Untitled Document

Modern Vashon: 1980 to Present

Click on year to go there 1985 - 1990 - 1995 - 2000 - 2005 - 2010

1980 –

April 5-16 – Ferry strike – 1 boat service to Vashon

April 30, 1980, bus driver Harlan Rosford (1917-1995) makes his last run, after 26 years of service between
Vashon Island and Seattle. Rosford was well-loved by generations of passengers, and was known for his enjoyment of music, chat, and fun parties aboard his three-trip-a-day bus route.

Alexanders purchase Island Manor Nursing Home – rebuild kitchen, extensive work on water and sewer system

August – Proposal to have paid firefighters defeated 1444 to 934

1981 –

April 6 – wildcat ferry strike for 12 hours –

May 19-22 – wildcat ferry strike – no service arranged

June – First Vashon Comprehensive Plan adopted by King County – “Town of Vashon Business District Development Guide”

August – Dept. of Transportation Commission proposed anti-strike legislation plus binding arbitration.

1982 –

K2 Management purchases all shares from Stca Corp – sells Jansport subsidiary

Vashon Youth Hostle opens on Cove Road – western theme

1983 –

Bradley vs. ASARCO – suit filed against ASARC for trespass from emissions of arsenic and heavy metals onto Vashon property

November – Vashon voters approve King County Park and Recreation District No. 2 –

1984 –

1985 –

K2 acquired by Anthony Industries –

Marie and Mike Bradley win suit against ASARCO for trespass for polluting land with down wind emissions of arsenic and other heavy metals – State Supreme Court finds 9-0 in favor of Bradley’s – establishes “down wind” precedent

October - Vashon Park District “Grand Opening” of what would become Paradise Ridge Park

King County Council changes name of King County Park and Recreation District No. 2 to Vashon Park District

Vashon joins King County 911 emergency phone service

1986 –

1987 –

Dockton Post Office closed.

May 1987 – Voter approve Park District Maintenance and Operation levy

1988 –

1989 –

K2 Corporation purchases Madshus A/S cross-country skis

December Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust formed

1990 –

January – VPD and VSD develop Mariner Field

May 1990 – VPD hires first employee – Wendy Braicks

July - Land Trust raises funds at Strawberry Festival to purchases Whispering Firs Bog – first preserve

State Growth Management Act approved by Legislature, signed by Governor

1991 –

January – VPD opens Skate Park at VES Gym

1992 –

March 9, 1992, public meeting on Vashon Island to discuss a bridge to Vashon Island. Two thousand islanders attened the meeting at the Vashon High School gymnasium. Some carried signs reading “If You Build It, They Will Come,” “Bridges Bring Death,” and “Don’t Mercerize Vashon Island.”

August – VPD takes over Ober Park building from King County

December - Land Trust hires first Director – David Warren

1993 –

Sound Food Restaurant opens as cooperative -

1994 –

Fern Cove Reserve formed by Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust - Land Trust hold first Forest Stewardship class

September – Ober Park becomes home of Vashon Teen Center
Fern Cove purchased for VPD

King County Comprehensive Plan adopted

1995 –

March –      VPD and VSD improve McMurray Field

October -

Land Trust receives first Conservation Easement – 15 acres in Christensen Ravine

State Supreme Court rules Vashon Island can not become a city under state growth-control laws.

December –

Group of 30 islanders pledge $10,000 loans each to keep Island Manor Nursing Home from closing – Forms Vashon Community Care Center

1996 –

Second Vashon Comprehensive Plan adopted by King County – Growth Management Act lists Vashon issues – rural nature of the island , water, affordable housing, development in rural areas

September 12, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant opens in Vashon – growing Hispanic population

September - Land Trust begins annual tree sale fund raiser

1997 –

1998 –

Land Trust and VPD begins Shinglemill Creek/Fern Cove Campaign

May - Lone Star Northwest applies for revision of grading permit at Maury Island mine to increase output and to resume barging

July - Bill Fisher donates 90 acres and Fisher Pond – owned by VPD and managed by Land Trust

August – King County requires Environmental Impact Statement for mine expansion on Maury Island

September – Burton Elementary School becomes VPD Skate Park

December - Land Trust purchases Christian Science Society Building for headquarters

1999 –

May – VPD begins Concert in the Park Series

December 26 – Bethel Church burns in fire

2000 –

January – Jan. 3 – Lone Star Northwest changes name to Glacier Northwest

March – VPD opens Jensen Point Boathouse

August –

VPD improves Agren Park

Vashon Community Care Center opens 40 apartment assisted living facility, 30-bed nursing home and five day-a-week adult care program contracted with Providence Mount St. Vincent.

