2020 August Current

AUGUST

2020

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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FREE

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WEST VALLEY SUPER RETIREMENT PAGE 23

2

• AUGUST 2020

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Mr. Personality – Guarisco brings enthusiasm to civic roles

By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

Those who find themselves house shopping these days may recognize the voice. Either that or the face is familiar from a chamber event or something to do with marketing. There’s also the outside chance that the affable approach recalls a time when the face and the voice were part of the local restaurant business.

Whatever the connection, you could make the case that John Guarisco is about as local as they get. A fifth generation Spokaneite.

Guarisco proudly speaks of relatives on both sides that farmed the Valley when apple trees and barns dominated the landscape.

Guarisco’s great-grandfather on his dad’s side was known for growing the Valley’s signature crop – “Hearts of Gold” cantaloupe – that, many years later, would become the namesake for the Valleyfest Parade down Sprague Avenue.

“It was tough to leave the air,” he says. “But I knew radio and I could do things like cut my own commercials,” he said.

Guarisco made a more significant professional leap at 25 when he became owner of Luigi’s restaurant on Dishman-Mica in the Valley.

Long hours and constructive lessons followed in an experience that was more about labor than lasagna. In 1993, he was named Restauranter of the Year by the Restaurant and Hospitality Association. He later owned another restaurant called Giovanni’s.

“It was basically like earning a master’s degree without paying for one,” Guarisco said. “If you can run a restaurant, you can run any business.”

After Luigi’s, Guarisco opened Marjoni Marketing in 1999 with Nick Tyson and Mary Thompson.

The company quickly established itself as one of the fastest growing agencies in the area and, at one point, was named Small Business

of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

While Guarisco’s career was taking off, he also wanted to be mindful about making a difference.

He joined Rotary and became a Valley Jaycee, taking on assignments like manning the chicken booth at the county fair. These days, he is an executive assistant governor with Rotary, overseeing seven clubs.

“I realized I had eight hours to work, eight hours to sleep and another eight hours to myself,” Guarisco said. “I didn’t want those other eight hours to just be work or zoning in front of the TV. There may be some heavy lifting with volunteering but you gotta care.”

Guarisco served on several chamber committees and the board and was later named chair. He was honored with the chamber’s Community Caring Award in 2010 and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

In 2017, Guarisco was one of three finalists to replace

John and his wife Katie have been married for 31 years and are proud parents of three grown kids – Michael, Amanda and Danielle.

Q: Looking back on your time as a radio deejay, what did you enjoy most about being on the air?

Q: You’ve been associated with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce for many years, including time as chair. How can an organization like this be a catalyst at a time when commerce is facing so many hurdles?

“I never thought we were poor even though we were not rich financially,” he says.

That vision became a reality as Guarisco took to the air on stations like KZZU and KJRB. A transition to ad sales followed in 1990.

Guarisco’s career journey took another turn in 2018 when he became licensed as a Realtor.

He is an associate with RE/MAX Inland Empire these days and calls working in the field “a real blessing.”

A: Oh my, the most exciting and fun job in the world, getting paid to spin records and talk on the radio.

I miss the promotions and parking up front everywhere you go with the station vehicle. I miss my fellow jocks, it was an exclusive club.

Guarisco’s father was a post office employee for 37 years. John remembers a childhood that may not have featured silver spoons – but was bountiful in other ways.

Guarisco attended Keystone Elementary and Evergeen Middle School before enrolling at Central Valley High. He had a musical flare like his dad – playing the bass guitar, trumpet and sousaphone – and also excelled as a wrestler.

After graduating in 1983, he took up studies in telecommunications at Spokane Falls Community College with a goal of being a deejay.

Shelly O’Quinn as a Spokane County commissioner, a role that eventually went to Mary Kuney. A year later, Guarisco found himself taking on the tasks of a different kind of commissioner – this one with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. After being appointed to replace Joe Dawson, longtime commissioner who stepped down for health reasons, Guarisco was required to appear on the ballot in last fall’s general election. He won unopposed and will serve until the end of 2021.

Contributed photo John Guarisco is a lifelong Spokane Valleyite who currently serves as a commissioner with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. The Central Valley High grad has worked in marketing, real estate and the restaurant business and is a past chair of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

A: I think bringing community leaders together in any organization is a good thing. I see the GSVCC already stepping up and educating small business about different avenues they can do to stay afloat. They are also working with local and state elected officials to problem solve and see how they can come alongside their members to help. I think an active chamber wins for the community and most importantly its members.

See GUARISCO, Page 5

AUGUST 2020 • 3

The Current

a message from:

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4

NEWS

• AUGUST 2020

SVFD Report – July 2020 Current News sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1518 emergency calls from June 15 – July 15, 2020.

