October Calls to the Audience – #SaveGoldenPinLanes

On October 19, Golden Pin Lanes, Jacobs Park YMCA, Felicia Chew Community Projects, and many other community groups and members participated in an amazing 5th annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by Jacobs Park YMCA.

Golden Pin Lanes continues to demonstrate their committment to our community, so let us continue to be committed to Golden Pin Lanes.

The following are transcripts of the October Calls to the Audiences, by community members who remain committed to Golden Pin Lanes. 

Calls to the Audience are held twice monthly at 9am at 130 W Congress.  If you would like to share comments, but are unable to attend, please send them to us at our Contact page, and we will assist you in having your comments put before the Board of Supervisors and Mr. Huckelberry.  

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October 2, 2018: 

Good morning,

My name is Felicia Chew.  I am a resident of Pima County, and founder of Felicia Chew Community Projects, working to help end systemic domestic violence by building relationships through sharing stories, art, and perspectives.

I am here this morning to share about why October is significant to me.  October is domestic violence awareness month. I am a survivor of domestic violence.

In February of 2011, I moved to Pima County, unaware that I had been a victim of domestic violence.  It was through the responses of the Tucson Police Department, Marana Police Department, and programs like Emerge! and the County Attorney’s victim advocate program that I recognized that I was a victim.  

Seven years after moving to Pima County, I am able to say that I am a survivor of Domestic Violence.  I volunteer, with approximately 100 other community members, as a victim advocate through Barbara Lawall’s office.  The Victim Advocate program has been recognized across the nation as an excellent model. Pima County has been a leader in being an advocate to victims’ rights.  To human rights.

One of the reasons that Domestic Violence perpetuates is because victims are afraid to speak up.  People are afraid to speak up because relationships are lacking. Relationships are lacking because we are becoming increasingly limited with venues for building relationships. Relationships build trust, trust allows people to speak up.  People speaking up reduces crime. Reduced crime takes us out of crisis mode. Being out of crisis mode allows us to trust and to build relationships… which reduces crime.

I ask that you be innovative and a leader in finding a way to fuse the reduction of crime by building up community relationships.  Golden Pin Lanes builds relationship. Consider local models like Antigone books, who experienced a recent employee buyout; and longstanding co-op models, like the Food Conspiracy Co-op.  Consider the Aquatics Program. Tap into and build up existing resources, like Golden Pin Lanes to help create a happy, healthy community in the Miracle Mile area, and to revitalize the Oracle Area.

I would like to invite you to Tuesdays for Tucson tonight at La Cocina from 5-10p to help end systemic domestic violence with Al Perry, Church Ink tattoo Parlor, and the Tucson Quilt Project.

I would also like to invite you to the monthly Walk-a-Mile at Jacobs Park, the first Saturday of each month, beginning at 8am.  This month we will be recognizing a sixth grade student for participating in the Tucson Zines Writing Challenge, sharing about a problem in Tucson – hot cars.  Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 8am. The Writing Challenge recognition will be at 9:15am, and the Walk, from Jacobs Park to Miracle Mile and Golden Pin Lanes, will begin at 9:30am.  

Felicia Chew

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Pima county has an opportunity to be creative in the improving the economic viability of the area around Oracle Road and Miracle Mile.    The property the county recently purchased, which includes the Golden Pins Bowling Alley has the potential to become a center for health and well-being.    Probation offices and a public health clinic are necessary but their work would be stronger if the center includes input from the community.

The Bowling Alley has brought money into Pima county through tournaments.    The Bowling alley needs to be preserved and to be part of a community center which provides recreation, a cooling station and new construction for the other offices Pima County needs in this part of town.

Rosemary Bolza RN, MPH

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We dispel the misconception that the bowling center was for sale due to failing revenue, or any reason other than the reality that the previous owner had listed Golden Pin Lanes for sale over 10 years ago and due now to his increasing age of 85.

At recent Calls to the Audience, Community members have spoken out regarding the decision of the County to shut down Golden Pin Lanes.  After the most recent Call, 1,000 signatures were submitted to the Clerk’s Office.

Those who spoke at the Call represented the 1,000 signatures.  We believe the County’s acquisition of the Golden Pin Lanes for non-bowling purposes is not good for the community nor Pima County.  

The 1,000 signatures represent community members, including employees, neighbors, car clubs, those trying to preserve Tucson’s history, and the families, visitors, and other customers of Golden Pin Lanes.  We can get more signatures; we have just begun to collect them.

