This is good and well as it highlights the great culinary scene in Downtown Phoenix. But it misses out on the full picture.

Read for yourself:

Yet, strangely, despite noting in the guide that it covers the area from 7th Street to 3rd Avenue and Fillmore to Jackson streets, the pull-out map spans from 7th to 7th, all the way up to McKinley, leaving the fringes of the map looking noticeably empty. Is the map doing a disservice to many restaurants within the map’s confines?

Likewise, a feature story on the Urban Grocery & Wine Bar, a block outside of this radius on Pierce Street, is one of the main sections of the guide. But the cluster of restaurants on 1st and Pierce streets do not even receive a spot on the map, let alone a mention in the guide. [source]

One certainly can’t begrudge the DPP for promoting shops, restaurants, venues, and events in its defined area; however, the DPP must realize that it is a mutually beneficial relationship between shops/venues in its formal area and the greater downtown community. A downtown area whose marketing model is to bring people to big events–sports games, concerts, and other big festivals–must realize that the little shops in the area’s periphery keep people in the area. Whilst Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and these areas’ shops/restaurants aren’t within the Downtown Phoenix Partnership’s boundaries per se, they are a part of Downtown Phoenix and are a significant part of the Downtown Phoenix tapestry.

I’m not going to go as far as to say “shame on the DPP” for excluding these peripheral shops. Most tourists to Downtown Phoenix, and most likely most students at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, will receive the Downtown Phoenix Dining Guide and think that nothing exists outside of those ninety blocks. This unfortunately paints an inadequate picture of Downtown Phoenix as a place where one goes to participate in big events instead of a place to be.

If Downtown Phoenix is to thrive, it must become a place to be.

-E

To demonstrate the amazing things that College of Public Programs students are doing, here’s a quick note that she sent to her family, friends, and colleagues about a program that she implemented during her internship:

A program my supervisor and I implemented at my internship was featured on the channel 99 for those who have cox cable. This is a great program that teaches kids to be peaceful in their communities as well as in school or their homes. They have given service in the community and donated money to charities. This is a school in which 97% of the students receive free lunches due to socio-economic status and live in inpoverished neighborhoods and crime ridden environments. They are such an inspiration to me as they try to teach others to be more peaceful and see the good in each other. They truly give hope in places where hope is not often found! I’m so proud of them! This is an example of what schools can do and the good they can bring, yet they are in danger right now. This school is slated for closure should proposition 100 not be passed. Please watch this video and think about whether these kids deserve to keep their school and continue the good work they are doing. Vote YES on prop 100, not for you, but for their future!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqugHm0NPSg

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: There is so much amazing stuff that my college does. Most higher-education institutions say that they teach students to change the world. There’s one difference, though: the College of Public Programs actually does change the world.

I’m proud to be a student in my college, the College of Public Programs.

-Edward Jensen

Second, at no time have I ever been affiliated with the Andres Cano and Vaughn Hillyard campaign.  I was, am, and will be an independent student at ASU.  My two preceding posts on this issue were written on my own accord with no influence from any members of Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Hillyard’s campaign.  My original endorsement post, penned 30 March 2010, was written because I chose to write down and outline the reasons why I would vote for Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard, exercising my First Amendment rights and also to fill a gap in original material on this blog.  Had I known that my endorsement would have been of significant detriment to their campaign leading to their disqualification, I would not have written it.  My follow-up post on the disqualification of Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard, penned 8 April 2010, was written because I felt there were serious flaws in the the last-minute disqualification of that ticket and why they should be seated since they won a majority of the popular vote.

Never did I think that I’d end up in the middle of an elections kerfuffle.

In being at ASU, I had hoped to keep a low profile (well, as much as possible) and ruffle as few feathers as possible.  If you haven’t been living in a cave over the past 48 hours, you know what’s been going on with the recent ASASUD elections-gate.  If you have been living in a cave and have no idea what’s been going on, click here for the Downtown Devil‘s coverage.

The thing that I find fascinating is that my blog post wherein I endorsed one ticket instead of another was chalked up as one of the three strikes against that ticket.  Newspapers and other media outlets endorse candidates.  For example, then-Senator Barack Obama lauded that he was endorsed by The New York Times to be this country’s 44th President.  Senator John McCain did the same with the endorsement of his hometown newspaper, The Arizona Republic.  Candidates laud that they have been endorsed by public safety, education, or public service workers’ unions all the time.  Why should student government candidates not be able to do the same thing?

