Inland Octopus

An open letter to the City Council and the Citizens of Walla Walla

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:51:00 -0400

I have a lofty goal. I am trying to create the greatest toy store in the world. The outside of my store should exemplify that ideal. When I moved my store to its current location, I had a wonderful opportunity to do this. The front of the property was clad with an obtrusive white façade that had no historical significance.

In April of this year, the Downtown Foundation, supposedly acting on my behalf, approached the city with a sketch of the mural I wanted to paint on this façade. It was reported back to me that the City Manager stated it would not be approved for various reasons, one of which being that it was too cartoonish. My question then was what law, code, statute or ordinance gives the city, or any other entity other than my landlord, the power to tell me what to paint on my store front? This question was purportedly relayed to the city several times. Eventually, the answer came back to me that it was public art and therefore fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation and that I would have to sit down and talk with its director. Really?

At this point, I realized that there probably was nothing on the books that would prevent this, but if I kept going there would be.

I then started to research the city codes on my own. I specifically looked at the sign code and I specifically looked at the code’s definition of the word “sign” which I have included as a footnote to this letter. I superimposed an early draft of the mural onto a picture of the store front. This draft had essentially the same components as the now-completed mural. I showed this picture to a city official who administers the sign code on a daily basis. His assessment was that the verbiage at the bottom was a sign and the mural itself was not. On separate occasions, I asked two senior city staff members if they could tell me what codes or ordinances I would need to adhere to. Both times they said they would get right back to me. Guess what?

Now that the mural is completed, some people do not like it. Some have complained to the city. Their complaints are based on their opinions that it does not fit in downtown Walla Walla, that the artwork itself is distasteful, or that I did it without permission.

In responding to these complaints, the city now asserts that my mural is a sign. The definition of the word “sign” in the code (footnoted below) is so hopelessly open-ended that any and everything could be considered a sign. This opens the door for selective interpretation of the code. When this interpretation is driven by artistic opinions or a design committee with no legal authority, it then becomes an infringement on my right to freely express myself.

Lastly, I do not want this to be a battle. I have thus far resisted numerous appeals from my supporters to start a petition. I hope that the City Council realizes at some point that this is not a simple case of code enforcement. It is a more complex case of code interpretation. The City Attorney has interpreted the code based on the code’s definition of the word “sign”. He is a consummate professional and has done what he was asked to do. I absolutely bear him no ill will. However, this unconstitutionally vague and overbroad definition is totally indefensible in acourt of law as well as in the court of public opinion.

Bob Catsiff

Inland Octopus

From Walla Walla Municipal Code 20.204.04

“Sign” means any device, structure, fixture (including the supporting structure) or any other surface that identifies, advertises and/or promotes an activity, product, service, place, business, political or social point of view, or any other thing.

Inland Octopus, the Northwest’s premier toy store, has undergone...

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:33:32 -0400

Inland Octopus, the Northwest’s premier toy store, has undergone a face lift. The front of the building, previously clad with an obtrusively boring white façade, has been whimsically decorated, enhancing the unique downtown Walla Walla experience.

This is a ‘must see’ masterpiece, created by local artist Aaron Randall.

Come see Polipetti, the new, expanded line of tie-dye and...

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:09:37 -0400

Come see Polipetti, the new, expanded line of tie-dye and apparel at Inland Octopus! The word Polipetti, Italian for “baby octopuses”, is as fun to say as these new tees and onesies are to wear. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, created right here in Walla Walla, WA by the lovely and talented Leslie of Cosmic Farmhouse!

Come check out the new Octopus Mural! If you drive up out back,...

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:27:34 -0400

Come check out the new Octopus Mural! If you drive up out back, you can’t miss it. Look for the rainbow!

Find the best puppets, toys and sundries at Inland Octopus. ...

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:43:18 -0400

Find the best puppets, toys and sundries at Inland Octopus. Come see us in our new location: 7 East Main Street in Walla Walla Washington.

Octopus on the Move!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:04:05 -0400

It’s official, folks! Inland Octopus will be closed Sunday March 28th and Monday March 29th for the Great Octopus Migration of 2010. We’ll reopen at 7 East Main Street, next to Bright’s Candies (YUM) on Tuesday March 30th.

For further information contact Bob Catsiff at 509-526-0115 or email@inlandoctopus.com

Come find us at 7 East Main Street in Walla Walla, the future...

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:34:56 -0400

Come find us at 7 East Main Street in Walla Walla, the future home of Inland Octopus, on Tuesday March 30th, 2010.

The Great Octopus Migration of 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:16:54 -0500

Inland Octopus, the Northwest’s Premier Toy Shop, is relocating from 220 East Main Street to 7 East Main Street, next to Bright’s Candies. The move will happen around April 1, but it’s no joke. The new location will bring increased foot traffic and greater visibility. The original layout and aura of the store will be preserved but also enhanced. An even wider variety of merchandise will be available plus a few more surprises.

For further information contact Bob Catsiff at 509-526-0115 or email@inlandoctopus.com

A window full of treasures at Inland Octopus.

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:50:03 -0500

A window full of treasures at Inland Octopus.

A version of the Octopus for you to Color at Home!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:18:52 -0500

A version of the Octopus for you to Color at Home!

The inland octopus appears!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:41:16 -0500

The inland octopus appears!

Welcome to the Inland Octopus Website!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:03:00 -0500

Come visit our store today in Walla Walla!

We can be found at

7 East Main Street, Walla Walla, WA‎

or call us at

(509) 526-0115‎

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