Fried mon chronic health condition in the country. cial paving materials for roads that reduce are prohibited from using the roads at night. professor in the civil engineering department ing in King County to support the nocrats and handed roots Young Adult Shelter Executive Director Jerred Clouse tries out the new, environmen- In the Seattle area, a noise code limits the noise caused by car wheels; trains started of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. for years. it to elected officials tally friendly street sink that was installed in an alley next to the University District shelter. the amount of noise outside coming from having so-called ‘quiet zones’ in designated Model cities “Unfortunately, in Greece, entertain- Johnathan Hemp- effort of really from King County and roadways, machinery and construction, wagons, where additional noise is forbidden, For its part, the city of Vienna has taken ment, lifestyle, and even the act of being hill, a member of the incorporated cities. but it doesn’t apply to public nuisances (like at around the same time. steps to ensure, among other things, exten- outside, are often associated with noise and board and part of the baking in those The new format meant Street sink installed at ROOTS Shelter loud music, people yelling, etc.). In Oslo, urban quiet zones are mostly sions of bike lanes and their underground agitation,” added Nikos Barkas, professor at Lived Experience Co- Seattle was putting up According to data from an interactive designated for use for recreation. In fact, 35 transportation network; additions of traffic- the Democritus University of Thrace in the alition, which brings folks with lived most of the funding he Real Change Advocacy Depart- rented Portland Loo in Ballard Com- National Transportation Noise Map, the percent of the city’s residents live less than calming measures on roads; conversions of Department of Architectural Engineering people who have ex- without a commensu- ment partnered with University of mons park was closed a week in March highest concentrations of traffic and avia- 300 meters from such a zone. Ellen Johnson, roads into pedestrian walkways; provisions and president of the Hellenic Institute of perienced homeless- experience into rate amount of voting T Washington College of Built En- for a deep cleaning after several people tion noise in the Pacific Northwest are near from the city’s Agency of Urban Environ- of subsidies for the installation of special Acoustics. “We suffer from a lack of educa- ness to the policy- power, handing more vironments faculty to design and install tested positive for hepatitis A, an infec- the downtown Seattle core and moving ment, says that the municipality’s action windows in homes along main roads; and the tion on how to behave so as not to be loud.” making table, called our leadership authority to smaller, environmentally friendly “street sinks” tious disease that has been circulating south along the city’s industrial district plan to address noise pollution focuses on modernization of public transport. Moreover, that out. more conservative cit- for people experiencing homelessness. in the Seattle community for more than and down South King County, including areas of dense urban development in central because the noise created by vehicles is de- A complex burden “There is a sweep model.” ies in the county. On May 19, workers installed the first of a year. Renton, SeaTac and Des Moines. Areas on areas and around urban transport stations, pendent, in part, on the speed at which they Research that focuses on the health going on, on Weller. — Lorena Gonzalez “We’re faced with its kind at the roots Young Adult Shelter Real Change Advocacy has fought the Eastside, West Seattle and North Seattle furthering programs that promote walking travel, so-called “Tempo 30” zones have been impacts of noise is on the rise, especially That’s not the way a situation — eight in the University District. for solutions to the problem, which pre- neighborhoods are mapped as having noise and cycling and highlighting the importance put in place, where the speed limit for ve- in relation to noise from vehicles, aviation, we should do things. to nine months from The Seattle Street Sinks project dated the coronavirus pandemic but was exposure around 40db, similar to what the of protecting trees, since natural sounds con- hicles is 30 kilometers per hour. In fact, years industry and some recreational activities. That does not center the humanity of peo- now — being put in the position of hav- uses off-the-shelf parts that can con- exacerbated by it. They ran a successful EU recommends for environmental noise tribute positively to the city’s soundscape. ago, the Municipal Department of Environ- According to the Global Burden of Disease ple who are going through the struggles ing the new City Council having to vote nect to a hose on private or public “Everybody Poos” campaign to secure exposures. Moreover, the speed limit in the center of mental Protection ran a pilot program with Study by the World Health Organization, all that they are,” Hemphill said. to decline participating with our dollars property. The setup drains into a trough funding in the Seattle budget for five Oslo is 30 kilometers per hour (roughly 18 the name sylvie. It was a process of media- of the health problems caused by noise pol- The juxtaposition was stark, and part in the regional government authority if of plants so that the water isn’t wasted. mobile pit stops: facilities with toilets, Zooming out mph), the rails of the tram and underground tion between the involved parties — namely, lution result in about 1 to 1.6 million years of of a sometimes confounding array of we are unsuccessful in executing upon The sinks are one new way to open sharps containers, dog