We have been continuing conversation with community members, and we reiterate the request that the Board reconsider transforming Golden Pin Lanes.  We ask that the Board convene a committee to consider the following three options:

1. Single person private ownership; a sale by the County
2. Community/employee “co-op”; also a sale by the County
3. Remain county ownership, but continue as a community bowling center through Parks and Recreation.

In the case of selling the Bowl to a single person, or as a co-op, we have three identified key points that financiers require:

1. Historical operating statements for the bowling center;
2. The purchase price;
3. The revenue and expenses of the bowling center.

The above information should be released so that the Committee can make a better decision in the best interests of the community in regards to the Golden Pin Lanes.  Please note that we contacted the previous owner in an effort to collect this information with the desire to seek financing to reimburse the County; however his office stated they are unable to provide it since they are no longer the owners of the Golden Pin Lanes (yet the former owner is still operating Golden Pin Lanes and taking the profit).  

Lastly, note that in order to continue operating with the historical profit, it is necessary to make this decision by the end of November.  Golden Pin Lanes makes its profits primarily through League bowling, which is cheaper than any other facility in Tucson, and by scheduling tournaments where the average visitor spends $277 per night  which is a big income earner for Tucson.

Already, other bowling centers have been luring Golden Pin Lanes leagues away, stating that if they do not reserve their spaces now, they will not have space.  Additionally, out-of-town tournaments will begin reserving locations soon.

We will email this request to your offices, and we  hope to hear a serious response.

Hanson Fotherby

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October 16, 2018

My name is Felicia Chew. I live in District 3, and am writing on behalf of myself and the 1000+ signatures on the petition to Save Golden Pin Lanes. I apologize that I cannot attend in person; I am substituting this morning at Flowing Wells High this morning.

I wanted to share a brief story about this weekend:

It rained. A lot. My family enjoyed the arcade and bowling at Golden Pin Lanes this weekend… it was the perfect rainy day activity, since we could not go to the Pumpkin Patch… and it was the only place we could all agree on.

We bowled beside a family who we did not know, and we cheered for them, as they cheered for us.

Several people took shelter in the Bowl during the rain, and enjoyed one another’s company.

We enjoyed Yolotots, fountain drinks, and a couple beers.

My understanding is that the County is currently leasing the Bowl to the previous owner, and the previous owner is maintaining ownership of the items in the building.  We have been in communication with the previous owner, and have asked if they would be willing to donate the equipment to us, if we can convince you, the County to select another space for the office buildings, and lease the Bowl to us.

We reviewed the memos regarding the acquisition of the Bowl. The largest use of space will be by the juvenile courts. The current Juvenile Courts are located on Ajo and I-10, also with easy access, and more importantly, a neutral location — not in the middle of a neighborhood. We do not need to build on the stigma of Miracle Mile.

We ask that you consider our request to lease the building, and keep the Bowl so that we may continue to do the work to build relationship, and revitalize the community.

Save jobs. Build community. Support local businesses.

Thank you,
Felicia Chew
District 3
On behalf of 1000+ current and future Pima County residents

*Felicia was unable to attend, and portions of her statement were read by Rosemary Bolza

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*Hanson’s comments were aired on the Wake Up, Tucson show on October 18 at 7:45am, with Chris DeSimone’s commentary.

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Help #SaveGoldenPinLanes.  It is not too late yet.  We have until December 2018 to help Mr. Huckelberry and the Board of Supervisors understand the importance of keeping this valuable treasure and resource in our community.  (This is when the leagues will be committing – or not committing – to another year of bowling with Golden Pin Lanes.)

What can you do?

1. Write to Mr. Huckelberry and the Board of Supervisors:

Chuck.huckelberry@pima.gov,  District1@pima.gov,  District2@pima.gov, District3@pima.gov, District4@pima.gov,  District5@pima.gov 

2. Go play at Golden Pin Lanes! 

Let the Board of Supervisors know how you value Golden Pin Lanes by continuing to support the Bowl.

Golden Pin Lanes is committed to our community, so let us continue to be committed to Golden Pin Lanes

There are specials on October 26  27, and 28! Bowl for 2 hours (shoes included), six tokens, and a goody bag for $6.99.

