You Can Help

The police are asking for our help in their investigation into the death of Sarah Contreras at the Ruston Point condominium building on the 5300 block of N. Pearl. Her body was discovered at 9:45 am today. Anyone who saw visitors at Sarah's residence or any suspicious activity near her home are asked to call Sgt. Lawler at 253-830-5011.

Ruston police are being assisted in this death investigation by the Cooperative Cities Crime Response Unit. The following flyer has all the details:

Death in Ruston: Circumstances Unknown

There is a lot of police activity in the parking lot under the condo building at N. 54th and Pearl. Our Ruston police cars and other unmarked police cars there, and crime scene tape. There has been lots of people coming and going from the police department this afternoon. The Puyallup crime scene van is parked on Shirley Street.

The police have told me that a body has been found and they are investigating. I don't know yet the who, when or where. I don't know if this was someone local, what this person's age or gender was or the circumstances of the death (if this is a natural death or suspicious).

There will much more to tell. I've asked our police to call and sent an email to the chief with follow up questions. They are busy right now, but I'll have more information as it becomes available.

How The Numbers Compare

Since there is so much discussion, I took a couple of hours to pull together some cost comparisons between Ruston and Tacoma:

Police

Tacoma
Ruston lies within Tacoma's Sector 2-4. Sector 2 is roughly South 15th to Sprague Ave. and north. Subsection 2-4 is northwest of about N. 21st and Proctor. According to Tacoma Police Department's web page, there are an average of 6 patrol officers per sector on any given shift. Each officer responds to an average of 18 dispatches and writes 6 reports per shift. The total Tacoma 2009 police budget is $144,989,227 or $738 per citizen.

Ruston
Ruston is situated between N. 49th to 54th and Pearl to Orchard Streets (about 5 square blocks). There is generally 1 officer on patrol at any given time. The department has 8 officer. The number of calls per shift varies greatly, from 0 to 25 with more calls during the summer. Many non-urgent calls are made directly to the office rather than through the 911 system. Many reports are officer-initiated rather than waiting for someone to report a problem, again not tracked through 911. The total Ruston 2009 police budget is $427,699 or $586 per citizen.

Fire

Tacoma
Tacoma Fire is not broken into clear sectors, but the closest fire station to Ruston is Station 14 at N. 41st and Gove (near Jane Clark Park). In the event of an emergency, appropriate equipment and personnel are dispatched depending on the nature of the call. About 80% of all calls are medical emergencies. Tacoma has 5 medical aid vans (6 if it gets busy) to cover all of Tacoma. If they are not available or the call is not an acute emergency, a private ambulance is dispatched. First responders are Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) trained and the aid van/ambulance drivers have a paramedic on board. The total Tacoma 2009 fire budget is $84,360,279 or $416 per citizen. Average response times for Engine 14 to fire calls only in 2008 was 5 minutes, 44 seconds plus time to put on gear.

Ruston
Ruston has a volunteer fire department, where neighbors receive both fire and medical aid training. These trained volunteers respond to emergency calls. Ruston has a 20 person roster, most of whom are EMT trained. The department meets weekly for on-going training. The house next to Town Hall on Winnifred Street serves as a bunkhouse where fire fighters in training at Bates Fire Academy reside to provide additional daytime coverage. While not dedicated only to Ruston, Rural Metro Ambulance has an ambulance stationed in Ruston on the 5200 block of Pearl Street. The total Ruston fire 2009 budget is $41,742 or $56 per citizen. Average response times for all calls in 2008 were 2 minutes, 53 seconds including time to put on gear.

On a side note, a citizen's committee reviewed both the current fire department structure and future needs in a report available here and an additional report here....

