By Marc J. Elzenbeck Hard to believe at this remove, but blues music was once considered a fringe, largely forgotten art form. It was also commercially dead. Then the comedy duo of John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd formed “The Blues Brothers” in 1978, and their album “Briefcase Full of Blues” is credited with almost single-handedly…
Commentary, October 2024
A Few Inconvenient Truths
King County Council’s Zoning Law Changes VashMauria By Bernie O’Malley, Vashon Mayor 2016 Some people will see this page as an open letter to Teresa Mosqueda, our Elected representative at King County. Some people will listen to her luncheon-style Zoomer for answers. A few weeks ago, I wrote 2 whole pages in The Loop with…
Commentary, October 2024
Thoughts on the Most Recent Vashon Healthcare District Meeting
By Dr. Steven Nourse I attended the August 21 VHCD meeting and heard convincing testimony from Fire Chief Matthew Vinci; Brigitte Schran-Brown, Board of Commissioners Chair; Commissioner Jim Whitney; and other Islanders in support of utilizing the existing services of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) to provide urgent care on the Island. The Fire…
Commentary, October 2024
Vashon Health Care District Leads, Follows, AND Gets Out of the Way
By Marc J. Elzenbeck Living on the Island means forgoing some healthcare options. We all knew that going in, and many older residents are so adversely impacted they have to move away. Recent surveys have listed healthcare access, particularly to urgent care, as a top concern. If you slice deep into your thumb, if your…
Commentary, Island Voices, October 2024
Artist Profile – Anne Gordon
In August, our front page featured an eye-catching visual by Anne Gordon regarding undergrounding Vashon-Maury power lines for fire safety. When we pondered how we might depict Island concerns regarding the potential zoning changes, we thought immediately of Anne. As you can see on the front page, Anne has a wonderful ability to create art…
Commentary, Island Resilience
King County Council’s Proposed Zoning Law Changes
By Bernie O’Malley Vashon Mayor, 2016 Neighborhoods across Vashon and the rest of unincorporated King County will look very different if the King County Council approves proposed changes to Housing and Zoning Laws when it votes in December. WAIT WAIT WAIT. STOP RIGHT THERE, MY NEIGHBORS. Put down the torches and pitchforks! This conversation is…
Commentary, Editorial Page, September 2024
Rather Than Lose the Argument
By Andy Valencia Imagine you’re in an argument – you, your opponent, and some people listening. Your audience is nodding their heads when your opponent speaks; they’re expressionless when it’s your turn, and you’ve already used all of your best material. The honorable person will graciously acknowledge their defeat. What do the other kind of…
Commentary, Island Resilience, September 2024
We Should Always Help King County Listen to Islanders
By March Twisdale By now, you may have heard that “new zoning laws” are being proposed for unincorporated King County (KC). This includes three rural towns: Fall City, Skyway, and Vashon. I have no idea what is best for the residents of Fall City or Skyway. But, like you, I have some ideas about what…
August 2024, Commentary, Island Voices
As Bob Dylan Said …
By Dr. Steven Nourse As Bob Dylan said, “Everybody has to serve someone.” Regarding the Vashon Health Care District, it has to effectively serve both the healthcare clients it provides funding to and the taxpayers that pay its bills. Several years ago, when healthcare on Vashon was in crisis, I was approached by two now-former…
August 2024, Commentary, Editorial Page
Using Evil to Win Arguments
By Andy Valencia In college, a friend of mine periodically ran a game called “Assassin.” None of the players knew each other, and all were paired up: one target, one assassin. You were “assassinated” with a chalk mark, and the target could defend with chalk-filled small cloth bags. The rules favored the target once they…