It was a harrowing night. I barely made it to industrial NW Portland—where state Rep. Jeff Merkley was holding a fundraiser at MacTarnahan’s Tap Room for his US Senate bid—thanks to drama on the bus. Halfway between the Rose Garden and the tap room, cops boarded the #77 to bust a guy and gal in the back, who were apparently dealing drugs. Wheee!

Half an hour late to the fundraiser, I walked in as Senator Jon Tester, the former state senator from Montana who unseated the incumbent Republican Senator last year, was speaking on Merkley’s behalf. Merkley—who also wants to unseat an incumbent Republican—had already given his stump speech, which one attendee described as particularly fiery for the usually subdued Merkley.

Tester urged those in attendance to do whatever Merkley needed them to do for his campaign. “If you do your job, we get one hell of a guy” in the Senate next year, Tester said. “Who’s our next Senator? Jeff Merkley!”

The funny thing is, I bet Merkley’s primary opponent, Steve Novick, sees a lot of himself in Tester, the grassroots candidate in Montana who went on to win. Tester’s primary opponent in Montana last year had better statewide name recognition, and the backing of the national Democratic party (sorta like Merkley). Tester and his opponent were close in the polls (so are Merkley and Novick, at least when polled against incumbent Gordon Smith). Tester, however, didn’t raise as much money as his opponent—here in Oregon, Novick and Merkley were close in fundraising at the end of last quarter. We’ll see how they’ve done this quarter in a few weeks.

But, Tester’s backing Merkley, and flew out here to help launch the Farmers for Merkley group, and to stump for him at the crowded $50-per-person fundraiser. After urging supporters to help out with the campaign, he split the crowd down the middle, and got one half of the room to yell “Jeff!” and the other to yell “Merkley!” a few times.

Then former governor Barbara Roberts took the microphone: “I want you to think about election night 2008. I want you to think about a new president!” The crowd cheered. “I want you to think about sending Gordon Smith back to Pendleton!”

She, too, urged everyone there to pull out all the stops—and their checkbooks—for Merkley. “This is the most important race in Oregon. What they did in Montana, we can do in Oregon.”

Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) made this announcement today:

Basic Rights Oregon board co-chair Cris Land said Thursday that the board had accepted the resignation of executive director John Hummel, and has launched a wide-scale search for a replacement.

“We expect a smooth transition with strong interim leadership as we move through a formal hiring process,” Land said.

Hummel, who moved to Portland from Denver to lead Basic Rights Oregon through a period that included fending off an attempted referendum on Oregon’s domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws, as well as the most successful annual fundraiser in the organization’s history, is returning to Colorado to be closer to family.

“We deeply appreciate John’s leadership during this extraordinarily successful year,” Land said. “We wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”

The Board of Directors will name an Interim Director by January 1.

According to my sources, Hummel was canned.

True, the year was extraordinarily successful when it comes to gay rights in Oregon, but Hummel really can’t take any credit for that. Hummel, whose resignation is effectively immediately, didn’t do a whole lot in the short time since he started at BRO back in April. Notably, he declined to get involved when there was community outrage that OPB planned to hold an event with Ira Glass at an anti-gay church in the ‘burbs (though he changed his mind a few days later, when it became clear that the gay community—and BRO’s former executive director—were leading the charge). BRO accomplished legislative victories this year—domestic partnerships and a non-discrimination law—largely without Hummel, who came on board within weeks of those votes. And he was pretty quiet around the anti-gay referendum effort this year. Beyond those issues—and the resolution of a lawsuit filed before his time at BRO—I can’t point to much he’s done this year. One of my sources dubbed him “a follower, not a leader.”

It took BRO a year from Roey Thorpe’s announced departure in 2006 to Hummel’s hiring earlier this year. I wonder if this search will take as long…

UPDATE: BRO spokesperson Karynn Fish says Hummel was “absolutely not fired.”

It simply “seemed like the right time for him to move on,” she says. The job “was not a perfect fit, and he was really missing his partner” who hadn’t moved to Oregon.

As we wrote about in this week’s paper, TriMet is considering limiting the hours of Fareless Square. In a post on Blogtown breaking the news last week, Blogtownies had plenty to say on the issue.

Following up on that, Mercury videographer Travis Huntington hits the transit lines to find out what TriMet users think about the idea!

Live from the Rose Garden, where the red hot Trail Blazers take on Utah’s greatest only team, the Jazz. Yes, Jazz and Utah, two words that totally go together well.

Pregame:
Sorry I can't be more rah-rah about things, but something seems off about this game. On paper, the Blazers seem to be easy favorites, seeing as they have won five in a row, while Utah has dropped their last five games. The Blazers also knocked off the Jazz, in Utah, this past Tuesday. But Utah is a damn good team and they are not going to let a short-handed (no LaMarcus Aldridge, or Martell Webster) Blazers squad take them down twice in the same week. I mean, they might, but they won't go down easy.

Oh wow, celebrity referee in the house. Joe Crawford (look at him torment Ruben Patterson) is here. He looks like Popeye with a whistle.

1st Quarter:
11:03 - Oops, Webster is playing. How do I know? Well, he just drained a three-pointer from the corner. That's how. 3-2 Blazers

9:00 - Deron Williams is fancy with the ball, but he also can turn it over in a big way, like he just did when Steve Blake stole his behind-the-back pass, which lead to a football pass to a wide open Brandon Roy. He dunked it. 7-4 Blazers

5:44 - Carlos Booooozer drops in a fastbreak layup, thanks to a Deron Williams steal, and it's timeout time. 14-12 Blazers

1:13 - The Blazers' bench, which has been the spark for the team, takes over, and Jarrett Jack tumbles his way into a couple free-throws. 24-23 Blazers

2nd Quarter:
11:18 - Outlaw is looking spectacular right now, as he gracefully buries a long-range jumper with a hand in his face. 30-27 Blazers

9:04 - Jerry Crawford isn't the one sticking it to the Blazers, as the red & black get stuck with back-to-back horrible calls (both of which came from another referee's whistle). Damn Mormon stranglehold on NBA officials. 33-32 Blazers

7:49 - James Jones for threeeeeeeeeee. That is 17 of his last 26 from three-point land, and that is an insane percentage. 36-33 Blazers