October - Christensen Pond purchased as bird sanctuary by Vashon Audubon and Land Trust

November -

Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher denies Lone Star Northwest’s request to renew its aquatic lands lease

December -

Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher designates Vashon/Maury's marine ecosystem as an aquatic reserve; Glacier Northwest sues Belcher and lawsuit is settled in 2002

2001 –

March – Village Green improved – VPD, ing County and Vashon Island Growers Association

July – K2 closes ski plant on Vashon

September – Friends of Ober Park opens new Children’s Playground

2002 –

May –

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife issues a Hydraulic Project Approval for Lone Star dock expansion - King County requires Lone Star Northwest to apply for county shoreline permits before applying for building permits for dock expansion
June –

Orca named Keiko captured off Vashon to be re-located to pod on West Coast of Vancouver Island. In area off Vashon since January.

September –

Washington State Department of Natural Resources establishes the Aquatic Reserve Program

VPD completes Jensen Point toilets

Lone Star Northwest applies for King County shoreline permit to expand dock (denied by King County March 2004)

K2 distribution moves from Vashon to Fife

Land Trust acquires Mukai and Meadowlake Ponds

2003 –

May – VPD publishes Walks., Trails and Parks on Vashon Island.

October –

ex-Catus Coast Guard bouy tender towed to Maury Island shore by owner and abandoned – navigation and environmental hazard – not removed until Dec 2008

2004 –

March -

King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) denies Glacier's permit application.

April –

Glacier appeals King County denial of shoreline permit to State Shoreline Hearings Board

Land Trust and King Count develop 350 acre Island center Forest

Summer - Public hearings on Maury Island aquatic preserve

Fall - Glacier sues Dow Constantine, Ron Sims & DDES

September –

County-wide .172 mill csapital bond to expand King County

Library System approved – Vashon promised a new 10,000 sq. ft.branch library

October-

Oil spill in Dalco Passage south of Vashon/Maury Island

King County Council approves three controversial ordinances, known collectively as the Critical Areas Ordinance or CAO, that limit rural development, in an effort to protect the environment and comply with the state Growth Management Act's requirement that regulations be based on the "best available science."

November -

Shoreline Hearings Board releases decision reversing King County's denial of Glacier Northwest's permit; court date set for July 11, 2005

Maury Island Aquatic Reserve formally established by Commissioner's Order for a period of 90 years

December -

King County, Preserve Our Islands, People for Puget Sound,and the Washington Environmental Council all file separate appeals of the Shoreline Hearings Board's decision in King County Superior Court

Glacier Northwest applies for King County Building Permit to construct new dock and loading facility

2005 –

Grannie’s Attic celebrates 30 years supporting Vashon Health Center

January -

King County Superior Court Judge Sharon Armstrong issued atemporary stay on Kings County's permits for Glacier's dock

January 28 - oil spill in Dalco Passage – quick response – contained

March –

King County issues building permit to Glacier Northwest for construction of new dock and loading facility POI appeals decision to King County Superior Court

Land Trust and King County protect Island Center Forest 371 acres

Controversy over proposed King County Sensitive Areas Ordinance –Attempted recall of Councilmen Dow Constantine by extreme property rights group –

Tokio “Tok” Otsuka dies – born on Vashon 1923 – graduated Vashon High School 1941 – Interned during WW II – joined Army fought with 442nd RCT – returned to island and farmed berries

POI “Preserve Our Islands” fires attorney John Arum – controversy over “Not Now, Not Ever” approach vs. negotiation approach

Court of appeals rules in favor of Glacier Northwest on dock expansion.

Draft Watershed Plan presented – much controversy over “moratorium”on new construction –

State of Washington and Metro discuss Metro taking over passenger only ferry operation

Vashon School District develops “Campus Master Plan” for capital improvements and buildings

Proposal for Hospital District on Vashon-Maury Island.

Water District 19 and POW (Preserve Our Water) reach agreement over

Beall water rights – potentially allows the District to offer new water shares.

Car and travel trailer destroyed by fire – 911 call on cell phone went to Kipsap County Sherriff – new off island 911 service not working well

September

Cherry Champaign wins VSD “Doors of Opportunity Award”

Vashon-Maury Island Watershed Plan – declares Vashon “has no hydraulic connection” with either Kitsap or King County – declares Vashon a sole source aquifer – adopted by Vashon-Maury Island Community Council

Jason Everett – VAA Director resigns after 7.5 years as Director

Passenger Only Ferry Service drops from 16 total runs per day to 6 – decline of ferry service –

VAA Auction - $146,000 raised – VAA budget increased from $ 350,000 in 1998 to $700,000 in 2005
I
srael Shotridge, Tlingit Master Carver unveils Totem pole for U.S . Forrest Service Building in Washington, D.C.