Tax Rates

Property
9.7138 per $1,000: Ruston
11.6206 per $1,000: Tacoma

Power
4.03%: Ruston
6.00%: Tacoma

Sewer
4.00%: Ruston
8.00%: Tacoma

Garbage
3.75%: Ruston
8.00%: Tacoma

Natural Gas
None: Ruston
.669%: Tacoma

Water
Unsure: Ruston
8.00%: Tacoma

Cable TV
None: Ruston
8.00%: Tacoma

Telephone
Unsure: Ruston
8.00%: Tacoma

Utility Costs

Power
Ruston:
$0.062 per KWH (multiplier of 10)
plus $10.40 base rate per month
Tacoma:
$0.31081 per KWH for energy use (multiplier of 10)
plus $0.30981 per KWH for delivery (total of $0.062062 per KWH)
plus $5.50 customer charge per month

Garbage (per 60-gallon can)
Ruston:
$19.85 per month
Tacoma:
$45.35 per month

Sewer
Ruston: for 3 person family, March 2009: $45.71 per month
Tacoma: for 2 person family, July-August 2008: $31.71 per month

Storm Water
Ruston: $5.00 per month
Tacoma: $17.25 per month

Water
Tacoma and Ruston presumed to be the same since Tacoma provides water service to the town.

Ruston Lawsuits

Someone complained when I posted notice about another lawsuit Ruston is facing with a developer recently. They thought I should post all the current lawsuits. A check of the superior court web page showed 9 lawsuits filed against Ruston from 2008-09 compared to 69 in Tacoma. One of those was a lawsuit brought by Jim Wingard about the town not following public disclosure processes correctly. A settlement on that issue was approved at the council meeting last Monday.

It appears that all Ruston's cases have been settled or dismissed from what I can tell except for three: 1) the on-going lawsuit over the casino gambling taxes (available on Ruston Reports), 2) the Baumgardner suit and 3) a suit brought by from Laura Brooks, the mother of Brandon Brooks. Brandon was killed on 51st Street when his motorcycle collided with a dump truck.

It's important to note that only the complaints are available right now, which tell only one side of the story. There will be more information and other points of view to be heard.

Echo Of The Past

It was dejaveu reading about Puyallup's City Council meeting this week where council members were shouted at by audience members. Ruston had one such rowdy meeting a year ago January when Council Member Stebner led a move to disband our fire department. The meeting got out of hand due to a variety of reasons, but things have thankfully calmed down. Somehow its comforting to know Ruston is not the only place that has to deal with this issue.

Point Ruston Sues Carpenters Union-Others

UPDATE: Thursday, April 30th: The Tacoma Weekly has an article today with a few more comments from the parties involved.
_________________________

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 28th: The Business Examiner has a response on their blog from the Carpenters Union on this lawsuit.
_________________________

UPDATE: Wednesday, April 22nd: The News Tribune has an article on this issue today...
_________________________

This letter arrived today via email.... Karen
_________________________
April 21, 2009

Dear Friends,

Today, Point Ruston LLC filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Pacific Northwest
Regional Council of Carpenters, Jobs With Justice Education Fund, and individual
representatives of both organizations. I wanted you to hear this news from me before you read
about it in the newspaper.

The lawsuit alleges that the Carpenters Union, and Jobs With Justice, have violated federal
labor laws prohibiting threatening activities, interfered with contractual relations and
prospective business expectancies, trespassed, engaged in property damage, and made false
and defamatory statements regarding on-site environmental issues and the health and safety of
working conditions.

The last thing that we wanted to do was to file a lawsuit against the Carpenters and Jobs With
Justice, but we had no choice. Their on-going and escalating activities have fostered
misinformation, damaged our company, and spread fear among the community about the
environmental effects of the site.

We are a labor-friendly company and we have been taken aback by the activities of the
Carpenters Union and Jobs With Justice. We take our commitment to organized labor seriously
and have very good relations with trade unions in Pierce County.

We are also concerned about the misinformation spread by the Carpenters and Jobs With
Justice about the environmental effects of the site on workers and neighbors. Numerous state
and federal agencies are involved in oversight of this project and we are in 100% compliance
with all EPA regulations related to this site.