5:27 - With Utah big man Mehmet Okur (from Turkey!) on the bench with a "strained left trapezius" (Trapezius Christ!), the Jazz need to rely on Paul Millsap. Problem is, Millsap is flirting with foul trouble (as is the entire visiting team) and if they have to sit him, their bench is weak. Weak like a little girl with a broken arm. Weak like a Turkish basketball player with a bad trapezius. 41-35 Blazers

2:50 - While he's only got a whopping four points on the night, Joel Przybilla has been a monster on defense. He's blocked a couple shots (nothing new there) and drawn a few charging fouls (now that's news), especially from Deron Williams, who will no-doubt see the brick wall of Przybilla's (firm) chest in his dreams. Deron, now you know how I feel. 47-45 Blazers

0:17 - Przybilla with a follow-up dunk on a Roy miss, and James Jones and Carlos Boozer exchange some heated words. It's going to be really awkward when Boozer discovers that Jones is his Secret Santa gift giver in the next quarter. Thanks to a strong finish, the Fightin' Mormons of Utah are now leading, 54-53 at the break.

3rd Quarter:
9:44 - A sluggish Blazers squad calls a quick timeout, since the Jazz are running all over them. The score doesn't really show it, but Utah seems motivated, while all Blazers not named "Brandon Roy" are struggling. 60-57 Jazz

8:38 - Roy with a steal and a dunk, then Frye with a swat of Andrei Kirilenko, which was somehow called a foul. No fair. 66-59 Jazz

7:06 - Now would be a good time for a Blazers timeout, and they just called one. Utah is rolling, reeling off the hoops while the Blazers are flat-footed and look uninspired. Plus, it doesn't help that the Jazz are making everything they shoot. Huge lead for Utah, 70-59

5:06 - 8-0 run for the home team. Good to see the Blazers wake up. 70-67 Jazz

4:11 - Przybilla goes down, hard. Jane Goodall, where are you? Protect the Vanilla Gorilla!

0:08 - Jack draws the foul, but the Blazers offense has dried up (just 16 points this quarter). So has Utah's, but they are getting a significant amount of second-chance points, thanks to their offensive rebounding abilities. One more quarter to go, 74-70 Jazz

4th Quarter:
10:42 - Jones is fouled while shooting a three. That's the only way the Jazz are going to stop him. He hits all three. 74-73 Jazz

9:10 - Once again, the Blazers bench pops their collars and gets the job done in an impressive fashion. They take back not just the lead, but the game's momentum as well. 77-74 Blazers

6:40 - Roy is MUGGED at the rim, no call. The fix is in! 77-76 Blazers

5:40 - Outlaw misses a dunk in a grand fashion, thankfully Boozer fouled him on his way, the fifth foul for Utah's best player. One more and he's on his way back to Salt Lake. 80-80 tie.

3:24 - Roy gracefully drives. Roy brutally fouled. Roy stills scores, gets the foul and finishes the three point play. 87-84 Blazers

2:56 - Now it's getting good. Let's recap, shall we? Blazers up by one, 87-86. Boozer and Millsap both have five fouls, so the Red & Black need to get one of them to foul out if they want to eliminate Utah's second chance shots. Roy is closing in on a 30+ point game (he has 27 right now) as well. These last few minutes are shaping up to be pretty great.

1:31 - Good lord, this is getting good. The Blazers are looking sharp, especially Roy, who is having a career night. 91-86 Portland, coming down to the wire.

0:30 - Jones for three and the game...NO! The Jazz still have (a little) life. 93-87 Blazers

0:18 - Six wins in a row. 9-3 at home. Two wins over division rivals Utah in the same week. All of this from a shorthanded team.

The only question left tonight is will there be chalupas, or will the team fall one point shy of the century mark?

No free Mexican food for you. Final score, 99-91 Blazers.

A stop or two after I boarded the #8 bus near the Rose Quarter last night, two African American guys in their early-to-mid 20s tried to board. One paid or used a transfer, and the driver said nothing. The other fumbled in his pockets, pulling out a wad of crumpled cash, and an equally crumpled transfer. He presented the transfer to the driver, who examined it, and deemed it expired by just a few minutes.

The two friends stood at the front of the bus, annoyed, and seemingly unsure what to do. The guy with the expired transfer didn’t have coins, and didn’t seem particularly interested in using two ones to overpay the $1.70 $1.75 fare… he seemed to be trying to outlast the driver. But the driver wasn’t about to budget—he was not going to pull away until the guy paid up.

With riders getting agitated, the bus driver tried to, um, hurry the guy along.

“If you want to buy drugs, you pay the full price,” the driver said. “You want to ride the bus, you pay the full price.” Um? What the hell?

I think the guy was just as taken aback as those of us who heard the driver from our seats. He paid, and he and his friend sat down. The driver continued his lecture… he seemed to have realized that his comment may have been a bit out of line, and it sounded like he was trying to recover. “You want a beer, you pay the full price!” he argued.

The guy’s friend jumped in, asking the driver what the hell he was talking about referring to drugs. “When I buy aspirin, I pay the full price,” the driver clarified. Okay, sure. He was totally talking about over-the-counter painkillers earlier.

Speaking of bus fares! We’ll be posting a video shortly, of bus riders’ reaction to the TriMet’s proposal to limit the hours of Fareless Square. Stay tuned!

WHOOPEE! Our annual Mercury Charity Auction is now over, and if you won the item you were bidding on, CONGRATULATIONS! And even if you didn’t, please feel the gratitude of all the fine folk at SISTERS OF THE ROAD who you helped with your bids.

Auction note: Since we had to repost “Pepper spray Matt Davis in the Face” on ebay with a different name (dumb ebay rules) this particular auction item will remain open for another day of bidding!

We’ll announce the final tally of all the money we helped raise for Sisters of the Road on Monday. Until then, from all of us at the Mercury… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Update: Here’s the letter from the visions committee to those building the center. Here’s the letter back to the visions committee. And here, too, are the minutes from the visions committee’s original meeting, should you be seriously bored this weekend. I, meanwhile, am off skiing. But there’ll be more on this next week.

Original Post, December 13, 3:05pm: Plans for the permanent day access center in Old Town Chinatown are on hold for at least 30 days this Christmas following opposition at yesterday’s meeting of the Old Town Visions Committee—co-chaired by city council candidate Howard Wiener.
HOMELESS CENTER: The controversy begins…

The committee, which has been active since 1995 and is nothing to do with Tom Potter’s “visioning” project of the same name, agreed yesterday to write to those building the access center, asking them to hold their horses.