Subway Sandwich shop comes to Vashon – first franchised restaurant since Dairy Queen closed

October –

L Pod of Orcas cruise along east side of Vashon –

Odin Lonning, Tlingit Carver, dedicates totem pole at Everett Community College

VashonMap.com – Andrew Marvell debuts web site

PTSA Auction raises $47,000 for Vashon schools

Tahlequah dock expanded to accept larger vehicles

November –

Blanche Caffiere dies - had recently celebrated her 100th Birthday – Island writer and historian

Election - Fire, Water and School Boards

Land Trust, King County and Cascade Land Conservancy initiate

Maury Island Conservation Initiative to protect nearshore habitat

December

Vashon Island Fire and Rescue – new Board sworn in – conflict over decisions of previous Board 1. New fire station at Inspiration Point, 2. Contract for island Emergency Care, and 3. 911 call center off Island.

Kat Eggleston – island born musician - concert at Café Luna

2006 –

Land Trust begins Shinglemill Creek Log Project to restore Shinglemill Creek - Land Trust and Vashon Park District hire summer interns through the Student Conservation Association – habitat restoration projects -
Land Trust initiates Trails Program

January -

Mary Matsuda Gruenewald – “Looking Like the Enemy” 2004 – talk about her book and experience of Japanese-Americans on Vashon

February -

Vote to create Vashon King County Public Hospital District No. 5 gails – 71% No, 29% Yes -

Prle Mack dies – veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam Wars

Flu hits Vashon schools – 22.3% of students out of school ill

King County issues building permit to Glacier Northwest to construct dock

March –

State Appeals Court agrees to review Shoreline Hearing Board decision of Nov 2004 to overturn King County denial of Glacier permits to mine on Maury Island

VIFR new Ladder truck arrives – controversial

April –

Title XI complaints supporting girls on Vashon Wresting Team – Opponent schools refuse to wrestle girl wrestlers

Wilson fired as VIFR Chief

Tom Stewart announces move to Arizona –

Vashon School District – policy to expel anyone attacking another on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation

Bill Kirschner – founder of K2 dies

May –

6% increase in ferry fares – Motorcycles increase 11-16%

16th Annual VAA Garden Tour –

Bounty of Keister – Capt. John Burke – win Pacific Challenge

3 Vashon boats win Swiftsure Race – Alex Wigley’s Freedon X First n Div D, Pete Clark’s Cheetah First in Div J, Steve Tuck Third in Div E

Vashon School District receives $2 million settlement from Wick Construction for construction faults at Chautauqua

CERT Teams organized – Community Emergency Response

Vashon home to Backbone Campaign – large puppets of “Chain Gang” - Bush, Chaney, Rice, Rumsfeld

June –

VHS Class of 2006 – 132 graduates

K2 Corporation closes Vashon offices and moves to Seattle

Dispute over water shares for proposed Inn in Vashon Town

State Appeals Court uphold Shoreline Hearings Board decision to approve Glacier Northwest mine and dock on Maury Island

Vashon beaches closed – high levels of PSP toxins in shellfish

July –

Vashon Allied Arts celebrates 40th anniversary

Tacoma Tall ships – moor in QM Harbor for evening before sail to Tacoma

VIFR Chief Wilson fined $1000 by State Public Disclosure Commission for improper use of public office in campaign

Report to VIFR Board – no hostile work environment for Chief Wilson and Asst. Chief Fowler

Strawberry Festival – Clayton Williams Grand Marshall

Island Domestic Violence Outreach Services former director guilty of theft of $29,000 in funds

Last 4th of July Fireworks sponsored by Tom Stewart

Wolftown permitted for wildlife rehabilitation

6 swimmers rescued of Point Heyer (KVI Beach) – VIFR Rescue boat out of service – windsurfer rescues them - Coast Guard rescue boat accompanies rescuer to the beach

POI, King County, and People for Puget Sound appeal Appeals Court ruling on Galcier Northwest mine to State Supreme Court -

August –

Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum opens

Island Earth Faire –

Vashon College Open House

“Everyday Hero” David Tempelton for rescuing girl stranded on raft off KVI Beach in July

