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Vision Zero action plan makes debut

From 2018 to 2022, unincorporated areas of Pierce County experienced 108 fatal crashes and 296 serious injury crashes, underscoring the need for action. On Aug. 30, 2022, the Pierce County Council adopted Resolution No. R2022-118, which, in part, directed the Planning and Public Works Department to prepare a Vision Zero Action Plan to dramatically reduce death and injury on County roadways.

First director of Mello administration confirmed

On Tuesday, April 1, the Pierce County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Robin Vasquez as the Director of the Human Resources Department with a 6-0 vote. One councilmember was excused from the meeting. Vasquez’s confirmation is the first of County Executive Ryan Mello’s new administration, setting in motion a series of spring and summer confirmation hearings.

Recipe: A light lunch to make it through the workday

Lunch is a meal that can provide an energy boost or make you feel drowsy. In the middle of the workday, a big meal can make it much more difficult to be productive as the day goes on.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum invites community to Klahowya

On Saturday, April 26 Fort Nisqually Living History Museum celebrates its multicultural history with their first event of the 2025 season, Klahowya. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with free admission for Pierce County residents, members of local tribes and anyone with a Fort Nisqually Living History Museum membership.

Savvy Senior: Where solo agers can find help

I’m a divorced 68-year-old childless cat lady and have been thinking a lot lately about who will look after me when I get older and my health falters. What resources are available to solo seniors like me, and where can I turn to find a reliable person to be my emergency contact, as well as lookout for my health, financial matters and living arrangements in my elder years?

Executive issues directive on immigration enforcement

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello has issued an executive directive creating guidelines and procedures for county employees in response to questions arising from federal policy changes and actions regarding immigration enforcement.

Pierce County Superior Court's jury pay pilot closing

Pierce County Superior Court has announced that its jury pay pilot program is coming to a close. Paying jurors $100 a day instead of the customary $10 a day, the pilot began on Oct. 14 last year. The last trials with jurors participating in the pay pilot will begin the week of April 14, and the pilot is expected to fully wrap up by mid-May.

Vacation rentals may face new taxes as WA lawmakers eye housing fix

Planning a Washington state vacation? You might want to bring some extra cash after lawmakers advanced a bill on Monday that would impose a 4% tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Savvy Senior: How seniors can save on auto insurance

Can you offer any tips to help seniors save on their auto insurance? I recently turned 70 and got hit with a 25 percent premium increase on my car insurance and am looking for ways to save.

Savvy Senior: Navigating Social Security as it downsizes

My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help with our Social Security questions or problems now that our office is permanently closed? What can you tell me?

Protecting Pierce County’s interests in a shifting federal landscape

Growing up, many of us learned about the three branches of our federal government: the Executive (President), the Legislative (Congress), and the Judiciary (Courts). As adults, we tend to pay closer attention to the other Washington come the mid-terms and presidential election years.

Recipe: A unique take on French toast

Few breakfasts are as beloved as French toast, a dish so hearty and fulfilling that many people enjoy it for dinner. Though traditional French toast is very popular, the traditional recipe can be altered to make the dish even more delightful.

WA's latest budget outlook shows $845M decline in projected revenue through 2029

The good news: Washington state is expecting a $54 million increase in anticipated revenue for the remainder of the current 2023-2025 budget cycle. The bad news: Revenue for the 2025-2027 and 2027-2029 budget cycles are down $479 million and $420 million, respectively, from the previous forecast in November.

County proclaims Women’s History Month

Just before the month of March commenced, the Pierce County Council and Executive proclaimed March 2025 Women’s History Month in Pierce County. The theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” to recognize the collective efforts of women in shaping a more just and equitable society.

Attitudes mixed about proposed fixes to WA’s Clean Fuel Standard

Recently, the Washington State Legislature enacted a Clean Fuel Standard program, which directs fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity in their products such as gasoline and diesel. Now, the original bill sponsor for that program wants to modify it in a way that supporters believe will improve implementation.

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