“I’m a believer in process,” says Howard Weiner, co-chair of the committee. “But in this case I think the process got broken.”

“The neighborhood should have been at the front of this process,” says Weiner. “And we’re here at the tail end, and it seems to us that decisions have been made without consulting us.”

Weiner is drafting a letter to the four agencies building the center (The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP), The Portland Development Commission (PDC), Transition Projects Inc (TPI) and the Bureau of Housing and Community Development (BHCD)) asking questions about the new center, including how many units of housing are planned inside.

“There are a lot of questions that should have been asked before this got going,” says Weiner. “We’re essentially being told what is being planned, as opposed to being part of this process. In many ways it’s no different from what happened with the Chavez rename.”

The upshot is that those four agencies are going to respond to Wiener tomorrow, saying they’ll put the plans on hold for the next 30 days until Commissioner Erik Sten can come to address the next meeting of the Visions Committee on January 9.

More in next week’s issue.

I’ve been to Kenny and Zuke’s a couple times now—once with my East Coast ex-pat parents, who both loved it—and the only thing keeping me from eating their excellent pastrami on rye more often is that I can’t usually justify $11 for a sandwich (even a really big, delicious one). However! Grumblings from the impoverished peanut gallery should subside a bit with this news:

Take advantage of happy hour menu Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm to 6pm and 10pm to Midnight. $2 pints of draft beer, $5 burgers, reuben sliders, french fries with ranch, and even bagels and lox at discounted prices. See the full menu online.

And in the spirit of things, I should mention that Kenny and Zuke’s sells gift cards. Tis the season, etc.

Kenny and Zuke’s, 1038 SW Stark, Tues-Thurs 7 am-midnight, Fri 7 am-3 am, Sat 8 am-3 am, Sun 8 am-10 pm

At this point, your best bet is to watch your bids on the Ebay site itself, to watch the price of items change from moment to moment!

AND IT WILL! Good luck bidders!

Who needs “real” music video directors when your fans will make “unofficial / original” videos for you? That’s just what one Chad Paulson did for the art punks in Old Time Relijun, as he directed the clip below for their yelp-happy song, “Daemon Meeting.”

Oh, so that’s where all the post-it notes and colored pencils went.

Kinda. Sorta. Technically, anyway.

As you might have heard, Portland artist MK Guth was recently knighted into the 2008 Whitney Biennial—perhaps the most important and publicly dissected show of contemporary art in the US. There are few artists alive who wouldn’t kill to be in the Biennial (a highly subjective overview of “what’s hot” in American art these days), and even fewer who can refrain from shit-talking and second-guessing the exhibition at the very first opportunity. The Biennials are always a mix of the established old guard, the artworld rockstars du jour, and (relatively) emerging artists like Guth, who are given an enormous platform on which to shine. Guth is the only Portland artist selected for this year’s Biennial; you have to go back to 2004, when Harrell Fletcher and Miranda July participated, to find the last PDXer in the big show.

And now, as the headline, promised, you can be part of the Biennial, too. The Whitney Museum might not recognize your participation, and Chelsea galleries might not be ringing you off the hook, but you have indeed been invited to contribute.

Guth’s Biennial project, called Ties of Protection and Safe Keeping is an “interactive braid sculpture that asks the question, ‘What is worth protecting.’” Guth is asking people to write their answers to that question on a piece of fabric (not any old piece of fabric—show up tomorrow and she’ll give you one), and she’ll braid the answers into a long, Rapunzel-like rope of hair, which will be unveiled at the Whitney Museum of American Art on March 6, 2006.

Tomorrow, December 15, from 11 am-7 pm, Guth will be at the Portland Center Stage/Armory Building (128 NW 11th), working on her project. Portland is the first of five cities where she’ll be gathering people’s ideas about protection, and she will have a much, much better day if people turn out to contribute. Plus, she’s a really cool person, so that’s a nice bonus.

Of course, none of that compares to the thrill of calling your old college roommate and telling him that you’ll be in the Whitney Biennial.

House Spirits, purveyors of fine locally produced elixirs like Aviation Gin and Medoyeff Vodka, are hosting a booze bazaar tomorrow, just in time to take care of your you-know-what shopping. Tour the distillery with Lee Medoff and Christian Krogstad, taste samples of House products as well as chocolate from Xocolatl de David, and check out their holiday gift packages.

And while you’re there, “check out four different varieties of PaleyBars, whole foods energy bars crafted by award-winning Portland chef Vitaly Paley.”

House Spirits Distillery, 2025 SE 7th; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This is your last chance, people! THERE IS ONLY ONE HOUR LEFT IN THE MERCURY CHARITY AUCTION, and already the bidding war is reaching a fever pitch! In the last few hours, the Mercury feature article prize has jumped up hundreds of dollars, while somebody who really wants to pepper spray Matt Davis in the face has driven up the bid to nearly $150. As always, it’s going to be a fight to the finish for the lucky guy (or lady) who wins a date with the sexy girls of the Mercury (currently at $252), as well as winning the “Design the Mercury Cover” prize which always goes for a lot of dough-re-mi (now at $455).
Currently in the lead for most money donated is “Have Your Portrait Taken by Ann Ploeger” (at a whopping $700), closely followed by “Tour the Sewer with Sam Adams” at $616!
But there are still plenty of prizes to win under $100, including Storm Large’s Shoes, Ozzy Osbourne’s autographed baseball bat, Superbowl catering from the Wing Stop, and a private DJ for your next party (currently at only $61?? ARE YOU INSANE???)

There’s only an hour left, people! BID! BID! BID! And know that your precious pennies will really make a big difference to Portland’s homeless (via our charity for this year, SISTERS OF THE ROAD).

What are you waiting for? Crack out that credit card!! NOW!!!

Twentieth Century Fox’s official caption for the above image is “Theodore, Alvin, and Simon prepare to give a special Christmas gift to Dave Seville.” A more accurate caption would be “The fat one, Alvin, and the smart one annoy the fuck out of you for 90 minutes. Also, that reminds me: How fucking pathetic are David Cross and Jason Lee right now?”

Anyway, okay, on to it: The first couple of minutes of I Am Legend are up online, albeit in a quality so shitty it’ll likely make your eyes bleed.