Vashon Household Eernisse Apartments dedicated to Fred Eernisse

King County Brownfields Analysis of Beall Greenhouses and Ellis Creek

September –

Vashon Library celebrates 90th and 60th anniversaries - 1916 First
Library in Burton – 1946 Vashon Library Building in townVashon Library has twice the circulation of libraries for comparable sized communities

Vashon College Vashon 101 Inaugural Cruise around Island

November –

Leslie Brown new editor of Vashon Beachcomber

December -

Wind Storm – power out to entire island – Fire Station open as Emergency Shelter – some out of power 7 days – 70 mph gusts - worst storm since Columbus Day storm of 1962 – 30 trees down on Cedarhurst Road – night temperatures in 20’s

King County purchases 3.1 acres of Ellis Creek estuary –

LandTrust and King County share watershed stewardship

Poetry Post dedicated at Village Green –

Vashon Gay Pride Alliance Highway Cleanup sign defaced, bent and spray painted pink

National Marine Fisheries Service letter to Army Corps of Engineers – impact of Glacier mine “insignificant” on orca whales

VMICC calls for ferry service to be restored to 2001 levels – 28% loss in service sine 2001 – 10% cut in discount rates

Corps of Engineers enters into discussions with NOAA/NMFS regarding endangered orcas and will decide by end of year whether to grant Federal dock permit

Dockton Road closed at Tramp Harbor for first phase of seawall replacement

Tompotika Alliance formed – Alliance for Tompotika Conservation

Margaret Heffelfinger publishes “Not Necessarily News: A Collection of My Newsworthy Newspaper Columns.”

2007 -

January –

Pat Collier “habitat hero” by People for Puget Sound – removed bulkhead form Maury Island home – model for restoring waterfront habitat

LandTrust adds 19 acre section in Paradise Valley

King County allocates $48 million to fix 3 roads – Tramp Harbor Road north and south of dock, Vashon Highway south of Burton

Monkey Tree cut down – 75 years old - damaged in wind storm

February –

Vashon Oil Incident Support and Education (VOISE) receives grant from State Department of Ecology for work in oil spill issues

Vashon Park District and King County Library System in conflict over remodel of Library at Ober Park –

Erik Poulsen introduces three new bills in WA legislature to uphold aquatic reserve and stop Glacier project. None pass

March –

Toby Welch – founder of Harbor School resigns

Vashon School District bans publication of article about staff member in Riptide student newspaper

King County Brownfield Program begins cleanup at Ellisport – Greenhouse bunker oil contamination from 1920s-1960s

April –

King County Library System looking for new library site not
at Ober Park

K2 site for sale

Vashon School District Superintendent Walker placed on administrative leave by the School Board -   “lack of candor and transparency regarding Superintendent decisions.” Probable cause to terminate Walker for “paying herself overtime … not authorized by the Board.”

Washington State Ferry System introduces new electronic “Wave to Go” ticket system

Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition renames itself Vashon Be Prepared (VBP)

King County creates County Ferry District – fist step toward County run passenger only ferries

May –

2.5% ferry fare increase

Vashon School Board hires Terry Lindquist as interim Superintendent

Tahlequah Store demolished

Wastewater Plant dedicated –

PTSA Auction raises $120,000

VIFR to stop calling Island Emergency Care for ambulance service - conflict between owner and VIFR staff

Vashon School Board votes to dismiss Superintendent Walker

June –

Real Estate Market cools

K2 Commons and King County Library possible relocation of Library to K2 Commons

Vandals destroy historic 1920s stained glass window at Vashon Presbyterian Church

Vashon Inn developer denied watershare “reshuffle” by District 19

Backbone Campaign benefit – 30 Island musicians

July -

Auge Takatsuka dies – 86 – interned at Tule Lake during WW II- 442nd Regimental Combat Team

Vashon College, Vashon Island Energy, Vashon True Value and Puget Sound Energy subsidize low cost energy effciet light bulbs – Vashon uses 16-21% more energy than other PSE customer areas

90th Strawberry Festival – Joe Ulatoski Grand Marshall

August –

Vashon YMCA to closes

Murder – 53 year old man killed by 23 year old landlord

September -

Senator Erik Poulsen 34th District resigns – Representative Joe McDermott appointed as replacement – Sharon Nelson replaces McDermott as Representative

Misty Isle Farm for sale - $125 million

VIFR loses suit over gender discrimination in hiring

October –

Alien species of tunicate (sea snail) found in QM Harbor

Water District 19 – 70 on waiting list for water share –

November –

Brian Brenno opens new glass studio

School Board election – all incumbents lose – reaction to Walker firing

Tom Devries – 40 million year old penguin named for his discovery Perudypte devreisi

December –

K2 Commons – Heritage Group Ltd. Proposes to purchase K2 site and turn it into commercial and community center for the island – ‘Island-wide hub” – Health Center, Grannie’s Attic, Island non-profits, recreational facilities, etc.

