Columnists
07/04/2026 · Woodland
The Breath Pause: Why Three Seconds Changes Everything
You already know to breathe deeply. Here's what actually happens when you do it right—and why most people are doing it wrong.
Why the Volta Is the Most Underrated Weapon in Poetry
Every great poem has a secret hinge—a moment where everything pivots. Learn to spot it, and you'll understand why some poems haunt you for years.
06/27/2026
The Dangerous Beauty of Quitting at the Right Moment
We're obsessed with persistence, but history's most interesting people knew something we've forgotten: sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop.
06/27/2026
The Fed Just Admitted It Screwed Up the Math, and Nobody Noticed
Inflation data revisions reveal the central bank has been fighting a phantom — one that never existed at the scale they claimed. Here's why that matters for your wallet.
06/27/2026
The Silent Treatment Backfired—Now I Don't Know How to Stop
She gave him the cold shoulder to punish him. It worked. Too well. Now three weeks in, she can't figure out how to talk to him again without looking like the bad guy.
06/27/2026
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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
Name Change - 10/04/2026
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