You have just elected a new president. Will that president send federal troops to Henderson County, N.C., to protect the civil rights of property owners, [as the government did in] Birmingham, Ala.? Henderson County has continually infringed on property rights that were guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Now the autocrats propose an ordinance that will … Read more
We face many challenges in 2009 and beyond. We also have unprecedented opportunity with new leadership to: create new jobs, stabilize our economy/energy prices and work towards freedom from dirty fuels along with their global warming pollution. WNC would support repowering America with 100 percent clean electricity as it will get us jobs and our … Read more
Tuesday was a night of victories. Victory for the Democratic Party, certainly, but [also] I believe Obama when he speaks of fighting partisanship. It was a victory for African-Americans. However, the tears in Jesse Jackson’s eyes Tuesday reflected my own overwhelming joy, even as a young white male. This was a victory for America—but not … Read more
Be a Wondergirl sidekick: Nearly 1,000 girls from all across Western North Carolina have weathered 14 weeks of training as they aim for running the Winter Wondergirl 5K on Saturday, Dec. 13. They’re almost ready, but to pull off the noon event, organizers need your help between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day. The … Read more
Tod’s Tasties And To-Go’s: For those folks who can’t wait for downtown-Asheville delight Table to open, owners of the fashionable farm-to-table eatery have opened a new café where fans can get their breakfast fix. Tod’s Tasties and To-Go’s, located in the Montford Avenue space vacated by Viva Europa, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting at … Read more
While the federal political landscape has been reshaped by an electoral landslide, state and local politics have been solidified under the status quo. Old faces are staying around; even supposedly “new faces” have system roots that run very deep. And arrogant attitudes that were supposedly washed away have re-emerged. At a time when the battle … Read more
Whether it’s world music, Appalachian folk, lounge or rock, Asheville-area artists tend to temper their sounds with eclectic add-ons and unexpected twists. These new releases—from two fairly well-known groups and two up-and-comers—show how a little fusion goes a long way. Hiding in Plain Sight by Locomotive Pie This extended-length (15 tracks) collection of mostly original … Read more
That was the word from Executive Director Celeste Collins on Nov. 11, after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development once again turned down OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling’s bid for a critical $135,000 grant (see “The Biz,” Nov. 12 Xpress). Eyes on the prize: Local “mompreneurs” Christen Ward and Kristin Keliher and their … Read more
Developer Tony Fraga has decided to abandon his massive Haywood Park proposal for downtown Asheville, which included a pair of 20-plus-story high-rises. Attorney Lou Bissette delivered the news to the Asheville City Council during its Nov. 11 meeting. Walking away: Developer Tony Fraga sent word to Asheville City Council that he was withdrawing his proposed … Read more