The remediation and redevelopment of Superfund Sites is complex and costly. However, we are
committed to completing this project and creating an exceptional space for the community.
Once completed, for the first time in 100 years the public will be able to step onto this site to
walk, live, shop, recreate, and experience the breathtaking beauty of this waterfront property.

We appreciate your support and will keep you posted on further developments.

Sincerely,
Mike Cohen

More Egg Hunt Fun

Sherri Forch sent along these pictures of the Easter festivities last weekend, along with her thanks to all who helped. She'll have copies of pictures available after the council meeting on Monday night.

Get Ready For Summer

A friend sent along this open invitation to the Tahoma Fuchisa Society's sale this Saturday. Stop by if you can... Karen
________________________________
The Tahoma Fuchsia Society is having its annual plant sale this Saturday, an event not to be missed! (Well, if it is snowing, like last year - - -) This is where you get the best fuchsias for your yard and your baskets. Plants to put on a wonderful show of flowers all summer long. My fuchsias were still blooming after Thanksgiving last year.

Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9 AM to 2 PM
Place: NORTH 12th and Stevens in Tacoma - The AmVets parking lot across from Jefferson Elementary School. (Not south 12th - there is nothing there for a sale!)

The weather should be great, lots of plants to choose from - not just fuchsias - and experienced gardeners to answer your questions.

Ruston Budget = Fun Reading

Ian Demsky posted a follow up to his last story on Ruston after reading through the town’s budget line by line. Read his comments here…

Ruston has now posted its current budget on the town web page, available here…

Ruston Does It Right

I happened across Ruston, Louisiana's new web page today focused on their citizen-led planning effort called Ruston 21. I discussed the process they were embarking on last October when they held a series of "community visioning" meetings. The ultimate outcome will be three documents; a community and economic development plan, a comprehensive land use plan and a capital improvement plan.

The community input was quickly translated into what they call "Quick Response". The set of initiatives begins by noting; "Perhaps the single most important plan accomplishment is the cooperative spirit and energy the community has brought to the plan. This is a plan that truly belongs to and embodies our community." I found this list of responses especially interesting:

• Downtown Revitalization Plan: to "improve pedestrian access, relocate overhead utility services and improve the visual impact of the downtown district"
• Upgrade Web Access
• Public Saftey Initiative: "performance-based management plan, increase transparency..."
• Leadership Development: "identify, recruit and engage civic leaders"
• Business Retention Initiative
• Sidewalk Improvement Plan
• Annexation: they are looking to expand their boundaries
• One Book Initiative: the whole community reads the same book once a year and has a series of forums to talk about it - the goal is positive community connections and support for education, reading and libaries
• Substandard Housing Removal
• Junk Vehicle Removal

Ruston, Louisiana is a much bigger city than Ruston, Washington. But we are both made up of people who want the best for our community. I think our southern counterparts are moving in the right direction. It's not too late for the northern, smaller Ruston to engage its citizens and provide a positive forum for building our future together.

Karen

In Court Again

Ruston is being sued again. This time time a developer who owns vacant land to the east of Stack Hill, Dave Baumgardner and his two companies, are suing the Town of Ruston, former Mayor Michael Transue and Ruston's former planner Carl Stixrood and his company Huitt-Zollars. A copy of Baumgardner's complaint is available here on Ruston Reports.

Egg Hunt 2009

Ruston's annual Easter Egg Hunt took place this morning. As usual, the "hunt" only last about 5 minutes. The median down Winnifred was divided into age groups so the little ones could get some eggs before they were gobbled up by the big kids.

Muffins and coffee were served by the ever-lovely Patti Hardin, Mayor Hopkins used the PA system in the fire truck to get things started and the police motorcycle lead the young procession down the street to each age-designated stash of eggs. It appeared a great time was had by all.

No town funds are used for this event. Donations can still be made by contacting Sherri Forch at sherri98407@aol.com and your empty plastic eggs can be dropped off at town hall this coming week.

The crowd gathers....

Council Member Huson brought one of his collector cars...

And his dog...

Mayor Hopkins gathers the crowd to get started...

Mayor Hopkins, Council Member Hedrick and a neighbor talk Ruston politics....

The police get things started...

The hunt is on... way more eggs than room in the baskets makes for a wild few minutes, but loads of fun!

Council Meeting: April 6, 2009

Here is a summary of what I found interesting at Monday's council meeting. Please attend for yourself to hear all the details. ~ Karen

The meeting started on time with everyone present, including the town planner. The agenda approval included moving the Point Ruston LID discussion to first. The previous meeting minutes were approved 4-0 with Council Member Albertson abstaining with out an explanation.

Old Business:
1. Resolution 439: Consenting to City of Tacoma Formation of LID: Albertson was concerned that the documentation provided did not clearly state there was no risk to Ruston with this LID. He also wanted to confirm if Ruston had paid its attorney working on this issue. There had not been any work done on the issue this year. A colleague of this attorney was present and discussed the LID agreement. He felt there were things to address in the agreement, but the resolution tonight was fine. The attorney for Point Ruston gave further explanation on the funding. The resolution passed 3-2 (Stebner, Albertson no).

2. Ordinance 1278: Regulation of Private Alarm Systems: The issue was tabled so a grace period for people to comply could be added.

3. W. R. Rust Playfield/Dog Park (Huson): Deb Kristovich had worked with Council Member Huson to find a solution for an off-leash dog area and still allow the park to be used by people. Council Member Huson outlined the new configuration and the estimated costs (less than $4,000). Albertson did not think it was worth spending any money since Huson just wants to sell the park to Mike Cohen. Huson clarified again that Albertson was referring to a casual conversation he had had with Cohen, but he was in favor of selling off any town owned property if it helped stave off annexation. Council Member Stebner wanted to confirm if this new area would encroach on the area leased from the railroad and to confirm there was no restriction on using the area for dogs. He wanted a professional survey done, which usually cost a couple of thousand dollars. Council Member Hunt says knows someone that could be cheaper.

4. Ordinance 1280: Designating Permitted Off-Leash Areas: The ordinance was tabled to add some additional fees for dog owners who want to use this area and restrictions for only Ruston residents to use it. Stebner wanted to keep the restriction for leashed dogs in the park permanently and see if anyone complained before reconsidering the issue. But the council will do the additional research and the rules will be changed to not allow any off-leash dogs in the park until something can be approved. The Town's insurance carried had sent a letter noting Ruston's liability with the current situation.

5. Resolution 438: Utility Extension Agreement: Passed 5-0

5. Tacoma Recycling Contract - One Year Renewal: Tabled until a resolution could be drafted.

New Business:
A. Ordinance 1283: Repealing Ordinance 1282 Sewer Utility Rates: The table included in the new rates approved at the last meeting has some incorrect numbers. This ordinance sets the correct rates. The council wants to review the new Tacoma rates and those in the ordinance before voting. This issue was tabled until the next meeting.

B. Resolution 440: Contracting with Tacoma for Municipal Services/Annexation: The letter from Mayor Hopkins had been sent 2 weeks ago. Albertson complained that the council did not see the final version of the letter. Albertson wanted to know about the meeting held last Friday with Tacoma officials, Mayor Hopkins and Council Members Hedrick and Hunt. The mayor said details would be provided by those who attended the meeting during council and mayor's time. This resolution was defeated 3-2 (Stebner, Albertson yes).

C. Resolution 441: 2008 Tacoma-Pierce County Solid Waste Management Plan: The plan had to be approved by the end of this month or the town would not qualify for any solid waste service. The full plan (several hundred pages long) had not been provided to each council member but was available at town hall. Approved 3-1 (Stebner no) with Albertson abstaining.

