🌱 Convention Center Expansion Proposed + More Female Police Officers

Happy National Margarita Day Raleigh!

Now I know some readers may be disappointed that I'm not featuring Ash Wednesday as the holiday for today, but I figured that I would let you all take the lead on that one. There are too many places to celebrate Ash Wednesday to count, so if you have somewhere that you love and will be celebrating, comment below so that our readers who might be looking can see your personal recommendations. Before you get posting, catch up on everything below, including:

• WCPSS is conducting a superintendent search.
• Wake EMS is looking for CPR certified individuals.
• Get ahead of your allergies this pollen season.

But first, today's weather:

Variable cloudiness. High: 79 Low: 64.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

1. The Raleigh Convention Center has presented plans for its $425 million expansion and renovation. The plan would relocate Red Hat Amphitheater and create a two-square-block destination for large events in downtown. According to general manager and director Kerry Painter, the center is out of space at 500,000, and is asking for the relocation of Red Hat to double capacity for major future events. In 2022, Raleigh set a record for hotel occupancy with more than 4.7 million visitors to the area, and the tourism tax collection was a record high. VisitRaleigh and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance have already booked 333 events for 2023, but Painter says events have had to be turned away due to lack of space. (CBS17, WRAL)
2. The Wake County School Board has begun the search for a new superintendent. The school board was given a presentation on Tuesday during a work session that outlined the process that could take more than six months. Catty Moore will exit on July 1, after making her mark as the first woman and Latina to head WCPSS. Wake County's superintendent will oversee nearly 200 schools with more than 10,000 teachers, serving around 160,000 students. The board can choose to hire a search firm or work with the North Carolina Superintendent Association. (abc11)
3. Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina have signed up for the "30 x 30" initiative, including Raleigh and other Triangle cities. The goal of the initiative is to increase female representation within law enforcement, with a 30% makeup by 2030. Raleigh committed to the initiative, however there are 81 sworn officers who are women, unchanged from 2019. The department is 12% female. According to the 30 x 30 initiative, female officers are "less likely to use force, make fewer discretionary arrests, are perceived to be more honest and compassionate, are named in fewer lawsuits and create better outcomes for crime victims." (abc11)
4. On Tuesday, WakeTech announced $939,041 in funding for its new electric vehicle program. The program, "Grid to Plug to Wheels: Technician Training for Safe and Efficient Electric Vehicle Power Utilization and Maintenance," hopes to prepare 2-year technicians to be able to service electric vehicles and their power supply. According to Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech, "Projections are that 50% of car sales by 2030 could be electric vehicles." (CBS17)
5. The Stadium Series is wrapped up, but the city is still taking advantage of the ice. Two days after the NHL Carolina Hurricanes Stadium Series win, the N.C. State IcePack got to face off against UNC-Chapel Hill hockey on the ice at Carter-Finley. The IcePack beat UNC in their final home game. N.C. State Athletics estimated 24,000 people in attendance for the college game. (CBS17) The ice was also used for the Canes alumni-game, and Raleigh hopes to continue the momentum for hockey in the area. (abc11)

Today in Raleigh:

• Story Time & Craft at Little Doodles (9:30am)
• Trivia: Edit Beer Co. (6:00pm), The Office @ Chubby's (7:00pm), Clouds Brewing (7:30pm-10:30pm)
• The Last Wednesday Show at Transfer Co. Ballroom (7:00pm)
• February Book Club at So & So Books (7:00pm-9:00pm)
• Carrie The Musical at Meredith College (7:30pm)
• Carolina Waves Showcase & Open Mic Night at Jonathan's (7:30pm-11:30pm)
• Karaoke: Tin Roof (8:00pm-2:00am), Sammy's Tap & Grill (9:00pm-11:45pm)

Thursday in Raleigh:

• Make a Friend Mixer with Joy Worthy Co. (6:30pm-8:30pm)
• Trivia: Norse Brewing WF (6:30pm-8:30pm), Local 919 (7:00pm-8:30pm), Bull City Cary (7:00pm-9:00pm), Real McCoy's WF (7:00pm-9:00pm), HighCraft Cary (7:30pm), House of Hops (7:30pm-9:30pm)
• Thursday Night Cornhole at Good Times Garner (7:00pm-10:00pm)
• Arcade of Thrones World Tavern Poker Night (7:00pm & 9:00pm)
• New Belgium Skee-Ball Tournament Series at Boxcar (9:00pm-11:00pm)
• Latin Thursday Dance Party at Umami (9:00pm-11:30pm)

From my notebook:

• It's National Margarita Day and I myself dabble in a good margarita. My go-to spot for a variety of margarita goodness is La Santa in downtown! My personal favorite is the peach margarita with the tajin rim, *chefs kiss*.
• Wake County EMS is calling on CPR certified residents to join the PulsePoint App, a network of citizen responders who can help perform lifesaving CPR on patients before paramedics arrive. (WRAL)
• Does pollen kick your butt every year? Dr. Edwin Kim, the Chief of UNC Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology says the best thing to do is get ahead of it now. (CBS17)
• Students in the Food and Nutrition Honors Program at Green Level High School cooked up a breakfast to show appreciation for their bus drivers. (CBS17)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com