waste facilities The Worldwide Hearing Index — a 2017 networks have been upgraded, and the port those who produced sound and those who healthy living lost due to illness, disability recent attempts to reduce homelessness the intent as described in this ordinance,” much-needed hand-washing stations and more. As the pandemic struck, the study ­by Mimi Hearing Technologies of 50 freight station was moved out of the city. were impacted by it — and it attempted to and death (DALYs) in the EU every year. and human suffering on the streets even Gonzalez said in December. throughout the city. city sidelined the project, but announced cities — found the highest levels of noise In past years, Stockholm has also made find a joint solution to the problem. It was The most common problem related to as authorities are dealing with the dual What did come out of the Thursday People experiencing homelessness in April that eight new hygiene stations pollution are observed in Guangzhou, China. significant efforts to reduce noise pollution. then followed by another similar program. our hearing is tinnitus; that is, the percep- crises of homelessness and infectious meeting, however, was at least tacit ac- have had difficulty accessing hygiene and two hygiene trailers would be de- Delhi is second, followed by Cairo, Mumbai, In 1970, 200,000 residents were exposed to Yet another model city is Zurich. Anke tion of a sound like whistling or ringing that disease outbreaks among housed and knowledgment from some that the new facilities to protect themselves from the ployed. Istanbul and Beijing. Barcelona is number high levels of noise in their apartments. To- Poiger is the head of communication in the cannot be attributed to an external source. In unhoused people alike. authority be cochaired by a member of coronavirus. Businesses that might have The new sink prototype outside seven on the list, while Mexico City, Paris and day, this number has been reduced to a few Safety, Security, Health and Environment some people, tinnitus can cause several prob- In the past weeks, the city has con- the Lived Experience Coalition, a push offered them restrooms are shut down ROOTS cost around $400 and was up and Buenos Aires are eighth, ninth and 10th. In thousand: a reduction of around 80 percent. Administrative Department of the city. She lems, such as irritability, reduced efficiency ducted three large sweeps — one in led by Hemphill. and many public places like libraries and running within a month of conception. n contrast, the five quietest cities in the world The installation of 60 kilometers of acoustic said that “car trips are the most important and a limited social life. However, the effects Ballard Commons park and two in the community shelters are, too, although are Zurich, Vienna, Oslo, Munich and Stock- fencing and more than 50,000 soundproof source of noise in the city, which is why we CID — in the name of public health and See SWEEP Continued on Page 11 some have reopened to the public. A — Ashley Archibald holm, followed by Dusseldorf; Hamburg; windows in 17,000 flats have brought positive have implemented a 25-year policy called See NOISE Continued on Page 12 REALCHANGE REALCHANGE 6 REALMayCHANGE 27 – June 2, 2020 ARTSMay May27 – 27 June – June 2, 2020 2, 2020 7

Right, chore- ographer Beth Gill’s “Electric Midwife” is a performance by six danc- ers. Photo by Steven Schreiber

Below, a scene from Crystal Pite’s “Dark Matters.” Photo by Chris Randle

Image courtesy of OtB Choreographer Kyle Abraham’s “When the Wolves Came In” is inspired by famous jazz drummer and composer Max Roach’s “We Insist Freedom Now.”

es” — mate- rial that the ON THE organization had never, un- til now, pre- sented solely through a com- puter screen. ROPES The content is By RIIS WILLIAMS | Contributing Writer based on ar- For more chived record- ike so many arts organizations, On the Boards (OtB) ended its information about ings of live On The Boards performances. season early this year, forced by the novel coronavirus pandemic TV see “ I j u s t think that to cancel four shows, cut employee hours and close the doors L ontheboards.tv right now, peo- of its performance hall in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne. ple are looking for experiences that feel ‘real.’ We’ve tried And yet, the group’s executive director to make our videos with care and time Resident tells a tale of astonishing growth. Even as and deep conversations with the artists,” the venue remains shuttered, the organiza- Brock said. “They can truly feel like a real tion is imagining ways it might fold social Photos by Paula Court performance.” performance distancing into future events. Above and right, in scenes from New York playwright and director Young Jean Lee’s “The Ship- Of course, providing free access to Normally, the nonprofit performing arts ment,” five African American actors challenge the audience to face their preconceived notions OtBTV has done anything but alleviate the company venue is filled from September through May of race and culture. financial stress the organization is facing as with the talent of local dancers, actors, a consequence of the pandemic shutdown. musicians and speakers. Since its found- said. “At OtB, we start most of our evening postponed all upcoming spring OtB events. The closure of the theater will result in On the Boards ing in 1978, OtB has provided a place for performances with a ‘studio supper,’ where “It was just so hard to make decisions, with a loss of $250,000 to $300,000 in revenue people to showcase their work and meet we partner with a local chef and provide a the coronavirus updates changing every — from ticket sales, concessions, tenants and collaborate with other performers and large meal for our audience members. But single day,” she