I’m not going to mention the double standard that applies to current ASASUD officers in publicly endorsing candidates.  Tania Mendes is the current President of ASASUD, and on 26 March, she posted the following to the “LAST CHANCE TO VOTE Vasquez & Abercrombie for ASASUD” Facebook group page’s wall (see for yourself in the screen capture below):

"I wish you both all the best. You guys have done a great job this year by taking ASASUD to another level. Thank you for not just talking the talk but walking the walk. I applaud you for your involvement commitment and enthusiasm for ASASUD. Win it all!!!" -ASASUD president Tania Mendes (click image for larger version)

But no, I’m not going to mention that.  Nor am I going to be shallow and mention that Ms. Mendes, a journalism major, fails to include appropriate punctuation.  And I’m not also going to mention that the other ticket’s Facebook group page, “Vote Andres & Vaughn for ASASUD!,” didn’t feature any such high-level endorsements.  Nor am I going to mention that one can’t have it both ways.

I was not–and still am not–affiliated with any of the candidates for ASASUD student president.  I chose one side instead of another, and I chose to outline the reasons I voted for them on my blog and publicly endorse them.  I do not hold any position of elected or appointed student leadership anywhere.  On 4 February 2010, I stepped down from the only position of formal student leadership I ever held whilst at ASU, the President of BLAST’D, the Barrett Honors College Leadership and Service Team at the Downtown Phoenix campus. (If I were still in that position, I would have never publicly endorsed a candidate.  I would have voted and encouraged others to do the same.)  Presently, though, my only perceived conflict of interest might be that I am employed by the College of Public Programs; however, it is clearly noted on my blog that my opinions are my own and not those of ASU or any of its affiliated institutions.  I own my blog, ASU does not.  I exclusively control my blog’s content, ASU does not.

The big thing is that people assume things and don’t read everything.  After my endorsement blog post, I received an email from the ASASUD Elections Committee saying that “many students at the downtown campus [sic] found the title of your blog post…misleading” and that they “feel it implies that ASASUD Executive Board and Senate both support the Andres and Vaughn Campaign.”   There’s one problem to their argument: it clearly shows that they didn’t read the post.  The first person is employed throughout, meaning that these are my opinions and nobody else’s.  Upon prodding the Elections Committee, “many students” turned out to be seven students.

I’m sorry, but seven people’s confusion–perceived or otherwise–doesn’t merit me to rename anything. That’s just the way it goes.

When I post something, I spill everything.  You don’t have to read between the lines because I’ve given you the stuff between the lines.  To the chagrin of my colleagues and friends, I’m rather detailed in my correspondence.  (My former BLAST’D colleagues will agree with me!) I’m a believer in getting the word out correctly the first time so that no additional correspondence is needed.  It’s just who I am.  I don’t leave room for interpretation because it’s usually misinterpretation.

That’s enough from me.  Barring anything even more unusual happening, this is my last post on this subject.

-Edward Jensen

The Downtown Devil reported on their Facebook page that Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Vaughn’s ticket received 453 votes to their opposition’s (Christian Vasquez and Jessica Abercrombie) 321 votes.

The reason: Late on Wednesday (toward the end of the voting period), someone filed a violation against their campaign. It apparently was the metaphorical straw that broke the camel’s back, and rather than stage a new election, Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Vaughn’s ticket was automatically disqualified thus making Mr. Vasquez and Ms. Abercrombie as this campus’s next President and Vice President.

Quite the way to win an election, no?  Hope someone else fails?

The reason why we vote for one candidate instead of another is because we endorse one candidate’s platform instead of another’s.  Of those that voted, almost 60% voted against Mr. Vasquez’s and Ms. Abercrombie’s platform.  Only 40% voted against Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Hillyard’s campaign platform.

First off, that elections violations can be tendered during the voting period is simply shameful.  If a candidate is to be disqualified, it should be before people start voting so they can learn more about another candidate’s platform or to submit a write-in candidate.

Second, that this violation came in the waning moments of the voting period makes me–and many–raise  an eyebrow.  It’s likely that the perception will be that an insider did this to change the outcome of the vote.  Whether this is true, however, will never be known.

Third, that Mr. Vasquez’s and Ms. Abercrombie’s campaign will be seated despite not winning a majority of the vote and without a runoff election goes against ASASUD elections code. I present Section 6.2:

If during the general election no one ticket receives at least fifty-one percent of the votes there will be a mandatory run-off election.