That’s probably the biggest movie this week, but Juno, whether it deserves it or not, is getting crazy buzz, and will probably be a huge hit here in Portland. Then there’s The Perfect Holiday, Redacted, and Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Last Winter, and Romance & Cigarettes. (Huh. Lots of shitty movies this week.)

Also, because why the hell not, Quentin Tarantino thinks that Lindsay Lohan is “one of the best actresses in Hollywood.” Huh.

While his new record, Real Emotional Trash, won’t hit the streets until March 4th, Stereogum (twice in one day?) posted a brand new gem from Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks. While I’ve been on the fence about a lot of his post-Pavement work, I love this song and I’m getting pretty excited for the new record, which also features new drummer Janet Weiss.

MP3:
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Baltimore

PEPPER SPRAY: “Wash your eyes with cold water for 15 minutes…”

1.Yes, I will, actually, do it.
2.Yes, it will, actually, hurt.
3.Only if you’re willing to bid some serious money to benefit Sisters Of The Road.
4.I’m willing to bid AT LEAST $150 to avoid doing this.
5.$150x2.5=$375 to Sisters under this year’s bid matching program!!!
6.Randy Leonard, put your Braveheart money where your Braveheart mouth is and bid $250, or I’ll come round your office and stick an English flag in the front desk, symbolizing my country’s reclamation of your ancestral land.
7.You can pepper spray me with wode on and scream “freedom” for all I care.
8.Get bidding, auction closes at 4pm.

Subtlety isn’t my strong point when it comes to who you should vote for, or at least, give money to, next year. Stuck for a Christmas present? Why not tell your partner “Sorry darling, I didn’t get you those shoes you wanted, but hey, I did manage to preserve this country’s future by donating the money instead to Barack Obama’s campaign.” I’m absolutely sure they’ll respond in the positive.
OBAMA: STILL HOT AT 46…ALSO, QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB OF, ER…STILL HOT!!!

If you’re still not sure this shoe/donation thing is a good idea, watch this video of people’s responses to the debate in Iowa. And donate!

In England, we called them “sub-editors”. Those washed-up former journalists who’ve given up any dreams of a career to sit behind a copy desk insulting everyone, and who spend their lunch hours, evenings, weekends, and early mornings in the pub, playing darts, AND coming up with headlines like this:
NY POST TURNER OBIT: ACKNOWLEDGING THE ELEPHANT…

Thanks to JQS and Best Week Ever. And cheers to the headline writers, who are probably out “celebrating” by now—it’s 2:35 Eastern time, after all.

In honor of the majority of the Mercury office trudging into work this morning with a raging post-Christmas party hangover, here’s a lovely little number about the wonders of the bottle, courtesy of Pseudosix.

“I’m gonna drink, drink, drink, ‘til I can’t stay awake anymore.

This song is NOT on their fantastic self-titled Sonic Boom release, instead it was a free download from the folks at Stereogum.

Enjoy, but keep it down, our heads are killing us right now.
MP3: Pseudosix - Serious Alchemist

ZZZZZZ… Snort! HUH?? WHAAA?? Hey, I just woke up and realized… OMG! The Mercury Online Charity Auction Ends TODAY At 4 pm!!!

QUICK!! Jump over to this page and see if you’ve been outbid on the greatest gifts anyone could receive this holiday season!

QUICK!! If you haven’t placed a bid on anything yet, what are you waiting for? All the proceeds go to help the super awesome SISTERS OF THE ROAD nonprofit, which supports and feeds Portland’s homeless—and without any governmental help! Please bid generously!

QUICK!! And be sure to check back in around 3 pm, because that’s when the last bidders will be jumping in, and trying to steal your sweet prize away from you—and who can blame them? IT’S FOR CHARITY!

That’s the Mercury Online Charity Auction, and it all ends today at 4 pm! So get off your booty and Bid, BID, BID!!!

And once again, thanks to all our fantastic and charitable auction donors! Yer a peach!

New Jersey is giving the ax to the death penalty in their state. Take a look at the other thirteen states (and one district) that do not allow the death penalty.

Oregon counties that used to rely on lumber revenues to fund libraries and jails are crushed when a “timber payment deal” falls through. The Senate cut out county payments and tax breaks for clean-energy industries from an energy bill in an attempt to get more republicans on board.

The Grannies are free! Click here if you want a blow by blow account of the kind-of-hilarious court proceedings.

And in other “terrorist” news, according to security officials, Tuesday’s suicide bombing of a U.N. and government building in Algeria was carried out by two terrorists who were freed in an amnesty.

-Jennifer Furniss

In just about 15 minutes, the Mercury office is taking off for our annual X-Mas party, so… SEE YA, SUCKERS!! (The sad fact is, most of our employees really despise these shindigs, primarily because I drink WAY too much malt liquor, and bad things invariably happen. VERY BAD THINGS. This year I’m drinking St. Ides Malt Liquor, because… well DUH! Ice Cube suggested it!)

On behalf of our Blogtown brethren, we hope to return tomorrow.

Another week, another Mercury music section to flip through while you read the Mitchell Report. Now that’s a real athlete.

Oh geez, it’s those no good no-gooders in The Soda Pop Kids. Get off my dang lawn you ragamuffins, and take that strawberry coke with you.
MP3: The Soda Pop Kids - Put On Your Tight Pants

Not your typical punk band, Cleveland’s This Moment in Black History rage war on irony, complacent crowds, and anyone who makes any reference to the Drew Carey Show.
MP3: This Moment in Black History - Tape Don’t Lie

Don’t hate on Holcombe Waller for having a beautiful voice and the ability to do fancy yoga poses, he’s just better than you. Really.
MP3: Holcombe Waller - The Seven Eight Song

What? Shonen Knife is from Japan? I’ve followed them for 26 years and no one ever told me. God, I’m always the last to know!
MP3: Shonen Knife - Space Christmas

I’ll have a lot more to say on this once I calm the hell down, review my copious notes, and put in some calls for clarification to OLCC staff. But for now, I’d like to add how flabbergasted I am after today’s OLCC hearing.

The OLCC staff put a lot of work into this proposed rule change, and made the case that allowing a new class of minor postings with control plans would help them enforce the rules fairly and more extensively than they currently can (right now, there are venues out there that just have a control plan, but the OLCC staff acknowledged today that those don’t have any teeth with an accompanying minor posting).

