By Stephen Buller How much is a dollar worth? If that sounds like a trick question, it’s because most Americans are used to measuring worth in dollars. The dollar is our “unit of account,” which is a standard measure of value, and one of the key traits of money. We could use other units of…
Health Matters, Island Resilience, News
Vashon Health Care District Urgent Care is Live
One of the Loop’s editors spotted a distinctive car this afternoon: A DispatchHealth car We assumed it was to “show the flag” for VHCD’s upcoming urgent care solution. But when we ran into DispatchHealth’s people, we confirmed that they are on-island and ready to provide care. What can they do? Stitches. Assessments. Limited blood panels….
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, 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…
Island Resilience, September 2024
Let it Be Money
By Stephen Buller One of my readers wrote in, disagreeing with my claim that the United States dollar is a “fiat” currency. Firstly, let me say thank you for your interest! My mission in writing these columns is to educate my community about the monetary system as it exists today, and on how we could…
August 2024, Island Resilience
On The Rise – Fernhorn Bakery, Part 4
By Jane Valencia Our conversation with Thomas Vroom and Jordan Ashley Beck of Fernhorn Bakery has ranged through many topics. From the origin of their bakery, to concerns regarding commodity wheat, to benefits and connection with the exciting prospects of Vashon grown-grains and possibilities for strengthening Island resilience, we return to where Fernhorn Bakery is…
August 2024, Island Resilience
End the Fed
By Stephen Buller The cry has fallen on deaf ears for many years, but as the Fed struggles on both sides of its “dual mandate” to promote maximum employment and stable prices, more and more Americans are becoming aware of our central bank, what its role is, and its impact on our daily lives. It’s…
August 2024, Island Resilience
Vashon is Rockin’ the Cash!
By March Twisdale Dear Vashon Island Visitor, Tourist, and Summer People, Roughly one year ago, I began a series of articles about “Bank Taxes.” This is what I call the predatory and increasingly ubiquitous money extraction technology also known as “transaction fees.” Wherever you live, these are impacting you negatively and directly, but even worse,…
Editorial Page, Island Resilience, July 2024
The V-MCC: Get More Involved in Your Chosen Community
By Caitlin Rothermel On June 20th, I listened in to the Vashon-Maury Community Council meeting. It completely grabbed my attention. Topics included the electric undergrounding proposal being presented to Puget Sound Energy, the planned Thunderbird drug rehabilitation facility, and the status of the Vashon Health Care District. If you didn’t attend, and are interested in…
Island Resilience, July 2024
On The Rise – Fernhorn Bakery, Part 3
By Jane Valencia Fernhorn Bakery’s story interweaves with that of Island resilience. In our conversation with owners Thomas Vroom and Jordan Ashley Beck, we chat about Vashon-grown grains. Did you know that it’s possible to grow wheat on Vashon? Several Islanders are growing wheat already, and work is underway to support Island grain-growing. In 2022,…