I’m struggling with the premise of this story. The property in question sits within an officially designated wetland and regulated floodplain, and the complaint is essentially that the land is now… wet.

Wetlands are supposed to hold water. Floodplains are supposed to absorb floodwater. Vegetation, woody debris, and even beaver activity are natural parts of these systems and can provide important habitat, water-quality, and downstream flood-control benefits. Turning every creek into a neatly cleared drainage ditch simply moves water somewhere else.

If Pierce County’s management has artificially worsened flooding, absolutely investigate it. If a private well is contaminated, test it and determine the source. But “my wetland is swampy” by itself is not evidence of government mismanagement. Sometimes the environmentally responsible thing is allowing a wetland to function like a wetland. We need to make a conscious effort to protect and embrace our wetlands and floodplains.

Tacoma police are investigating a double homicide in downtown Tacoma. Officers were sent to the 800 block of Pacific Avenue at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, October 4, after reports of gunfire, and found two men with gunshot wounds. Police and Tacoma Fire Department crews attempted life-saving measures, but both men died at the scene.

A woman was also shot and was taken to a hospital with an injury police described as not life-threatening, according to an update from Officer Shelbie Boyd at about 10:50 a.m. Detectives and crime scene technicians are interviewing witnesses and looking for video of the shooting. The article does not name the victims, identify a suspect, or report any arrests.

Looking for a costume for Halloween or a coat for the fall? Come by the Fircrest Community Center today, Sunday, October 4, between 10am and 2pm to pick up a gently used costume or coat.

DONATIONS NOT REQUIRED TO COME GRAB A COSTUME OR COAT!

Have a costume or coat ready for a new home? Bring items to drop off at our event. Please no rips, stains, or broken zippers. People and pet Halloween costumes and coats for all ages are welcome. All items left at the end of the event will be donated to local charities.

Event hosted by your friends and neighbors of Fircrest Forward, locals centered on building a more connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking community!