Why is dating, and meeting people in Olympia so difficult?

After the hell of the week we've had, this is a great opportunity for Olympia to come around and embrace those in the crosshairs of the new administration.

Going abroad in January for 10 days and need any dog boarding recos if possible! TIA

I am a resident of southwest Olympia.

It seems like every month now, a group of local activists comes through our community and vandalizes our neighborhood. They tag our homes, local small businesses, and parks, often with messages advocating we kill people. With Trump winning the presidency, we’re all just bracing for the next wave of it.

I see lots of people on this subreddit looking for ways to organize since the election, which is great. I just hope none of it involves damaging our neighborhood anymore.

One of the people whose property has been repeatedly vandalized is an elderly immigrant who doesn’t speak much English. He’s too old to clean all the tags off, and doesn’t understand why people keep damaging his home.

We are not the government. We’re certainly not Trump’s government. We’re not some billionaires corporation. We’re just your fellow Olympia residents.

Please stop hurting the place we live. And if you aren’t doing it personally, please discourage others from doing it. We don’t deserve to live like this.

It's been a while since I've had a gun, but I'd like to purchase from a shop that at the very least isn't MAGA fanatical. Do we have any locally? What about instructors or shooting ranges?

I'm also on the lookout for self defense classes for tweens and up. The "your body, my choice" chant has made it to my daughter's school and the boys have begun lifting the girls skirts.

I'm hoping things blow over and calm down, but I also don't want to be unprepared if they don't. I'm a mom with a daughter, we can't even have a dog here and I feel like I need some kind of protection.

Hello! Been living in Olympia for almost 5 years, husband is at JBLM. The check engine light is on in his Veloster. I made an appointment to get it looked but drove away when the business had a lot of red signage. Would love a rec for a mechanic that I can feel good giving my money to. Thank you so much!

Oddly specific but I’m wanting to see if anyone knows anyone who does creative writing classes or any colleges that offer any to the public around here. Googling suggestions that are taking me more North and would like to see if there is anything closer to home.

I know the Flaming Pig is doing a turkey dinner and that's why I'm asking, but I don't want smoked turkey.

I walked to California Tacos to get a burrito and found out that they raised all of their prices by a dollar. So I decided to get a more affordable chicken shawarma at the Nineva truck instead. I love my burritos but I’m not making anymore money than I was before and have to be mindful of my budget, as I’m sure we all do in these in uncertain times. But the real kicker was as I was enjoying my schawarma and walking down fourth, I realized I was walking behind a young bearded man in a lovely cloak. I admired it and his middle-earthen style as we walked in the same direction. Then out of nowhere, a small young kid (likely 11 years of age) comes ripping across the street on his little scooter and then promptly posts up at the bus stop. With utter conviction he yells out to the cloaked man in front of me, “wizards suck d***!”. I literally stopped and stared at the kid who then says to me “what the fuck are you looking at?”. I looked down at my feet and kept walking because there is no way in hell I’m going to go start shit with an 11 year old, as much as I felt the primal urge to. I remembered a time when you could get a fresh burrito for an affordable price, and you could walk through downtown in a cloak without getting harassed by children. Times are changing, and I don’t know if I’m ready for it….

Hello Olympia, I'm going to be moving to the region within the next year. I want to make sure to support local liberal/left leaning politics but I'm not sure how I can go about it. I'm ready to donate, and volunteer. Can the community give me advice and how I can get involved? Thank you all so much for being the beacon of hope when the rest of the country has let me down.

I think we are are at a point where we should go back to refraining from national politics, regardless of how much it may be on peoples' minds. There are many other places on reddit or elsewhere to discuss, argue, despair, and rejoice, as circumstances warrant. This place is for things that solidly center Olympia. It has been a lot to moderate and we wanted to give some grace, but we cannot constantly moderate to this level.

To that end, I will be locking open-ended politics threads along the lines of "what should we do", imprecatory political remarks about other polities, etc. I am also going to lock the boycott post –it is are a lightning rod and mostly unverifiable.

If your post centers to Olympia, living in Olympia, or perhaps has something to do with the state government or employment for the same, that is fine. If your post is about an event in Olympia (that does not break other rules, especially including legality), that is fine.

It might be helpful to think of this as a refuge from fractious national politics. We'll try our best.

