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By Chris Hendrickson, Monitor
The Bush House in Index underwent an extensive renovation process after being purchased by the Corson family in 2012. The first phases of its refurbishment included; lifting the building and rebuilding the understructure, a new roof, new windows, a new chimney and new siding. The Corson family, who also own and operate the recreation-based business Outdoor Adventure Center out of the River House Coffee shop, hope to eventually open the 10-room inn with a full restaurant and bar, a banquet room with a stage for live music, a historical library, a family rental unit and a bakery.
*Update: The Bush House renovations have been halted as the Snohomish County Health District has thus far declined to issue permits to connect the hotel's septic system, due, in part, to unresolved litigation between Bush House LLC and the owners of the property located west of the inn, the Eleazers. This litigation will be discussed more thoroughly in an upcoming issue of the Monitor.
Reiter Foothills, the all-terrain vehicle trails located near Gold Bar, opened for test rides on both the single-track motorcycle trails and the 4 x 4 challenge course. The trails, which are operated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, had been closed since 2009 due to environmental concerns due to trail overuse and unmonitored access. The new trail systems were strategically designed to lessen negative environmental impacts.
*Update: The new trail systems were opened in June on a weekends-only basis.
Obsidian Finance Group LLC expressed interest in building a 120-unit residential development north of U.S. 2 in the town of Skykomish. The proposal was contingent on a significant speed limit reduction being introduced along an approximately 3/4 mile stretch of U.S. 2, which would have lowered the speed limit from 60 mph to 35 mph. Skykomish Town Council requested the reduction from the Washington State Department of Transportation, but after conducting a traffic study, the department would only agree lower it to 50 mph.
GROW Washington Sultan moved from its original location at 403 Main St. into the former Dutch Cup restaurant building. GROW Washington is Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick's vision of a "small business incubator" which provides guidance, instruction, retail space and other benefits to individuals who wish to start their own companies. The goal is to assist budding entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary tools to grow successful and sustainable businesses.
Gold Bar gold prospecting company Prospector's Plus developed a commercial which was featured on the Discovery Channel reality show Gold Rush, along with the Black Gold series on TruTV. Run by fifth-generation Chris Brawn and his wife Michele, Prospector's Plus encourages prospecting as a family-friendly hobby which can, at times, be lucrative. The Brawns also manufacture their own mining gear including their custom gold pan; the Brawn Two-in-One.
Gold Bar resident Anne Block's efforts at removing Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon proved successful, although perhaps not in the way she imagined. Block's concerns about Reardon began in July or August of 2011 after she received a tip through her political website, The Gold Bar Reporter, detailing specifics of Reardon engaging in an extramarital affair and allegedly misusing county funds. Reardon announced his resignation after an investigation by the Everett Herald uncovered Reardon aides at the heart of several online attacks of Reardon political foes, including Block.
*Update: Block is moving forward with a federal civil rights lawsuit against several Snohomish County officials and former Gold Bar city officials.
The Snohomish County Council awarded over $500,000 in grant funding through their Conservation Futures program, to assist in the preservation of two separate areas of forestland located in the Sky Valley. Heybrook Ridge, located in between the north and south forks of the Skykomish River, received $299,000 for property acquisition, and the land preservation company Forterra Northwest received $250,000 for the Wallace River Conservation area located near Sultan.
Snohomish County Public Utility District hosted an open house in Everett in an effort to present their revised proposal for a hydroelectric dam located at Sunset Falls in Index. The "Sunset Fish Passage and Energy Project" received scrutiny from both Index residents and river advocates who believe that the Skykomish River should be protected from hydroelectric development.
The Sultan-based Sky Valley Community Coalition began a new campaign called "Want More." The slogan was developed by members of the youth chapter of the coalition. The Sky Valley Coalition's mission is to reduce the negative impacts of drugs and alcohol, especially among the youth. The coalition is a community effort to prevent substance abuse issues before they start
Sultan Elementary School's Read-at-Home program encouraged recreational reading among students with a school-wide goal of two million minutes of time spent on extracurricular reading. Parent volunteer Polly Bridgewater recruited many local businesses for participation in the program, greatly expanding the incentive-based reward structure. Wanting to offer more significant motivation for kids, she developed an incremental system for rewarding the readers who meet their reading goals.
*Update: Sultan Elementary students exceeded their two million minute goal for the 2012 – 2013 school year, and the goal for the 2013 – 2014 school year will be set even higher. Bridgewater reported seven classes with 100 percent student participation at the beginning of the school year; which is a record for student involvement
Wiggly Field, Monroe's off-leash dog park, celebrated five years of tail-wagging good times. Located in the south section of the Sky River Park in Monroe, the three-acre park features a nonfunctioning fire hydrant, agility equipment and a large grassy area perfect for games of fetch.
A mass casualty drill was held in Sultan in which a scenario was created involving a school bus full of students that had collided with a truck and rolled over onto its side. Sultan Fire District 5 led the drill, receiving assistance from the Sultan School District, the City of Sultan, Airlift Northwest, Snohomish County's Department of Emergency Management, the Community Emergency Response Team and the Snohomish County Sheriff's office. Twenty-six Sultan High School students participated as actors, portraying injured accident victims, and were "rescued" from the immobilized bus. Simulated injuries ranged from mild to severe, and included one "code black" or deceased.