We shall see what happens. Until then, my perceptions that ASASUD is a feckless institution shall remain.

-Edward Jensen

There are two well-qualified tickets for the ASASUD (Associated Students of ASU at the Downtown Phoenix campus) presidency: Andres Cano and Vaughn Hillyard are one ticket and Christian Vasquez and Jessica Abercrombie are the other.  Ms. Abercrombie, Mr. Cano, and Mr. Hillyard are currently ASASUD senators; Mr. Vasquez is the director of parliamentary procedures for ASASUD.

Whilst both tickets present well-founded and bold platforms, it is Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Hillyard’s platform that is better for the development of the Downtown Phoenix campus.  That is why I am endorsing and voting for Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard to be President and Vice-president of ASASUD.

A president of a campus’s student government should be on that campus more than he is not.  Mr. Vasquez’s major is sociology, a Tempe campus program.  (In the interest of fairness and full disclosure, Ms. Abercrombie’s major is journalism, a program located on the Downtown Phoenix campus.)  Mr. Vasquez’s connection with the Tempe campus makes me wonder if he will try and shape this campus to be a miniature version of the Tempe campus.  Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard are both students in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication.

Going forward, the Downtown Phoenix campus needs to develop its own identity.  It should not be a miniature version of the Tempe campus.   The recent facilities fee (which, in full disclosure, I opposed) seemed to place the Downtown Phoenix campus on a path to becoming an extension of the Tempe campus.   This campus has its own heart and soul and must be allowed to come into its own.  The campus and the area’s established institutions should mutually benefit each other.  We do not need a student recreation center: we have the Lincoln Family YMCA.  We do not need a student union: we have Downtown Phoenix proper.  We do not need to reinvent the wheel and provide student-exclusive services: we have the depth and breadth of Downtown Phoenix’s established services that benefit all from our presence in the community.

With the economy in the state it is, and with state government’s support of higher education (and education in general) shrinking, tuition increases are unfortunately on the horizon.  On top of the ever-increasing tuition fee comes all the student fees.  Students are not unlimited funding sources for the whims of student government’s pet projects.  This is not only not true but it is unethical and immoral as well.  As an ASASUD senator, Ms. Abercrombie supported the increased facilities fee.  Mr. Cano voted against the fee.

Mr. Vasquez’s and Ms. Abercrombie’s platform seems to harness key buzzwords but doesn’t address concrete steps in which they will accomplish their agenda.  To borrow from the cliché, they look at the forest instead of the trees.  Their campaign equates sustainability (a word with which I have issues) with increased recycling bins.  They seek to reform ASASUD instead of effecting real change for the students; they seek to partner ASASUD with organizations instead of empowering students and student organizations to do likewise.  While their administration might prove beneficial, with the economy as it is, ASASUD needs to work for, on behalf, and with students and be an advocacy group for them.  We do not need change simply for change’s sake.

Not only does Mr. Cano’s and Mr. Hillyard’s campaign platform identify specific issues, it provides an action plan by which they will effect change.  In addition to adding recycling bins, Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard propose increasing the number of safe parking facilities for bicycles.  They propose extending the hours for Information Commons, the library and computing center for this campus.  They look at extending current initiatives to increase campus security, including police aide escorts and the emergency call boxes.  They seek to empower students and student organizations to network and to reach out to the community that is Downtown Phoenix.

Their attention to detail and their focus on the trees instead of the forest is why I will be voting for Mr. Cano and Mr. Hillyard.  All the same, though, irrespective of your preferred candidate, your voice needs to be heard.  Voting takes place Tuesday 6-Wednesday 7 April 2010 at asasud.com.

-Edward Jensen

There are hundreds and thousands of places in Downtown Phoenix that are intriguing.  The last time I was approached with this writing theme, I discussed the Phoenix Symphony and the amazing things that they do.  But this time around, I’m taking it from a different lens.  Downtown Phoenix is special because of the people of Downtown Phoenix.  It’s special because of the memories I have made in the area.  It’s special because as I have grown and learned more about myself, Downtown Phoenix has grown and learned more about itself.

Consider Fair Trade Café at the Civic Space.  It’s special not just because of the fact that they serve amazing coffee and have amazing food.  It’s special because of the people that are there behind the counter.  I know them, they know me, and they know what my favorite coffee drink is and that I always want a bit of room left in the cup for some cream.

