One Step Closer
Following Gov. Christine Gregoire's historic signing of the Marriage Equality Act Feb. 13, supporters nationwide celebrated this important civil rights milestone. And at 6 p.m. that evening, a statewide toast took place at events throughout Washington in honor of the law's passage. Tacoma's King's Books was packed with community leaders, supporters and volunteers who have spent countless hours working to make marriage equality a reality.
Washington United for Marriage volunteer John Cummings attended both the Senate and House votes in Olympia, calling the atmosphere in both cases positive and uplifting. "It has been amazing to be a part of something so historic," he said.
Even in the midst of the celebrations, supporters admitted there is a long road still ahead to protect…
February 16, 2012
Medical Mile
City planners are at the starting line of developing zoning rules and standards for Tacoma's Martin Luther King Jr. neighborhood with the notion that the area will be one of the city's hot spots for development. The…
February 16, 2012
Council approves skybridge for new health care building
Franciscan Health System received a green light from Tacoma City Council on Feb. 14 to proceed with a skybridge that will connect St. Joseph Medical Center with Franciscan Medical Building at St. Joseph. The $60 million,…
February 16, 2012
Improving access to health care
As director of Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department, Dr. Anthony Chen is committed to improving access to health care for area residents. He discussed this during the Feb. 9 meeting of Tacoma City Council's Public…
February 16, 2012
Council approves big-box retail rules
New rules will require more public notice and an additional conditional-use permit for big-box retail projects in Tacoma. Controversy in the city about big-box stores emerged last year when it was revealed a developer…
February 16, 2012
City Briefs
NEW TIGER ARRIVES AT ZOO Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is welcomed a new Sumatran tiger on Wednesday and staff hope his presence will result in new cubs. Malosi, a male tiger from Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii, is coming…
February 16, 2012
Police Blotter
WOMAN CHARGED WITH MURDER Leah Marie Aguilar Alvarez pleaded not guilty on Feb. 2 to charges of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit murder. The charges are related to the 2010 shooting…
February 16, 2012
From Tacoma to Iwo Jima on the YMS 426
The U.S.S. YMS 426 was a minesweeper built in Tacoma at Mojean-Ericson Shipyard. My father, Motor Machinist Mate First Class William Elliott Johnston, was stationed in Tacoma while it was being built. My parents lived…
February 16, 2012
Guest Editorial: Voters should expect tax measure on ballot this spring
The 60-day session of the Legislature looks so far to be one of the more difficult sessions in recent history with the collision of budget, tax and reform interests. Keep in mind this is an election year so do not expect…
February 16, 2012
Letter to the Editor: Justice
Dear Editor, I was deeply touched by the article David Hardt wrote ("Justice for ice cream vendors," TW 1/27). I have read his articles over the years and I am always impressed with his thoughtfulness and timely articles.…
February 16, 2012
Letter to the Editor: Remembering Neil Turner
Dear Editor, On Jan. 11, 2012, Private Neil Isaac Turner was killed in Afghanistan due to a training accident. Neil Turner was born on May 28, 1990, on Memorial Day that year. He was born in Minnesota and moved to Tacoma…
February 16, 2012
Letter to the Editor: People of Wal-Mart
Dear Editor, On Jan. 30 Tacoma hosted a Shift Happens conference celebrating local and independent businesses as the heart and soul of our city's economy and identity. The main floor of the convention center was packed…
February 16, 2012
Opinion: New effort offers way for neighbors to help neighbors
A new website offers a good example of how Tacoma residents can connect and collaborate to make the city a better place to live. Folks on Facebook can learn about the efforts of "Friends helping Friends of Tacoma" and…
February 16, 2012
Opinion: Scrap downtown parking cap
Tacoma City Councilmember David Boe has made a sensible alteration to recommendations by the city's Planning Commission regarding downtown parking regulations. The commission completed its review and offered recommendations…
February 16, 2012
Twilight Academy takes high school after hours - Vampires not included
Tacoma's newest educational option the Twilight Academy is not intended to be a magnet for sparkly bloodsuckers, like its famous moniker may imply. The new credit retrieval program, stationed at Foss High School after…
