Public Periscope

Keeping in touch

Spokane City Councilman Chris Anderson rang up a $100 cellular phone bill in August - and that at the government rate of 28 cents a minute. He reimbursed the city for about $26, which covered his personal calls. … At $74 for city-related phone calls, Anderson still is way ahead of the other two council members with city-issued cell phone numbers. Mayor Jack Geraghty’s total bill added up to $2.47, while Councilwoman Bev Numbers’ total bill amounted to 57 cents. … Anderson asked to have his city cell phone number canceled last week, saying it is just too hard to tell which calls were work-related and which were personal when the bills come in.

Our fathers, who art at center court …

Wary as “Periscope” is of entering into religious topics, a notice from Gonzaga University is too good to pass up. GU Law School is inviting judges, lawyers and their families to attend a Red Mass ecumenical service and reception Tuesday, at which GU will pass out Distinguished Judicial Awards. … The press release makes it clear GU has its priorities in order, though: “The event will end in plenty of time for basketball fans to attend the Utah Jazz vs. Seattle Sonics NBA exhibition game at the Spokane Arena.”

Maybe you didn’t know

It’s Washington Rideshare Week. Your boss might be wishing you would walk, bike, ride a bus or use a car pool to get to the office at least once this week. Spokane County’s Commute Trip Reduction Office says that at least 52 employers even are giving out prizes. … Leaving your car at home just once or twice a week can improve air quality, county officials say. … Sorry, but you don’t get points for cutting down on traffic and helping the environment if you just goof off and stay home.

In case you were wondering

The flags at state facilities were lowered to half-staff Sunday in honor of the National Day of Remembrance for victims of violence. … Gov. Mike Lowry ordered flags lowered as part of the recognition of the YWCA Week Without Violence in Washington state, which started Sunday.

Getting involved

The city of Spokane, which always seems to need volunteers for various boards and commissions, has a particularly long wish list this week:

The Public Facilities District needs a city resident. Apply by Friday.

The City-County Historic Landmarks Commission has five open spots for one city resident, two county residents, one central business district property owner or manager and one experienced construction specialist. Apply by Oct. 27.

The Human Services Advisory Board is looking for two people with diverse backgrounds. Apply by Nov. 3.

The Human Rights Commission has five openings for people “with a demonstrated commitment to human rights” and enough time to serve. Apply by Nov. 3.

Applications are available at the mayor’s office, 5th Floor, City Hall.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. If you have a question about government, growth or development, we’d like to help find an answer. Write us at The Spokesman-Review, Box 2160, Spokane 99210. Or call Cityline at 458-8800 on a TouchTone phone, then press 9120 to leave a message. Or send e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com for on-line readers.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

HOT TOPICS Tuesday: NorthTown Mall, which wants to expand its parking and store space on the Division Street side of the shopping center, will discuss its traffic study. 6:30 p.m., Zion Christian Center, 545 E. Wellesley. Wednesday: A chance to comment on rules designed to protect wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat comes up as the county works on the final draft of the Critical Habitat Ordinance. 6 p.m., commissioners assembly room, County Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports