Found Dog

Help get this pup home - found this morning on Stack Hill. The dog will be staying with Holland Cohen for the time being. Email me if you know the owner (karen.pickett.mba@gmail.com). Thanks neighbors!

Point Ruston Update

The development down the hill just opened another building. The first residents moved into the condos in front of the Copperline Building this week. Construction continues on the second condo building and the movie theater complex. You can view the Point Ruston announcement and video here.

Ruston officials also announced that they have recently compiled the many years of Point Ruston planning documents and approved plans into one location for public viewing (available here). The city planner just issued a summary report on the combined permits for Buildings 9 and 11, the first buildings within the Ruston boundary now under construction (available here). The Point Ruston development plans have already been approved, so the time for public comment has passed. But this is your chance to stay up to date on permitting and related issues.

Welcome Hotsy Totsy

Ruston has a new business in town. Hotsy Totsy held their grand opening earlier this month, much to the delight of local bargain hunters. The shop features accessories, all for $5. They offer gift certificates and hours of necklaces, bracelets and other beautiful things to explore.

Owner Veronica Hunter had been selling jewelry on the side for years while juggling a full time marketing career. After success with the side job, she decided to follow her dream and open her own shop. As any entrepreneur knows, it's a big jump. Veronica said she had looked for affordable retail space, with no luck. She was about to give up but had one last appointment left. She told herself this was the last place she would explore, if it didn't work she would give up. Lucky for us, her last stop was the store behind Don's Ruston Market at 5609 N. 51st St.

Veronica is now a proud business owner, following her dream full time at Hotsy Totsy. The shop is getting rave reviews, so stop by and visit soon!

Is Gritty Upperclass Possible?

This analysis about Tacoma in today's Crosscut is getting a bit of attention. The author, Benjamin Anderstone, is a Tacoma native who discusses Tacoma's strength's and challenges. He describes the grit of the city, the second-behind-Seattle status and how local culture has and is changing. There are some similarities to Ruston, although I feel that in some ways Ruston has happily turned its back on any sense of grit or 'eclectic nature'. Many are working hard to focus only on being the upper-class enclave of the South Sound. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but as one who loves and celebrates our gritty past, I think we lose more than we gain if we forget our roots. What do you think?   Karen

Michael Johnson: 1953-2014

I haven't had the time to do this community blog justice lately, but I'll l stay up late tonight because this is important. Former Ruston council member Michael Johnson died earlier this month (obituary link here). Michael grew up in Ruston and his mother Corrine, lived here until recently. I remember him as someone with a smile that would light up a room, but was tough when he needed to be. Besides the time on the council, Michael served our community as a firefighter and EMT. He was only 62 years old, too young to leave us. We were lucky to have his dedication and selfless service. He will be missed.