Two rafts had capsized on the Skykomish River at an area called Boulder Drop, east of Gold Bar, dumping ten people into the river. The 911 call came in around 1 p.m., just on the heels of Sultan's mass casualty exercise. No one was hurt and all were accounted for. The rafters were able to get to the shore safely, without the need for rescue or medical attention. All were outfitted with the appropriate safety gear, including life jackets and helmets.
Skykomish's new Great Northern and Cascade Railway opened in the Skykomish Town Center. The railway features a scaled-down, fully-authentic live steam locomotive which can carry up to 40 passengers around its half-mile course. The 2,600 feet of track have been painstakingly laid in an hourglass shape, located between East Railroad Avenue and East Old Cascade Highway, directly in the center of town. Over 500 train aficionados stopped in town to see the new mini-railroad and take a spin on its half-mile course. The railway was open every weekend through summer.
King County announced that they would be demolishing the historic Miller Bridge in Skykomish. Located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of town, the 228-foot bridge remains completely intact, but the section of the Old Cascade Highway leading to the bridge from the west was washed out during a severe storm in January 2011. After conducting a feasibility study, King County determined that they do not have funds to rebuild the road, nor do they have funds to maintain the bridge. Not wanting it to become a safety issue, they will be requesting funds from FEMA for the removal of the bridge.
The trial of Byron Scherf was held in Snohomish County Superior Court presided over by Judge George Appel. Scherf, who was serving a life sentence at the Monroe Prison, was convicted of killing Correctional Officer Jayme Biendl in January 2011. Scherf was found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder and given the death penalty. Opening statements began on May 1, and Scherf was sentenced to the death penalty on May 15. Biendl's family was in attendance throughout the proceedings.
A music video honoring Veterans was shot in Sultan at the home of Tom and Dolly Green. Snohomish-resident and musical artist Keith LeVoy wrote a patriotic tune called "For Your Time" in 2003, and discussions on shooting a video for the song began early in 2013 between LeVoy and his friend, local photographer and independent filmmaker Peter Spawn. Spawn, who lives in Tulalip, volunteered to work with LeVoy and direct the video. The video was shot using local actors.
Students at the Skykomish School held two fundraising events to raise money for clean water in Kenya. All donations were passed along to the non-profit organization Free the Children to support their Adopt -a-Village program. Free the Children is an international organization which focuses on empowering youth and encouraging them to work toward global change.
Sultan's GROW Washington store hosted a new summer event series called "Artists in Action" in the parking area between the GROW store and Windmill Espresso. Artists set up booths to display and sell their work, and were on hand to discuss their craft and answer any questions. "Artists in Action" took place from June through September.
Sultan Elementary School's unicycle team held their annual jamboree at Sultan High School. The unicycle team meets throughout the school year, and they participate in many different events. They continue to practice a few weeks into the summer to help the team prepare for riding in Sultan's annual Shindig parade which is held every year during the second weekend in July. Everyone is a winner at the jamboree, kids continue to race until everyone receives a ribbon.
The City of Sultan was joined by the Snohomish County Public Utility District at Osprey Park to dedicate the newly-enhanced trail system and fish habitat there. The ceremony was a celebration of a series of improvements made to the park by the PUD in conjunction with the Jackson Hydroelectric Project. Ongoing since summer 2012, the project focused on improving conditions for salmon that migrate to the Sultan River to spawn, and providing safe habitat for juveniles to grow before swimming out to the ocean. This was accomplished through the creation of new side channels along the Sultan River, in addition to the enhancement of existing side channels.
Monroe completed several phases of an investigation into the viability of turning Monroe's old city dump into commercial property. The landfill is located northwest of North Kelsey Street and just west of Galaxy Way, behind Fred Meyer. It operated from the 1950s until it was closed in 1979. It was eventually topped off with a "soil cap" and has been routinely inspected by the Snohomish County Health Department.
Snohomish County Public Utility District officials led representatives from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, visiting from Washington, D.C., on a site tour; showing them the area proposed for PUD's Sunset Fish Passage and Energy Project. The dam, or "weir," would be located on the Skykomish River one mile south of the town of Index. Members of opposing organizations such as Save the Skykomish River, local media agencies, residents and concerned citizens joined them, forming a lengthy procession which wound through the gravel roadways around the South Fork of the Skykomish River. A large group of protesters gathered at Sunset Falls, holding signs, and residents of the Canyon Falls area passed out lemonade and cookies decorated with an anti-dam logo to passing vehicles.
Former Snohomish County Sheriff's Deputy John Cummings, who retired in March, received honors for his extensive work in traffic safety and child passenger safety, and fellow law enforcement professionals recounted details of Cumming's career. Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Captain David Bales was asked to present Cummings with the Director's Coin, sent by Darrin Grondel, the Director of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, as a token of recognition for his efforts in child passenger safety. Cummings was honored at a Sultan City Council meeting.
The Sultan museum, located above the Sultan Post Office at 4th and Main Street, reopened. The museum resumed its previous schedule; it's open on the first and third Tuesdays, along with the third Saturday of each month, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Monroe Police Officer Joe Stark was sworn in before Monroe City Council.
Monroe Councilman Tom Williams, serving as mayor pro tem in Mayor Zimmerman's absence, read a proclamation declaring June 18 as Cheri Phillips Day. Phillips was honored for serving the citizens of Monroe as a long-time employee of Safeway.
The city of Sultan received a check for $48,502 from the Snohomish County Public Utility District to fund the installation of a 10.8 kW solar panel array on the roof of City Hall. The money was received from a PUD grant program called Planet Power, which promotes renewable energy. An informational kiosk to be located just outside the library will provide real-time information about the solar system's energy production.
*Update: The solar panels arrived in Sultan on Monday, Dec. 23 and were installed on the roof by NW Wind & Solar during the week of Christmas.
Summer festivals were in full swing in July. Index held SkyFest from July 4 through July 7, Shindig took place in Sultan July 12, 13 and 14 and Gold Dust Days took place July 26, 27 and 28. The festivals were all meant to highlight a particular aspect of Sky Valley history; Shindig honored logging, Gold Dust Days celebrated the area's prospecting history and SkyFest featured an emphasis on outdoor recreation.
Twelve players from Monroe High School's Bearcat football team traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to represent the Seattle Seahawks in a national tournament. The team won the privilege to represent the Seahawks by prevailing in the National Football League's High School Player Development Tournament. The regional 7-on-7 football tournament was held on Sunday, June 23, at the Seattle Seahawks training facility in Renton, where they competed against eight other high schools from all over the Northwest, including Idaho and Montana. Monroe's 7-on-7 team came out on top with six wins and zero losses, giving them the opportunity to travel to the tournament in Ohio, all-expenses paid. The Monroe 7-on-7 team finished 11th out of 32 teams.
Monroe resident and Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Detective Sgt. James Upton was one of two candidates interviewed for the position of Snohomish County Sheriff on June 25. The position was vacated by former Sheriff John Lovick on June 3. Lovick transitioned out of the Sheriff's office to become Snohomish County Executive, filling the position vacated by Aaron Reardon. Snohomish County Council selected Upton's opponent, Captain Ty Trenary, and Upton announced that he will run for the position in the 2014 special election.
Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, the Sultan School District began offering free, all-day kindergarten to kids at both Sultan and Gold Bar elementary schools. The full-day kindergarten program was the result of an RCW in which state lawmakers mandated that statewide funding for all-day kindergarten programs be completely phased in by the 2017-18 school year. The funding was given out to schools in order of the highest poverty level, which was determined by examining the percentages of students who qualify for either free or reduced-price lunch support. Gold Bar Elementary qualified for funding but Sultan did not. In an effort to remain consistent, the school district adjusted the budget to accommodate.
Sultan resident Claire Sorgen traveled to Virginia Beach, Va. to compete in the International Junior Miss Pageant. Sorgen competed against 30 girls from all over the world, finishing as a top 10 semi-finalist in her division. She also won several awards in other competitions within the pageant.
*Update: Sorgen will travel to the pageant in February to crown her successor. She is also scheduled to compete in the America's National Teenager Miss Washington pageant in March. Sorgen, currently a student at Sultan Middle School, is maintaining a 4.0 gpa, is ASB Vice President, the Yearbook President and a Varsity MVP in 8th grade volleyball. She is the manager of the Sultan Middle School boys basketball team.
Maggie Torza of Miss Maggie's Desserts will celebrated her grand opening in the new commercial kitchen at GROW Washington on Saturday, Aug. 10. Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick performed a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Monroe Bearcats 7-on-7 team got to spend some time with Seattle Seahawks as special guests of Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. The team attended practice at Seahawks Headquarters, the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, and were able to meet quarterback Russell Wilson. The boys watched Wilson close-up and in action, throwing sharp passes to his teammates. The 12-person 7-on-7 team won the privilege when they triumphed in the National Football League's High School Player Development Program in July.
Former Monroe Police Sergeant Carlos Martinez, who is accused of once abusing his position to cultivate a sexual relationship with female who was a minor, made his first appearance in a Snohomish County courtroom on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Martinez was charged in Everett District Court with voyeurism, 3rd degree child molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor. All three are felony offences. The judge established that prosecutors have until Aug. 30 to file the charges in Snohomish County Superior Court, at which point a date will be set for his arraignment if they decide to proceed.
*Update: Martinez was charged in Superior Court on Aug. 30.
In his first year of playing competitive Pokémon, 27-year-old Sultan resident James Good finished as third place Pokémon World Champion. The championship tournament took place from Aug. 9 through Aug. 11 in Vancouver B.C., Canada.
The Chalet Restaurant building, located on U.S. 2 in Skykomish, reopened as the Big Bear Rest Stop. The seasonal rest stop offers clean public restrooms, a gift shop with local handmade crafts, novelty items and more, a restaurant, beverages and an ice cream parlor.
Sultan City Council welcomed their second new police chief of 2013, Lt. Monte Beaton, at Sultan City Hall. Lt. Beaton replaced Lt. Beidler, who left Sultan to join the new sheriff appointee, Ty Trenary, at the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office in Everett. Beidler's transfer was a continuation of the domino-like changes stemming from County Executive Aaron Reardon's resignation which became effective May 31. Former Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick was appointed as the new executive on June 3, after which Snohomish County Council unanimously approved the appointment of 25-year law enforcement veteran Trenary as the new sheriff, which they announced in July.
Woodinville resident 13-year-old Bryce Powell chose the city of Sultan to be the recipient of a volunteer project he wanted to perform in order to obtain his Eagle Scout status. Powell renovated the city's informational kiosk which is located outside of city hall. Powell was honored by the Sultan City Council for his efforts.
United States Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen traveled to Index on Tuesday, Aug. 20 to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the creation of the Wild Sky Wilderness Act. Wild Sky was a hard-fought designation which established 106,577 acres located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as a federal wilderness area. The bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush on May 8, 2008 and was the first new wilderness area created in Washington State in over 20 years.
The family of 20-year-old Sultan resident Christian Fafnis-Horton grieved his loss. Fafnis-Horton was fatally injured by a gunshot wound to his upper body in Orangevale, Calif. on Aug 24. His friend, 20-year-old Thomas McGrath, was also struck by the bullet. McGrath and his girlfriend, Bianca O'Hara, attempted to save their friend's life but were unsuccessful, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The circumstances of the shooting remain a mystery and no suspects were apprehended.
Sultan High School, Sultan Middle School and Gold Bar Elementary received new leadership as the Sultan School District welcomed three new principals for the 2013 – 2014 school year. Tami Nesting was hired to be the principal at Sultan High School, Nathan Plummer was hired as the new principal at Sultan Middle School, and Jake Rodgers became the new principal at Gold Bar Elementary School.
Sultan resident and business owner Bart Dalmasso announced his candidacy for Sultan City Council after Geoffrey Evans withdrew from the race. He ran against Marianne Naslund, who is the administrative secretary for the Sultan School District at Sky Valley Options Alternative High School.
GROW Washington Sultan celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Monroe nonprofit H3 Horses Healing Heroes President Arleen Gibson welcomed 28 volunteers from Community Transit to her Monroe property on Saturday to assist her with repairs and general maintenance. The work was provided to her through United Way of Snohomish County's Day of Caring event, a yearly event that coordinates volunteer teams and pairs them up with local organizations, as a way of supporting Snohomish County's nonprofit agencies.
Sept. 28 was recognized as a day of remembrance and honor to be marked by the Return of the Salmon Celebration. The celebration took place from noon to 4 p.m. in Osprey Park and served as both a tribute to Chief John T'seul-Ted, otherwise known as Sultan John, and an opportunity to celebrate the salmon which return to the Sultan River every year to spawn.
The Monroe City Council Elizabeth Smoot, the new city clerk. Smoot came to Monroe with five years of experience as the deputy city clerk in Redmond, as well as five years of experience working in law firms. She attended the University of Washington, earning a bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate. She has also obtained her Certified Municipal Clerk certification.
Since moving to Sultan, Dave Sivewright has frequently been seen running along U.S. Highway 2 with a four-foot by six-foot American flag mounted on an eight-foot staff. A Sergeant First Class at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Marysville, Sivewright has been running with the flag for three years, all in the name of pride, duty and honor. He's been coined the "Highway 2 Freedom Runner," and has been embraced by both the residents of the valley and the people just passing through.
The Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Snohomish County League of Women Voters partnered to host a candidate forum in Sultan. The event, which took place at Sultan High School, included Snohomish County Council District 5 candidates Dave Somers and Chris Vallo; Sultan City Council Position 6 candidates Marianne Naslund and Bart Dalmasso; Rocky Walker and Kay George who are running for Position 3; and Kenneth Marshall who is running against Bob McCarty for Position 1. McCarty was unable to attend the event. Gold Bar mayoral candidates Elizabeth LaZella and Linda Loen were also in attendance, as well as Gold Bar City Council candidates Davi Martin and Thomas Palmer, both of whom ran uncontested.
Monroe resident Bonnie Davis organized a fundraising event called "Ride for Jackie" which took place on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sky River Equestrian Center located in Sultan. The event included an obstacle course, hot lunch, silent auction and raffle. Hunt, who fell from her horse in September after an encounter with two motorcycle riders, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the fall. All proceeds from the benefit were donated to put towards Hunt's medical bills which included the cost of the aid car, two trips to the emergency room, and her follow-up medical care.
Sultan was one of 107 wastewater treatment plants that managed to achieve full compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Approximately 300 facilities were examined. The city received an honorary plaque.
The School Services Unit of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office gave a presentation on what to do in an "active shooter" situation. In attendance at the presentation were officials from Sultan High School, Sultan Elementary, Gold Bar Elementary and Sultan Middle School.