Mike Kirk named acting Chief VIFR

K2 Commons Open House – 100 islander attend

Proposal to create Colvos Passage Aquatic Reserve

Land Trust milestone of conserving 1,000 acres

"Biggers VS Bainbridge Island". “No local government may impose regulations that are in conflict with the state's general laws. ..”

Land Trust reaches goal of preserving 1,000 acres

2008 –

January –

Questions about K2 Commons for-profit plan – consumer vs. community approach

School busses vandalized – 5 damaged – ½ of District fleet

Vashon Airport lights vandalized

State Supreme Court denies hearing of PIO challenge to Glacier Mine permit – opens way for construction of pier and opening of mine

Legislation passes State House, fails in State Senate to consider sand and gravel at Glacier Northwest mine site belongs to State

February –

Lucy Gurand headstone installed at her gravesite in Vashon Cemetery – “Pyuallup Elder 1836-1929”

Corps of Engineers approves Glacier construction of dock at Maury Island mine site –

Ferry System reduces service from 3 boats to 2 boats for 1 month –

March –

Betty MacDonald Centennial of birth – died Feb 1958 – VMIHA and Vashon Library host Centennial Celebration

Tahlequah Ferry suspended for 3 days – financial difficulties in State Ferry System

Survey of Island teens – “community laws and norms favor drug and alcohol use”

State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond holds meeting – 250 Islanders attend

April -

Misty Isle Farm for sale - $125 million asking price – 525 acres

Bell Baldwin House at Fern Cove – refurbished into B&B by Vashon Park District

K2 Commons – no takers on use of space

May –

First commercially grown pinot noir from grapes grown on Vashon by Vashon Winery owner Ron Irving made with grapes from Monument Farm Vineyard

Vashon College and Rotary Foundation support Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Vashon – all children up to 5 years old who register receive one book each month

Three Vashon historic barns receive grant for repairs

Island Musician Pete Bruchas leaves $300,000 to VSD music programs – particularly jazz programs

Governor Booth Gardner, Vashon resident, leads I-1000 Death With Dignity Initiative campaign

Norman Edson Island photographer 1921-1968 works exhibited at VMI Heritage Museum

PTSA Auction raises $120,000 for schools

“Math Is Cool” Vashon 4th, 5th, and 6th graders win 1st and 2nd place at Sate competition

VPD opens Jensen Point Kayak Center

June –

18th Annual Garden Tour

Vashon High School 116 seniors graduate

Jean Cammon Findley of Vashon reads from new book “The Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound”

3rd Annual Point Robinson Low Tide Celebration –

Proposed 4,600 sq. ft. waterfront home protested – concerns about “critical areas” and McMansion issue

Black Bear sighted on Island

Islanders build replica of 1950s hydroplane Miss Thriftway

Humpback Whale at Tahlequah for 2 weeks – endangered species

July –

91st Annual Strawberry Festival – Paul Wallrof Grand Marshall

Tacoma Tall Ships -- among them topsail schooners, brigantines, and gaff-rigged schooners -- sail from Quartermaster Harbor on Vashon Island into Commencement Bay for the second Tall Ships festival in Tacoma

Sixth annual VIPP Fur Ball –

Sixth annual Lavender Farm Tour

Havurat Ee Shalom synagogue broken into and hateful words written on the walls – Interfaith gathering protests hateful acts

Sue Nattrass of Vashon on Canada Olympic shooting team – 7 World Championships and 5 Olympic teams

Army Corps of Engineers approves Glacier Northwest dock Construction – POI files appeal in US Court of Appeals

School District moves offices to Chautauqua school to save money

Divers discover safe at Tramp Harbor Dock – stolen from St. John Vianny Church

School Board votes to close high school campus – seniors no longer allowed to leave campus for lunch

King County assumes cost of operating passenger only ferry – King County Ferry District – $.055 per $1,000 value property tax

August –

VMIHA Virginia V Historic Island Cruise

Past Remembered III – published by VMIHA

Islewilde Festival

8th Annual Heart of the Sound Triathalon (HOTS)