Come on November 2 from 6:30-8:30pm to First Fridays with Felicia Bowling Fundraiser for two hours of bowling (shoes included), a raffle, and Project Updates (including #SaveGoldenPinLanes)

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Learn more at: http://www.feliciachew.com/savegoldenpinlanes

http://www.facebook.com/savegoldenpinlanes

http://www.twitter.com/feliciachew19

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“We are each a piece of the puzzle of life.   Without each of us, our picture is incomplete.”

Advertisement

Chew on This: October 14, 2018 Morning Facebook Thoughts

Eegee’s, Teacher Jokes, Felicia Chew Community Projects

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The article above was printed on October 10, and there have been lots of opinions on the decision to sell Eegee’s.   I chose to #SpeakUp against those who are trying to “shame” the owners and investment company, and this us a re-post of my original comment on Facebook.

The overuse of shaming and blaming are detrimental to our communities. The automaticity of shaming and blaming perpetuate the systemic cycle of domestic violence. I am sharing my thoughts to help end the automaticity of shaming, blaming and perpetuation of systemic domestic violence:

1. Friends who live outside of Tucson, when Eegee’s comes your way, try it out! Nom nom nom!

2. I am a huge supporter of shopping local, and keeping things locally owned; I like this opportunity for expansion, which can mean franchising and becoming employee owned franchises.

3. Expanding something amazing to others is a gift that is priceless!

4. Consider the example of McDonald’s and other restaurant franchise opportunities — franchises can be locally owned and operated, with a support system for success.

5. So, before we go on shaming the owners, the expansion company, and anyone who starts an Eegee’s franchise… let us take a look at the bigger picture and see the potential benefits that can come from this next step.

#THINK #StopTheBlame #StopTheShame #OurChildrenAreWatching

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Another re-post from a comment this morning:

Possibly going to be called a “hater” for this comment. Commenting anyways.

This *is* a problem. Laughing helps take the edge off. And also takes the focus off.

Parents, stop worrying about kids calling DCS on you. That doesn’t mean to smack them around, but it is our responsibility to teach our children respect and empathy.

Use logical consequences. Take away the phone. Speak frankly about creepy creepers who will try to groom our kids, and teach them to be smart.

Have courageous conversations with your kids, other grown-ups and other parents, and teachers. Support one another. Love one another. Stop the shame. Stop the blame. #OurChildrenAreWatching

And yes, shameless advertising, of my website where people can find more information on helping to build relationships and end systemic domestic violence at http://www.feliciachew.com

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And, one more re-post from my Facebook account this morning, about my small business, working to help end systemic domestic violence:

Felicia Chew Community Projects was founded in Tucson, Arizona to help bridge the gaps that exist in our community, and to share the message that we are each a piece of this puzzle of life; without each of us, our picture is incomplete.

Did you know:
Felicia Chew Community Projects is so-called because Felicia Chew realizes that both action and policy are necessary to make real changes for each of us and all of us. Including her name in the business title provides for name recognition when it is election time.

Did you know:
During crisis, the normal reaction is fight, flight, or freeze. It is necessary to be able to lower the adrenaline that is raised during moments of crisis, so one can think during moments of crisis.

Did you know:
One out of four women, and one out of seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime?

Did you know:
It takes 30 days of continuous mindfulness and working on making a change to actually make a change.

Did you know:
You are amazing. We believe in you!

Learn more about us on the web at http://www.feliciachew.com

To support the Projects, visit us at http://www.feliciachew.com/support

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“We are each a piece of the puzzle of life.  Without each of us,  our picture is incomplete.”

Restorative Practices – Business Solution Model

Business Model (Safe Space Project) Goals

1. Prepare Victim for Restorative Practices

2. Prepare perpetrator for Restorative Practices

3. Prepare family and friends for restorative practices.

4. Provide infrastructure for restorative practices

5. Provide ongoing support for perpetrators, victims, families, and friends

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Current programs that respond to domestic violence have gaps. Pie, Felicia! (Safe Space Project) addresses those gaps. Pie, Felicia! (Safe Space Project) provides the space for changing the stigma and culture that perpetuates domestic violence through the use of restorative justice, by (1) empowering community members; (2) guiding the community toward ending the practices of shaming and blaming, (3) providing a place for individuals can go during the tension building phase of the cycle of domestic violence — for a “time apart”, and support for ending the cycle of domestic violence.