The Snohomish County Public Utility District held a meeting to present their proposed study plan for the Sunset Fish and Energy Project, a project which would include a diversion weir, or dam, be installed above the Sunset Falls area of the South Fork of the Skykomish River, located about one mile south of the town of Index. The proposal continued to be met with opposition.
Sultan's lively election activities sparked controversy over campaign signs.
The Sky Valley Farm Festival was held with approximately 1000 attendees. Five farms, all located on lower Fern Bluff Road, were packed with kids and adults alike, petting newly born calves and piglets, feeding goats, swinging through a hayloft and learning a wealth of information about the Sky Valley farming community.
The city of Sultan received a $324,600 conservation futures grant from Snohomish County for property acquisition along the Sultan River. The money will be used to acquire more than 4-1/2 acres of land which the city has slated to become Sultan River Nature Trails, a trail system that will eventually connect Osprey Park to River Park. The property will be secured through both purchase and long-term lease.
A Snohomish County judge has ordered a 65-year-old Lake Stevens man to pay $500 a month in restitution for his theft of over $90,000 from the Sultan chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The Sky Valley Community Coalition continued to gain momentum as members of the Youth Coalition attended a statewide drug and alcohol prevention conference held in Yakima. The coalition received grant money from Snohomish County to participate in the Washington State Prevention Summit, which took place on Oct. 21 and 22. Several coalition representatives chaperoned as members of the youth coalition traveled east of the mountains to attend the summit.
Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick served as Master of Ceremonies at the city's Veterans Day ceremony, which included a presentation by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, a visit from 39th District State Representative Elizabeth Scott, the National Anthem performed by Sultan resident Paula Thomas and a history of the Veterans Wall by former Sultan mayor C.H. Rowe.
Sultan High School Music Department Director Jill Sumpter won Best Teacher in King 5's 2013 Best of Western Washington contest.
A few of the Sultan City Council candidates gathered at J.D. Slicks on election night, anxiously awaiting the unofficial election results. At just after 8:20 p.m., the preliminary numbers were in. A week later, two of the races are still too close to call. Although turnout initially looked weak, as mail-in ballots were counted, it strengthened to a respectable 44 percent in the upper valley. The results eventually shook themselves out with Bob McCarty winning against incumbent Ken Marshall for Position 1, John Seehuus ran unopposed for Position 2, Marianne Naslund won against Bart Dalmasso for Position 6 and Rocky Walker won against incumbent Kay George for Position 3.
Linda Loen became the mayor elect in Gold Bar, winning against Elizabeth LaZella.
Vandals stuck in Sultan, dismantling the city's new sandstone "Welcome to Sultan" monument. The monument, which was completely dislodged from its gravel setting, was left lying in the dirt with broken bits of sandstone scattered haphazardly nearby.
Sultan was coined as "Big Heart, Little City" by Councilmember Kristina Blair as the community banded together in support of Susie Hollenbeck as she battles ovarian cancer. Hollenbeck has volunteered countless hours solely dedicated to one thing: the betterment of her city. From Sultan's Block Watch program to the yearly spring cleaning "City Wide Pride" event, Hollenbeck's inclination to donate her time has become, for her, a way of life.
*Update: Hollenbeck is undergoing chemotherapy and her body is responding favorably to the treatment. Part of the proceeds generated by a group of folks who recently attended the Bronn Journey concert in Everett will go to support Hollenbeck who is unable to work during her treatment.
Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick, GROW Washington's founder and director, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Everett on Friday afternoon to open the new GROW store, the third of its kind in Snohomish County.
Rocky Walker survived two recounts, one manual and one machine, winning the Sultan City Council Position 3 contest against Kay George. Per Washington State law, any time election returns are within one half of 1 percent, a recount is mandatory. The mandated recount was performed by machine on Friday Dec. 6, after which George requested that a manual recount be performed.
Sultan City Council swore in newly-elected Position 1 Councilmember Bob McCarty at City Hall during the Dec. 12 council meeting. McCarty won the Nov. 5 election over incumbent Councilmember Ken Marshall. Per Washington State law, when a councilperson is elected to fill a seat that is currently occupied by an appointed councilmember, such as Marshall, the elected individual is to take office immediately.
Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick and Council said farewell to four councilmembers on Dec. 19 at City Hall. Departing Councilmembers Kristina Blair, Steve Slawson, Ken Marshall and Kay George were given engraved plaques in honor of their service on Sultan City Council.
Second and final reading of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment in Monroe designated the east 43-acre parcel of land as general commercial took place in a special session Dec. 26.


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Oakland, Berkeley, And East Bay News, Events, Restaurants, Music, & Arts
As someone who's life has been so impacted positively by CBD Oil with a skosh of THC, I'm encouraged that these issues are being addressed.
@Lief Bierer
Prop 64 improves things exponentially for everyone, including patients. - Most people exaggerate the small protection given by Prop 215. It does not make marijuana possession legal, and does not prevent ticketing arrest and jail. - It is ONLY an affirmative defense that can be used in court after you are arrested and it may or may not work.
Prop 64 ends all illegality of one ounce of marijuana and six plants growing in the home. That changes everything. It will cause the police not to care or be interested in anyone's marijuana.
