As the city continues to rise in epic scale, residents fear losing Raleigh’s identity unique identity and becoming just another urban jungle lacking character (think the frequent reference to Charlotte). So we asked some of our city’s big thinkers to weigh in on how to retain what makes us Raleigh.
How do we retain Raleigh’s identity as the city continues to grow?
“Preservation of open space and placemaking—plus sustainable investment in transit infrastructure to help people access and enjoy our city. Raleigh craves curated community-centered experiences fueled by thoughtful design via unique and carefully crafted buildings (including adaptive reuse!) with rich outdoor spaces that nurture us and root us.”
“As our wonderful city continues to grow due to the national and international recognition of our incredible attributes, we don’t ‘retain’ Raleigh’s identity, but we ‘create and promote’ the identity that we, as a community, determine. Looking full steam ahead—not behind… boldly!”
“Raleigh is the City of Oaks and, while the population has doubled since the 1990s, it has become more livable and lovable. How do we retain Raleigh’s identity as we grow? Cherish what keeps Raleigh authentic, a city blended with nature—trees, parks, greenways and parkways. Be caretakers of our cultural resources and historic assets that connect us to our humanity, stories and memories. But, most importantly, our charming hospitality that is kind, inclusive and welcoming to all.”
—Mitchell Silver, Principal, McAdams; former Raleigh Chief Planning Officer
Read our recent Burning Question on what city attractions here.
As we head into cooler fall weather, how do I prepare my houseplants for success?
–Stayin’ Alive
Dear Stayin’ Alive,
Down here in NC, we are fortunate to have a long growing season! Many of us—myself included—will throw our houseplants outside during the spring and summer months to bask in the glory of summer showers and humidity. Once the leaves on the trees start turning and fall is on the horizon, it can be a little daunting to think about bringing all of your plants back inside. Here are some of my go-to tips for getting ready for colder temperatures and longer nights:
Have a plan + watch the temps! Many of the houseplants we know and love come from tropical climates—meaning once the temperatures start to drop into the low 50s, you’ll want to make sure your plants are back inside where it’s safe and warm!
If you’re like me, you’ve probably accumulated tons of new plants over the summer, and it can feel like musical chairs getting everything into the right place once they all come back inside. Keep in mind the ideal lighting conditions your plants will want. Group plants around windows and, when necessary, supplement with grow lights! Congregating plants together will also help keep humidity levels up, which is extra-important once the heat kicks on and our homes get much drier.
When we grow our plants outside, they can be subject to bugs, critters and everything else under the sun. The good news is most of the bugs outside are pretty harmless for our plants—but bugs can still be a little icky when they come inside! Whenever you’re moving your plants indoors, it’s a good idea to hose them down or give them a spa treatment in the shower. The dry heat in our homes can also make some plants susceptible to pests, so using an insecticide to prevent any outbreaks is key!
Last but not least—don’t fret! Some plants may slow down quite a bit during these colder months. If you don’t see much new growth, cut back on watering a bit and keep checking in on your plant until spring. If you do continue to see new growth—be it a new leaf, roots or both—it’s still the growing season for that plant, so carry on with business as usual!
In this series, Copperline Plant Co. owner and founder Anna Grace FitzGerald offers tips on how to plant-parent like the pros. You can find Copperline Plant Co. in City Market downtown and online at copperlineplants.com
Raleigh, it’s time to pay attention. With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has given the power back to the states. Never before has it mattered as much as it does now to be fully informed on the position of your state senators and representatives. So, we did the hard work for you and asked the hard questions. With the lingering threat of a reversal of a host of other human rights and personal freedoms, we wanted to know where our candidates stand on such hot-button issues as abortion and same-sex marriage. Many complied but a good number also declined to respond.
In front of the general election on Nov. 8, here is what the Wake County General Assembly candidates for their stance on such hot-button issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.
Click here for City Council elevator pitches, as well as council candidates’ extended stances on a range of issues including affordable housing, development and more.
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am pro-choice and believe we should all be allowed to make our own health care decisions.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I believe in marriage equality. A fundamental right must be a fundamental right for everyone.
Micheal Munger
Pro-life or pro-choice: Personally pro-life, but pro-choice (it’s each woman’s right to choose with her doctor; it’s none of the state’s business)
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): All pairs of adults have the right to enter a civil contract, which the state endorses by calling them married, with everything that implies legally. But churches cannot be compelled to recognize those civil marriages any more than the church can block the state from granting a civil marriage license. They are separate spheres.
DISTRICT 14
Chris Baker
Did not respond
Dan Blue (incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am a proud pro-choice advocate. Every person should have the freedom to control their own body. I respect women’s rights to bodily autonomy.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I fully support same-sex marriage. Every adult should have access to the benefits of marriage and should be recognized by our government.
Matthew Laszacs
Did not respond
DISTRICT 15
Sammie Brooks
Did not respond
Jay Chaudhuri (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Emanuela Prister
Did not respond
DISTRICT 16
Gale Adcock (Current Rep., District 41)
Did not respond
James Powers
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am pro-life; however, there are situations that call for other decisions:
When the baby is confirmed that the child can’t live a normal life, the final decision is made by the mother and father.