Sharon Sikes Adams first woman to sail solo across the Pacific in 1965 vists her boat Sea Shape a 25 foor Danish Folkboat owned by John Janne of Maury Island

Passenger only ferry captained by Marcia Morris of Vashon one of the few women skipper in WSF System

School vandalism – 20 windows and doors broken at high school and middle school

Onion Dome placed on All Merciful Savior Orthodox Monestary

Bridge and home at Oswalt property at Shinglemill Creek taken down by LandTrust as part of Shinglemill restoration

Belle Baldwin House at Fern Cove opened as rental by Vashon Parks

September –

Vashon Island Pet Protectors – opens new adoption center

Tahlequah ferry – 48 car Rhododendron replaced by 34 car Hiyu for 1 month

18th Annual Isle of Vashon – sponsored by Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts (VME) – 1,200 participants

Preserve Our Island sues Glacier in Federal Court – failure to oversee protection of endangered salmon and orcas

Hank Lipe named new VIFR Chief

Jim English resigns as VMICC Chair after 5 years

Vashon High School recognized as “blue ribbon school: one of 4 in Washington State, one of 320 nationally – top 10% on standardized tests –

King County Library signs pledge to move to K2 Commons site

Raw milk controversy – King County Health orders stop of use of raw milk at 3 Island cafes

POI claims gold found at Glacier site – state can not give away mineral rights

Church of the Great Rain begins performances at Red Bicycle – Vashon’s version of Prairie Home Companion radio show

Open Space for Art and Community Opens its doors

October –

Island filmmaker David Rothmiller and L.D. Thompson debut film “For My Wife” about gay and lesbian marriage rights in Washington State

Beachcomber wins 16 awards at Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

Raab’s Lagoon Preserve – 143 acres, 1.75 miles of shoreline – 3 year effort by LandTrust, King County, and Cascade Land Conservancy

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council – cancels election – to few candidates for positions to hold election

School Board votes to tear down Vashon Elementary Gym – built for Vashon High School in 1919

November –

Church of the Great Rain, Prairie Home Companion type radio show begins broadcasts

Presidential Election – 81% Obama (D), 18.5% McCain (R) - Governor Election - 77% Gregoire (D), 23% Rossi (R)

VAA proposes new Arts Facility at Center

King County re-zones K2 site from industrial to commercial with little public notice or discussion - Vashon-Maury Island Community Council refuses to discuss K2 re-zone issue – largest attendance at VMICC meeting ever

Vashon Pirates in State division playoffs – lose 14-7 to Motesanto

Vashon Rowing Club seniors win gold medal in Canada

Recession of 2008 hits Island businesses

VPD takes responsibility for Vashon Senior Center

December –

The Loop Newspaper appeals for donations to keep publishing

Water District 19 and Dan McClary reach agreement to allow smaller hotel to be built in Vashon Town

Vashon Senior Center becomes affiliate of Vashon Park District

Cactus, ex Coast Guard buoy tender is seized by King County – abandoned at Glacier mine site on Maury Island in 2003 –

Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland approves 30 year tidelands lease to Glacier NW – within 24 hours Glacier NW begins construction of Maury island mine dock after 10 year process filled with controversy – POI files appeal with King County Superior Court

King County issues Notice to Proceed to Glacier Northwest – construction begins Dec 5

Ice and Snowstorm – worse since 1952 – 10 days – schools closed

Islanders protest move of King County Library to K2 Commons

Gallery 070 closes – opened Sept 2004 – economic downturn

Vashon High School named Silver School of Distinction in US News and World Report magazine's Best High Schools 2009 Search

Land trust begins Judd Creek preservation campaign – one mile of stream in Paradise Valley

2009 -

January –

Glacier Protest – 500+ protestors organized by Backbone Campaign and Protect Our Islands –
Dow Constintine and Patrick Christie speak

Christmas Bird Count – Dan Willsie reports 17 Western Grebes vs.366 in 2008 down from 1500-2000 in previous years

December Food bank Drive nets $19,438 – Thriftway adds $5000

Heavy wet snow Jan 4 – 3000 homes lose power – many cars stranded

Islanders protest cuts to ferry service – 500+ at McMurray – 3-400 turned away

Glacier NW halts work on pier as window for work closes

Vashon Fire & Rescue suite by Lonore Hackett – not hired despite top score on exam and active volunteer with more calls than any other volunteer

Obama Inauguration celebrated at Vashon Theater and Open Space

State Supream Court decides in favor of islander Armin Yousoufian 12 year battle with King County to open records on sensitive area ordinance

