LOCAL
MAY 2021
Granny's Attic lends a second hand to Vashon’s community
By Marina-Rae Gill, Online Editor With isles, shelves, and racks filled with items ranging from stylish garments to everyday household items, Granny’s Attic has reached...Read More
MARCH 2021
Vashon’s community commemorates the Day of Exile
By Marina-Rae Gill, Online Editor The Japanese Presence Project was created to shine a light on the Japanese American community members who lived on Vashon before Executive Order 9066. Put into effect by...Read More
JANUARY 2021
VHS parking lot receives scrutiny from students
By Lucy Wing, Content Editor With a record number of students attending Vashon Island High School, the parking lots are more crowded...Read More
DECEMBER 2021
The annual VCA Nutcracker returns
By Daalny Meyer, Reporter The Nutcracker, an annual ballet put on every Christmas season by Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA), is a performance composed of student dancers...Read More
NOVEMBER 2021
Do jobs on island hire kids under the age of 18?
By Lily Isakson-Bell, Reporter Getting a job is something that kids usually begin to do in high school, which means that students rely on local businesses to provide...Read More
New 2-boat schedule negatively impacts commuters
By Cassie Gasser, Reporter Recently the ferries have switched from a three-boat schedule to a two-boat schedule, a change that has caused problems for some...Read More
Upcoming Events
By Gwen Burwell, Reporter Calling all lovers of comedy! On Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Vashon Island...Read More
Celebrating Veterans on Island
By Keziah Rutschow, Reporter Veterans Day, recognized on November 11th, is a day to honor and celebrate military veterans. The holiday...Read More
OCTOBER 2021
Vashon community responds to new Texas abortion laws
By Mackenzie Guadagno, Reporter On May 19, 2021 Texas governor, Greg Abbot signed the Texas Heartbeat Act into law, which restricts people from...Read More
The Vashon Seals Swim Team dives back in after shutdown
By Emma Deines, Content Editor The Vashon Seals Swim Team is returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. After closing briefly...Read More
JUNE 9, 2021
Local political climate muffles conservative voices
By Mead Gill, Copy & Managing Editor The social and political diversity of Vashon has only lessened over the years. Named “the most liberal place in...Read More
Vashon tourist numbers increase as summer approaches
By Lucy Wing, Reporter Vashon Island, only a ferry ride away from Seattle and Tacoma, is the perfect escape from the bustle of city life...Read More
DECEMBER 18, 2020
Vashon Food Bank banks on community support
By Lila Cohen, Reporter With the onset of COVID-19 last spring, the Vashon Food Bank quickly realized they would have to dramatically...Read More
DECEMBER 7, 2020
Vashon community paints murals at O-Space and VHS
By Sofie Merrigan, Reporter Recently, there have been several new additions to Vashon’s wide range of murals, one at VHS and one at the O-Space...Read More
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
Vashon’s art scene copes with COVID-19
By Elias Canterbury, Reporter Quarantine has managed to disrupt nearly every aspect of Vashonites’ lives, especially hurting the vibrant gallery culture on Vashon...Read More
OCTOBER 26, 2020
Businesses plan to celebrate HalloweenBy Catherine Brown, Photo & Business Editor In past years, Vashon’s Halloween has consisted of a couple of hours at night where the roads uptown were closed...Read More
OCTOBER 19, 2020
Vashon Boards skates into town
By Marina-Rae Gill, Reporter Vashon Boards, a local island shop that sells skateboarding products, recently made the move into downtown Vashon, filling the building formerly occupied...Read More
Students begin touring colleges during pandemic
By Hank McSheehy, Reporter This year, COVID-19 has greatly affected people’s perception of what is “normal.” Today, masks are mandatory, people are social distancing...Read More
SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
Vashon restaurants serve up fresh schedules and menus
