Essay offering alternative to Administration’s proposal is up on Medium: https://medium.com/@ztasic/the-d65-community-deserves-another-option-cb6dfff304b0

From the introduction:

“The Board is slated to vote on the Administration’s proposal on November 9. That timeline is unacceptable. Twenty‑seven days is not sufficient time for either the Board or the community to properly evaluate and debate the Administration’s ambitious, disruptive, and unpopular proposal, which leaves as “to‑be‑determined” many of the most important details and decisions about how the proposal will actually be implemented.

“The Board and the community deserve real options, not a Sophie’s choice between rushed drastic cuts and financial ruin.”

Help save Evanston Dog Beach: join our October 26 Bark-In and please spread the word

Hi everyone! I’m helping with Save Evanston Dog Beach, a grassroots community campaign, and we could really use your support.

The dog beach is scheduled to close December 1, 2026, with no confirmed reopening date. Although it normally closes for winter, the concern is that it could remain closed beyond the season while accessible entry remains unresolved.

The City has been working on accessibility since 2022. A construction bid expired in 2024, and another proposal was rejected in committee this September. We’re still waiting for an accessible entrance and a clear construction schedule.

We want a dog beach that welcomes everyone, including people with disabilities. We’re asking the City for a workable, funded accessibility plan, clear deadlines, and a path forward that avoids an indefinite closure.

Please join our community Bark-In before the next City Council meeting:

🐾 Monday, October 26, 2026
🕔 Arrive by 5 p.m.
📍 909 Davis Street, Evanston, outside in the circle drive

Bring your dogs, meet your neighbors, and show your support! Dogs are welcome at the outdoor gathering but are not permitted inside Council Chambers.

Whether or not you can attend, you can help:

• Join the campaign through the website for updates and opportunities to get involved.
• Share this post and the website with friends, neighbors, and community groups.
• Contact City Council, submit a letter, or sign up for public comment. The website has links and guidance.

👉 Visit SaveEvanstonDogBeach.com to join and take action

For many of us, this beach means daily routines, friendships, and a place to belong. We want more neighbors to be able to enjoy it.

Please join us and help spread the word. Every person who shows up, writes, or shares can help keep this moving.

Come out and meet local Evanston Authors!

I’m trying to find a new tax preparer (CFP, CPA, EA, etc). Does anyone have a recommendation for a local resource? My preparer quoted me a (in my opinion) crazy amount of $600+ for my taxing filing which is not complex. Would love anyone’s recommendations. Thanks.

And yes - I know it is relatively easy to do on your own at this point but I am paranoid and want to work with a professional.