Mike Kirk retires from Vashon Island Fire & rescue – 40 years as volunteer, Assistant Chief, and Interim Chief

King County purchases 300 feet of watrfron north of KVI to preserve the “drift cell system” 2.5 from Vashon landing to KVI – bluff loss replenishes KVI beach

February –

Lonora Hackett wins suit against VIF&R - $150,000 emotional distress, $250,000 6 years pay, plus legal fees

Solar Project – grant from PSE – Land Trust Building and VashonHousehold’s Charter Home fitted with solar panels

King Cunty Library Board directs KCLS to resume discussions with VPD to keep library at Ober Park

Two Island business close because of “credit crunch” – Vashon Auto Parts and Backbay Inn -

Fire Chief Lipe promises to change VIFR culture

WSFS two plans for north end ferry
            Plan A – breakup triangle route – 3 separate routes with Hiyu on Vashon-Southworth
            Plan B – reduce 3 boats to 2 – Southend replace Rhody with Hiyu

Newly elected Public Lands Commissioner Goldmark to review Glacier NW land lease

VHS Pirates 5th consequtive Nisqually league BB title

VPD Board resolution to have KC Library in Ober Park

Misty Isle Estate for sale for $125 million – 530 acres – no buyers – lay off 4 of 8 employees

Islanders and other ferry users deliver petition signed by 8,000 to Olympia requesting Wa State support ferry system funding

L Pod – 40 orcas transit Colvos Passage

Sylvie Shiosaki wins 2nd State Wrestling Championship at 112 lbs

March –

VHS Boys BB win 1-A Tri-District Tournement Title

VHS Boys BB win State 1-A Championship

Michael Stoltman named new VSD SSuperintendent

VSD Bond issue fails at polls – 1st time in 29 years – 51% no to 49% yes – need 60% to pass

Voice of Vashon install new antenna for north end

Tulip tree on Bank Road taken down – losing limbs in storms

Elsie Ibsen dies at age 88 – grand daughter of early settlers

April -

Vashon Community Council Survey about Library location – 28% response – 70% want KC Library at Ober Park

Vashon Opera Company Formed – Jennifer Krikawa President and Artistic Director

6 of 10 Island business sell to underage drinkers in State Liquor Control Board sting

1/3 of VHS students support National Day of Silence supporting LGBTO students

Sharon Nelson (D-Vashon) named Legislator of the Year by House Democrats

K2 Commons developers propose moving VHS to the site

Vashon Tile Guild initiates Vashon Tile Project

Jim Smith dies – operated Portage Store 1969 to 2001

US Bank Mural unveiled – Will Forrester artist

May -

Dockton Road Project 92 year old road – opened in 1917 – planned rebuild costs $31 million

Hiyu replaces Rhody 34 vs 48 cars at south end for 1 month

VSD $ 1 million shortfall

Liquor Store to move to main street Vashon town center –

Kathy Abascal – “eating for Health and Weight Loss” seminars

Chris Szala replaces Sam Hendricks as Director of VashonHousehold

VPD to take over maintenance of VSD athlectic fields

VAA receives $1.1 million State grant for exhibition space, performance space, and classrooms – also $75,000 King Co grant

Beachcomber moves to Tabloid Format – less expensive

1st Island case of H1N1 swine flu

Water District 19 has 77 customers on waiting list requesting 343 water shares

Coach Paul Wollrof inducted into Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame – UPS Football Coach 1966-1994 – now coaches Vashon Youth Football

Vashon island Junior Crew takes home 33 medals from regionals

June –

King County Library Board chooses Ober Park for new branch library site after larger protests by islander over proposed move to K2 Commons

Vashon Island Golf and Country Club struggles during economic downturn

VIFR settles out-of-court with Lonora Hackett – details not specified

VSD to cut bus service to reduce costs

19th Annual VAA Garden Tour

VHS Graduation – June 13

Alex Wigley and boat Freedom X finishes in 2nd place overall in Swiftsure Classic Sailboat Race – Karl Haflinger Xiphius finished 3rd overall – both island boats and crews

Campaign to raise funds to help save teacher jobs led by Laura Wishnik

VPD celebrates 25th year

VMIHA K2 Exhibit – Kirschner Family and Olympic Ski Champion Steve Mahre attend opening

Vashon Firefighter’s Association (Volunteers) disbands – gives 1974 Association building to VIFR – declining participation after professional firefighters hired and Hackett debacle

