Common sense tells us not to attempt the impossible. When a thing is known with reasonable certainty to be unattainable, it’s clearly wasteful and ludicrous to put effort and resources towards achieving that thing.
Does the high school really need to be rebuilt? Would an energy or hospital taxing district make this a better community? Should K2 Commons remain as a commercially zoned site? Which of the many nonprofits needing resources during this economic crisis are most important to support?
In weighing cost considerations of alternative library locations, it is necessary to include all the costs — not just the estimated construction costs. The Beachcomber editorial two weeks ago stated the King County Library System (KCLS) board of trustees must be guided by the available capital budget plus possible grants in awarding building contracts.
What a difference some sunshine makes. In these last few days, it’s as though the gray clouds that have hovered over the Island for months have lifted — not only literally, but figuratively. It’s as though the Island is breathing a sigh of relief. At last.
The Eernisse tulip tree was a fine landmark on Vashon Island, one of the tallest trees in town and one of the historic trees planted by a family of early settlers, Arie and Sara Eernisse.
This edition of The Beachcomber includes news of the recently completed survey of Islanders regarding the placement of our new library. I’d like to explain how this survey came about and to thank the people who made it happen.
Editor’s note: According to statewide data, Vashon teens are more likely to have used marijuana or alcohol in the last 30 days than their peers statewide.
Vashon’s public library connects our community to the world, just as Thriftway, Vashon Market and the Farmers Market feed us and The Beachcomber and The Loop help inform our civic debates. All are vital parts of our town culture; none are expendable. Where they are, what they look like and how effectively they operate are important to the complex daily life of our community. We depend on them.
Last Thursday the state Senate released its 2009-11 proposed Senate Transportation Budget.
The state is in a world of hurt. A deficit economic forecasters thought would reach $6 billion is now approaching a staggering $9 billion — making Washington one of the 10 worst states in the country in terms of its budget shortfall.
By GREG WESSEL For The Beachcomber Columnist’s note: This was discovered in a recent translation of the Unabridged Book of…
If the King County Library System’s preliminary analyses are correct, we have new and significant information to consider as we debate the future of our beloved branch at Ober Park.
According to statewide data, Vashon teens are more likely to have used marijuana or alcohol in the last 30 days than their peers statewide. A group of Islanders who work with youth or on youth-related issues has put together a series of talks and workshops focused on teens, parenting and drug and alcohol use in an ongoing effort to address teen substance abuse on Vashon.