remembered. “I found my- being unable to pay rent and the new online is hurting like art-lovers in the Seattle area. The theater it became evident that having people eat- self absolutely glued to the news to figure format of their annual fundraiser — by the puts on nine to 13 shows per season, in ad- ing so close together maybe wasn’t such a out all of our next steps.” end of this fiscal year, in June. dition to an annual Northwest New Works good idea.” Despite the theater being empty and the Additionally, OtB has had to cut the everyone else, but Festival in June. OtB also does programs At the time, the gravity of the looming ongoing uncertainty of when it will be safe access to the platform requires a yearly During the pandemic shutdown, OtBTV span 125 countries. Outside of the United hours of its associate technical director, in partnership with Seattle Theater Group. health crisis had not quite sunk in. Brock to have on-site performances again, OtB subscription that costs $50 for individuals, has exploded in viewership. Visitors to the States, the greatest growing numbers are production coordinator and audience ser- creative sparks are This year, as everyone is aware, was felt fairly confident that shows would still has managed to grow in an unexpected way. $500 for academic institutions and $5 for a site have increased 618 percent compared in Turkey, Iran and Germany. vices manager. Its house manager was laid different. be able to go on, with a few modifications to “We’ve had an existing online platform single film rental. Today, it is free. with this time last year. Brock said more What kinds of performances can a off. All the positions are heavily dependent “It was probably around the second prioritize audience safety, such as stepping called On the Boards TV for about 10 “With everything limited to online for- than 3,500 viewers have streamed content viewer see at OtB? Brock describes them on the venue being open and active. giving the nonprofit week of March that my colleagues and I up sanitation. years, but the pandemic has encouraged matting, and with the postponement of so for free; another 3,100 new viewers have as “different from anything else in Seattle,” Despite the severe financial loss, Brock started to have conversations about cancel- Then colleges and universities decided us to expand it significantly,” Brock said, many of our shows, we decided to make purchased a subscription or otherwise have involving a range of art forms, from avant- remains confident in the organization’s de- ing some of our events,” Betsy Brock, OtB’s to go online, ending all in-person gather- describing it as “a sort of Netflix for dance it accessible for all viewers free of cost,” paid for content. The international audi- garde dance to experimental theater to oth- a fighting chance executive director of nearly four years, ings. Following their lead, Brock officially and contemporary performance.” Normally, Brock said. ence, in particular, has skyrocketed. Users er “completely uncategorizable performanc- See BOARDS Continued on Page 11 REALCHANGE REALCHANGE 8 ARTS May 27 – June 2, 2020 May 27 – June 2, 2020 OPINION 9

BOOK REVIEW: ‘A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things’ THE MIDDLE GROUND | By Sam Day By Raj Patel and Jason W. Moore | University of California Press | 212 pages | 2017 Notes from El Noroeste

REIMAGINING OUR WORLD Oscar Rosales Current events Viva La Huelga! his month began with a celebra- compel us to review tion of worker power and solidar- T ity in the face of daunting odds. An emergent struggle has emerged over this 2017 publication reopening Washington businesses. The irony is that this clamoring over “state overreach” with Gov. Jay Inslee’s orders Review by MEGAN WILDHOOD had neglected to include the voices of Contributing Writer those impacted most, Washington state’s farm workers. ou’ve probably heard the idea that The covid-19 pandemic has dispro- portionately hit the Latinx community it’s easier to imagine the end of the hard. As Danny Westneat of The Seattle world than it is to imagine the end Times noted in a recent column, covid Y clusters have hit Yakima County’s agri- of capitalism. That’s in large part because cultural and fruit packing plants. As of capitalism has remade the world, our under- this past week, Yakima County had the highest rate of covid-19 cases per capita standing of our place in it and the relations on the entire West Coast, a figure noted to being three times higher than that of between everyone and everything else. “A King County. History of the World in Seven Cheap Things” is On May 7, workers at the Allen Bros Fruit packing warehouse in Naches, written in unique voice, which makes its points Washington, went on strike over inad- memorable, such as: Capitalism is cheapness equate safety precautions, lack of trans- parency over covid-19 infections and at work. “Cheap lives turned into cheap work- lack of hazard pay. Many had only heard ers dependent on cheap care and cheap food of coworkers infected by way of word of Everybody gets hydroxychloroquine! And you mouth, with little information coming in home communities, requiring cheap fuel to from their employer. In subsequent days, can stay home only if your home looks like mine six other warehouses went on strike, cit- collect and process cheap nature to produce ing similar conditions. cheap money.” And, unfortunately, “Keeping Workers are also seeking protections ccording to the interweb, nasa things to make big changes, like being from retaliation and being replaced for things cheap is expensive.” has found a parallel universe told by your boss when to be at the Zoom bringing these concerns forward. They The author, academic, journalist and social justice A where time flows backward. Big meeting: “Thursday, 