Or consider the greater entity that is the Civic Space Park.  There are people from the community that sit and chat, there are students studying for classes, there are kids playing football (or football), and there are just people being there enjoying the park and its surrounding urban environment.

Or consider the people at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.  When I had to first talk to a staff person on the campus, I was immediately surprised at how friendly they are.  Coming from the sea of humanity that is the Tempe campus, where one is not a name but a number, this was a huge culture shock.  Stepping inside to a classroom, one would be surprised that it’s not a lecturer preaching from the altar in a lecture.  There’s discussion, discourse, and even disagreement happening in those classrooms.

What’s special about Downtown Phoenix?  It’s the people.  It’s the memories.  It’s what you make it to be.  Downtown Phoenix is that blank canvas on which one paints one’s memories.

-Edward Jensen

As most of you are aware, last week, I stepped down as the President of BLAST’D, the Barrett Leadership and Service Team on our campus.  It was not an easy decision to realize that I had to make, nor was it a decision that I took lightly.

Being that I never had a chance in which to say farewell and thank you in person, I’m hoping that this open letter in this public forum will suffice just as well.

Let me be clear: My departure had nothing to do with the people that were serving alongside me.  I have tremendous admiration and respect for the Executive Committee and the staff of Barrett Downtown.  These individuals–volunteer and professional staff alike–tirelessly have advocated for us all and have worked to promote Barrett Downtown to the other ASU campuses.  None of our events since Barrett Downtown’s inception would have been nearly as successful as they have been if our staff was not involved in the process.

Why, then, did I step down?  It boils down to that the number of hours in the day remain fixed.  My commitments–academic, professional, and service–keep growing.  I cannot be all things to all people, and I quickly came to the realization that I needed to take an honest and objective look at all of my commitments.  I have a lot on my plate with three simultaneous large-scale research projects, a continually-evolving job with the Dean’s Office for my College, the College of Public Programs, and the requisite coursework so I may graduate in December 2010.  In addition, I’m starting to create my graduate school application for the Master of Public Administration program at ASU’s School of Public Affairs, where I’ll start in August 2011.

I think that the first thing that we, as students, forget is that we are students first when we’re in college.  We try–and especially we as honors students–to do so much résumé-building that we truly forget why we’re here in the first place: to go and learn things so that we may become successful in whatever we choose to do.  And especially as honors students, we have even more on our plate.  Yes, résumé-building is good, but as the number of hours in the day remain fixed, we need to have our priorities.

For the club going forward: Give Caroline Porter her due respect.  Ms. Porter is a wonderful person and she is equally committed to this club’s success.  My decision to leave was made easier because I know that the club would be in capable hands.

Finally, I finish with these words: Thank you all so much for the support that you have given to me, to the club, and to the Barrett Downtown community.  Keep that spirit alive as your relationship with Barrett Downtown continues to grow. Keep your support and enthusiasm for BLAST’D as alive as ever.

Oh, and by the way, this isn’t my goodbye from Barrett Downtown.  Far from it.  I’ll still be at some of the events and I’ll still be helping Jill, Jenn, and Dr. Peck on some projects and initiatives, still advocating and fighting for BLAST’D's success and due recognition along the way.  Consider me the new Goodwill Ambassador for Barrett Downtown.

And I’ll still see you around the campus.

-Edward Jensen

In preparation for the start of the semester on Tuesday January 19, please note the following hours for services on the Downtown Phoenix campus:

• Enrollment Services (off UCENT lobby): open Jan 19, 20, 25, and 26 until 6pm
• Parking and Transit (off UCENT elevators, 1st floor): regular hours (8a-4.30p)
• Bookstore (UCENT, near Polk St entrance): visit the ASU Bookstore website]
• Academic advising: contact your advisor
• Library (UCENT basement): resumes regular hours Jan 19
• ASU Health Center (NHI 1 building): regular hours (8a-5p)
• Fair Trade Cafe at the Civic Space: always open Monday-Saturday 7a-10p, closed Sunday

For all of the semester’s deadlines (including drop/add periods, withdrawal deadlines, etc.), check out the ASU Academic Calendar. To get an idea of when your final exams will be (exams week is May 6-12), check the University Final Exam Schedule.

From myself and from my colleagues in the Dean’s Office of the College of Public Programs, we wish you a successful, productive, and engaging Spring 2010 semester.