The music community made smart, articulate testimony in favor of the change, arguing that it will give youth a safe place to spend their time (instead of unregulated basement shows that usually have a keg in the corner).

One of the five OLCC commissioners got it—he’d attended the public hearings, and heard the details and intentions of the proposed rule. The other four were on a different planet. As Ezra noted below, one commissioner was unclear what sorts of venues the rules might apply to. He made some arcane reference to Rick’s Cafe, in Casablanca. Would kids in Oregon be permitted to hang out in a smoky lounge with a piano player?

No, the rules coordinator laid out for the upteenth time—places that are primarily set up for drinking wouldn’t qualify to submit a control plan under this new rule. A place like Valentine’s, in downtown Portland—a quiet cafe that happens to sell some alcohol on the side, but not as the focus—is a case study here. The commissioners, however, seemed entirely unfamiliar with the broad variety of venues in Portland and Oregon—in their minds, it seems, it’s either a tavern/sports bar/smoky dive, a restaurant, or the Rose Garden. The concept of a venue where the music comes first, and the alcohol is just icing on the owners’ bottom line, didn’t compute.

Luckily, the 3-2 vote also sent the rules back to the staff for tweaking. Commissioner “what’s a venue” asked staff to educate him and the other commissioners on the sorts of places in question. Personally, I’m shocked that he and the others didn’t do their homework before showing up to do their jobs.

I’m fresh from the OLCC vote, and the seriously out-of-touch board voted against the amendment to the minor postings rule by a 3-2 vote.

Booo.

But the door is not closed, thanks to excellent speeches by Cary Clarke, Nathan Carson (both of which I’m proud to say write for this paper) and others, plus the public outcry from numerous people in the community, there will be a February vote on the subject.

There will be tons of coverage to come, but I will say that my favorite quote of the morning was “What’s a venue?.” That was from Commissioner William Flinn, a voting member who, not surprisingly, was against amending the ruling.

Updating Matt’s piece from earlier today, the verdict is in on the “RAGING GRANNIES,” who for the crime of protesting the army recruitment center was charged with criminal mischief. The prosecuting attorney tried painting them as terrorists, because he’s a dick. Anyway, the jury is back, and the Grannies are… INNOCENT! Here’s the press release:

A Multnomah County jury found five grandparents charged with “unlawfully and intentionally causing substantial inconvenience to the United States” not guilty of Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree on Thursday, December 13. Judge Richard Baldwin heard the case. After the decision one of the jurors referred to the defendants as “heroes.” The case stems from a silent vigil held by the Surge Protection Brigade, also know as the Seriously Pissed Off Grannies, on Good Friday, April 6, at the US Army and Marine recruiting center on NE Broadway.

More after the jump!

Judge Baldwin allowed the jury to consider a "lesser of evils" defense after defendants testified that they felt compelled to take action to stop the imminent danger of death to Iraqi civilians and American soldiers. Between the time of the Good Friday vigil on April 6 and December 12 an additional 621 US Service members died in Iraq.

The jury began deliberations Thursday morning at 9:50 and deliberated for about a half an hour. The grandparents who are defendants used tempera paint to send a symbolic message protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as claimed by Defense Attorney Lisa Ludwig, or if the powerful paint caused substantial inconvenience to the United States, and possibly worse as described by the District Attorney, Seth Steward. Steward called upon the jury to render a guilty verdict to "protect our troops." He warned the jury of the danger of a not guilty verdict: "Think of some evils that could happen," he said, "and why it is important for the line to be drawn here. On September 11 some people drove planes into a building to prove a point. The defendants say their conduct is necessary to avoid imminent danger because people dying in Iraq. That is the same thing suicide bombers say."

In his closing argument for defendant Clyde Chamberlain, Attorney Robert Callahan, told the jury that the District Attorney was trying to turn a simple bottle of red tempera paint into "a weapon of mass inconvenience." The water soluble poster paint was used to place red handprints on the window of the Army/Marine Recruiting office at 1371 NE Broadway on April 6, 2007. Chamberlain and the other defendants, Sara Graham, Ann Huntwork, Martha Odom and DeEtte Beghtol all testified that they were motivated by deep convictions and a sense that there was no other way to try to stop the war. "It is not to inconvenience the recruiters," said Martha Odom, "it's a way to stand witness to folks who may not be thinking about this war"

After the jury was dismissed Judge Baldwin ruled on the lesser violation charge of applying graffiti. He found them guilty and imposed a fine of $100, ignoring defense please that their high level of community service be taken into account.

Quick: There are currently nine people running for two city council seats next year. Can you name any of them?

You’ll be able to soon, if we have anything to do with it! Heck, you might even be able to tick off what the candidates stand for, or argue with your friends over who’d do the best job representing you at city hall. Every week on Blogtown, from now through the primary election in May, we’re going to pose a different question to all the candidates, and post their entire response.

The first question was a gimme:

Who are you, and what’s the number one reason you’re running for city council?

Candidates got the question a week ago, and had until this morning to respond. Check out their answers, below and after the cut.

I’ve tossed in stats about each candidate too, so you can find out more (or track them down to give $5 and your signature towards the public financing bids!). Finally, got an idea for a future question? Put it in the comments, or email me.

Incumbent City Commissioner Randy Leonard was the first to answer this week’s question, so he gets the honor of being before the cut. His two opponents are next, followed by the race for the open seat!

Randy Leonard
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: randyforportland.com
Public financing status: Not participating in program

My name is Randy Leonard. I was born and raised in inner Northeast Portland. I went to Irvington Grade School, Grant High School and Portland State University graduating with a degree in History.

I was a Portland Firefighter for 25 years and spent 12 of those years as the President of the Portland Firefighters Association. I served a little over 9 years in the Oregon Legislature in both the State Senate and State House of Representatives. In 2002 I was elected to the Portland City Council.

My entire adult life has been dedicated to working for fairness for working class men and women. While in the legislature, I worked to protect workers’ rights including fighting for health care and family wage jobs and promoting industries that were socially responsible.

Since first being elected to the city council, I have advocated for issues that benefit people who struggle to pay their bills, raise their families, send their children to decent schools and who want nothing more than to be given a chance to succeed in Portland.

For an example, I passed a “consumer bill of rights” that requires tow truck companies to cease predatory tow practices in Portland including setting maximum rates tow companies can charge. Additionally, if a car is towed, tow companies are required to provide a ride to the location the car was towed to and tow companies are prohibited from only accepting cash for the tow charges.