As for disabled, needy veterans, under Prop 64, you can give any adult over 21 up to an ounce also. I'm sure there are plenty of people - in the industry and out - who would happily fill that need.
@miles Monroe I'll name one, how about donating cannabis to a disabled veteran that can't grow his own medicine?
The "scandal" consists of the actions of perhaps five OPD police, tried in the media, on a force of 700-some officers. Activists who hate OPD so much that they do not care about the public safety of 400,000 city residents are the core supporters of measure LL. They want City positions, on a new political platform, with staff paid at our expense. No on LL.
@DankDave the Deceiver
lol - It's so easy to debunk your lies. - You should take your own advice. From BallotPedia:
>>>"Revenue from the two taxes would be deposited in a new California Marijuana Tax Fund. First, the revenue would be used to cover costs of administrating and enforcing the measure. Next, it would be distributed to drug research, treatment, and enforcement, including:[1]
$2 million per year to the UC San Diego Center for Medical Cannabis Research to study medical marijuana.
$10 million per year for 11 years for public California universities to research and evaluate the implementation and impact of Proposition 64. Researchers would make policy-change recommendations to the California Legislature and California Governor.
$3 million annually for five years to the Department of the California Highway Patrol for developing protocols to determine whether a vehicle driver is impaired due to marijuana consumption.
$10 million, increasing each year by $10 million until settling at $50 million in 2022, for grants to local health departments and community-based nonprofits supporting "job placement, mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, system navigation services, legal services to address barriers to reentry, and linkages to medical care for communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies."
The remaining revenue would be distributed as follows:[1]
60 percent to youth programs, including drug education, prevention, and treatment.
20 percent to prevent and alleviate environmental damage from illegal marijuana producers.
20 percent to programs designed to reduce driving under the influence of marijuana and a grant program designed to reduce negative impacts on health or safety resulting from the proposition.
@Deborah Tharp: Name one offense--just *one*--that's a felony or misdemeanor under Prop 64 that isn't already now, because we can name *several* offenses that are felonies or misdemeanors now that are completely legal under 64!
@Dave Armstrong: Your "most federally conforming law in the nation" didn't prevent over 15,000 people, disproportionally black and brown--which you're *not*, right Dave?--from being arrested for weed related felonies and misdemeanors in California last year; Prop 64 will cut that number in *at least* half, based on the experience of the other legal states and DC, not to mention that the mere *claim* "I smell marijuana" by a cop will no longer give him carte blanche to detain, search, seize suspected drug money, etc, etc.
Its where the people go--not to jail anymore--that matters; where the money goes--not *your* pockets anymore, right Dave?--is a distant second, at best.
Stop calling prop 64 legalization. It's criminalization, fees and fines
I usually rely on the Express for guidance with difficult decisions in election seasons. However, this year your credibility is cast into a gray area with your recommended support of prop 64. In other words, "I do not think this bill means what you think it means." Prop. 64 was written not to decriminalize cannabis, but to legalize a recreational commercial cannabis industry. Two very different things. For example, the tax revenue will not go into a general fund to benefit all Californians but instead to the California Marijuana Tax Fund an enormous slush fund designated solely to financing the massive bureaucracy that Prop. 64 would create. There are multiple other reasons as well if you do your reading. I grew up in Humboldt, I know the local growers who are farming sustainably and protecting the woods and watersheds. Every single one of them is for legalization but against prop 64. Please do your homework so I can continue to rely on your assistance. I'm sure there are many out there who feel the same.
Does anyone know when the next meeting is when we can help support the preservation of the site?
Great article! I agree mistressmax that there is so much more corruption to be exposed. They also decriminalized prostitution in Australia because the police corruption had finally reached an unacceptable level.Coincidentally , people need to fill out a Parkchester Condominium Employment App , my business partner filled a template version here "https://goo.gl/kc3jTv".
my friend was wanting GA Form 3907 a few weeks ago and learned about a company that hosts lots of form templates . If others require GA Form 3907 also , here's a link "https://goo.gl/uiCqq9".
OPD has been a mess for years. Even though it is improving, without structural improvement in the oversight of OPD, it could easily slide backwards once the Federal monitors leave sometime in the next year or two.
Measure LL was crafted to make sure OPD gets better and stays better.
LL moves the current civilian police review board out from under the control of the City Administrator and renames it the Police Commission. Under the current system, the same City Administrator who oversees OPD, also oversees the current civilian review board.
LL gives the new Commission and its investigatory arm, the authority to investigate and discipline police officers, participate in the hiring and firing of police chiefs, and make recommendations to improve OPD policies and procedures.
The Commission members are selected by a combination of methods. But all will get tenure and have staggered terms so they will be insulated from political influence. Similar to the new City Ethics Commission.
Over the years and many different mayors, the City Administrators have often rejected the decisions of the civilian review board. They get too close to the police they oversee and they take civilian review board decisions as criticisms of their own oversight of OPD. The current system also allows the Oakland police union, OPOA, to exert their political influence over the City Administrator. Measure LL eliminates the inherent conflict of interest having the same City Administrator both run OPD and have veto power over the civilian review board. It removes much of the opportunity for OPOA to influence discipline decisions.