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The Problem (or “Why Our Community Needs Pie, Felicia! (Safe Space Project)”
1 out of 4 women and 1 out of 7 men will be victims of domestic violence. Children who repeatedly witness the cycle of domestic violence, (and are not allowed opportunity to process what they have seen) are more likely to commit acts of domestic violence.

The cycle of domestic violence has four phases: Tension building, trigger, explosive event, honeymoon. We will address three problems that perpetuate systemic domestic violence:

1. Lack of support for families in the tension building and trigger phases;
2. Lack of financial security;
3. Lack of empowerment / awareness of choice.

The Solution
Pie, Felicia! (Safe Space Project) fosters and provides opportunity for relationship building within the community, and empowering and supporting victims and survivors, to break the cycle.

Currently, in domestic dispute situations, law enforcement responds to the scene, and directs one of the parties to leave the space. Unfortunately in Tucson, it is hot outside. Coupled with the fact that the individual may not have anywhere to go, they wander around while getting hotter (emotionally and physically). The individuals and family members enter into crisis, ready to respond with fight, flight, or freeze.

Victims of domestic violence are hesitant to leave offenders of domestic violence for a variety of reasons including lack of finances, isolation, and fear. Children witness the cycle of living in fear and frustration, the inability to bridge gaps, and the crisis response in the form of fight, flight, and freeze.

While in the fight, flight, freeze phase, families and community members do not have safe space for obtaining resources and support.

Additionally, victims and survivors are limited in the support they have for avoiding recitivism.

Current programs leave gaps in the system (e.g. there is limited support for victims of coercive control – a type of domestic violence that has not been identified as criminal), and current programs are unable to meet the needs of all victims and survivors, due to the sheer number of victims and survivors.

Also, victims of coercive control/domestic violence have difficulty trusting others, and individuals are not all connecting with current existing programs for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The Social Impact
Reduced rates of domestic violence.

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Pie, Felicia! is an innovative business model approach with social impact

Current models for ending the system of domestic violence are punitive, not restorative, due to traditional concepts of popular culture. In American sports, there is 9ne winner, and the others are losers. With restorative practices, everyone is a winner.

Everyone is a winner with Pie, Felicia! Perpetrators practice empathy, victims (and future victims) find their voices, and the community learns about how they perpetuate the cycle (and how they can help end the cycle)…. and everyone eats Pie!!

The Customers
The primary target market is the area within 5 miles of the diner. This area is one of the more economically depressed areas of Tucson, with high rates of domestic violence, and repeat offenders. This is where many of the Safe Space Project customers will come from.

However, the customer base extends past the 5 miles. The second set of customers who will be served by this space is the Pie, Felicia customers.

Safe Space Project Customers
One of the reasons for domestic violence is the stress on families and individuals due to being economically depressed. There is less room for error in regards to finances. An unexpected illness can cause a crisis for the family. In spite of efforts to help provide equity for Tucsonans in a lower socio-economic status, the distance to bridge the gaps is challenging, and oftentimes inescapable as the system perpetuates the cycle.

We must break the cycle.

With the Safe Space Project, one (or both) of the parties (and the children) would be able to go to the Safe Space (e.g. the diner), where crisis response mentors who are familiar with resources in the city and county are able to help the individual identify solutions to the root cause of the domestic dispute (e.g. financial need, etc), while the children are able to participate in activity (going to Funtasticks or the Mall) in a safe environment with another mentor, and food and restrooms, out of the heat are available. A safe space allows individuals to come down out of crisis. We would be proactive, instead of reactive. This would be the pilot location for the Safe Space Project, especially convenient because it is on the transit line, and a variety of businesses (including the Tucson Mall) are nearby.

The fee for the Safe Space Project customers will be by donation (including “word of mouth advertising” and “sweat equity”). Many Safe Space Project customers will want to be able to give back, and opportunities will exist through volunteering or donations, when they are ready.

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How it works

With the Safe Space Project, one (or both) of the parties (and the children) would be able to go to Pie, Felicia! where crisis response mentors who are familiar with resources in the city and county are able to help the individual identify solutions to the root cause of the domestic dispute (e.g. financial need, etc), while the children are able to participate in activity (going to Funtasticks or the Mall) in a safe environment with another mentor, and food and restrooms, out of the heat are available. A safe space allows individuals to come down out of crisis. We would be proactive, instead of reactive. This would be the pilot location for the Safe Space Project, especially convenient because it is on the transit line, and a variety of businesses (including the Tucson Mall) are nearby.