If a woman is raped or through incest the woman has that choice to make
If the pregnancy could cause death or fatal damage to the mother, if she and her doctor and husband all agree that would be a reason to abort the pregnancy.
Not one of us exists without the copulation of our parents or the relationship between a man and woman. This was and is God’s plan for us and society—a person doesn’t have the right to play God.
Micheal Trudeau
Pro-life or pro-choice: I’m adamantly pro-choice. As for abortion protections, my campaign is calling for statewide abortion sanctuary legislation now:
Enact legislation similar to that spearheaded by Councilmember Kshama Sawant in Seattle (do not enforce anti-abortion laws)
Do protect pregnant people, doctors and other care providers facing persecution for abortion
Prohibit police from arresting patients and providers or aiding investigations related to anti-abortion laws in the U.S.
We can make all of North Carolina an abortion-safe sanctuary.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I’m adamantly pro-same-sex marriage.
Dorothy (Dee) Watson
Pro-life or pro-choice: For Libertarians, abortion is a complex issue because the rights of the mother conflict with the rights of the unborn. That is why Libertarians don’t have a consensus on the issue. We don’t have a consensus, but we are each people with our own minds. This is what I believe: Every abortion is a tragedy because it is the loss of a child. Abortion is far too frequent. We must make adoption easier, more flexible and more available for mothers. There is no need for saline or digoxin abortions because no child who can live independently of the mother should ever be aborted. A small subset of abortions happen for medical reasons or rape, and for that reason, early abortions need to be legal and safe unregulated up to 24 weeks. If you are really pro-choice, then you will do everything possible to help a mother keep her child. Many of these mothers would choose life if circumstances permit, and the abortion epidemic is a societal failure, not a solution.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I do not think the government should be involved in marriage, and all churches should have full autonomy in determining what marriages they recognize. Unfortunately, the government has a large amount of legislation written around marriage. While this is the case, government marriages should be available to all consenting adults.
DISTRICT 17
Sydney Batch (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am pro-choice. I have co-sponsored a bill in the NC Senate to codify Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey into North Carolina law.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I am for same-sex marriage. I believe that everyone deserves to marry the person he/she loves regardless of gender, and I will continue to fight to protect same-sex couples’ rights.
Patrick Bowersox
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Mark Cavaliero
Pro-life or pro-choice: I support reasonable restrictions on abortion, but I wouldn’t vote to ban it completely, and I wouldn’t support any legislation that did not include exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I support the rights of same-sex couples to have a fully legal civil union; I see marriage as a religious ceremony and would leave that up to their church.
DISTRICT 18
Ryan Brown
Pro-life or pro-choice: Abortion is a complicated issue for all people. If they claim to have an easy solution or policy issue, they have almost certainly not thought through the issue completely. I believe abortion to be murder. I am also aware that drugs are winning the war on drugs and guns are winning the war on guns. Simple regulations and laws will not necessarily reduce abortions. I have no specific policy I would try to implement at the moment, as I am still not fully decided on how best to address the issue.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): As a Libertarian, I do not believe the government has any right to interfere in the contractual agreements of voluntary adults. Consistent with that principle, the government should not promote or inhibit marriage among any category of people.
EC Sykes
No comment
Mary Wills Bode
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Pro-life or pro-choice: I believe abortion is a medical decision that should be made between a woman and her doctor.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): Same-sex couples should be able to marry! I am married to my wife, and I am a female.
DISTRICT 21
Gerard Falzon
No comment
Ya Liu
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Joshua Morris
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-life
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
DISTRICT 33
Chris Costello
Did not respond
Stephanie Dingee
Did not respond
Rosa Gill (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am pro-choice. Decisions about reproductive health care should be made by the woman, her family and her doctor—not politicians.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I am in favor of individuals making their choices about whom to love and/or marry.
DISTRICT 34
Tim Longest
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am unequivocally pro-choice. The right to abortion not only ensures women’s privacy in health care decisions, but also their freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies. I will strongly oppose any new restrictions on abortion and will sustain Gov. Cooper’s veto of those restrictions. I support codifying Roe v. Wade into state law to defend this right.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I am a strong defender of marriage equality for same-sex couples. I believe everyone should be able to marry who they love, regardless of gender. After Dobbs, there is a real risk that protection for same-sex marriage is also at stake.I would support a constitutional amendment to repeal Amendment One, the ban on same-sex marriage in the North Carolina Constitution.
Kat McDonald
Did not respond
Ashley Seshul
Did not respond
DISTRICT 35
Terence Everitt (Incumbent)
Did not respond
Joseph Serio
Did not respond
Fred Von Canon
Did not respond
DISTRICT 36
John Harris
Did not respond
Julie Von Haefen (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: I am proud to be a pro-choice candidate and leader for abortion rights in the General Assembly. I have been endorsed by numerous pro-choice organizations, including Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and Pro-Choice NC. I have introduced numerous pieces of legislation supporting abortion rights, including a bill that would codify Roe v. Wade into state law.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I fully support the right of same-sex couples to marry. I am proud to have been endorsed by many LGBTQ advocacy organizations, most notably Equality NC.