12:30.” have met resistance from employers, as activist Raj Patel and Binghamton University Assistant deal. Time has been flowing backward for “OK, I’ll even put some pants on.” well as malicious harassment and threats Professor of Sociology Jason W. Moore explain why death me since March. Adventures “Thanks a lot, Wes. You’re such a hero.” of shootings from racist community and taxes are the only certain things and how they’re Time has been in reverse in Washing- in Irony Besides pants, I’ve been wearing a cat. members. linked (hint: it’s modern warfare). As they lead us through ton, D.C., since Jan. 20, 2017, and now it is Our cat has been loving the stay-at-home As talks stalled, some workers went the world capitalism has created and is consuming, they starting to look like the 12th century. The Dr. Wes Browning order. He’s a glutton for petting, and he’s on hunger strike at Allen Bros. In an in- provide snapshots of the past 800 years. The most salient, Department of Justice wants legislators to getting spoiled. Every Zoom session now terview with Northwest Public Radio, a but certainly not the only, of these snapshots is about the suspend habeas corpus from now until at involved getting into housing or at least features a cat climbing all over me. Good hunger striker noted, “These are our lives, Irish Potato Famine: “During the 1845-1848 potato famine, least a year after the covid-19 emergency shelter, they would all be sheltered 10 times. not the lives of our bosses, not the lives of poverty and market forces instructed the Irish to work is over without telling any of us what times over. Homelessness would be non- Questions for further discussions: the government. … We’re here exposing for a living; even if there was no employment to be had would constitute it being over. When no existent. Trump says it’s time to reopen Ameri- ourselves.” He further said, “If we’re ‘es- and no food they could afford: at the height of the famine, Illustration by Jon Williams one has died from it anywhere in the world Sweeps are not supposed to be hap- ca, except for Georgia, which is going too sential,’ why aren’t they giving us the pay Ireland was exporting around three hundred thousand for one year? Or one month before that? pening for now: The city’s own directive fast. Trump doesn’t wear a mask, except, we’re asking for? Are their apples worth tons of grain a year to feed the mother country.” Doing so would deny hearings and in March was “All encampment removal he says, when there are no cameras. So more than our lives?” It’s difficult to cover almost a millennia of history, bail for just about everyone, let the gov- operations have been suspended,” except why can’t there be judicial hearings? Just Most of these workers earn minimum let alone the period where capitalism remade the world, ernment lock people up without charges in certain emergency conditions. Recent give all the judges and detainees in the wage, regardless of the amount of time in 212 pages, so the density of details is forgivable if not and crowd jails just when there have been sweeps have not been a result of emer- country hydroxychloroquine, and our worked at these warehouses. Those who easily navigable. “A History of the World in Seven Cheap moves to thin jail populations to reduce gency conditions and have only served to justice system can be back in business, feel ill do not report symptoms because Things” makes a unique contribution to the annals of the spread of the virus. The idea as always make emergency conditions. in two weeks, maybe three weeks, tops. taking two weeks off from work is a history books in that, while it goes into sometimes over- teaches us to think of consumption as determined by “Restorative justice” is an approach that is gaining some has been it’s OK to write off people who Maybe the parallel universe is not the BAM. Am I a genius, or what? Your answer luxury they can’t afford as they are also whelming and occasionally esoteric exposition about the “lifestyle choices” rather than socially enforced logics. traction in the justice system; Patel and Moore suggest are arrested because they would not have one that’s backward: It’s this one. should use the words “cognitive disso- not provided medical insurance, despite major problems we face as those living under capitalism, If you have been gentrified out of your old neighborhood that this only works if the status quo to which it aims to been arrested unless they were criminals Well, at least we finally got those vid- nance” and be in the form of sarcasm. essential worker designation. In these it offers a holistic and integrated vision of what is possible. and need to commute an hour to your job, your ecological restore people isn’t awful. or people of color — a concept that even eophones we were promised. So, some of Don’t hold back. workplaces, enforcement of workplace The movement for the end of capitalism is growing even as footprint isn’t a lifestyle choice. It’s a choice in the same But to name a few examples: “Cheap oil is coming to people in the Middle Ages were able to re- our time is inching forward. If the purpose of the economic stimu- protections were so lax that both the it is still too easily dismissed, and a common frustration way that English peasants, once kicked off the land, were an end even as climate change is on its way to killing one alize was nuts, and those people believed Remember how we were all going to lus checks was to stimulate the economy, United Farm Workers Union and Familias of those who want a better world is articulating what a “free” to find wage work — or starve … the ecological hundred million people by the end of 2030” and “…up to in the divine right of kings. be using videophones in the 21st century? why does it matter who gets them as long Unidas por la