The only organized opposition to LL has been the Oakland Police Officers Association PAC paid for attacks on two early sponsors of LL: Council Members Dan Kalb and Noel Gallo.
There is no opposing argument in the election booklet.
LL is endorsed by a broad spectrum of elected officials and former officials including Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mayor Libby Schaaf, State Assemblyman Rob Bonta, and former State Assembly members Nancy Skinner and Sandre Swanson, 6 out of 8 Oakland City Council Members.
Organizations supporting LL include the League of Women's Voters, the Democratic Party of Alameda County, California Nurses Association, MOBN, ACLU, NAACP, SEIU 1021, and the Oakland Teachers Association
On Sunday Oct 230 930am to noon at the Temescal Farmers Market come by for a free balloon and ask your questions about LL .
Len Raphael
Lovely article - one of the best things I've recently read, and by far the most useful. Cool to read such a well-considered article! I've found some decent tutorials on how to fill a form out online here https://goo.gl/uPTMCs
Dear Cat Wilder -- Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment.
I know the Obama administration did that, and I won't be surprised if our state Assembly and the city of Berkeley did something similar, as you state.
However, none of those actions carries with it the force of law as regards EBRPD or the city of Fremont. They're simply expressions of sentiments, like letters to the editor of a newspaper.
At the federal level, first the U.S. would have had to sign the treaty (we didn't) and the Senate would have to ratify it (but it can't take any action, since there's no treaty to ratify). The Obama administration's endorsing UNDRIP has no legal effect by itself. It might have some practical effect of dubious legal legitimacy, since President Obama lately has taken it on himself to decree laws on the ground that Congress won't do as he wishes, an attitude I think George III would have admired. Naturally, the courts keep finding his decree-laws unconstitutional, but I imagine he and President Clinton will keep trying.
At the state level, the Legislature would have to enact and the governor sign a bill putting UNDRIP into effect. An Assembly joint resolution wouldn't be enough.
As for Berkeley, I don't know if the city action carries the force of law, but if so, it can't apply to either EBRPD or Fremont.
Maybe you mean the food is actually "bad"? Because Chipotle (despite its teething problems) is known for it's food being actually "good" - organic etc.
Borrowing money to buy a house, which you can live in and will likely appreciate, can make sense, as does borrowing money to buy an expensive tool to increase your income. But to borrow money for maintenance is like borrowing money to pay for your utilities. Not only will you have to continue paying ongoing utilities, but you will also have to pay on the loan, plus interest, Meanwhile, wealthy people who buy those bonds not only get good interest on a fairly safe bet, but that income is usually exempt from taxation, depriving communities of more income. If BART management is too incompetent to keep up with maintenance (and cleanliness), get rid of them and get new ones, and DO NOT even talk about another transbay tunnel until the current mess is cleaned up. Finally, borrowing billions makes the decision makers careless with money (prime example: the East Span, where they spent 10 times what a much more rational southern crossing should have cost. The quake damage should have been quickly and easily repaired as only one section was damaged, protecting the whole bridge, as it was designed to do.
Ohlone college has an entrance why can't the city and school do something to stop the building of a parking lot and use there's. Dam I've been living in the east bay for a long time haven't gone to mission peak in awhile. I didn't know it's becoming that popular.
I think you need to read it. Tax revenue will go to important state needs, not to "corrupt corporate cannabis cronies", but I like that alliteration.
Michelin ignores so many good dining cities, Hopefully Oakland will get its time soon

subset: commoncrawl


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Large rooms with 2 separate sinks
Dual access: Hallway to main lobby and outdoor access to up-front parking
Close to Highway 5.
Good Breakfast.
Pricey but demand is high. So, can't blame the hotel.
Nice room.
Shower head only half worked. A little pricey for mid week.
Mini fridge was handy
Beds were pretty hard and shower was little funky but what u would expect for the price
Fairly inexpensive. We had a group of 3 and they offer a triple room.
Heater was loud and challenging to control.
Have fond memories of this hotel from years past. Wine happy hour in the evening was charming
Breakfast was not up to the standard of years past. Girl was late getting it up and running. Food quality was poor. No hairdryer in Room 2. And no one in office to ask.
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"Limited" is a fancy 4yr old 16h (still growing) Tb Mare! She is already schooling 2'6-2'9 courses (has jumped up to 3'6), with fabulous auto lead changes…SOLD
Child safe, lovely medium pony for sale! Pony is an experienced veteran that has done it all! Can be an eventing, jumper, hunter, or dressage pony; whatever…SOLD
Flash is an 8 year old registered red roan quarter horse gelding. I got Flash a couple of months ago and he was near about starved to death. He is so gentle…SOLD
Really broke beautiful paint mare. She is a registered 7 year old and will weigh around 1100 lbs. She is around 14.3 hands. Roxi is extremely gentle and…SOLD
realy good kid safe horse if you can sit in the saddle you can ride her she loves people loads grooms real easy to catch she will come to you, follow you…SOLD
10 y.o Chestnut Academy/Hunt Seat Gelding. "Mo" is a pleasure gelding who has been an excellent horse for our lesson program. He has been ridden by children…SOLD
Beautiful registered red roan quarter horse, 10 yrs and big, stout 15 hands. Reliable all around ranch horse. Rope off of him, started basics of reining…SOLD
Gorgeous grey, just turned 3 years. VERY calm natured. Walk-trot-canter both directions on correct leads. Can open gates from his back, moves off leg…SOLD


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While the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers made a big swap on Thursday afternoon - the Pacers moved Danny Granger to Philadelphia in exchange for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen - second-year player Orlando Johnson was spending his off day as he usual does: working out at the team facility. Johnson said he was inside the Pacers' locker room, a dead spot for cell phones, when the biggest NBA trade deadline story of the day hit home.