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• Emergency Medical Services 1230 • Fires 77 • Motor Vehicle Accidents 65 • Building Alarms 55 • Dispatched and cancelled enroute 35 • Service Calls

23 • Hazardous Materials 21 • Vehicle Fires 6 • Technical Rescue 4 • Auto vs Pedestrian 3 • Technical Rescue 2 • Rescue Task Force 1 Highlights and the news include: Total calls for service stayed relatively the same from 1498 the month prior to 1518.

Of Note: • Burn Restrictions are in place, Monday, July 20.

Visit spokanevalleyfire.com for more information or call 509.928.1700 or visit https://spokanecleanair.org/ burning We continue to have a large number of illegal burn calls. Make sure you know the facts before burning. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/ WildfirePrevention; https:// spokanecleanair.org/currentburning-conditions • Warmer weather is taking us all out to the water. We are seeing an increase in water deaths this summer which have all been tragic losses.

Water safety is paramount this time of year. Please wear a life jacket when out on rivers and lakes this summer.

• Our community is experiencing an increase in car accidents and deaths caused by car accidents. In the last week of June we had an additional fatal crash which was the second in two days.

According to a media release from the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane Sheriff’s Office, “this is the 13th fatal crash in 2020, 8 of which occurred in June alone.

Comparatively, in 2019, Spokane Valley Police and Spokane County

The Current

Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Collision Investigators responded to a total of 12 fatalities for the entire year.”

We along with SVPD and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office urge everyone to slow down, pay attention, and practice safety when driving.

Incidents: Water Rescue, June 25 – Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded at 8:33pm to a report of a two kayakers in need of help, just east of Mirabeau Park. The caller stated the woman was injured.

Firefighters located the pair on the north side of the river, standing in waist deep water. The female kayaker had gotten her foot caught and twisted in the under rubble of the river, injuring her ankle. SVFD water rescue teams quickly launched their kayaks. They were able to get the woman and her 14 y/o son safely to the shore, and assisted with a ride back to their vehicle. The woman was not transported for her injuries. This incident could have been much worse if the pair had not been wearing life jackets.

A total of 12 apparatus, command and support vehicles responded to the scene, including Spokane Fire Department water rescue crews and American Medical Response. No first responder injuries were reported.

Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind citizens that different seasons of the river present unique challenges. High fast spring currents can quickly separate you from your party, and lower late season water flows can trip you up and trap you in the under rubble and bushes; but, life jackets will help year-round!

Structure Fire, July 11 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) firefighters were dispatched at 5:51 pm today for a report of a deck fire on a display home in the 15900 block of east Sprague Ave. A 911 caller walking by the business reported a fire on the front porch, with the porch engulfed in flames.

Firefighters on the first arriving apparatus from Station 10 arrived four minutes after time of dispatch to find a locked gate barring their way to the fire. After defeating the locked gate and making entry into the complex, Valley Ladder 1 crew found See SVFD REPORT, Page 22

AUGUST 2020 • 5

The Current

GUARISCO

Continued from page 2 Q: As you approach your twoyear mark as a fire commissioner, how would you characterize this role? Is it what you expected?

A: I am so proud to be a small part of such an amazing department! Our First Responders and administrative staff are some of the best folks I have ever been a part of. Spokane Valley should be so proud of this department and what they have accomplished being one of only a handful of rated fire departments in the state. The forward-thinking staff has kept this department among the best in the state if not the country.

I can sum it up my experience as a commissioner by saying I work with the greatest team of commissioners ever to be elected to office. Always in budget with reserves so we can plan the growth strategy for this community. It is an elected official’s dream job to step into such a healthy organization. When most government agencies over spend budgets and cannot operate in black, we do.

Q: What were your thoughts about Valley incorporation before it narrowly passed in 2002? Overall, do you think cityhood has been a success?

A: You always wonder why cities form and it is usually because their current government is not providing the much-needed services to that community. I believe the city is doing as well as they can for how new they are, most cities are over hundreds of years old, the city of Spokane Valley is just a newbie in city years. They have a lot of opportunity to continue to grow and get better. I hope the current council members can learn to communicate with each other and move the ball along to a better city of Spokane Valley. That’s what is going to take.

Q: Being civically involved seems to be part of your priority list. Why is giving back important to you?

A: I think we all need to look in mirror and ask what value we have for helping our neighbors. How can people not worry about those in their own backyard that are less fortunate or just need some help?

This is our community and if anyone has the means to help, they should.

I am not saying write a check every

time but actually get out and be a part of your own community. This is important to me because I want to see our community grow stronger and be a great place for future generations to be.

Q: You threw your hat into the ring for county commissioner at one point. Is running for public office in your future. Why or why not?