Justicia, a local union based better world would look like. footprint, like so many environmentalist concepts these ten calories of oil are required to produce one calorie of Speaking of concepts that are nuts: They didn’t tell us how crappy they’d be. as they spend them and stimulate the in Skagit County, sued Washington state Capitalism is so ingrained in the way we all think that, days, performs the very separation — of Nature from Soci- food” and “one pound of beef requires 1,799 gallons of thinking it’s a good idea to conduct home- I expected the picture wouldn’t be very economy? in April as a way of securing manda- for example, “we continue to think of ‘real work’ solely as ety — that accompanied the rise of capitalism.” The Green water and seven pounds of feed to produce.” less sweeps at a time like this. For home- good, but I thought they would get the Shouldn’t someone in jail get a stimu- tory and enforceable rules for workplace wage work and forget the care work that makes it all pos- Revolution failed, because it was still based in capitalism’s What we need is a collective reimagining. “This rei- less people living in tents, doing so is their sound right, since they would still be lus check if they haven’t been charged safety. sible.” Such work that even those who perform it dismiss “world-ecology,” as Patel and Moore say. “Communities magination is a collective act of liberation. Never under version of staying at home. Tearing the phones, yes? All they had to do was keep yet? Someone who has not been charged It is our collective responsibility to when they say they “don’t have a real job.” What Patel and where the Green Revolution was practiced most inten- capitalism have the majority been asked about the world tents down and driving their occupants the phone and add the picture. or convicted is still technically a free support and stand with our essential and Moore call “household,” nonmarket activity is roughly 80 sively have more recently become cancer clusters, with we’d like to live in.” Whatever that world is, we need more away does not help slow the disease. Anyway, we have had videophones for person, right? excluded workers who bear the brunt of percent of the gross world’s product: nearly $16 trillion. some areas officially declared ‘cancer-stricken villages’.” than allyship and unity. Patel and Moore would argue that Sweeps also don’t help end homeless- years, but nobody used them because it That’s what I was taught in civics this pandemic. They illustrate that we Thus, Patel and Moore can rightly claim that “to imagine Readers may be asking, as I did, “OK, we know capi- we need a dismantling: “The practice of decolonization is ness. If they did, with how many we have turned out no one wanted to do their hair class. “Innocent until proven guilty,” cannot simply become fodder for business a world of justice in care work [which includes household talism is awful. We now understand how deeply rooted more dangerous than simple solidarity because it’s more done since Greg Nickels became mayor, and wear clothes to answer the phone. yadda-yadda. n interests who line their pockets with no re- labor] is to imagine a world after capitalism.” in history it is. What do we do about it? Where do we likely to work.” It starts with asking, from as blank of a we would have negative point-in-time The trick to getting us on videophones gard to health concern and human dignity Even the way we measure our impact on the environ- start?” Patel and Moore admit that there is no roadmap slate as we can get, without constraining ourselves to counts by now. There have been so many was to make it happen by appointment. Sound off to Dr. Wes: and wish to place us as offerings on the ment is, for Patel and Moore, suspect and needs to be for reinventing our relationships with each other and what we have been told for centuries is possible: “What sweeps done in the past 15 years that, That’s all it took to get the people to put [email protected] sacrificial altar to capitalist enterprise. reimagined. “The idea of the “individual [carbon] footprint the natural world from inside the ecology that made us. kind of a world do we want?” n had they led to all the homeless people pants and a shirt on. It just takes little ¡Viva la Huelga! n REALCHANGE REALCHANGE 10 CROSSWORD May 27 – June 2, 2020 May 27 – June 2, 2020 FEATURE 11 2 Dedicatee of a Beethoven piano classic Not Exactly Bionic 3 Religion with the Five Pillars Puzzle by Patrick “Mac” McIntyre 4 Fashionable 5 Big wheel on a ship “Clearing encampments can cause ACROSS 6 The Diamondbacks, on scoreboards 1 Asian performer with many fans? 7 “____ but for the grace of God go I” 7 H o l i e r- ____ - t h o u a t t i t u d e 8 City in northwestern Afghanistan people to disperse throughout the 11 Hosts (Abbr./Acron.) (EARTH anagram) 14 Loose overcoat named for a Northern 9 Denial of a denial during a youthful spat Ireland province (LUSTER anagram) (2 wds.) (3,3) community and break connections with 15 Who comes to the rescue 10 Drift into dreamland (2 wds.) (3,3) 16 Hurler’s stat. (Abbr.) 11 “Death Magnetic” group inducted into 17 Cowardly (4-7) the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 19 Egyptian boy king (ALT MALICE anagram) service providers. This increases the 20 The one numbered 23 begins: “The Lord 12 Group that campaigns vigorously for is my shepherd...” social, political or religious change (AD 21 Muse of poetry CURSERS anagram) potential for infectious disease spread.” 