4/10: Jim Thatcher, Urban Studies and Geography Professor

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:51 — 10.9MB)

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Jim Thatcher introduces us to the good, bad, artistic, funny, and hopeful ways location-aware technology and Big Data shape our lives and society.

Interview begins at 6:55.

WASHINGTON STATE

  • The Washington State Patrol is reassuring the public that state troopers are NOT making traffic stops just to check motorists’ travel status or ask for any additional documents or letters that authorize travel during statewide stay-at-home orders.
    • Registration, driver’s license and proof of insurance are the only documents needed, same as with any normal traffic stop.
    • Travelers who believe they are being stopped by someone impersonating a trooper or police officer, are advised to pull over with their emergency flashers on, call 911, and give a description of their vehicle and location, or pull over in a highly populated area such as a grocery store parking lot.

TACOMA

  • The University of Washington–Tacoma has cancelled in-person graduation ceremonies this year.
    • Instead, class of 2020 students may participate in an interactive online Commencement ceremony on June 13 with students from each of the UW campuses.
    • Graduates may also participate in the June 2021 in-person ceremony.
    • Questions may be emailed to tcommenc@uw.edu.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Pierce Transit has implemented further service changes to ensure sufficient trips for essential workers to enable distancing measures for all riders.
  • Busses on routes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 500 will run more frequently
  • Route 100 will not operate in Uptown due to the need to operate bigger buses to accommodate social distancing, so riders should catch the bus at stops on Point Fosdick Drive.
  • Route 206 will now run all the way to Madigan on weekdays and Saturdays
  • Routes can be found online at piercetransit.org
  • You can also call 253.581.8000
  • Essential workers who are unable to get to or from jobs because of reduced bus service may now call Pierce Transit at 253.581.8000, select option 2, and a Pierce Transit Customer Service Representative will work with you to arrange a ride.
    • You must be an essential worker going to an essential job, Monday thru Friday.
    • Trips must be scheduled in advance, no later than 5 p.m. the day before you ride.
    • Be ready to state why you are considered an essential worker, the route number you typically take, the time you typically travel on the bus to and from work, and desired pickup and drop-off locations.