Columnists
06/06/2026 · Port Townsend
The Affirmation Trap: Why "I Am Enough" Might Be Gaslighting You
Turns out, telling yourself you're enough when you're falling apart doesn't fix anything—and that's actually okay.
Why We Keep Misreading Emily Dickinson—And Why It Matters
Her dashes aren't random pauses. They're a revolution. Here's what your high school teacher never told you about how to actually read her work.
06/02/2026
The Paradox of Forgetting: Why Hemingway Was Right to Write Badly First
Ernest Hemingway's famous advice to "write hard and clear about what hurts" only works if you're willing to produce garbage first—and most writers skip this essential step.
06/02/2026
The Fed Just Admitted It's Been Wrong All Year—And Nobody's Acting Like It
Jerome Powell conceded yesterday that inflation stays stickier than his team predicted. Here's what that confession means for your mortgage, your job, and the rate cuts you thought were coming.
06/02/2026
The Museum Audio Guide Is Dead, and Good Riddance to Boring
Those headsets you rent at the entrance? They're turning art appreciation into a theme park. We need to talk about why the best museums are finally ditching them.
06/02/2026
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View allNotice of hearing for Lewis County 2026 budget emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds
Notice of hearing for Lewis County 2026 budget emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds. The hearing will take place in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at or after 10 a.m. Oct. 6, 2026. Notice of hearing for Lewis County 2026 budget emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds. The hearing will take place in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at or after 10 a.m. Oct. 6, 2026. Please see the attached notice. Posted: September 25, 2026 Share This Page
Pierce County Council Considering Ordinance to Regulate Unpermitted Mobile Food Vending Units
Pierce County Council Considering Ordinance to Regulate Unpermitted Mobile Food Vending Units • Pierce County, WA Skip to Main Content Extreme Weather Resources Open Pierce County County Council /QuickLinks.aspx Search Home News Flash Pierce County Council Considering Ordinance to Regulate Unpermitted Mobile Food Vending Units News Flash Pierce County Council Considering Ordinance to Regulate Unpermitted Mobile Food Vending Units County Council Posted on October 09, 2026 TACOMA, WASHINGTON — According to at least one member of the Pierce County Council, unpermitted food vendors, such as those selling from stands, carts, tents, booths, and kiosks rather than a licensed food truck, pose a risk to public safety and economic competition, and the enforcement tools are insufficient. Pierce County Councilmember Dave Morell (District 1) has proposed new rules for unpermitted food vendors selling from stands, carts, tents, booths and kiosks in unincorporated Pierce County. The council's Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, Oct. 12, at 1:30 p.m. What: Public hearing on Proposed Ordinance O2026-564 – Mobile Food Vending Units When: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, 1:30 p.m. Where: Pierce County Council Chambers, 1501 Market Street, Rm. 140, Tacoma, WA 98402 Remote participation is available via Zoom through the Public Safety Committee’s webpage, or by calling (253) 215-8782 and entering webinar ID 993 3536 3383 when prompted. The proposal would add a new chapter to the Pierce County Code that creates regulations for mobile food vending units operating outside the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s permit system, which has regulatory authority over food vending because of public health risks. Unless their permit allows otherwise, vendors could not operate between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., set up on public streets or sidewalks, set up within 5 feet of an alley or driveway, or block traffic, utilities, or street fixtures, among other standards. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office is authorized to enforce the chapter, and officers could impound mobile food vending unit equipment used in violation of the chapter. Consistent with state statute, which imposes a misdemeanor penalty for violating health department regulations, operators who violate the rules could face a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. Employers or owners could face a gross misdemeanor carrying up to $5,000 and/or 364 days in jail. "An unpermitted food vendor is selling a potentially unsafe product and can undercut fair market prices by skipping a permitting process that ensures safety standards are being met," said Morell. "These vendors may lack water, handwashing, power, and temperature control, and while permitted food trucks and restaurants pay for permits and commercial kitchens, these pop-up vendors do not." The proposal does not cover licensed food trucks, which apply only to non-vehicle vendors. If the state later passes a law preempting the chapter, it will end automatically, though earlier violations could still be prosecuted. ### Media Contacts Bryan Dominique, Communications Director Office of the Pierce County Council [email protected] | (253) 392-4221 Related News Pierce County Council Establishes County Position on Entheogen-related Research County Council Posted on September 03, 2026 Pierce County Council Passes Emergency Ordinance Prohibiting New, Expanded Data Centers County Council Posted on August 26, 2026 | Last Updated on September 03, 2026 Council Refers Reauthorization Ordinance for Spanaway LMD to Rules and Operations Committee County Council Posted on August 12, 2026 Pierce County Council Replaces Impact Fee Schedule with Rates-Based Model County Council Posted on July 07, 2026 | Last Updated on July 07, 2026 Pierce County Council Adopts Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness Update County Council Posted on June 11, 2026 Pierce County wants to hear from you. Please select one of the following to talk to elected officials and staff, or to report problems in our community. Send a message Report an Issue File a Police Report Property Information /QuickLinks.aspx Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Additional Service Provider Run to Ketron Island
On the second Tuesday of every month, the ferry makes an extra stop at Ketron Island after the 8:55 a.m. departure from Anderson Island. The purpose of this additional stop is to accommodate service providers or maintenance vehicles to the island.
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View allPublic Hearing Regarding Proposed Ordinance to Regulate Unpermitted Mobile Food Vending Units
Public Hearing - 10/10/2026
CRIMINAL COUNTY DOCKET: Atty Bopp
Other - 10/08/2026
CRIMINAL DOCKET: Atty Bopp
Other - 10/08/2026
CIVIL: Name Change, Small Claims
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