22 High ___ kite (2 wds.) (2,1) 13 Indonesian shish-kebab relative 23 Highway hauler 18 Neckline shape — CDC guidelines 24 What one thought to be a 15-Across 24 “Forgive me, Father, ____ have sinned” (2 may unfortunately turn out to have (3 wds.) (3,1) wds.) (4,2,4) 25 Bed that folds up Morales cited those recommendations 26 Busy W. Coast airport (code ltrs.) 27 Dandyish dresser SWEEPS Continued from Page 4 in her legislation, which builds on Mayor 28 In days ____ (yore) (2 wds.) (2,3) 29 Legal org. (Abbr.) 29 Lester Holt and Wolf Blitzer, e.g. 30 Its capital is Managua Jenny Durkan’s March 17 decree that 35 Stadium section 31 Eli Whitney’s best-known invention (2 “You need to have people of lived sweeps end unless they were an obstruc- 37 Life story, briefly wds.) (6,3) experience if you’re going to have a co- tion or hazard. 38 Blotto (3-4) 32 “The mass of ____ lead lives of quiet 41 French vineyard desperation”: Thoreau chair system,” Hemphill said, immediately Morales’ bill requires at least one 42 Broadway opening (3,1) 33 Fair-hiring inits. (Abbr.) backed up by Gonzalez, who said that the of the following to justify a sweep: the 44 “Hey, slow up!!” (3 wds.) (3,2,4) 34 National newspaper with worldwide move would send a “strong signal” to the encampment constitutes “an active 46 Web site? readership nicknamed “The Gray Lady” 49 “Enough! No more oversharing” in a text (Abbr.) wider community. health threat” to people residing there 50 Adjective frequently used to describe 36 Same old, same old “I do feel it’s important for us in the or in the neighborhood and “relocation” tyrants and despots (4-6) 39 Founded (Abbr.) structure of setting up this committee would resolve the threat, poses an “im- 54 Discovery grp.? (Abbr./Acron.) 40 Suffix with free or serf to support the effort of really baking in mediate hazard,” impedes Americans 58 Did a marathon 43 Sri Lanka-based corporation that 59 June Cleaver or Marge Simpson (2 wds.) competes with the BBC (Abbr.) those folks with lived experience into our with Disabilities Act sidewalk clearance, (2,3) (incls. abbr.) 45 Achieve something by devious means leadership model,” Gonzalez said. presents a fire or safety hazard to infra- 60 Something to do to a shoulder or the (LEAFING anagram) As the KCRHA looks forward, conflicts structure, obstructs an entrance or exit SOLUTION brakes (2 wds.) (3,2) 47 At most (2 wds.) (2,4) 61 Grade A item 48 Cat-like mammals that secrete a musk in Seattle’s leadership over how to deal to a building or is located in a children’s 62 An extraordinarily kind and generous used in perfumes (EVICTS anagram) with the current confluence of homeless- play area. It Could person is often said to possess one (3 50 “____ my case” (closing line of a closing ness, coronavirus and hepatitis A are In an interview with KUOW’s Bill Happen, wds,) (5,2,4) argument) (2 wds.) (1,4) firmly rooted in the present. Radke on May 21, Durkan addressed the Y’know! 64 ___ generis (unique) (Lat.) 51 Old slang for heroin 65 Major 1960’s - 70’s record label (Abbr./ 52 Bullfight bulls Sweeps of Ballard Commons and the bill, which she has indicated that she does Donate an old car to May 20 Issue Acron.) 53 CPR pro (Abbr.) CID drew criticism from advocates who not support. Solutions to 66 An early nonsilent film in the lingo of 55 A pig in ____ (purchase or deal accepted oppose the encampment cleanups in “I would say that the legislation as Photo by Mauricio Bustamante those times without being fully examined) (2 wds.) REAL CHANGE this week’s 67 Amy who wrote “The Joy Luck Club” (1,4) normal times. They see the current set written, actually, during a global pan- Jan, 74, was homeless for 10 years. Reading from a children’s book, Jan tells elementary school puzzle 68 Sounds of disapproval 56 Not liquid, gaseous or plasmic as a threat to the health and safety of the demic, precludes the city from consider- students about life on the street: “An averagely happy life.” 1.877.537.5277 will appear 69 “If it ____ it leads” (old trope about 57 Peruvian peaks homeless people who are displaced. ing whether the spread of either covid or in the sensationalistic journalism) 60 Big name in nonstick cookware Recommendations from the Centers hepatitis A presents a risk to the people realchangenews.org/index.php/site/giving 63 Initials related to place to put down next issue. DOWN 1 Big ____ (7-Eleven beverage options) stakes? (Abbr.) for Disease Control and Prevention say in the encampment or the people in the communities should allow people living community,” Durkan said. ‘I SEE MYSELF AS AN in encampments to stay where they are The coronavirus pandemic continues unless “individual housing” is available. to wreak havoc on community mem- “Clearing encampments can cause bers and community systems, laying ASTRONAUT FAR Streaming to stay sane people to disperse throughout the commu- bare inequities that have long existed. Almost all King County events are canceled, so we’re listing streaming events for optimal physical distancing nity and break connections with service How to move forward while protecting ABOVE THE EARTH’ providers. This increases the potential vulnerable members of the community provided after ticket purchase, $15, accounts to talk about ways to support for infectious disease spread,” the CDC — housed and unhoused — remains in Hamburg street paper Hinz&Kunzt asked its vendors June 3 tinyurl.com/y7nt443q queer youth in quarantine, things that guidelines read. tension. n My Big Run (virtually), Fleet Feet Seattle, While lots of things are being put on bring them joy, ways to stay busy and how they have been impacted by the pandemic 6–7 p.m., $10 registration, tinyurl.com/ hold, Pride must go on! Start Pride month lots more! This event could be a great resource if you’re looking for support or y9mcwyz2 off strong with two award-winning BOARDS Continued from Page 7 go back to “normal,” Brock said that at By JONAS FÜLLNER old was still in good spirits. Fear of the singer-songwriters, Heather Mae (“the to learn how to give it, or you just want This year, Global Running Day will look queer Adele”) and