I have successfully stopped tax abatement programs in Portland that benefited only wealthy condominium owners and developers.

I wrote and passed Portland’s ordinance requiring all diesel sold in Portland to contain at least 5% biodiesel (increases to 10% in 2010). There is no similar requirement in any other city in the United States.

I have worked to make each of the bureaus I am responsible for more responsive to citizens needs. At the Bureau of Development Services, for an example, employees help citizens get permits to build or remodel their homes by providing assistance and advice vs adversity and resistance. At the 911 center, I directed changes that have allowed nearly 95% of calls to be answered within seconds, which is dramatically better than in the past. Under my direction, the Portland Water Bureau has initiated the largest investment in its infrastructure ever, created public parks -known as HydroParks- where fenced off, unused open spaces once existed in neighborhoods throughout Portland.

I have fought to make sure our most vulnerable citizens have decent places to live by holding irresponsible land lords accountable for sub-standard housing by vigorously enforcing housing and fire codes.

My number one reason for wanting to be re-elected to the Portland City Council is to continue the same kind of vigilant advocacy on behalf of Portlanders as I have demonstrated since first being elected to the council.

Thank you.

Randy Leonard

RandyforPortland.com

Emily S. Ryan
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: emilysryan.com
Public financing status: Less than 100 signatures & contributions

My name is Emily S. Ryan, I was born in Pusan, Korea and adopted by Robert and Joan Celene Ryan. I lived in Oregon City and attended Redland Elementary, when I turned nine years old, we moved to Portland. I am an alumni of Sunnyside Elementary, Hosford Middle, and Cleveland High Schools. In June of 2007, I graduated Portland Community College with and Associates in Arts, Science, and General Studies.

I work two 3/4-time jobs, and volunteer with many community organizations and causes. I work for the Portland Classical Chinese Garden in OldTown ChinaTown and temporaily for Multnomah County. For volunteer work, I sit on the Commission on Children, Families and Community Board, the Homeless Youth Oversight Committee, and Chair the Poverty Action Council. I am also a former member of the Charter Review Commission, Multnomah Youth Commission, and Yout Innovation Fund. I am best known in the community as a young activist for issues pertaining to youth and the environment.

I have a vast range of experiences ranging from being a homeless youth in Portland, to helping to shape services for homeless youth; which contribute to who I am and why I want to run for office. The number one reason has to be for change. I think there needs to be changes in perspective, experience, and voice of City Council. I also think there needs to be changes of how things are done, the way things are communicated, and the thuroughness of proposals.

Ed Kill
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: none
Public financing status: Not participating in program

I’m a local artist (paintings) and work-a-day guy. I live in north Portland, I garden, compost, and recyle.

I recently graduated from PSU with a B.S. Art. I am a registered independent and consider myself left of lef. I am a social liberal a fiscal conservative and a rabid constitutionalist. I’ve never held a political office but have had plenty of experience in life and have been active in politics for 30 years. I consider my political newness to be an asset. In office I am no way beholden to any party, group or organization. My loyalties are to civil rights, the constitution, and We The People. I can’t be bought or bribed and I’ll never vote-trade. I’m not a vegan but I am organic. I do not own a motor vehicle. I Cycle/Tri-Met everywhere. On the whole I consider myself a standard Green Portlander and as such I already represent a large portion of the community.

In a system that is inherently based on freedom and liberty we must pay special attention to those entities that posses the power to deprive us of our most basic rights. A police system is an absolute necessity in a society such as ours to maintain the safety and security of our citizens. This is why it is especially important that we maintain the highest integrity in our police system.

Lack of transparency, inadequate response to citizens questions and concerns, and police immunity that places officers above the accountability of their fellow citizens is absolutely unacceptable. My first proposal would be a completely civilian system of oversight for the Police Department and All records would be open to the public. My second proposal is to take the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) and copy the text exactly, and make them a local city ordinance. When your rights are violated you could then sue in federal court like always, or you could sue in a local court for violating a local ordinance.

I’m tired of reading an article every week about a new police abuse and the amount of tax dollars that are going to be pissed down a toilet because some cop decided to go past the line. The money that is wasted on police abuse should be spent on local schools. I am one of the victims of the Portland Police Department and I am one of the people suing the city. We can’t financially afford to victimize innocent people like me anymore. Let’s hold all members of government accountable for their actions.
One of the most important principles of democracy is the Rule of Law. It is a simple principle that states for a democracy to function correctly all the citizens and all of the government’s entities must be accountable to the same set of rules.

I am taking this opportunity to announce my candidacy Portland City Council Position #4. I have decided to do this because I feel that there are many issues that we, as citizens of Portland, should confront. While the current leadership has genuinely tried to address the problems facing our community there are still many attainable goals in regards to social programs, environmental policy, police accountability, and community affairs that we have yet to achieve.

I would like to make it clear that I don’t feel as if I am “running against” Randy Leonard but rather with him for the same position. I believe that we both feel strongly about the issues. In fact, upon my election, the first thing I intend to do is to ask him to remain on the staff to provide for both a smooth transition and to act as a valuable knowledge resource addition to the team.

However, as we all know the basis for good democracy is citizen participation. I feel that average citizens, such as myself, participating in the political process is essential to building good government. Encouraging the greatest diversity of opinions and participants in the system is the best way to insure a constant influx of new ideas. This in turn prevents the inevitable stagnation so common to a comfortable bureaucracy. It is because of this that I have decided to run for office. I am running with no donations, no gifts and no funds. I believe the media has an obligation to inform the public by providing time and space for candidates during the election season.

Howard Weiner
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: howardforportland.com
Public financing status: Less than 100 signatures & contributions

I grew up in Southeast Portland, and attended Duniway Elementary and Cleveland High. I graduated in 1969. My first political campaign was to end the dress code of the times. It prohibited boys from growing their hair out and girls from wearing short dresses. I helped organize a sit in with students from Lincoln. The following month, the Portland School Board rescinded the dress code.

I attended Portland Community College and quickly became involved in the antiwar movement and led many demonstrations and protests. I found my voice along with many of my generation speaking up for change.

I love our city and I want to preserve what made Portland a great place to grow up. We have always been a community where we have looked out for one another. I have used my business Cal Skate Skateboards for the last 32 years to promote civic engagement in my neighborhood and throughout the city to build community one relationship at a time. Portland can continue to become more safe and vibrant by building on our best instincts, by working together to build common sense partnerships to promote our shared values.