By Milo Carr, Content & Social Media Editor Quarantine has seriously impacted some of our favorite island eateries, and it can be a bit difficult to broadcast changes in hours or menus. To prevent the disappointing realization that a go-to restaurant has changed its hours yet again and a trip into town was for nothing, here is a helpful guide that should keep you updated...Read More
JUNE 12, 2020
The four stages of lockdown reopening explained
By Marina-Rae Gill, ReporterStage one, also known as the Healthcare System Readiness stage, is the first phase of Washington’s journey to the resumption of everyday life. Whether or not a county may enter stage one is measured by the healthcare system’s capacity of available beds, staff, and medical supplies...Read More
COVID-19 affects local workers
Alexander Wolf, ReporterCOVID-19 is impacting local businesses and by extension their employees. For some workers, this means different working conditions, while for others, it means they are out of a job. With high unemployment rates rocking the nation...Read More
Vashon LIVE presents young artists
Marina-Rae Gill, ReporterVashon Island is an arts community. Brimming with creative minds and endless talent, Vashon has developed an incredible variety of art displays of all kinds, including island wide art and garden tours, local band performances, musicals, and operas. But unfortunately...Read More
COVID-19 affects ferry workers
By Wendy Axtelle, ReporterWashington State Ferries are what island life depends on.The ferry workers who manage these boats not only connect islanders with the rest of the state, but are also members of the community. With stay at home orders...Read More
What Stage Two of Reopening Will Look Like On Vashon
By Chancellor Mentink, ReporterAfter a strict lockdown, counties all over Washington are beginning to reopen. Although King County isn’t viable for stage two reopening yet, our community needs to be ready. In stage two, King County citizens...Read More
MAY, 2020
Local eggonomics are out of controlMead Gill, ReporterAs the grueling weeks of Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order continue to induce panic in local shoppers, baby chicks have become one of the most impulsively-bought products in...Read More
Washington State law enforcement protects themselves against COVID-19Alexander Wolf, reporterFaced with the threat of contracting COVID-19 while on duty, Washington State police departments have been forced to take special precautions. Law enforcement organizations such as the...Read More
VCA art shifts from physical to digitalBy Mari Kanagy, Publishing EditorWith the world confined to their homes, and Vashon as no exception, island artists and gallarists are working to bring art out of lockdown. The Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) and has set up online systems and services to support artists by sharing their art and...Read More
Matsuda Farm continues to serve communityBy Mead Gill, ReporterFor many Islanders, spring is a time for new beginnings. It’s a time for deep cleaning houses, running around barefoot, and wishing you could stay home from work to take in the incredible...Read More
We’re all in this together; interviews across VashonBy Isaac Escovedo, Associate EditorCOVID-19 has had an interesting effect on the world we live in. While the spread of the virus has left us all isolating in our homes, we find ourselves in different situations. Depending on our age, our location, and our level of financial security, this pandemic has...Read More
Island tourism threatened by COVID-19By Wendy Axtelle, ReporterDue to Governor Inslee's stay at home order, social events and access to certain activities is limited. With spring flying past and summer fast approaching, all while COVID-19 continues to be a pressing issue in the region, more and more events are being...Read More
MARCH 11, 2020
Teens Leading Change works to stem underage drinkingAlexander Wolf, reporterRecently, Vashon stores have begun introducing stickers in their alcohol sections advising adults not to provide teens with alcohol. This campaign is the latest project headed by Teens Leading Change in their campaign to prevent...Read More
New coronavirus causes global, local panicBy Elizabeth Lande, Managing and Copy EditorDue to the quick-changing information in this article, this news is accurate as of Monday, March 9, 3:00 pm.