D. Revenue From Sale of Lots on Commercial Street (Albertson): The sale of town-owned property on the north side of Commercial Street included a tax penalty if homes were not constructed within a specified time period. It does not appear that additional tax has been levied because there were some problems with how the agreements were drafted. The attorney will try to find someone to take responsibility for how things were written and see if their insurance would pay for the lost revenue.

Claims and Payroll
Stebner wanted to have the bills presented to the council to have a notation of which account the bills get paid from. He was shown where that notation is available. Some monthly invoices for the court or consultants may not be easy to follow, so the mayor suggested a study session to educate the everyone on the process. Albertson wanted a copy of the latest statement for the town's primary bank account. Stebner was concerned about the charge accounts employees use. Claims and payroll were approved 3-1 with Stebner voting no and Alberston abstaining.

General Public Comment
Sherri Forch invited everyone to the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, 9:30 am.

Jon Anderson wanted the town to set up a system where donations of food or money could be made to help neighbors going through tough times.

Bev Wombacher thanked the fire department for inspecting her business and keeping things safe.

Deb Kristovich relayed a comment from a friend who had predicted someone would find a reason to deny or delay it approving the dog park compromise. She was very frustrated and wants to move ahead now.

I encouraged the council to use their energy finding ways to encourage economic growth rather than pursuing annexation. All funding sources need to be considered, such as the sizable construction tax from Point Ruston and other development.

Beth Torbet noted the business district is working on a grant for angle parking on Pearl on the Tacoma side, but she wanted to coordinate for new pedestrian-friendly street lighting with Ruston's new work along Pearl Street.

Mayor's Time:
The town engineer talked about a funding opportunity he is pursuing for a low-interest 40 year loan that could pay for some of the sewer work. Ruston's average income level is now too high to qualify for many grants.

Hopkins felt it was a good discussion with Tacoma on Friday. The town needs to get a list back to Tacoma about what services Tacoma could provide so they can discuss specifics. Stebner had a list of questions that the mayor was required to ask. Hopkins will outline Tacoma's responses to those questions. There are options to continue some autonomy short of annexation such as the neighborhood councils in Tacoma.

Council Time:
Stebner: Nothing
Huson: He invited folks to come to the Easter Egg Hunt. He will get with Ms. Kristovich to look at the park issues again.
Hedrick: At the Tacoma meeting, Mayor Baarsma and City Manager Anderson said they would be willing to come to Ruston and answer any questions the public might have about annexation or services. He did not get the sense that Tacoma is trying to take over Ruston.
Albertson: Council Member Stebner is the only one who has had the courage to stand up on the annexation issue and the fire department, so he felt Stebner should have been at the meeting with Tacoma. Since the annexation issue has been raised, there has not been a great outcry of protest from the public attending the council meetings, so he thinks residents support annexation. He was concerned that some on the council were willing to give away their neighbor's view to save the town. He thought there was more litigation pending with The Commencement condos.
Hunt: The data from the Tacoma meeting confirms taxes are higher in Tacoma. Ruston has to be willing to tax itself more if we want to remain solvent or get taxed at Tacoma's higher rate anyway. In Tacoma, infrastructure problems like the sewer upgrades would be paid directly by those who use that service via an LID. There would not be any savings to Ruston residents on infrastructure upgrades.

The meeting moved into executive session to discuss litigation and labor issues for 20 minutes and then adjourned at about 9:30 pm.

Community Fabric

Any community is made up of both good and bad experiences; the celebrations and tragedies. For many in Ruston who know and love our former fire chief Joe Mondau, this is one of the tragic moments.

Our hearts go out to all those involved in this fatal accident and its aftermath. You can read today's Tribune story here...

