Support Rainier Valley Food Bank, Meet Tom Rasmussen | Seattle Civic Events

Even the kids get into the spirit of giving when it comes with delicious food. Image via the event's Facebook page.

For Tuesday

Chow Down for the Hungry

The Rainier Valley Food Bank, serving up necessities to Seattle's poor from the heart of Columbia City since 1991, has seen a dramatic spike in demand for their services in the months leading up to the fourth annual Chow Down.

Cuts to the SNAP food stamp program and other factors have driven the number of individuals served to a 48% increase since the start of 2014, forcing the Bank's employees to scramble to gather enough donations to supply food to a seemingly ever-growing group of needy Seattleites.

At Chow Down, 16 Columbia City restaurants will offer samples to anyone holding a Passport, which costs $50, with all proceeds going toward efforts to stock the shelves and ensure that everyone in need is able to eat.

Chow Down for the Hungry, Tue, July 22, 5:30–9pm, multiple Columbia City restaurants, $50.

For Wednesday

Community Police Commission Meeting

The Community Police Commission was created as part of the memorandum of understanding between SPD and the U.S. Department of Justice to provide community input as SPD works to ensure bias-free policing and address its past use of excessive force.

Their power was watered down in the final agreement, but they're interested in hearing your suggestions for changes in the way SPD operates, as well as getting feedback on how the changes they're implementing are working out.

Community Police Commission Meeting, Wed, July 23, 9am–noon, Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, free.

For Thursday

Board of Park Commissioners Meeting

Once a month, a volunteer body known as the Board of Park Commissioners meets to discuss issues related to Seattle's parks and determine what advice the mayor, city council, and other city officials need to hear in order to maintain the Emerald City's green spaces.

At last month's meeting the commissioners investigated the Parks Department's plans for a performance measurement system, raising important questions like what data Parks should collect? How would they do it? And what does park performance even mean?

These questions and others led Parks to update its work plan, and the new version will be presented at Thursday's meeting. Be there to find out what this could mean for parks in your neighborhood and potentially contribute to the discussion of how best to improve and maintain Seattle's many parks.

Board of Park Commissioners Meeting, Thur, July 24, 6:30pm, Ken Bounds Board Room, 100 Dexter Ave North, free.

Advance Notice for July 29

One on One with City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmember Rasmussen will be at the Queen Anne Community Center next Tuesday with his staff to meet constituents and hear their concerns directly.

Got a bit of legislative advice or thoughts on an issue? Rasmussen's your guy. His focus—as chair of the Transportation Committee—is, of course, on transportation, but he'll happily listen to input on any of the issues facing the city at the moment.

One on One with City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Tue, July 29, 6–8pm, Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 1st Ave West, free.

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Send the details to Ezra Parter at [email protected]

Columbia City, Tom Rasmussen, Seattle Parks Department, Spd, Food Banks, Parks Levy

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PubliCalendar: Support the Hungry, Advise the Police

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