Seattle-Metro News and Events for July 25 Through August 2014

PHOTO: Mayor Ed Murray poses with a group of fans at the corner of 23rd and Jackson during the “Find it, Fix it” community walk to identify public safety issues, July 2. Upcoming walks are July 29 at Rainier Avenue and Genesee, and Aug. 12 at Rainier Beach. Find out more at www.murray.seattle.gov.  Photo courtesy Ed Murray Flickr

The Seattle Human Rights Commission seeks 5 Candidates

The Seattle Human Rights Commission seeks 5 candidates, 2 Mayoral and 3 City Council positions to fill current and future vacancies on the Seattle Human Rights Commission.  The Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on human rights and social justice issues.

Participation on the Commission requires a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours per month. This includes attendance at monthly meetings held the first Thursday of each month in the evening, participation in committee work, meeting with City departments, communicating with state legislators and addressing human rights concerns. The Commission also hears and adjudicates appeals of discrimination cases from the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Commissioners are appointed for two years and all appointments are subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Commission is interested in applicants with diverse backgrounds, including human rights, social services, education, law, public policy, advocacy, and business.  Commissioners serve without compensation.  To be considered, email a letter of interest, resume and SHRC application to [email protected] by August 22, 2014. The SHRC application is available at www.seattle.gov/humanrights or by request made to [email protected].

Urban Gardeners Invited to Hydroponics Event

Central Area Urban Garden and the Martin Luther King County Institute highlights the latest technological devices for hydroponics and aeroponic plant growth along with special plant lights, focusing on growing your own food in a 5-foot-square area. The event is Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. at the CAUG urban garden site, 128 21st Ave. Seattle.  Sponsored by Black Dollar Days, the event offers speakers Michael Twiggs, Charlie James, Alesia Black, Barry North and Isam Taylor.  The event is part of the "Keep Moving Campaign.” 

For more information contact gardener Charlie James at [email protected] or MLKCI at 206-355-3792.

Seattle Women’s Sensuality Summit

The third annual event is July 27, 3 to 7 p.m. at the Skyway Motor Cycle Club, 12603 Renton Ave. South in Skyway.

The Northwest’s Premier event for women of color and men to gather and discuss relationships, health, alternative healing, and more. Through art, poetry, film and interactive dialgue we will focus on the theme of  Reclaiming Our Sensuality.

Open Mic starts at 4 p.m., please email [email protected] for more info or to sign up early for the open mic. Come enjoy the entire event hosted by Emily Imani and Purple Reels. Free for ages 18 and up.

PHOTO: About 500 people gathered near Westlake Park in Seattle on Saturday, July 19, to protest the siege of Gaza.  Protesters took to the streets around the world. Sunday was the deadliest day of the Israeli bombardment of the tiny region. US President Barack Obama called for an "immediate ceasefire." Susan Fried photo

The Seattle Public Library Hosts South Seattle College Information Sessions

Computers, graphics, aviation – learn about short-term, local training programs for in-demand careers at information sessions being held through November at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. and Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S.

Participants will learn about short-term and two-year professional and technical training programs available at South Seattle College and in the Seattle area, as well as how to pay for classes.

Information sessions at the Rainier Beach Branch will take place once a month, from noon to 2 p.m. on select Wednesdays, and will focus on: Medical office professions;       Computing technology; Engineering graphics and design technology; Aviation maintenance and aerospace composites;  Access to childcare and additional resources while in school.

Information sessions at the Central Library will take place once a month, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select Tuesdays, and will focus on: Finding your next career path; In-demand careers related to each training; Funding resources; Campus support services for professional & technical training; Campus support services for your employment needs.

Participants will also learn what services the Library offers to assist with educational needs.

For more information, call Quick Information at 206-386-4636 or www.spl.org.

Seafair Stories at the Seattle Public Library

 “Thrilling Tales: A Story Time for Grown-ups” will feature Seafair-themed oceangoing tales of nautical adventure and suspense every Monday in July at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Microsoft Auditorium.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage at the regular rates.

Stories will include: 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 28, "Letters from the Samantha" by Mark Helprin and "One for the Islands" by Patricia Highsmith.

Thrilling Tales are gripping short stories for a grown-up audience that are expertly read aloud. Brown bag lunches and knitting are welcome. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Stories start at 12:05 p.m. and are finished no later than 12:50 p.m.

For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636 or www.spl.org

Find more events in the Portland and Seattle areas on The Skanner News Community Calendar