-Edward Jensen

GOLDEN PASS PROMOTION

Ala Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, METRO will specially mark “golden” transit passes in station fare vending machines along the line.  With more than 100 machines, METRO wants to help increase your odds.  Visit any or all of the following stations and their on-platform fare vending machines for your pass purchase and chance to win.

• Montebello/19^th Avenue
• Central Avenue/Camelback
• Roosevelt/Central Avenue
• Van Buren/Central Avenue and Van Buren/1^st Avenue
• Mill Avenue/3^rd Street
• Veterans Way/College Avenue
• Price-101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard
• Sycamore/Main Street

The 50 “golden” transit pass recipients will be entered into a raffle to receive one of 30 pairs of US Airways Center event tickets – either to a regular season Phoenix Suns home game or a family-friendly event, Disney on Ice or Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus – or one of two “Grand Golden VIP Experiences” that include:

• Four lower-level tickets to a Phoenix Suns home game
• Seats on the Suns bench during pre-game warm-ups
• Suns locker room tour
• Suns autographed memorabilia

For additional information, including rules, regulations and eligibility details, visit www.metrolightrail.org.   Platinum Pass and U-Pass cardholders have also been integrated into this program.

RIDER APPRECIATION DISCOUNTS

To sweeten the anniversary celebration, more than 45 gracious retailers along the line will offer special discounts or deals to anyone who presents a valid transit pass on December 19.  Riders will enjoy substantial savings such as two-for-one deals or as much as 30% off at these one-of-a-kind businesses.

The Suns are also offering a great deal extended through the holiday season. Present a valid transit pass at the US Airways Center ticket office between December 19 – 31 and receive $20 off lower level tickets or $10 off upper level tickets for any January 2010 game.  Great seats are still available.  Give a gift that will make your favorite Suns fan cheer!  The offer may be redeemed at the US Airways Center ticket office during normal business hours while supplies last.

For a complete list of businesses and their discounts, visit www.metrolightrail.org.

About METRO

METRO is celebrating it first year of operation having served more than 10.3 million riders through November 2009.  With the community’s support, METRO’s weekday ridership is 34 percent greater than projected, with Saturdays and Sundays fairing even better.  METRO will continue to look for ways to refine its 20-mile operation and level of customer service, while also planning for 37 miles of future extensions. Go to the www.metrolightrail.org site and click on Metro Turns One.  At Events to Enjoy there are lists of activities in the areas around Metro stations.

The forum is a response to President Barack Obama’s recent call for public debate concerning job creation in communities across the nation. Information discussed at the forum will be compiled into a report and sent to the White House for review.

The forum will begin with brief presentations about existing community building efforts in the service and design sectors and the relationship between entrepreneurship and job creation.

Panelists include:

• Dennis Hoffman, ASU Professor of Economics; Director, L. William Seidman Research Institute; and Director, Office of the University Economist
• Debra Friedman, University Vice President and Dean, ASU College of Public Programs: How the College of Public Program’s Spirit of Service Scholars initiative will strengthen the service sector
• Russ Perry, Owner, Keane Creative: How the collaboration within our local design community supports the retention of highly qualified graduates and has the potential to attract new industry-based investment
• Audrey Iffert, University Innovation Fellow, Office of University Initiatives: The connection between entrepreneurship, social capital/networking, and job creation
• Sean Coleman, Orange Slyce, ASU student entrepreneur: How internships enhance human capital and support job creation

Following the panel, participants will break into small groups to discuss:

• What can the university do to better support and prepare our future workforce?
• What are Arizona’s strengths?  How can we leverage these strengths to create new jobs in our region?  How do we build strong communities to support job creation?
• How can we foster industry-specific collaboration to attract investment to our region?
• What are the current obstacles we face to spark job creation? How do we overcome these obstacles?

Discussion leaders include:

• Sherry Ahrentzen, Ph.D., Associate Director of Research, Policy & Strategic Initiatives, Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family
• Mary E. Dawes, Ph.D., Director of Academic & Career Exploration, ASU University College
• Russ Maloney, Partner, Keane Creative
• Kitty McGrath, Executive Director, Career Services, ASU
• Bruce Mosby, C-Level Management Consulting, Mosby and Company, Inc.
• Roselyn O’Connell, Owner, My Campaign Advisor

Anticipated forum participants include leaders from the business and design communities, elected leaders, current and aspiring entrepreneurs, and ASU faculty and staff.