CapCity Presents: Eastside Club Tavern turns 82! Doors at 7PM Show at 8PM $21+ $10 Cover at the door

LINEUP: Kate Dinsmore Kate Dinsmore is a singer-songwriter based in Seattle, WA. A dynamic performer and vocalist, Dinsmore brings her songs to the stage with an undeniable presence. Her music is powerful and emotional, with influences ranging from Jazz to Rock to Americana. Dinsmore's performances quickly gained a following in Seattle, allowing her to open for notable artists such as Pat Benatar, Colin Hay, and the Dip. Her voice is at one triumphant and intimate. The perfect soundtrack to dropping off the last of your ex's stuff and driving off into the sunset.

Jaws of Brooklyn Seattle’s Jaws of Brooklyn emerged during the 2020 pandemic, blending 60's garage rock and soul with modern songwriting. Their debut album, “The Shoals”, produced by Alabama Shakes’ keyboardist and 2024 Grammy award-winning producer Ben Tanner was recorded in Florence, Alabama, and released in 2022. The album earned them critical acclaim with Billboard calling them “impressive” and American Songwriter stating, “The Jaws of Brooklyn are set to chart a new course.”

The Jaws of Brooklyn, now a seven-piece live act, set about winning the hearts and minds of the Pacific Northwest and beyond with their punchy vocal harmonies and high-energy performances including SXSW and Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party. After performing at 2023’s Capitol Hill Block Party the band parted ways with their lead vocalist. In 2024, Jaws of Brooklyn saw a pivotal change with the addition of powerhouse vocalist Gretchen Lemon, revitalizing the lineup of Dana Dysart (keys), Bryan Cohen (guitar), Paul Christofferson (bass), and Zia Uddin (drums). With renewed energy, they returned to Florence, Alabama, where they recorded 15 new songs. The recording features a return of background all-star vocalists, Shannay Johnson (Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard, Roger Waters) and Karita Law (Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard) to round out the sound and expand their sonic exploration.

Full of retro guitars, soul-inspired rhythms, anthemic choruses, and 60’s girl group vocals, the Jaws of Brooklyn continue to push their music into new spaces. Standout cuts include 60’s psychedelic rockers ‘Lightbringer”, “Lie to Me”, and ‘Gravitate”. Retro-inspired girl group musings, “Up All Night” and “Crush on You”, sit alongside the soul-influenced “Coming Home”, “Unstoppable” and “I Keep Changing”. In addition to the retro rhythm pocket of many of the tracks, the Jaws also cut a disco-influenced track called “Where Are You” and a synthy track called “Perfect Way to Start” as a fan-only bonus track.

The Jaws of Brooklyn are set to begin releasing new singles starting September of 2024 with a first EP containing half of the new songs slated for April 2025 release. In the meantime, the band is back to its full seven-piece performing unit with shows all over the Pacific Northwest and a return to SXSW planned for 2025.

Brittany Danielle Brittany Danielle’s uncompromising voice is instantly familiar: drawing inspiration from the pop/rock, soul, and funk of the 60s and 70s, with the fresh sensibility of aired-out laundry. She attacks tough themes with cutting lyricism and memorable beats, preserving complex feelings with authentic humor and poignant storytelling. Brittany Danielle’s lyrics celebrate the deeply human moments of beauty and self-determination while staying vulnerable, uplifting, and purposeful.

A musician from the cradle, her relationship with music is existential. She worked through the trauma of her sheltered religious upbringing at the piano until she left that life to study music while finding her voice along the way. Brittany Danielle’s first studio album Hindsight (2022) explored these challenges in emotional heavy hitters Fondly, Hindsight, and Ruin.

Her second full-length album Drive (fall 2024) includes single releases What Did You Think (Would Happen), Drive, You Were Meant, and Runaway. Drive is a road trip through pain, love, sexual awakening, loss, and triumph. With each track you’re invited to explore emotions familiar, foreign, and healing.

Gabi's is running their gift giving event. Here's the info straight from the weekly newsletter:

Every parent will be able to come in and pick, for each child:
Something you want
Something you need
Something you wear
Something to read

If you or someone you know needs help for the holidays, please have them email us at gabiskidssp@gmail.com
We will start taking sign ups for the Holiday Event on November 15th!!

What you will need to do: E-mail gabiskidssp@gmail.com
In your email I will need:
Your name:
The name and ages of your kids.
If there is a best time for you, and why.
EVERYONE who follows these directions will have gifts.
As of right now, we will be working with specific groups for the "adopt-a-family" portion of the charity.
Thanks,
Gabi's Kids

I'm new to Olympia and wondering if there are any beaches where I could set up a hammock for a few hours. Bonus if it might be possible to have a fire pit there (that I would bring with me). Needs to have access after 7pm

TIA!

Now that I've lived more on the Tumwater side of things for a couple years, I find myself often wondering - why isn't 2nd and Linwood a roundabout?

I'm starting a new game group and will typically be meeting in my home, however as we've not met everyone in person yet, we were planning on meeting at a public place.

Our planned place was discovered to not be open for the agreed on time, where are some places to sit, maybe have a coffee or snack, that's open 3 to 6 on Saturdays? We can meet on the Westside or take it over to Lacey, as far Hawks Prairie would be doable.

Gabi's is a good backup plan but it's usually very loud and hard to find a table.

I have a bunch of bathroom codes down below for places in Olympia and Lacey :)

Does anyone know of any cheap renting opportunities with or without roommates. Cheap as in at most 900$. Or is there anyplace where I should look for somthing like this?

Hey all, we've been having some really enjoyable game nights in Lacey the last few weeks. Small, intimate meetings in a quiet venue with great conversation and fun games.

We've averaged 4-5 players but have room for more. Could set up multiple tables for different games if enough showed up.

I'm the manager of the venue...sometimes I play and sometimes I have to work, but gaming is a passion of mine so I'm hoping to develop a regular group.

It's been great for people with social anxiety who are trying to get out and be around others, or just people who want to game in a chill environment.

Average age has been maybe 30, mix of men and women, very respectful and mature, with plenty of moments of silliness.

All ages welcome. Bring a game you like if you want. No requirement or pressure to buy anything. You can bring your own drinks or snacks if you like.

Starbucks in Hawks Prairie, 1401 Marvin Rd NE #109 (next to Ace), Wednesdays 4-7pm. The people from this subreddit have been awesome attendees!

Ill be moving to Olympia soon. I saw the last post regarding a bike theft and it got me wondering about bike safety. Ive been biking and commuting for a while and I know the general rules of the road, just looking for local info. I dont ever leave my bike out at night, or more than 2-3h at a time, however Ill probably have to work overnight at the hospital. How bad is the occurence of bike theft? Garage break ins? What about more specifically around Providence? How are the drivers? Other guidance you can give me?

Ive been looking for a dog groomer that knows how to cut cute teddybear faces. I thought it was a standard cut option but for some reason everyone in Thurston County seem eluded by it. I think Ive been to 5 different places and 13 different groomers in 3 years. Only one ever got it right (photo) but she and her family have moved due to military reassignment. Anybody have a recommendation for someone that can execute this seemingly basic dog cut?

Saturday, November 9th @ 8pm, Mortuary.

All ages event. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Sliding scale donation $5-15.

XIPHOID DEMENTIA (Seattle)

https://xdementia.bandcamp.com/track/abortion-rites

BEHALF (Portland)

https://behalfnoise.bandcamp.com/track/willing-slaves

RISING PLAGUE INCINERATOR (Olympia)

https://risingplagueincinerator.bandcamp.com/track/bacteriophaged-body-wreckage

SATARAY (Olympia)

https://sataray.bandcamp.com/track/the-flood

I woke up this morning and realized a sign for local elections I had in my yard disappeared. It was there yesterday. Looked around and realized all the political signs for local elections were gone off our street. Wondering if local campaigns go around and recollect signs after the election or if someone just stole all our signs. We have had a few signs removed from the street and thrown in the bushes in the park a couple of weeks ago but this seemes a little more organized and I saw no signs in the bushes this morning. Either way whoever you are thanks for not taking my Bigfoot drive safe sign from intercity transit, it's been helping I have had zero Sasquatch hit in front of my house since I put the sign up.

Are there any local orgs who take volunteers for things like invasive plant removal, native seed collection, wildlife surveying, or other conservation related tasks? Just moved from FL and I'm used to having connections with all my local orgs, so I would love to get involved here! Thanks in advance :)

Hey all! My partner and I are visiting from Nov 9th-12th in hopes of moving here in January! We are in our mid 20s and hoping to find live music, art events, and see young queer community spaces! Any help or ideas is appreciated :-)

My bike was stolen last night near Capital High school. It’s a blue Surly Long Haul Trucker with an “s” shaped rack on the front. Please keep an eye out. I have filed a police report. Case # 2024-06530. (has black fenders now and no bags)

https://preview.redd.it/b8rvs2e6jszd1.jpg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c5dc75f3796e1d35a5df7227a35ab6a75917bb5

Wondering if any ladies/AFAB people have had any recent success getting their tubes tied? Any recommendations on where to go to ask for this?

Saw this in a community group from the town I recently moved from. Anybody hear any rumblings of something being organized locally?

My son (6) wants to have an art show. Does anybody know a diy space or similar where we could do it?