Council Meeting Quick Notes: April 6, 2009

Just a few highlights that I found interesting for now, I'll get more out later in the week.... Karen

Call To Order
Roll Call
Flag Salute
Agenda Approval: Moved Ordinance 439 to first so the consultants could address the issue and head home
Minutes: Approved
Study Session I, March 16, 2009
Study Session II, March 16, 2009
Regular Council Meeting, March 16, 2009
Old Business:
1. Resolution 439: Consenting to City of Tacoma Formation of LID: Passed 3-2 (Stebner, Albertson no)
2. Ordinance 1278: Regulation of Private Alarm Systems: Tabled for more changes
3. W. R. Rust Playfield/Dog Park (Huson): Tabled so the proposed area can be surveyed
4. Ordinance 1280: Designating Permitted Off-Leash Areas: Tabled - will change current ordinance to not allow any off-leash dogs in the park until a separate area can be created
5. Resolution 438: Utility Extension Agreement: Passed 5-0
5. Tacoma Recycling Contract - One Year Renewal: Tabled
New Business:
A. Ordinance 1283: Repealing Ordinance 1282 Sewer Utility Rates: Tabled
B. Resolution 440: Contracting with Tacoma for Municipal Services/Annexation: The letter from Mayor Hopkins had been sent 2 weeks ago and a meeting held last Friday with Tacoma officials and Mayor Hopkins and Council Members Hedrick and Hunt. This resolution was defeated 3-2 (Stebner, Albertson yes)
C. Resolution 441: 2008 Tacoma-Pierce County Solid Waste Management Plan: Approved 3-1 (Stebner no) with Albertson abstaining
D. Revenue From Sale of Lots on Commercial Street (Albertson): The sale of town-owned property on the north side of Commercial Street included a tax penalty if homes were not constructed within a specified time period. It does not appear that additional tax has been levied and Albertson wants to see that corrected.
Claims and Payroll
General Public Comment
Mayor's Time: Hopkins felt it was a good discussion with Tacoma on Friday. The town needs to get a list back to Tacoma about what services Tacoma could provide so they can discuss specifics. Stebner had a list of questions that the mayor was required to ask. Hopkins will outline Tacoma's responses to those questions. There are options to continue some autonomy short of annexation such as the neighborhood councils in Tacoma or a different type of a community municipal structure.
Council Time:
Hedrick: At the Tacoma meeting, Mayor Baarsma and City Manager Anderson said they would be willing to come to a public meeting in Ruston to answer any questions the public might have about annexation or services. He did not get the sense that Tacoma is trying to take over Ruston.
Albertson: Council Member Stebner is the only one who has had the courage to stand up on the annexation issue and should have been at the meeting with Tacoma.
Hunt: The data from the Tacoma meeting confirms taxes are higher in Tacoma. Ruston has to be willing to tax itself more if we want to remain solvent or get taxed at Tacoma's rate. In Tacoma, infrastructure problems like the sewer upgrades would be paid directly by those who use that service via an LID. There would not be any savings to Ruston residents on infrastructure upgrades.
Meeting Adjourned

In The News

The News Tribune has a story today about Tacoma and Ruston's discussions about annexation and/or contracting for some municipal services.

Agenda: Council Meeting, April 6, 2009

UPDATE: Monday, April 6th: 3:57 pm:

Here is the letter that has already been sent to Tacoma regarding annexation and/or providing municipal services:

____________________________

UPDATE: Monday, April 6th, 2:10 pm:

The full packet of information for tonight's meeting is available on Ruston Reports.

Here is a copy of the resolution that requires formal negoiations with Tacoma for contracting with them for any or all municipal services and annexation. It references a letter to be sent by the mayor. I've asked for a copy of that letter, which I will post if I can get a copy before the meeting tonight. _____________________________________

Monday's meeting begins at 7 pm at Town Hall, 5117 N. Winnifred. On tap is a discussion of an official resolution titled "Contracting with Tacoma for Municipal Services/Annexation". I will try to get a copy of the resolution on Monday and post it here. If you are concerned about the council's decision to pursue discussions with Tacoma about annexation, this meeting may be of interest.