Also, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council will host an Arizona forum on jobs and economic growth from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Biodesign Institute at ASU in Tempe.  In addition to the Council, participants include members of the AZ Technology Council, Science Foundation Arizona, labor leaders and nonprofit leaders.  The focus is to listen to these leaders about what they believe the White House and Congress should do to help create jobs and restart Arizona’s economy.

ASU’s College of Public Programs offers educational and research programs spanning the fields of social work, public affairs, criminology and criminal justice, and community resources and development. The College has over 3,000 students in more than 35 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree and certificate programs. Its graduates are leaders in government, nonprofit organizations, and criminal justice and human service agencies. For information, visit http://copp.asu.edu/

Surprise: this is another post on that same topic.  But, as preface, remember that I’m in the Urban and Metropolitan Studies program at Arizona State University, and as such, this is what we study.  What makes cities work?  What makes them not work?

[Author’s note: Yes, I know that Radiate Phoenix is tomorrow night and that this topic is the main item on the agenda.  It’s just that this is horrendous timing with Thanksgiving being a couple days away.  The holiday is pretty important to me and it's big in my family and, as strange as it might seem, I’m going to need all the preparation I can get.  I write this as my two cents’ worth to the discussion.  But I wish you all a spirited and productive conversation.]

Why is Downtown Phoenix not what we want it to be?  How can it get there?  I’m prepared to argue that Phoenix (its downtown, the city as a whole, and the region) focuses too much time and energy on the things that bring people here but not keep them here.  In August, I wrote a series of posts that explored this issue. As proof for this thesis, know that for every five people that are enfranchised by the area and come here, three people are disenfranchised and leave (source: Making Sense of Place – Phoenix: The Urban Desert).

It’s important to take a step back and look at the region’s recent history.  After World War II ended, those that were stationed in the various military outposts in this region came and settled here with their family.  With the land readily accessible, developers built new houses on virgin land outside the central core.  This began, inevitably, a culture and a mindset that if something isn’t just quite right, then just forget about it and build again—anew.  Downtown Phoenix began to become desolate, and so rather than quickly fixing the problem when it would have been an easy fix, we (true to form) ignored the problem and built new urban villages away from the core.  Those who could afford to leave did; those who couldn’t became disenfranchised as policy and governance focused on the new things, because they were politically more “sexy.”

This pattern repeated and repeated and that’s how we’re in this present state.  Rather than maintaining and sustaining present infrastructure, we’re always looking for that next “crown jewel” in the desert.

Downtown Phoenix has many different crown jewels that are already here.  Just because something is new and shiny does not mean that it’s automatically one of those jewels.  Let’s focus on that infrastructure which is already here.  From a physical infrastructure point of view, what’s here already is fantastic.  Now we have to fill in the gaping holes with a sustainable people infrastructure.

What is this people infrastructure?  I’m thinking places where people go: bars, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, parks, etc.  This is what academics like to call third places—places outside of one’s home and office.

What can we do to support this people infrastructure?  Make it a habit to shop and buy local.  Go beyond our elected leaders’ response to shopping local (what seems like mere lip service).  Tell friends, family, fellow students, colleagues, coworkers, anyone, and everyone about your favorite local places.  And go with them to these places!  I cannot tell you how much it pains me to see so many Starbucks cups carried by students, faculty, and staff on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, given the fact that the wonderful Fair Trade Café is set in the Civic Space Park.

How do we “fix” Phoenix?  Recognize our past.  Learn from our mistakes.  Diversify how and what we build.  Recognize that a healthy city needs a vibrant downtown core.  Focus on institutions that keep people here instead of those that just attract new blood.

-Edward Jensen

epilogue. Join me in making a pledge to purchase all your holiday gifts at locally-owned shops across the Valley.  If you’re throwing a party or preparing a big meal for your family to mark the season, shop at places like the Phoenix Urban Market or, if you must go to a supermarket, then there’s Bashas’.

Staging aside, the Mayor’s speech left me with more questions than answers.  The first year I went (2007), the Mayor outlined several bold proposals for downtown, including moving ASU’s College of Law to the then two-year-old campus.  The 2008 address was delivered at the then recently-opened Sheraton but with the economy having just collapsed, the highlight of that speech was for all those in attendance to ride the then yet-to-be-opened METRO light rail.

And then there was last night.