Throughout the month of January, leaking into February, and now continuing...Read More
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Women take on local businessesBy Catherine Brown, Photo Editor and Business EditorWhether it’s winning our hearts over by flowers or food, local women are running and operating businesses. Women are not only a crucial part of global society, but they also have a special place on the...Read More
Docks close, future remains clearBy Isaac Escovedo, ReporterWhat will we call Dockton when there’s no more dock? Vashon has had docks for as long as it’s had white settlers, and without these docks, Vashon is at risk of losing tourism from sailors. The Dockton and Tramp Harbor docks have been popular fishing, swimming, and ...Read More
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Winterfest activities unite communityOlivia London-Chambers,ReporterVashon Island has many annual traditions that bring the community together. One of these traditions is WinterFest, more commonly known as the tree lighting. Located downtown, the event is held by the Chamber ...Read More
Police officers observations of VashonBy Alexander Wolf, ReporterVashon is typically seen as a safe community with a low crime rate, which means that two police officers is all the island needs. On a typical Vashon day, there are usually only two or three...Read More
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Lunches at Vashon contribute to healthier studentsBy Milo Carr, Reporter“Oh, I didn’t have breakfast this morning,” is a phrase commonly heard at the high school and thus easily dismissed, but how healthy is it? One out of six students...Read More
Vashon Becomes Uninhabitable for Young AdultsBy Chick Green, ReporterVashon Island has built a reputation over the years for being an increasingly difficult place for young adults to live. People often leave the island immediately after graduating high school, and most never come back. When talking...Read More
Park and Hospital District levies passBy Elizabeth Lande, Managing & Copy Editor
and Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-ChiefIn accordance with the recent election results, islanders will continue to have a park district while also becoming the 59th district in the state to create a hospital district. Both issues passed with...Read More
What You Need to Know for the 2020 Presidential ElectionBy Isaac Escovedo, ReporterExcitement for the 2020 presidential elections is building up, but a lot of people are still in the dark about what the primary candidates really stand for. The Riptide is here to...Read More
OCTOBER 18, 2019
Students Strike for Climate ChangeBy Chance Mentink, Reporter On September 20, one million students worldwide stood in protest against the powers that have long caused or prolonged the global disaster that is climate change. In April of 2018, Gretta Thurmburg, a 16-year-old Swedish girl, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to give a speech on climate change to ...Read More
Congresswoman Jayapal visits islandBy Amelia Spence, Reporter, and Isabelle Spence, Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday, October 8, chorale harmonies filled the high school’s theatre. Though this is unusual for most town halls, Vashon put their unique spin on one and welcomed federal representative Pramila Jayapal to the stage with a burst of melody...Read More
JUNE 7, 2019
Changes at VCC aim for financial sustainability and resident wellbeingBy Eleanor Yarkin, ReporterTracing their roots back to 1928, Vashon Community Care is no stranger to change, and the transition taking place this year will have a lasting effect on the island, impacting residents, staff, and the community. They hope to ensure the organization will remain sustainable and functional...Read More
Islanders given the option for a new healthcare systemHannah Spranger, Co-Content EditorFor years, Vashon’s healthcare situation has been out of the hands of residents, and instead under the control of the limited number of clinics who are willing to work on the island. Recently, an alternative option has arisen for the island’s healthcare situation — a hospital district...Read More
Young farmers pursue agriculture on VashonBy Elizabeth Lande, Copy and Managing EditorFarming has long been integral to Vashon, with the island supporting a sizeable population of small-scale farmers who choose agriculture over more traditional career paths. As the average age of U.S. farmers rises, it often comes as a surprise to meet young adults pursuing farming...Read More
