SCENES OF SPRING Many turned out for egg hunts, farmers market. Page 13
NEWS | New tax proposed by King County. [4] COMMENTARY | Opposing sides weigh in on levy. [6] ARTS | Islanders call for [11] life stories.
CONFRONTING THE PAST Two Japanese-American poets speak to history. Page 11
BEACHCOMBER VASHON-MAURY ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015
Vol. 60, No. 14
www.vashonbeachcomber.com
75¢
‘Prolific’ home Strumming together on Vashon burglar charged Many find joy, camaraderie in the ukulele By NATALIE MARTIN Staff Writer
A man who has admitted to burglarizing more than two dozen homes on Vashon to support his drug habit now faces burglary charges. Nicholas Anthony White, 33, was charged last week in King County Superior Court with four counts of burglary for breaking into four island properties and stealing items ranging from jewelry to chainsaws. However, according to a local sheriff’s deputy and a letter White himself wrote, he has burglarized many more homes than that. “He is the biggest burglar on Vashon,” said Deputy Jeff Hancock, who has worked on Vashon for over three years. Hancock, who has interacted with and arrested White many times, said he believes White is responsible for the majority of residential break-ins on the island, calling him a “prolific burglar.” “He has victimized Vashon more than anyone else I know of,” he said. Charging papers filed on March 31 describe White as a transient man who is known to local police and has a history of stealing property he can pawn to support his drug habit. “Several pawn shops in the area have refused to take items from him,” wrote Detective Debby Schmitz with the King County Sheriff’s Office. SEE BURGLAR, 19
By SUSAN RIEMER Staff Writer
A drenching, cold rain fell on Vashon last Thursday, but in the studio above Vashon Island Music, the spirit of Hawaii filled the air as members of the Vashon Island Ukulele Society started to play. “This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to Vashon Island,” nearly 20 people sang as they strummed the classic folk song — with a local twist. Many islanders know the ukulele society, now five years old, from its performances around town and lively appearances in the Strawberry Festiva l pa rade. Typically, 10 to 15 people attend its regular sessions, but in an effort to cast a wider net, the group hosted an open house for other ukulele players — and wouldbe ukulele players. Five new people attended last
Susan Riemer/Staff Photo
The Vashon Island Ukulele Society showcases its talents at the Vashon Bookshop last Friday. The group plays a variety of songs, from Hawaiian classics to music by the Beach Boys and The Beatles. New members are welcome. week, and at the close of the session, one woman remarked about the wonders of the uke. “Your blood pressure
instantly lowers,” she said. To attend its twicemonthly practices, people should know their
way around the ukelele at least a bit, said group leader Karen Eliasen, who owns the music store, but more impor-
tant than skill is one vital prerequisite: a good attitude. SEE UKULELE, 20
VASHON HIGH SCHOOL GOES TO THE DOGS Vashon High School was full of furry, four-legged students on Saturday, as more than 35 labs and golden retrievers being trained as guide dogs came for a workshop. The dogs and their trainers moved throughout the school all afternoon, completing challenges such as climbing stairs and riding the elevator, navigating a hallway full of distractions and being groomed in a classroom. They were also put through basic obedience drills. “Anything that a blind person might encounter during a normal day when they’re out with their dog,” said Char Phillips, the leader of Vashon’s Eyes of the Future group, which trains dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind and put on the event. Sixty people from Everett to Federal Way with dogs nine weeks to a year and half old participated in the workshop, many of them dressing themselves and their dogs for the Pirate theme. More difficult challenges involved navigating a path dressed in rain gear and jumping in and out of a small boat. Some dogs completed the tasks with ease, while others proved they were in training for a reason. “It was wonderfully accepted,” Phillips said. “We got tons of compliments.” About 125 dogs are being trained through Guide Dogs for the Blind in Washington. “It’s basically the hardest service for dogs to be successful with,” Phillps said. About half of the dogs will graduate the program and become seeing eye dogs, while others will be placed in less demanding service dog programs or become pets. Photo and story by Natalie Martin