Kyle Ward
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
DISTRICT 37
Christine Kelly
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Erin Paré (Incumbent)
Did not respond
Christopher Robinson
Did not respond
DISTRICT 38
Abe Jones (Incumbent)
Did not respond
Christopher Mizelle
Did not respond
DISTRICT 39
Greg Jones
Did not respond
James Roberson (Incumbent)
Did not respond
DISTRICT 40
Marilyn Avila
Did not respond
Joe John (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: As an advocate for the constitutional right of all women to reproductive health care, I favor the codification of the Roe v. Wade decision into North Carolina law.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I support the right of same-sex couples to marry. The government has no right to tell people who they can or cannot love.
Michael Nelson
Did not respond
DISTRICT 41
Maria Cervania
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): For
Bruce Forster
Did not respond
Kevin Terrett
Pro-life or pro-choice: No response
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I hold the entire LGBTQ+ community as full members and partners in all aspects of life in America and Wake County (a core position of the Libertarian Party since inception in 1971). Beyond that, I support giving local communities the power to enact rules that explicitly recognize the individual rights of the people of any NC locality. Trying to curtail individual rights with a statewide law is an overreach and will accomplish nothing but economic disincentives for the state.
DISTRICT 49
Cynthia Ball (Incumbent)
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-choice—and make no mistake that the November election will decide what our abortion laws will be.
Right of same-sex couples to marry (for or against): I am for the right of same-sex couples to marry, and given the direction of the U.S. Supreme Court, we must enshrine this in state law.
No ifs, ands or putts about it, True Spec Raleigh’s new indoor facility at Dogwood Country Club is sure to be a hole in one. Tee up to try the state-of-the-art fitting bay that utilizes the latest in launch monitor technology. 2341 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 101
See ya lata, alligator! The Gatorbug Boutique, a modern shop selling luxe clothing, shoes and accessories for women, joined the lineup at Fenton in September. Time to shop till you drop! 8-160 Fenton Main St., Cary
Calling all creatives! Joy Worthy Co. is opening its first storefront in a 100-plus-year-old building in DTR this fall to host a plethora of creative workshops. To say we’re overjoyed is an understatement! 131 S. Wilmington St.
Local entrepreneur Julian Jacobs is bringing the cool, artsy NYC vibes to Raleigh with his forthcoming The Burrow, feat. a weekly three-day market for local artisans and vendors, rentable private rooms and more. 119 E. Hargett St.
Woof there it is. Charlotte-based premium pet care provider Petfolk, “made up of vets who love pets,” is giving pet parents more options with its new world-class center in Midtown Corner. Paws in! 631 E. Six Forks Road, Ste. 101
Make lasting and impactful connections viaDecree, a new luxury custom stationery and gift store offering stationery made in house with turn-of-the-century machines. We’re on pens and needles for this one… 135 E. Martin St.
Hotel, motel… The Casso! NC’s first Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel anchoring Glenwood South has officially opened with 126 well-appointed guest rooms—and, don’t worry, Good Day Good Night isn’t going anywhere! 603 W. Morgan St.
“Delight in every detail” at Graber Design Studio, a window treatment store opening a new Raleigh location in October. Patrons will be able to touch and feel fabrics, and view custom window treatment displays throughout the studio as they shop. … Let the light in! 1600 Olive Chapel Road, Ste. 200
Unwine at downtown Cary’s first Champagne and wine bar.
There’s no need to hide your resting b*tch face at the new RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar in Cary. … It’s in the name after all. Created to crush the patriarchy (!) and remind women they don’t always have to smile (IYKYK), RBF touts authenticity, sharing truth, and showing up for yourself and for others—over wine and cheese, natch. #GirlPower!
The wine bar—which will be opening in the Williams House in downtown Cary below a&bé Bridal and Bull City Ciderworks in the fall—begs you to celebrate your perfect authentic self with bubbles, wine, nonalcoholic libations and snacks with fun names (see: Having a Meltdown, aka grilled cheese bites; and I’m So Baked Right Now, a wine or Champagne flight paired with a customized cupcake flight). NTM the bruschetta named after influential women in owner Tiffany Welton’s life, or the monthly rotating charcuterie boards named after her ex-boyfriends (!). “Sometimes, we just need a cry, a laugh, maybe one more solid cry, and then a toast to the memories… the good and the bad ones,” says Welton. And, bonus, you can nominate one of your exes too!
Additionally, at RBF, Welton promotes a zero-tolerance policy on hate, and emphasizes inclusivity for everyone—regardless of gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, age or sexuality. Plus, RBF will have a no-tipping model with menu pricing that reflects a living wage for employees. We’ll toast to all that.
So embrace the RBF (and that can mean resting b*tch face, resting beautiful face, resting bold face—whatever you want!)—then plan a night with your gal pals to share your stories… and cheers to a bright future of equality. rbf.wine