The roughly forty-minute speech seemed to lack a specific focus.  Over half of the speech was dedicated to the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.  So was this the State of Downtown or the State of the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus?

My other impression from the Mayor’s speech is that this should have been delivered 3-4 years ago when the different things he was lauding – CityScape (strangely, there wasn’t one mention of One Central Park East), the UofA medical school, the Civic Space, ASU’s presence in downtown, etc. – were being pitched to the voters for their support.  Except these things had already opened or are very close to opening.

Another theme I took away from the Mayor’s speech was that there is no separation between ASU Downtown Phoenix and the greater Downtown Phoenix community.  The fate of one would affect the fate of the other.  Granted, the two are mutually related and intertwined in some fashion, but if there’s one thing that Arizona’s economy has taught us, it’s that we shouldn’t put all of our economic growth eggs in one basket.

Granted, with the Mayor’s tenure in office coming to a close soon (he’ll wrap up his second and final term in January 2011), maybe he’s trying to cement his legacy.  I’m not giving him any grief about this, but this city has a lot of issues facing it at the moment.

(It never helps with the state legislature is working against the city, or rather against the state.)

If you want to read the Mayor’s full speech, check out the Downtown Phoenix Journal article, “Recap of the Mayor’s State of Downtown Speech.”

-Edward Jensen

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE4YAyf88UQ

-Edward Jensen

When Andres Cano decided to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism he knew he would be required to live on the Downtown Campus – a move he was excited about making.

“I didn’t fear living or being downtown because it’s such a lively atmosphere,” says Cano, a freshman from Tucson. “Safety should not be a concern … I think a huge part is the amount of activity going on downtown because of sports and concerts.”

The shift in tone among the freshmen student body is one of anticipation rather than apprehension about what Downtown Phoenix has to offer. The biggest obstacle the city faces in its second year of full-scale operation is promoting an urban atmosphere, not security concern, a feeling that resonates with both students and ASU Downtown Campus police.

[by Janessa Hilliard - read the full article here]

-Edward Jensen

One of these programs is called the College Club Card. For $30, you get free tickets to most of the PSO’s concerts this season at Symphony Hall.

From the PSO’s website:

The Phoenix Symphony’s College Club Card gives Phoenix-area college students the opportunity to attend unlimited Symphony Classics concerts for only $30. Tickets can be picked up – one per cardholder, student ID required – at the Symphony Hall Box Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online using the preset promotional code COLLEGE. There is a limit of one ticket per cardholder and a maximum of 100 tickets available per concert; therefore, availability is not guaranteed to all Classics concerts. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The PSO’s box office is located on the second floor of 1 N 1st St (the northeast corner of 1st St and Washington, click for map). When you go, make sure you bring your student ID and a copy of your current course schedule.

For the complete list of eligible concerts, click here. And for more information, call the PSO’s box office, (602) 495-1999, or drop by (they’re open 10a-4p, and they’re quite lovely people!).

And I’ll be seeing you at the Symphony!

-Edward Jensen

Join ASU Career Services again on Wednesday, September 9th, for a panel of current nonprofit, foundation, and government employees as they answer your questions, provide career guidance, and share personal advice.

-Edward Jensen

Join Career Services at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus tomorrow, August 26th, as over 20 ASU departments and local employers bring their part-time job opportunities to you!  For more information, check out the event page on ASU Events.

-Edward Jensen

Dear fellow Barrett Downtown students:On behalf of the entire Barrett Downtown community, I welcome you to the Fall 2009 semester and the 2009-2010 academic year. With the hard work and dedication of Jill Johnson, Dr. Laura Peck, and numerous Barrett Downtown students, Barrett’s inaugural year on the Downtown Phoenix campus far exceeded everyone’s expectations. True to Barrett fashion, however, we are not going to rest on these laurels: we are going to have an even better year this year.

We are delighted to welcome to the Barrett Downtown community students from programs that have recently moved to our campus. We are excited to have you here and we look forward to working with you in this and future semesters. You join a community of scholars who have embedded themselves into this vibrant urban laboratory that is Downtown Phoenix. The programs that are here on our campus share professional counterparts within a mile’s radius from the campus and you may take an internship with one of these organizations.

As both Jill and Dr. Peck mentioned in their letters, there are several Barrett-associated student organizations here on this campus. All clubs share a common purpose: to foster a sense of community among those in Barrett Downtown. From the Book Club to B-Town D-Town (our residential college), these clubs are great ways to meet people who share common interests and passions in a unique setting. And if there is a club that you want to create, I remind you that it takes three students and a faculty/staff advisor to create and register a club here at ASU and the Downtown Phoenix campus.