Call To Order
Roll Call
Flag Salute
Agenda Approval
Minutes:
Study Session I, March 16, 2009
Study Session II, March 16, 2009
Regular Council Meeting, March 16, 2009
Old Business:
1. Ordinance 1278: Regulation of Private Alarm Systems
2. W. R. Rust Playfield/Dog Park (Huson)
3. Ordinance 1280: Designating Permitted Off-Leash Areas
4. Resolution 438: Utility Extension Agreement
5. Resolution 439: Consenting to City of Tacoma Formation of LID
6. Tacoma Recycling Contract - One Year Renewal
New Business:
A. Ordinance 1283: Repealing Ordinance 1282 Sewer Utility Rates
B. Resolution 440: Contracting with Tacoma for Municipal Services/Annexation
C. Resolution 441: 2008 Tacoma-Pierce County Solid Waste Management Plan
D. Revenue From Sale of Lots on Commercial Street (Albertson)
Claims and Payroll
General Public Comment
Mayor's Time
Council Time
Meeting Adjourned

No Commercial Vehicles on Residential Properties

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 7th: The town planner clarified last night that this zoning code change would only apply to private properties (such as a yard or driveway). Any regulation of public streets are governed directly by the town council via ordinance or other codes.
_________________________________________
The planning commission will be holding a hearing this Wednesday to to hear from you about a new regulation they want to adopt. They want to prohibit parking of commercial vehicles on any residential properties in Ruston. The announcement and proposed change to the zoning code is below. If you have questions or want to comment, stop by Town Hall (5117 N. Winnifred) at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

Public Information Requests and The News Tribune

One of The News Tribune reporters is complaining about the public records process in Ruston. He asked for copies of the last few council meeting agendas and the approved budget, but was told he would have to wait 5 days to receive it. He feels such basic information should be available immediately.

He's asking if anyone else has run into similar issues with our process. You can read more and respond here....

Good Beginnings Childcare Center Closes

Another Ruston business is in transition. This time, its Good Beginnings Childcare on Pearl Street. Bev Wombacher started a licenced home daycare in 1983 and expanded the business to the building on Pearl on April Fools Day 1991. After 26 fruitful years, its finally time to close the doors on this chapter.

At its height, Good Beginnings occupied 3 buildings with 92 children and 19 staff members. They even operated on Saturdays and stayed open until midnight for many years. There's no way to guess how many children went through those doors over the decades; but many, many have happy memories of friends, fun and play.

One building was sold a few years ago and another was converted to Ladies Workout Express. Bev reports she plans on offering more classes and expanding the gym to the last daycare building. But before she can make that conversion, there are lots of things to clear out. So a sale will be held this weekend. Here is the flyer:
_________________________________________

BIG SALE
Good Beginnings Childcare Center
4939 N. Pearl St.
Tacoma/Ruston, WA 98407

Fri. April 3rd 9-4 p.m.
Sat. April 4th 9-4 p.m.
Sun. April 5th 10-3 p.m.
50% off Sunday ONLY

Furniture:
Bookcases, Chairs, Cubbies, Desks
Toy Storage, Cribs, File Cabinets,
Tables, Wall Cabinets, Mats, EDU Rugs
Changing tables w/sink attached (2)

Toys:
Infant, Toddlers & Preschool.
Books, Manipulatives, Big Books, Blocks, Lego’s, Children’s Music CD’s, etc.

Outdoor Items:
Trikes, Slides, Misc.

Misc:
Blankets, mat covers, lots of arts/crafts supplies, storage containers, Laminator, Teaching supplies, Camera Security System, TV/VCR Combo, CD Players, and Lots, Lots more!!!


Equipment:
Commercial 2 door freezer and 1 door fridge.

Fox Killed At Point Defiance Park

Just in case you haven't seen the story yet, another animal has been killed at Point Defiance Park (read the Tribune story here...). This time it was a fox shot with a pellet gun. You might recall that 6 raccoons where killed under similar circumstances in early February.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity around the park is asked to call 911.