Crys Matthews (“the to make some connections. If you have OtB, “normal” is no longer what they’re Hinz&Kunzt virus was alien to him: “The homeless a bit different. And by a bit, we mean Woody Guthrie of our generation”), at any questions, you can also reach out cision to keep OtBTV free at least through aiming for. have strong immune systems.” very, since we’re deep in a pandemic. But this fun-filled event. Everyone is encour- directly to Gay City at [email protected] May. “It’s been more work on our end, Following their apparent success with spend a lot of time sitting at home, This was reiterated by Kai. The 45-year- don’t let that get you down! Fleet Feet is aged to come dressed in their best Pride or (206) 860-6969 ext. 7. and the server fees are very expensive. OtBTV, Brock and her coworkers are playing my violin and reading,” old has been living on the streets for many still working to bring runners together gear, however you identify, and ready to the best way they can: with their new But it is so worth it,” she said, “knowing continuing to look for more ways to make “I Jan told Hinz&Kunzt by phone. years. This past winter, he’d found a refuge sing along, play some games and compete Big Run. At the link and time above, you in giveaways. While we can’t gather Thursdays in June that more people are using the resources, performance art increasingly accessible This street paper vendor finally found through the Winter Emergency initiative can register for whatever distance you physically, we can gather in song and spreading the word and engaging with to a wider range of audiences, and perhaps an apartment four years ago after being of Hinz&Kunzt. The fact that selling of choose and get instructions on how to spirit to kick off Pride month with good Cheers for Peers, 6–6:30 p.m., Facebook & performance, despite the limitations of ways that continue to prioritize social homeless for a long time. At 74, he’s in the the magazine has been paused has deeply participate in this year’s races. They’ve tunes, good vibes and good times. Instagram Live, free, tinyurl.com/y8fzzsmj included fun touches, like at-home photo stay-at-home orders and social distancing. distancing measures. “vulnerable” bracket and, thus, in self- wounded him. “I’m back to begging,” he ad- props and race bibs to really get you in Imagine this: riding your bike along It was always meant to be a tool for greater “We’ve definitely been thinking about imposed quarantine. “I see myself as an mitted. But he remains optimistic. “Don’t the spirit. Plus, if you’re new to running, June 6 the Burke Gilman Trail until you reach access to art.” [social distancing] a lot and not just for astronaut far above the earth,” he said and let things get you down” is his motto. you’ll also get access to training tips Online Food Forest Plant Sale, 9 a.m.–12 Woodinville, then going for a few tast- Beyond free OtBTV, other plans are performances in the near future, but even chuckled at his own ability to fantasize. Sooner or later the virus will die down ings at the plethora of wineries, dis- to help you reach your goals on Global p.m., details to follow, free, tinyurl.com/ afoot. During her interview with Real those long past June,” she said. “I was just Then he becomes serious again: and normal life will resume. Running Day and beyond. So get going yaukaj25 tilleries and breweries and enjoying a and good luck! perfect PNW day. Now, to prepare for Change via Zoom, Brock revealed some of having a conversation with our artistic “People don’t realize how lucky they are. In contrast, Miro is rather afraid of South 47 farms will be hosting an on- that eventual outing (when safe to do so), the new thoughts about the relationships director about maybe issuing a call for The virus may be dangerous and deadly. this eventuality. These exceptional cir- line sale with steep discounts on their you can join the four Cheers for Peers among audiences, artists and institutions proposals for works that happen outdoors. But no one need be afraid that their house cumstances came at just the right time for June 5 inventory! Plants to be sold include ones events planned that will be hosted by she has had while working from home: Regardless, we will definitely be coming will be shot at or that a bomb might go off, the 54-year-old. When one of the homeless for your food forest, such as edibles, the Woodinville community to highlight Virtual Story Time, Pacific Science Center, medicinals, flowers for pollinators and their magical makers. Be sure to follow “Honestly, I think that theaters, dance up with these kinds of solutions alongside as was the case during the war.” people on the Winter Emergency initiative 10-10:30 a.m., Facebook Live, free but do- more, so be sure to check out the sale along at the above link for special offers venues and music venues have gotten into the artists.” Matthias has a similar point of view. became ill with covid-19, Miro and the nations accepted, tinyurl.com/yaa9mrtl when it goes live. Plants will be available so you can pre-purchase from the fea- a really transactional relationship with To prioritize audience and artist safety Homeless, he lives in Haus Jona, a home- others on the program found themselves Do you have a young science enthusiast for coordinated pickup at this Redmond tured businesses. Aaand cheers! their audience members. I pay you some and comply with state mandates, OtB less shelter. Before the coronavirus crisis, quarantined. In previous years, the pro- in your household? If so, join along in farm. Transform your life with lots of money, you tell me when to show up for has postponed all on-site performances those who stayed overnight there had to gram had ended April 1. This year, they new little ones. Plus, you’ll eventually be this virtual story time with the