This leads me to the club I help to run, the Barrett Leadership and Service Team at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, or BLAST’D. For this semester, we are planning several signature events, including a social in the A.E. England building at the Civic Space Park, a light rail progressive dinner with our Tempe campus friends, and other unique events. We are also in the process of partnering with various nonprofit and nongovernmental agencies to provide opportunities for you to help make our shared community a better place.

BLAST’D’s meetings will be on the first Friday of each month. While we are still figuring out the exact time and place of our meetings, we do know this: we want you to join us! Do you want to help plan our events or service opportunities? Do you have ideas for events that we’ve overlooked? We are a small program here on a small campus, and so we want to hear from you. I strongly encourage you to join us at our meetings and in our work.

So once again, welcome to this new year. We have a lot of activities planned and we’re excited for what is to come. And as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jill Johnson, Dr. Peck, or me.

With all best wishes for a fantastic semester and year–

Edward C.H. Jensen
President, Barrett Leadership and Service Team at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus
echj [at] asu [dot] edu, edwardjensen.net, facebook.com/edwardjensen

Readers of my blog will notice that I haven’t posted in a week. This is because I was on a family vacation to Colorado.  I enjoyed my time there but I’m rather happy to be back in Phoenix.

I bring this up because although I didn’t have time to prepare a new edition of ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, friend and colleague Amy Freberg read my mind and gave a video overview of the Lincoln Family YMCA from my favorite spot on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, the roof deck of University Center.

So, go check out “See the Y from the 9th Floor” and watch the video. You’ll be glad you did.

And I’ll be back next Monday with a new adventure.

-Edward Jensen

If you’re in the ASU College of Public Programs, as most students on the Downtown Phoenix campus are, then chances are that you’ll never have a reason to explore the home for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.  This would be sad, because it is a very cool building.  Granted, you might have a class in the first floor, but the focal point for the building is the second floor, home to the First Amendment Forum. During ASU sporting events, the second floor’s 16-foot by 9-foot television becomes a home for Downtown Phoenix campus students to enjoy events that take place on the Tempe campus.

Something that you might not notice in the building, however, is the Clifford Gallery. If one were to look at the giant television screen, the gallery is off to the right.  The gallery is home to many interesting artifacts of journalism history – including cameras, typewriters, and a mixing console – and how journalists covered some of history’s greatest events.  There’s even a newspaper vending machine with the final edition of the Phoenix Gazette (longtime Phoenicians will remember this!).

If you go…
The Clifford Gallery is located on the second floor of the Cronkite School building, 555 N. Central Avenue. It is the building directly north of University Center. Once in the building, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor. You’ll see the First Amendment Forum. Behind the giant television screen is the Clifford Gallery.

More information on the Internet…
http://cronkite.asu.edu/news/gallery-111908.php

-Edward Jensen

So something that I’m starting is a weekly series on places that aren’t so well-known here on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. The first stop is over to the Mercado, part of the original ASU Downtown Center (in our pre-campus days!), and their Galleria. If you’re wondering, the Mercado is opposite Van Buren Street from the Arizona Center, and is a quick 5-7 minute walk from University Center.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus know about the art collection in University Center, the main building for the campus and home to the College of Public Programs. The building features art from nonprofits that are associated with the University as well as art by faculty emeriti.

Last week, I thought it appropriate to check out the Galleria in the Mercado and see how it compares with the artwork here in University Center.  It is displayed there much like it is displayed at University Center: in the hallways.  It’s nothing special, really.  The exhibition this month is “Transparent Reflections” by local artist and ASU alumna Kathy Mitchell.  Ms. Mitchell’s work was for sale, with prices ranging from $150 for a small canvas to over $1,000.

If you’re in the Mercado taking a class, then check out the Galleria.  But if your travels don’t take you in that direction, then check out the art at University Center.

If you go…
The Galleria is located in Building C of the Mercado at the northeast corner of 5th St and Monroe St.  From University Center, head south on Central Avenue to Monroe Street (two blocks) and then head east five blocks on Monroe.  Once in Building C, take the elevators up to the 2nd floor. The artwork is in the common hallways of that floor.

More info on the Internet…
http://www.asu.edu/xed/galleria/index.html

-Edward Jensen