July -

Leo Montague Grand Marshall of Strawberry Festival

Vashon Youth Hostel for sale – opened 27 years

New VSD Superintendent Michael Soltman takes over

Strawberry Festival –          1909-1940 Strawberry Festival
                                                   1946-1949 Peach Festival
                                                   1950-1953 Harvest festival
                                                   1954-1979 Vashon Island Festival
                                                   1980-Present Strawberry Festival

Cage Fighting at Strawberry festival – not official – great controversy

LoAnne Forschmeidt Unofficial mayor of Vashon History

Odin Lonning Ilsand Tlingit Artist “Tlingit Shaman/Bear House Chief” sculpture at Washington State History Museum

Gene Admondson 65 dies – Presidential Candidate for Prohibition Party

August –

VMIHA exhibit of Abby William Hill paitings and drawing – Hill lived summers on Vashon from 1895 to 1906 and painted and drew local scenes

New priest at St. Jon Vianny – Father Marc Powell

175 Islander participate in 1st Island Relay for Life

5 Island non-profits agree to cooperate during economic downturn
                                    Interfaith Council on Homelessness
                                    Vashon Community Care Center
                                    Vashon-Maury Community Food bank
                                    Vashon HouseHold
                                    Vashon Youth and Family Services

Record high temperatures – 103 degree F

Johnny Depp rumored move to Vashon false

Editorial – Water Conservation Efforts Working – Water District 19 eports 2004 heat wave 960,00 gallons used – 2009 heat wave 790,000 gallons used

VSD Board approves demolishing 1919 VHS Gym - $64,000 costs

4-H Rock Riders win trophy and ribbons at King County Fair

9th District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez halts Glacier NW construction on new/replacement pier – rules to review scientific data on impacts on endangers species salmon and orcas – “which rain drop caused the flood?”

Glacier NW appeals Martinez decision to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco

Protest at Glacier NW site – 250 show up – turns into a celebration

Electrical storms cause widespread power outages

Vashon students perform above average on State WASL exams

Competing editorial letters about Tourism on Vashon- Melinda Sontgerath – pro; Mik Kuhlman – con

King County Library to expand Ober Park Library by 3,800 sq. feet

Vashon Winery 2nd Annual Folk festival

18th Annual Islewilde Festival – “Tales from and Organ Grinder”

“Vashon Island Child 2009” Special Insert about schools

Teen Drug Use Survey – 50% of HS Seniors use marijuana in last 30 days – 23% statewide – 10th and 12th graders use higher than state average

Personal Character stories – Amy Carey PIO, Hank Lipe VIFR

Island Center Forest wins Certification by Forest Stewardship Council – Vashon Forest Stewards and Friends of Island Center Forest

September –

Vashon Health Community Network wins $115,000 grant renewable for 9 years to address attitudes, norms and environment about drug use

1919 VHS Gym to be demolished by sustainable methods – 2006 declared unsafe for public use

Great Tomato Taste-Off – Saturday Market

Editorial Letter – “PIO Win” – Sharon Nelson, Brenda Moore, Libby McLarty, J. W. Turner, Amy Carey – Vashon’s tenacity helped secure PIO’s win

Island Energy Plan Developed by island organizations – ashonBePrepared, VIFR, King County Sheriff, Puget Sound Energy, VSD

Vashon Dreamboats Calendar released – fundraiser for schools

Sound Food Reunion – 1st opened in 1993

Al Watts (Dockton) – Appleyard Farm “King of Corn at Puyallup Fair

Island roads resurfaced by King County – 26 miles total – 5 miles with new asphalt $950,000 - 21 miles with chip seal $990,000

Vashon Island Coffe Roasterie issue “Twilight Series” of coffees

WSFS decides not to eliminating 10PM Tahlequah run

Glacier NW VP and GM Mark Leatham – letter argues counter to PIO and Court decision

Vashon Opera debuts – Pucinni’s La Boheme

1st Vashon Energy Fair – PSE and WISEnergy sponsor

Special Insert “A Sense of Place – Celebrating Our Island Heritage” VPD and Land Trust celebrate 25 and 20 years

Vashon readies for H1N1 swine flu pandemic

Sylvan beach 6 otters killed for fouling owners boat – community deeply divided

Monday Sept 21 – Passenger Only catamaran begins operation under new King County Ferry District

Comedian Jeremy Holtz at Vashon Theater

VMIHA receives grant for archive preservation

2010 -

January –

February -

Former Islander Tom Stewart killed in helicopter crash. Wife, daughter, pilot and 1 passenger also killed.

2010 -

January –

February -

© Bruce Haulman 2011

Vashon-Maury Island Timeline

Modern Vashon: 1980 to Present