I’m running for a seat on our city council because I believe my values and beliefs are in sync with Portland.

I’m running for City Council because I can offer common sense thinking that is connected to our community’s values to City Hall.

Chris Smith
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: citizensmith.us
Public financing status: Between 400 and 500 signatures & contributions

I’m a citizen activist! For more than a decade, I’ve been focused on improving our city, working on transportation, neighborhood livability and raising the level of civic engagement in Portland. The relationships and policy and political skills I’ve gained through this activism, coupled with the management and leadership skills I’ve developed over a 20-year career in our region’s high-tech industry, have prepared me to lead on City Council.

I’m running for City Council for exactly the same reason that propels my activism: I love Portland! We’ve struck out on a different path than other cities in this country. Whether it’s our affinity for bikes and transit, or striving to get the big money out of our politics through Voter Owned Elections, things are different here. I value those choices tremendously as a Commissioner will work to continue this innovation and make Portland the most sustainable city in North America.

John Branam
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: john4pdx.org
Public financing status: Between 400 and 500 signatures & contributions

As the son of a janitor who was elected to Corvallis' city council, I am proud of my humble Oregon roots. Inspired by my parent's encouragement to serve and to see the world, I left the Willamette Valley to study out east and both intern with UNICEF in Kenya and serve in the Peace Corps in South Africa.

In my current role as Portland Public Schools' Director of Development I work daily to build relationships and leverage resources to enhance our kids' learning opportunities. As a former middle school teacher, educational non-profit program manager and law school graduate, there's little question that what distinguishes me as a candidate for our city council is the vision I have for making Portland as well known for our public educational system as we are for our great parks, public transportation and sustainability efforts.

In addition to being committed to accelerating our work in these three areas, I firmly believe our city council should play an expanded role in helping to ensure a stronger public educational system. This belief is anchored by the truths that a strong and equitable public educational system provides: 1) the foundation for a healthy democracy; 2) the key civil rights instrument that empowers those coming from challenged backgrounds; and 3) the chief attractor for vibrant, innovative and sustainable PDX businesses.

I've also long believed in community involvement. Awarded Corvallis' highest honor for community leadership and public service, my history of community engagement continues today through my service on several non-profit advisory boards. Among many other efforts I've been both the president of his neighborhood association (Arbor Lodge) and a "Big" with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

In addition to my passion for public service I believe I would also bring to city council a leadership style that is both values-based and collaborative in nature. For me values like equity, access and transparency always trump the temptation to score quick political wins. And in terms of my collaborative leadership style, putting Portland's priorities ahead of perceived personal victories is guaranteed. For better or worse this two-pronged approach to leadership is simply who I am.

Jeff Bissonnette
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: portlandersforjeff.com
Public financing status: Between 200 and 300 signatures & contributions

I have worked as a consumer advocate and community organizer for my entire adult life. I am running for the Portland City Council because Portland is facing an unprecendented array of challenges and issues - climate change, economic vitality, environmental health, quality of life - that demand an unprecedented urgency in addressing them effectively. However, Portlanders are aware, concerned, engaged and willing to explore new solutions that provide exciting opportunities to address those issues together in a way that reflect the values of community involvement, mutual responsibility and environmental stewardship that we hold as a city. I'm running from a sense of optimism that together we can address the challenges before us so that Portland can be the City that Works Better for all of us.

Amanda Fritz
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: amandafritzforcitycouncil.com
Public financing status: 881 signatures & contributions, according to her site

I am a registered nurse, former member of the Portland Planning Commission, and mother of three children educated in Portland Public Schools. I'm running for City Council because I believe everyone should share in the benefits of our community. I will prioritize the City budget to take care of basic needs in all neighborhoods, and focus on the City government's core mission.

Citizens all over Portland deserve a fair deal from our City government. I am the community leader with 20 years of citywide experience on a broad range of issues, and the conviction to make that happen.

Portland should be a place where

* EVERY FAMILY can afford a decent place to live

* EVERY CHILD has safe access to schools and neighborhood parks

* EVERY CITIZEN can make a difference by participating

* EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD is pleasant, clean, green, and fun

Portland has explored Vision; now we must move into action. My name is Amanda Fritz, and I invite you to visit my website at www.amandafritzforcitycouncil.com to learn more about who I am, and why I am running for City Council.

Charles Lewis
Position sought: Commissioner #1
Website: charleslewis.com
Public financing status: Nearly 700 signatures & contributions

[Charles responded with a video. -Eds.]

Say, you look like the kind of person who wants to see Juno! Or maybe you want to see Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, which, if this clip is any indication, is going to be pretty funny:

Either way, it’s your lucky day: Here at the Mercury offices (605 NE 21st Ave, Suite 200), we’ve got an ass-load of free passes for an advance screening of Juno (it’s tonight, at 7, at Cinemark Eastport theaters on 82nd), and we’ve also got a bunch of passes for an advance screening of Walk Hard (that one’s Tuesday, at 7, at Tigard Cinemas).

They’re yours for the taking—provided that when you come by to pick a pass up for one or both movies, you give our cheerful and warm office manager, Brad Buckner, a hug.

Post-script: Also, our offices are closing early today (at 3 pm—we have drinking to do!), so if you want to see Juno, get over here quick. Also, it’s a good idea to show up really early when you go to these sort screenings, as there will no doubt be about a billion passholes lining up to get in.

If you’re new to Portland, go see the Christmas Ships before December 20. They head out from the marina—a good viewing spot is the south side of the Hawthorne Bridge, every night at 7pm. Then, they head up or down the river on alternate nights for about 5 miles, turn around, and come back around 9:00.
CHRISTMAS SHIP: Funky scuba-diving santa…

Last night I headed downriver on one of the ships, the green dragon, with a new mate of mine from Citizen’s police academy, Duane Westfall. Westfall has been running his dragon boat, which shoots a 6-foot flame from a propane tank out of the dragon’s mouth, for the past decade. I got to shoot the flame, which was, of course, no fun whatsoever:
FLAMING GREEN DRAGON: Jeepers…

FLAME: 20% safe, 120% awesome…

Christmas Ships have been at it since 1954. More (slightly blurry—it was dark) photos after the jump.