A: As a fifth generation Spokane boy, I saw a county I love and admire kicking the can down the road on so many issues – budget, public safety and the Hirst water decision. So, I said rather than complain about it, do something about it. So, I threw my name in the ring and was chosen by the Republican PCOs as one of the three candidates for the current commissioners to appoint.

I believe I was ready to help after 30 years of being in business as an owner and supporting local community efforts in our area.

But the current commissioners possibly felt my outspoken feelings about the county’s operations was not earning me any points. I saw how a current political party was divided with in its own party and the games commenced. The two commissioners came to an impasse, the decision had to go to the governor. When Mary Kuney was appointed by Jay Inslee, I wished her well and supported her in the unfinished term election. The jury is still out on whether r I would run for any other offices other than fire commissioner.

Q: Real estate is a relatively new field for you. How do you think your other career experiences have contributed to the success you’re having as a Realtor?

A: Great question about being new. I was new but not brand new to business and helping people work out transactions. I believe the many years in business and growing up in this community has led me to this career. I am having the time of my life helping families find or sell a home. I feel like it is a calling of sorts as I am helping this community and its citizens along with new folks coming to the area.

I can sell Spokane because I believe in our community so much. You must be a trusted advisor to help people with what is usually the largest investment of their life and I take that very seriously.

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• AUGUST 2020

The Current

2020 June Burglary Hotspots

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AUGUST 2020 • 7

The Current

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The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances of a particular crime were reported at that location.

Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources.

We encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

8

• AUGUST 2020

NEWS

Work at city hall continues amidst emergency declaration

By Bill Gothmann Current Contributor

Council Supports Police The Spokane Valley City Council approved a proclamation supporting their police department. The resolution states, “I, Ben Wick, Mayor of Spokane Valley, on behalf of the citizens and Council of Spokane Valley, do hereby proclaim our sincere appreciation and strong support of the Spokane Valley Police Department, its officers and support staff, and acknowledge that the hard work and diligence of these individuals is deeply appreciated by this Council and the citizens we represent.”

Noting that the City contracts with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for police services, it cites,“the Spokane Valley Police Department received accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), which reflects a determination that the agency is ‘certified as operating under industry best practices and standards.’

The accreditation program is intended to reflect the highest professional standards of policing.” Further, “we acknowledge and appreciate the brave men and women who work to keep us safe; that they often must make splitsecond decisions that could save a life or property, and therefore they deserve our praise and support.”

Federal Discussed

Corona

The Current

Relief

Grant

In response to the COVID-19 virus impacts, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). Washington State was allocated $300 million and they, in turn, allocated $2,901,600 to the City of Spokane Valley. The funds can only be used for costs incurred by local governments or agencies providing services affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency during the period of March 1 through October 31, 2020 and were not accounted for in the City’s most recent budget. The City estimates that it will need about $220,000 of the grant for its COVID-19 expenses, leaving about $2.7 million to be allocated to other agencies that provide six affected categories of services: mortgage assistance, rental assistance, food security, small business grants, and school district expenses.

Discussion noted that school districts are already a direct recipient of CARES funding. However, changes to the facilities, such as adding plexiglass for distancing, are not included and could

be supplied through the City’s grant.

After some discussion, Council added one more category: non-profits. Staff supplied a spreadsheet for each council member to indicate what amounts should go to each category. Staff then averaged the suggestions and presented the results at a subsequent council meeting.

After further discussion, Council recommended that $733,995 would go to mortgage or rental relief, $259,429 would go to utility assistance, $236,640 to food assistance, $829,498 to small business relief, $75,000 to hospitality services, $411,640 to non-profits, and $135,281 to schools. Staff will use these figures to suggest ways of spending the funds and, working with local partners, bring their recommendations back to Council.

Two Public Comment Times Now Permitted As a result of Council action approving changes to the Governance Manual, there are now two times during formal format regular meetings for public comments on any subject relevant to the City and not on the agenda: before the consent agenda in the early part of the meeting and after unfinished business in the latter part of the meeting. Public comments about items on the agenda are taken at the time the agenda item is considered by the Council. Speakers are limited to three minutes unless extended by the Mayor. The total time for all public comments is limited to 45 minutes unless extended by the Mayor. Formal format regular meetings usually take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Study session format meetings occur on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of the month.

No public testimony is taken at these study session meetings except on action items.

City to Join Spokane City and County in Shelter Grant The Washington Department of Commerce is providing a joint grant of $2,731,100 to the County, City of Spokane, and Spokane Valley for capital costs of up to $10,000 per bed for a youth shelter for 18 to 24-yearolds. The legislation provides that, if the entities wish to apply separately, they will provide less: $2,184,880.