The fee for Pie, Felicia! (Safe Space Project) intervention services will be by donation (including “word of mouth advertising” and “sweat equity”). Many Interventions participants will want to be able to give back, and opportunities will exist through volunteering or donations, when they are ready.

“Pie, Felicia” Customers
The Bread and Butter will come from the diner’s “Pie, Felicia” community program. Pie, Felicia! is a play on the existing meme “Bye, Felicia”. It reflects the vision of our small business — that we have the power to make things better; instead of being ashamed and shamed, we can speak up, use humor, and set boundaries.

“Pie, Felicia” Customers will have the ability to enjoy pie while participating in the Tucson Quilt Project, or other Activities while at the Diner. The Tucson Quilt Project quilts encourage participants to share their message with the world. Themes have included participant’s passions, thoughts on peace, sustainability, music, voluntarism, things that are fancy, and more! They have been displayed in various locations throughout the community including the Monterey Court, the Eckstrom-Columbus Library, the Surly Wench Pub, and Golden Pin Lanes.

The dessert pies will be ordered from local bakeries such as La Baguette Bakery, the Welcome Diner, and the Cup Cafe; the savory pies will be ordered from local pizzerias (and potentially have their portable cooking set-ups that frequent Farmer’s Markets, etc) in the parking lot.

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Scaleability

Pie, Felicia! will be the pilot program for the Safe Space Projects. Currently, Felicia Chew Community Projects has two regular monthly contributors funding the program. Additionally, several regular events are held (and several local partnerships) including:

• First Fridays with Felicia
• Walk-a-Mile on the First Saturday of each month
• Monthly “Help End Systemic Domestic Violence” events.
• Monthly appearances on Wake Up, Tucson!
• Quarterly Tucson Zines Writing Challenge
• Tucson Quilt Project events
• Meetings with stakeholders through the Domestic Violence Support Services project
• Contract with Pima County Library Programs
• Partnership with Surly Wench Pub, Monterey Court Gallery, Gloo Factory, Golden Pin Lanes, and other local businesses.
• Conversations with State Legislators, local policy makers, Pima County Victim Services, Pima County Public Defenders Office, perpetrators, victims, pie makers, and community members.

With increased funding, increased outreach and programming can occur, and the Safe Space mentors can respond to more areas.

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The Team

Felicia Chew, Project Lead. Felicia is a survivor of domestic violence and has been a participant of Emerge! and the Project SAFE. Felicia is trained in Victimology, Crisis Response, First Aid, and CPR. Felicia holds teaching certificates in Arizona and California, and has also taught on the Zuni Indian Reservation and in New Mexico. http://www.feliciachew.com

Hanson Fotherby, Research and Outreach. Hanson is passionate about helping his neighborhood return to a state of economic vitality. He has been an active part of the Oracle area Revitalization Project and is working to identify how historic tours may benefit the community.

Rosemary Bolza, Public Health Nurse. Rosemary is working toward educating our community on the impacts of sexual assault.

Kathy Morrow, Community Activist/Outreach Specialist. Kathy is experienced in community development, and is originally from this area. She is working on identifying ways to provide permanent housing to survivors of domestic violence who make the decision to leave their abusers.

Zack Busch, Educator. Zack is an educator with a passion for empowering our youth to make healthy choices.

Ellen Kirton, SBA, SBDG, Pima Community College

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Accomplishments and Partnerships

• Meetings with stakeholders through the Domestic Violence Support Services project
• Contract with Pima County Library Programs
• Partnership with Surly Wench Pub, Monterey Court Gallery, Gloo Factory, Golden Pin Lanes, and other local businesses
• Completion of Eller Business Certificate program
• Advisor at SBDG through Pima Community College
• Conversations with State Legislators, local policy makers, Pima County Victim Services, Pima County Public Defenders Office, perpetrators, victims, pie makers, and community members.
• Wake Up, Tucson! community
• Ward 3 and City of Tucson Community Members (Felicia is a former City Council Candidate)
• U of A student videographer
  Startup Tucson

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Funding Plan

1. Cold calls, warm calls
2. Partnerships with local businesses
3. Grant funding

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Needs

1. Secure space
2. Train mentors
3. Marketing
4. Materials for pies and quilts
5. Hire staff

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Join the movement to end systemic domestic violence by building relationships through sharing stories, art, perspectives, and PIE!!!!

Become a sponsor at http://www.feliciachew.com/support