This is not a joke: A prosecuting attorney in the trial of Portland’s Raging Grannies has compared the protesters to suicide bombers, and the terrorists who crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York in September 2001.
GRANNIES: Al-fucking-Qaeda!!!

Here’s the Grannies’ most remarkable press release to date this morning:

A verdict is expected on Thursday, December 13 in the trial of five grandparents charged with “unlawfully and intentionally causing substantial inconvenience to the United States.” The case will be sent to the jury by Judge Richard Baldwin at 9 AM in room 716 of the Multnomah County Courthouse. The case stems from a silent vigil held by the Surge Protection Brigade, also know as the Seriously Pissed Off Grannies, on Good Friday, April 6, at the US Army and Marine recruiting center on NE Broadway.

Judge Baldwin will allow the jury to consider a “lesser of evils” defense after defendants testified that they felt compelled to take action to stop the imminent danger of death to Iraqi civilians and American soldiers. Between the time of the Good Friday vigil on April 6 and December 12 an additional 621 US Service members died in Iraq.

The jury will begin deliberations Thursday morning to decide if the grandparents who are defendants used tempera paint to send a symbolic message protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as claimed by Defense Attorney Lisa Ludwig, or if the powerful paint caused substantial inconvenience to the United States, and possibly worse as described by the District Attorney, Seth Steward. Steward called upon the jury to render a guilty verdict to “protect our troops.” He warned the jury of the danger of a not guilty verdict: “Think of some evils that could happen,” he said, “and why it is important for the line to be drawn here. On September 11 some people drove planes into a building to prove a point. The defendants say their conduct is necessary to avoid imminent danger because people dying in Iraq. That is the same thing suicide bombers say.”

In his closing argument for defendant Clyde Chamberlain, Attorney Robert Callahan, told the jury that the District Attorney was trying to turn a simple bottle of red tempera paint into “a weapon of mass inconvenience.” The water soluble poster paint was used to place red handprints on the window of the Army/Marine Recruiting office at 1371 NE Broadway on April 6, 2007. Chamberlain and the other defendants, Sara Graham, Ann Huntwork, Martha Odom and DeEtte Beghtol all testified that they were motivated by deep convictions and a sense that there was no other way to try to stop the war. “It is not to inconvenience the recruiters” said Martha Odom, “it’s a way to stand witness to folks who may not be thinking about this war, to people who know in their heart they’re not doing anything about it, to let everyone know there are people deeply, profoundly opposed to the Iraq war who carry grief and rage and want it to stop.”

Is still noteworthy when a Portland designer makes the Style Section?

Well, Nau does so in today’s edition, where a large photo of their (really cute) Dualist Jacket appears with the article “A World Consumed By Guilt: Eco-shopping to save the land, but is it all truly green?” Regardless of local interest (CEO Chris Van Dyke is also quoted in the piece), it’s an interesting article in that it weighs the pros and cons of different modes of “green” apparel design and production—Nau, for instance, is criticized for hauling the raw materials, fabric, and eventual final product of the jacket through three countries before it’s ready to purchase—and notes the complications involved in deeming something truly green. The conclusion, as you might guess, is that nothing’s perfect, and consumers may need to learn to accept compromises. On the other hand, manufacturers need to be transparent—possibly by legal compliance—in their green claims.

(Get more fashion news on M.O.D.)

Haven’t finished your Xmas shopping yet? Have no fear. This Sunday you can finish all your holiday shopping needs at the ultimate mother lode of local holiday art & craft sales—Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Holiday Sale. There will be over 100 independent artists selling their goods under one roof, plus many other cool perks like a full bar, goodie bags, and a wrapping paper table.

All the juicy details on the sale, including an interview with the Cathy Pitters and Torie Nguyen, the lovely ladies behind Crafty Wonderland, is behind the jump.

MERCURY: The Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale isn't happening at the Doug Fir, like your regular monthly shows. What made you choose the Norse Hall instead?

CATHY & TORIE: We love having our monthly events at Doug Fir Lounge but it can only hold 40 vendors and we wanted to do a large sale for the holidays. Last December we did two smaller sales two Sundays in a row at Doug Fir and it was just too much! We decided to move to a larger venue where we could hold a one-day Mega Wonderland with 100+ vendors. We still love Doug Fir and will start back up with our monthly sales there on Feb. 10, after taking a much-needed break in January.

Besides all the crafty goodness to peruse through, what else is happening at the Super Colossal Holiday Sale? Did I hear rumor of a full bar?

Yes, there is a full bar! And it's not just any bar—it's the Horny Troll Bar—that's really what it's called! We even worked with the fabulous ladies at Norse Hall to come up with some special crafty/viking themed cocktails for the event. There will also be recycled gift wrapping by SCRAP at the DIY table so you can wrap the gifts that you buy. The DIY table will be in the bar, which is an all-ages area.

How long have you ladies been working on this event? How much planning did it take?

We decided on a venue in June and started taking applications in August. It's been crazy ever since! We accepted about three times the number of vendors that we usually take plus we added some fun extras like goodie bags to the first 200 shoppers and a fancy event program. We solicited donations from local and national businesses to put together some fantastic goodie bags. The program is looking great too. Along with advertising and a map of the vendor layout, it has an interview with Portland crafty superstar, Rebecca Pearcy of Queen Bee Creations, as well as a retro holiday how-to project. We just kept thinking of more fun things we could add to the event to make it awesome and couldn't stop ourselves. We're a little bit crazy that way.

Can you give us a quick synopsis of the different kinds of goodies shoppers will be able to find at the sale?

Pretty much anything and everything: handbags, clothing for kids & adults, jewelry, art, knit & crochet items, hats, cards & calendars, journals. We're even having an area where we have several kids selling their own art. Folks can check out a full list of vendors with links to their websites at www.craftywonderland.com/vendors.htm

What are you looking forward to the most on Sunday?

CATHY: Handing out the goodie bags in the morning will be fun plus I'm hoping to finish up my holiday shopping. Then I'm having a Horny Viking cocktail at the bar when the event is over!

TORIE: I'm excited to see how the space looks full of vendors and shoppers! This event has been a ton of work and it will be great to see it all come together. I also hope to wrap up my holiday shopping and will be right next to Cathy at the bar when we close the doors!

The Super Colossal Holiday Sale is this Sunday, December 16 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave. For more information, please visit craftywonderland.com and norsehall.org.