The Ruby Brink offers new take on diningBy Eric Ormseth, ReporterThe historic property has changed ownership multiple times in the past decade, previously housing multiple different restaurants and other assorted businesses. But according to its owners, the new business across from The Hardware Store — The Ruby Brink — is here to stay...Read More
APRIL. 26, 2019
New York Narrative: A week in the City of DreamsBy Elizabeth Lande, Copy EditorNo matter how many stories you read or movies you watch about New York, nothing can truly prepare you for actually being there. It exceeds expectations, surpassing ones you didn’t know you had. And it does it all in a way that will make you say “only in New York.”...Read More
Students speak out on climate changeBy Elizabeth Lande, Copy EditorIn recent years, scientists and climate activists have reported an increase in rates of global warming-related phenomenon, from rising temperatures and sea levels to deforestation and the negative effects of greenhouse gases. The battle has now turned political, with groups debating the best ways to solve such problems...Read More
MAR. 8, 2019
WA measles outbreak risks Vashon healthBy Mari Kanagy, Co-Content EditorVashon is well-known for its high population of unvaccinated residents and anti-vaxxers. Now, much of the community feels threatened due to the recent measles outbreak in Washington State, concentrated in Clark County. The first case was reported in early February. Seventy-one cases have since been reported — 70 in Clark County and one reported case in King County...Read More
Record snowfall affects schoolBy Savannah Butcher, Reporter, & Isabelle Spence, Co-Content EditorOn Monday, Feb. 4, the first flakes of what would soon become a record-setting snowstorm began to fall. After the air cleared days later, Vashonites were left with icy roads and limited mobility, during which a state of emergency was declared statewide. The snow affected all aspects of Vashon life and had a particularly large impact on the school district...Read More
Senior Center supports elders, improves livesEleanor Yarkin, ReporterFrom serving hot lunches to taking group trips to Costco, the Vashon Senior Center provides a vital network of services to the island’s senior residents in an organization designed to keep Vashon’s elderly community happy and healthy. The Vashon Senior Center (VSC) is located on Bank Road, next to the fire station, providing an easily accessible and central location...Read More
Wild Mermaid cafe creates quaint, cozy ambiance on water’s edgeBy Elizabeth Lande, Copy EditorAs soon as my feet cross the threshold of the north end’s waterfront gem, The Wild Mermaid, I’m swept away into a world of laid-back ambiance, local company, and exquisite food. I fall in love instantly, and if you never see me again, it’s because I’m still there. I’m greeted just inside the door of the restaurant...Read More
FEB. 1, 2019
New York-style pizzeria to open on islandBY HALLE WYATT, REPORTERMany recognize Michael McConnell’s name from the well-known Caffe Vita and the Neapolitan-style restaurant, Via Tribunali. Now, he’s expanding his business to the island with a New York-style pizza place. The currently unnamed pizzeria is expected to open its doors in early summer. The restaurant will share space with Pollard Coffee’s new cafe, next door to Relish...Read More
Viaduct closure lengthens commutes, increases Seattle trafficELEANOR YARKIN, REPORTERThe Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) is currently being replaced by a tunnel which has been under construction since 2013. The change in urban geography will have far-reaching and permanent effects in and around Seattle. The closure of the AWV on Friday, Jan. 11 has lengthened commute times for islanders...Read More
New off-island students are welcome in the high schoolBY ISABELLA CRAYTON, CO-COPY EDITORHigh school students are traditionally notorious for their habit of spreading gossip. Lately, rumors have been swirling in regards to the topic of the school district’s acceptance of new off-island students, most notably speculation surrounding extra recruitment...Read More
Vashon cafes contain many wondersBY ELIZABETH LANDE, COPY EDITORResolutions are made to be broken. At least that’s what I tell myself when I abandon my “no sugar” decree and begin my cross-island trek to find the best cafes and pastries Vashon has to offer. It’s a serious undertaking, and I’m considering three categories in my final ranking: atmosphere, cost, and, most importantly, taste...Read More
DEC. 22, 2018
Racial equity policy searches to extend equal opportunitiesBY CLARA ATWELL, EDITOR-IN-CHIEFThe Vashon community has long prided itself with holding the values of acceptance and equality in high regard. However, given that the majority of the island’s population is white, many residents have not experienced discrimination based on skin color...Read More
