A representative from West Seattle is attempting to pass a state law banning all forms of smoking within bars and restaurants. Rather than get attacked by conservatives who say that liberals are taking away smokers’ rights, he’s attacking smoking as a health hazard to the servers/waitstaff who have to soak in the stench all day. I hope this passes – it’s one of the reasons I enjoy going out dancing and singing in San Francisco. The restaurant associations in Washington state say that business will plummet, but I believe it will increase, since people who don’t go to bars and restaurants because of the smoking will now go if that law is implemented.I’m thinking about flying in to San Francisco next weekend a day earlier. I wondered aloud to a friend of mine about how psyched I am when I come back from the Bay Area, all charged up with new ideas and things to create and do as a result of my New College experience and the general outward clashing of ideas prevalent in that city, but that energy dissipates after a few days back in Seattle.
My friend Julie and I went to a vespers night at the Episcopalian church across the street – they have Gregorian chant, and turn off the lights. It’s a nice reprieve from an otherwise hectic few days.