Pacific maybe an hour and a half, and then I go indefinitely. But Brock is determined that leave during the day. Now they’re allowed are allowed to stay until the end of May. Science Center. Each week has a specific able to grocery shop in your yard! theme with stories rotating around it. home. Maybe I think about that perfor- art will continue to be shared and expe- to occupy the rooms throughout the day. “I Even so, Miro has the same problem as all You and your little ones will be able to mance for a little while, maybe I don’t. But, rienced in the organization’s signature keep away from groups of people, though,” the other sellers of Hinz&Künzt. Rainer, engage with the educators as they read June 7 there’s very little investment that actually untraditional and experimental ways. he reported over the phone. “At the same also a vendor, said what it is: “It’s beyond This is compiled by Michelle Galluzzo. Got aloud. The PacSci Facebook page leads Queer N’Teen Chats, 3:30–4 p.m., Insta- goes into the institution that created the “Everyone is being affected, and time, my thoughts go to those who are me, how I shall manage over the coming something we should know about? Email to lots of fun and brainy virtual events gram Live, free, tinyurl.com/y8lhkydg whole opportunity.” there is something strong and empow- unfortunate enough to have to sleep on weeks without selling the magazine.” n they’re doing—check ’em all out. it to [email protected]. The Gay City: Seattle LGBTQ Center will be deadline for calendar submissions is nine While many Washingtonians await ering about that,” she said. “Nobody is the street.” hosting members of the Youth Advisory days prior to the date of publication. the day they can safely gather for dinner untouched by this, and it is this solidar- One such individual is Micha. Before Translated from German by Louise Singing OUT *Virtual* Tour: Heather Mae Council as they go live on the @GayC- at their favorite restaurant, a play at the ity that is incredibly important now and the sale of Hinz&Kunzt was stopped as Thomas; Courtesy of Hinz&Kunzt / ity and @YAMWashington Instagram & Crys Matthews, 8:30 p.m., video link local theater or just when everything will should continue to be in the future.” n part of pandemic restrictions, the 35-year- INSP.ngo REALCHANGE 12 FEATURE May 27 – June 2, 2020

NOISE Continued from Page 5 discomfort and the lack of satisfaction that tions, which was possibly due to increased organisms is affected and it results in prob- occurs when noise blocks our thoughts and stress, distraction and overstimulation. As lems such as difficulties with finding food of noise on hearing can also include more activities. One in three Europeans suffers for marine organisms, a review of 115 stud- or a potential mate, as well as with regard serious problems, such as hearing injury from noise pollution during the day, with ies has shown that noise pollution from ship to avoiding predators. or hearing loss. More than 1 billion young members of the EU population living in cities engines and sonar can affect the communica- “Noise pollution is a factor in the de- people aged 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing of more than 50,000 inhabitants losing a total tion, reproduction, development and even the terioration of our quality of life,” Barkas loss due to exposure to noise in recreational of 654,000 DALYs. survival of fish and invertebrates. concluded. This is why it is crucial that we areas. According to the CDC, 25 million Noise pollution also affects other living Nature can be noisy — whether these change our attitude to noise pollution and Americans have experienced prolonged tin- organisms. A study published in the records noises are those of the birds chirping or take action to address the problem. n nitus at least once in the past year. of the Hellenic National Academy of Sciences thunder and strong winds — but the natural “Loud noises also increase heart rate showed that city noise and the noise from environment creates and uses these sounds Translated from Greek by Antigone Deb- and can trigger arrhythmias or worsen the planes can harm populations of hatchlings as a network of information. Most animals baut and given local relevance by Kamna condition of patients with cardiovascular and adults in three species of birds. These recognize and use them. When we add arti- Shastri of Real Change failure or coronary heart disease,” explains species showed signs of chronic stress, such ficial and unknown sounds to the natural Polyxeni Nicolopoulou-Stamati, professor as the deregulation of stress hormone secre- soundscape, the acoustic environment of Courtesy of Shedia / INSP.ngo of Environmental Pathology at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. It is estimated that the inhabitants of developed European countries lose about 61,000 collective years of healthy life each year due to cases of heart disease that are associated with noise pollution. The quality of our sleep is also negatively affected by noise pollution. This is because our bodies recognize, evaluate and react to environmental noise, even when we are asleep. According to conservative estimates, sleep disorders (such as difficulty in falling asleep and frequent awakenings) that are caused by noise pollution cost Europeans living in cities of more than 50,000 inhabit- ants 903,000 years of healthy living per year. Our cognitive functions can also be affected by noise pollution. This is par- ticularly the case for school-age children, as exposure to noise impairs their educational performance and affects skills related to the comprehension of written language, memo- rization and concentration. Noise also has psychological effects on human beings. The overriding effect is annoyance, the feeling of frustration and