In last week’s Beachcomber, Islander Roy McMakin suggested that Vashon Allied Arts provide greater transparency and community involvement regarding the arts campus it hopes to build at the corner of Cemetery Road and Vashon Highway, a visually historic Island intersection. I, too, think some discussion and debate about the future of that corner is in order — although it is with some trepidation that I write this, since I served on the VAA board that hired director Molly Reed and continue to be a huge supporter of Island artists.
The board of commissioners of Water District 19 is considering a policy change that would allow a few residential customers to supply both their main residence and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with one water service unit (share) if certain water-saving requirements are met. Presently a customer needs two water service units — one for the principal residence and one for the ADU (sometimes referred to as a mother-in-law or granny suite).
The decision by the King County Library System’s Board of Trustees directing library staff to negotiate a new lease so that the branch can remain at Ober Park is a testament to the power of a grassroots citizens’ movement.
Here’s an idea for K2 that would bring good service sector jobs, academic professionals, retail and restaurant customers, economic, infrastructure and cultural amenities to Vashon — and would not change the character of the Island.
It’s a new day at The Beachcomber.
When it comes to making change, politicians matter, lawyers matter, but more than anything else you matter. What you do, what you say, the sacrifices and risks you take all make a difference. Cynicism is our enemy, and action is our ally. Here’s some proof.
The other day, on my way to what is euphemistically and antiseptically known hereabouts as “the transfer station,” I looked…
Conscientious parents have long known not to leave a loaded gun in their closet. They know to keep poisons out of reach from small children, to lock their liquor cabinets and to insist on seatbelts and bike helmets.
Conservationists often struggle with a dilemma.
When lawmakers came to Olympia on Jan. 12, we all knew that the national recession, which is now a global recession, was hurting the state of Washington. By March, the revenue forecasts for the state had further deteriorated, and we faced a $9 billion revenue shortfall. Washington was not alone: 40 other states faced enormous budget gaps with a cumulative hole of $281 billion.
One of the things I like most about Vashon is its diversity. Make the same assertion to 10 people about almost anything and you’re likely to get 10 distinct responses. So, I’m going to go out on a limb here and ask for unanimous consent just one time:
Reading is important.
A wonderful thing happened in our house this year. My 12-year-old son began coming home from school and diving into his homework without prodding. He now works on projects for hours, humming to himself, lit up by the joy of learning that his humanities teacher has inspired.
About eight years ago, we were preparing to move to Vashon Island from West Seattle. At the time, I didn’t know anyone over here and was nervous about making connections and leaving my full-time job in the city, let alone trying to make a living from home with kids who were 5, 3 and 9 months old.
