Vashon Island Child
UP IN THE AIR Annual show features flying performers at the Open Space. Page 10
Back-to-School Guide Special publication inside this issue!
BEACHCOMBER VASHON-MAURY ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014
Vol. 59, No. 34
www.vashonbeachcomber.com
NO RECORD, BUT A FUN ATTEMPT
75¢
Paramedic proposal met with optimism, some concern
By NATALIE MARTIN Staff Writer
Natalie Martin/Staff Photo
Quartermaster Harbor was a colorful scene on Sunday, as hundreds of people in canoes, kayaks and even stand-up paddle boards joined together just off Jensen Point. The event was an attempt by Vashon Youth & Family Services to break the world record for the number of canoes and kayaks rafted up at one time, while also raising funds for the social services agency. The weekend included camping and a music festival at the Open Space for Arts & Community. With around 250 boats participating, the group fell far short of breaking the current record of 2,099 boats, set by a group in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan. But VYFS director Kathleen Johnson said everyone seemed to have a good time, and the agency made a profit, though she was not yet sure how much. There is already talk of trying again next summer, Johnson said. The coming days will be used to survey participants and organizers about what worked well and what could be improved next time. “We’ve proven that this little island can get people excited about something like this,” she said. Above, paddlers wave at a small drone overhead that took photos of Raft Up. See page 13 for more photos of the event.
A proposal to absorb Vashon’s paramedics into the south King County paramedic system is garnering mixed responses at Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR). While many at VIFR say the proposal would address weaknesses in Vashon’s current medical response, some are concerned that the change could mean the island would at times be left without paramedic coverage or that VIFR’s response to other emergencies may be compromised. “It’s not a perfect system, but I think what they’re planning to do is worth pursuing, and they’ll have to make adjustments as time goes on,” said VIFR Chief Hank Lipe. The proposed plan was presented to Vashon’s fire board on Tuesday, Aug. 12, and also discussed at a public hearing it called
for on Tuesday, after The Beachcomber’s press deadline. Jim Fogarty, director of King County Medic One, planned to attend that meeting to answer questions. “This is an issue that’s been around for a long time, and we’re trying to come up with a long-term solution,” Fogarty said in an interview last week. For years, Medic One, King County’s paramedic program, has contracted with VIFR to provide paramedic services on the island. Vashon’s eight paramedics — highly trained responders who handle the most serious medical emergencies — have the same training and follow the same protocols as those in the rest of the county, but work under Vashon leadership and out of the Vashon station. VIFR receives about $2 million in annual SEE PARAMEDICS, 20
Vandalism leaves the bike in the tree in poor condition Some say a fence could prevent future problems By NATALIE MARTIN Staff Writer
When Puyallup residents Dylan Hutson and Molly DelDuca took a day trip to Vashon Sunday, seeing the bike in the tree was high on the young couple’s list of things to do. However, when they found the bike tucked in the woods by Sound Food, they were disappointed by what they saw. “It’s not like I’ve seen in the photos,” Hutson said. “It’s still cool, but it’s depressing I guess.”
Recent vandalism has left the bike in the tree mostly missing in the front, with no handlebars, front wheel, fork or fender. While the bike in the tree has lost its handlebars several times over the years, those familiar with the popular attraction say they’ve never seen it look so bad. “It has definitely deteriorated since last year,” said Jim Marsh, director of Vashon’s chamber of commerce. “It’s unfortunate that someone would do that.” Since the bike in the tree was discovered lodged in a fir tree off Vashon Highway decades ago, it has attracted countless visitors, been Natalie Martin/Staff Photo
SEE BIKE, 19
Those familiar with the bike in the tree say it’s never had so many parts missing.