Zero Waste Vashon draws attention to environmental issuesBY KLARA PLENK, REPORTERAs a community, Vashon is passionate about reducing the impact of waste on the environment. Currently, the island’s means of dealing with solid waste follows the global pattern of overusing resources, increasing its carbon footprint, contribution to greenhouse gas formation, and global warming...Read More
Years of planning results in new trail at Marine parkELEANOR YARKIN, REPORTERIn the past several years, Maury Marine Park has been transformed from a blackberry-covered gravel mine to a popular park that is utilized daily by people from on and off the island. This year, a new trail is being built to expand the current trail network to provide access to acres of previously unreachable forest...Read More
Relish seeks to become a community gathering placeBY HALLE WYATT, REPORTERFor over 15 years, The Hardware Store Restaurant has acted as a community hearth. Melinda Powers, the restaurant’s owner, is now looking to expand with the opening of her new business, Relish, right next door...Read More
NOV. 21, 2018
Comedians compete around VashonBY CATHERINE BROWN, REPORTEREvery year, Vashon families gather at the Vashon Theatre on Thanksgiving Eve to watch the Seattle International Comedy Competition. The event is in its thirty-ninth annual run, and Vashon has been participating for 15 years...Read More
New legislature to tackle district fundingMILO CARR, REPORTERWith the end of the midterm elections came new state representation. These legislators will have a significant impact on multiple issues pertaining to Vashon, including what many see as a lack of funding within our district. At a public meeting on Nov. 8 to discuss the school funding crisis, District 34...Read More
OCT. 19, 2018
Olympia based business provides model for international sustainability and developmentBY CLARA ATWELL, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | OCT. 19, 2018Olowo-n’djo Tchala was born in rural Togo, a small country on the west coast of Africa. He was raised alongside his seven siblings by his mother who, like many Togolese, is a farmer. In the sixth grade, Tchala could no longer afford education, so he was forced to drop out of school. He spent the remainder of his childhood farming with his mother...Read More
Sound Action pushes for change in Puget SoundBY HALLE WYATT, REPORTER | OCT. 19, 2018All throughout the Puget Sound, marine habitats are dying as a result of unregulated shoreline development. Sound Action, a non-profit environmental “watchdog” group, is trying to reverse decades worth of this habitat loss. To save species such as orcas and salmon, as well as forage fish like herring, surf smelt, and sand lance, Sound Action is targeting something unexpected: paperwork and permits that are issued without required environmental laws being applied...Read More
JUNE 8, 2018
Lande Family recounts history of VashonNARRATIVE: VASHON THROUGH A FAMILY LENSE | JUNE 8, 2018Having lived my entire life on Vashon, I’m quite convinced that everyone on the island either golfs with my grandfather or went to high school with my dad and his siblings. More often than not, I run into someone at community events and football games that graduated with my aunt, played basketball with my uncle, or still remembers the Lande Dairy, my family’s former farm…Read More
Mia Kuzman sets the stage for future in danceBY MARI KANAGY, REPORTER & DESIGNER JUNE 8, 2018For the majority of her life, freshman Mia Kuzma has been dancing. From when she first hit the stage as a toddler, Kuzma has always had a passion for dance.Kuzma first started dancing at age two, for the Classical Ballet Academy in Gresham, Oregon, her home at the time...Read More
Lunches in the ParkBY MARISA MCTIGHE, ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA & DISTRIBUTION EDITOR | JUNE 8, 2018“Picnics in the Park” is a program that provides free lunches for youth on Vashon. This year, lunches will be served at Ober Park on Mondays through Fridays from 12 to 1:30 p.m., starting June 25 and continuing until August 31...Read More
MAY 14, 2018
Food, Mood and Solitude: A burger for your belly? Here are three you must tryBY SASHA ELENKO, FOOD COLUMNIST | MAY 14, 2018Burgers are not a hot topic of conversation on Vashon. Not that they’re a particularly sizzling topic of conversation anywhere of course, but nonetheless, it may surprise some Vashonites to learn that this measly island actually lays host to not eight, not nine, but seven restaurants that serve burgers...Read More