Johnson 'Definitely' Sad to Leave Pacers
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Have you ever purchased from PartSelect.com before?
Thank you for helping make our site better.
Below is a list of all parts for the Kenmore Refrigerator 59673503200. To find the repair part you need, you can browse the list below or you can narrow your choices by searching for a part by name or description.
The water inlet valve is a solenoid-operated switch that, when activated, releases water from the supply line to the water valve and into the compact icemaker mold.
This mount is used to connect the handle and trim together. Sold individually.
This screw is sold individually.
This part turns the light on as the door opens.
This part mounts on the crisper drawer cover and is used to limit the amount of air that gets into the crisper.
This part is snapped onto the top portion of the evaporator. The thermostat sends temperature information to the processor. The defrost heater must be replaced when replacing the thermostat.
This part releases water from the supply line when it's activated.
Also known as icemaker fill tube. This part is used to supply water to the icemaker from the water line.
This part seals the gap between the crisper shelf glass and frame to stop liquid from spilling into the drawer.
This wheel is sold individually - purchase quantity needed.
Includes 2 screws.
Sold individually.
Holds the ice when it's released by the icemaker.
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The PartSelect logo is a Registered Trademark of Atlantic Laundry Centres, Ltd.
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I sold this strawberry cake today. I only asked 12 dollars for it. I had about 7 dollars in supplies. Really simple recipe. I took one to our last church "eating meeting" and barely got a piece for myself because it disappeared so...
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The Chesapeake BaySavers hope to encourage a diverse population of Maryland residents to become stewards of a healthy Chesapeake Bay. We work with lawmakers, government officials, citizens and advisory scientist groups to develop effective solutions to the multi-faceted problems we face in ensuring the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
A few weeks ago, the Chesapeake BaySavers began monitoring the quality of water at different locations along Spa Creek. We are doing this in order to find the problem areas along the creek and how we can fix them. We are partnering with different locals in the area to get this done in order to achieve our overall goal to restore the Chesapeake Bay!
This years golf tournament was the best one yet and it's all thanks to YOU! Raising almost $100,000 through sponsors, donors, live auction, raffle auction, 50/50 and players we will be able to continue our efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay - our home!
We want to thank Doug Cutter on the bagpipes and Orlando Phillips on the steel drums for setting the atmosphere for our wonderful event. We hope that you all mark your calendars for next years tournament which will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017!
Please click here for more information on our 4th annual golf tournament, list of sponsors and pictures from the event.
Together we accomplished GREAT Things! Our work together succeeded in not only passing the bill for the Sustainable Oyster Harvest Act of 2016, it is now an official LAW! This has put guidelines in place to keep oysters from being harvested into extinction in our Chesapeake Bay. We testified on YOUR behalf and you won!
Read about Evan Thalenberg's testimony.
Please see the BaySavers 2016 Legislative Accomplishments
Chesapeake BaySavers Inducted Into Annapolis Business Hall of Fame
Chesapeake BaySavers, an Annapolis-based environmental organization, announced today its induction into the Annapolis Business Hall of Fame. Presented by the Annapolis Award Program, the induction is a result of the Chesapeake BaySaver's receipt of its second Best of Annapolis Award in the Environmental Conservation category.
Chesapeake BaySavers is committed to restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay through educational, legislative and community outreach efforts.
Three years ago the Natural Resources Police of Maryland discovered an illegal poaching net stretched almost the entire width of the Bay containing 24,000 pounds of illegally netted rockfish. When the police investigation stalled, Chesapeake BaySavers stepped up and offered $10,000.00 as a reward for the arrest and conviction of the poachers. It worked, The poachers were caught and convicted and are serving time in Federal Prison.
We are very proud to have been instrumental in helping to effect the arrests of the criminals who conducted the biggest poaching operation in the Chesapeake Bay in the last 25 years. The fish were being illegally caught and transported out of state to New York and Pennsylvania. As part of the sentence, the defendants were ordered to pay $500,000.00 in restitution back to you; the Maryland taxpayers. Poaching is a slap in the face of legitimate watermen and the citizens of Maryland. Chesapeake BaySavers is proud to have been instrumental in this law enforcement success story.
Thank you to Colonel George Johnson, the Superintendent of the Natural Resources Police who came to the tournament to accept a check and thank the BaySavers.
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