Homers: What's going right

OFF THE BLOCK: The Cedar Rapids City Council made its first commitment to spend some of the local-option sales tax that voters OK'd for flood recovery. The first $3 million will go for neighborhood revitalization programs. For now, that means the private non-profit Block by Block initiative. Good choice, as this new group already is getting things done with private money.

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GOOD START: So far, we like what we're hearing from the new owner of the former Agriprocessors Inc. plant in Postville, which went bankrupt after a May 2008 federal immigration raid. Canadian Hershey Friedman says Agri Star Meat and Poultry says he's focusing on hiring local residents, will use the federal E-Verify system to ensure employees are legal and is improving work conditions. He's partnering with Northeast Iowa Community College to enhance skills of his employees and plans to get involved in community activities.

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RACE RECORDS: The annual Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer, held Oct. 11 in Cedar Rapids, drew a record 11,575 participants and raised a record $271,090 in fees and other donations that help thousands of area women get medical help.