The Continuum of Care Committee is recommending this kind of shelter which has been identified as a priority in the Strategic Plan to Prevent and

End Homelessness. Staff noted that this age is one in which children age out of foster care. The beds must be available by December 31, 2020. There was consensus to participate with the other entities in applying for the grant.

However, at a subsequent meeting, changes required by the City of Spokane’s program modified the approach to this grant. Three different kinds of shelters were discussed: a general homeless shelter, a bridge shelter, and the youth shelter. Spokane has had a homeless shelter. However, the COVID virus required distancing, so additional space was needed. They placed part of the population into the County’s Community Development Building on 8th and contracted with the Spokane Public Facilities District for a portion of the Arena. However, the Arena contract is expiring Aug. 13.

When that occurs, this population will be transferred to the former Housing Authority Building on Mission Avenue just off Division St. When the COVID needs are no longer required, the Mission building will serve as a Bridge Shelter, one in which, by referral, residents can receive services to prepare them for transition to their own housing. As a result of this strategy, the Mission property is no longer available as a place for the youth shelter.

Thus, the three entities: County, City of Spokane, and City of Spokane Valley, are now intending to apply for the $2,731,100 grant from the Department of Commerce. $430,000 would be used for capital funding for 43 beds, and the remainder would be used for operating expenses. Because Spokane has found other sources for their other two shelters, they will not need about $1.5 million in recording fee, taxes and this could possibly add to the funding of the youth shelter.

The lead agency will be the City of Spokane, for they have the expertise and have already been actively pursuing possible locations throughout the County for this facility. The three entities will continue to search for a possible location.

Goals Set for Lodging Advisory Committee (LTAC)

Tax

The City levies two lodging taxes for hotels and motels, the funds of which are used to encourage tourism.

A 2% tax is estimated to produce $346,000 in 2020, but is taken as a credit against the 6.5% state sales tax, meaning that the patron pays the equivalent of the normal sales tax rate of 8.9% in Spokane Valley. A second, 1.3% lodging tax is paid in addition to the normal 8.9% tax rate is expected to yield $213,000 in 2020. When the

Public Utility District’s 2% tax is added and Spokane Transit Authority’s taxes are added, the patron pays 12% in taxes compared with the retail sector’s 8.9% tax rate. LTAC determines where the City’s lodging tax funds are directed.

Per legislative mandate, the Council can only delete line items from LTAC’s recommendations or sent the entire proposal back to the Committee. The goals set by the Council this year include: funding “new and innovative projects, activities, events or festivals … to increase Spokane Valley tourism,” “emphasizing capital expenditures to develop tourist destination facilities or venues,” and recognizing the importance of lodging nights while taking into consideration shopping, dining, and overnight visits.

Splashdown Waived

Lease

Payment

The City has had a series of agreements with the owners of Splashdown since incorporation because the activity is on City park property.

The current agreement with New Splashdown Concessions, Inc. was signed in 2018 and provides that the lessee will pay the city $15,000 through the summer plus 12.84% of this payment as leasehold excise tax.

They must also have liability insurance.

However, since the Governor and the Spokane Regional Health District thus far will not allow the facility to open, Council approved waiving the lease payment for 2020. In addition, the City has contacted the City’s insurer, Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) and found that as long as the facility is closed and “No Trespassing” signs are properly displayed, the facility is covered by WCIA. Motorized Personal Transportation Devices The Legislature has made several changes to definitions and regulations about motorized scooters and electrically assisted bicycles. There are three categories of electric-assisted bicycles. Class 1 are those that assist only when the rider is pedaling and cease assisting above 20 mph. Class 2 are those in which the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance above 20 mph. Class 3 are those that assist only when pedaling and cease assistance above 28 mph.

All motorized personal transportation devices require the operator to be at least 16 years of age. The nominal speed limit is 15 mph and operators must obey the rules of the road.

The proposed City regulation includes all three of these classes. It prohibits riding on sidewalks, the

The Current

NEWS

Appleway Trail, or parks, except for parking areas. It also permits operating on streets with speed limits of 25 mpg or less and on those with speed limits greater than 25 mph as long as they have bike lanes. Lights and brakes are required. This proposal will come back to Council for an initial reading.

Barker Grade Separation Project (GSP) Construction Administration Agreement Approved

The City and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reached agreement for WSDOT to administer the Barker GSP. Staff cited a number of reasons for this action. Funding comes from the federal TIGER program, which requires engaging a construction management firm and substantially different documentation.

WSDOT has this experience. Furthermore, Trent is a state highway. The City will prepare project design documents.

WSDOT will advertise and award the bid with the City acting as consultant.

WSDOT will be the lead agency in contract administration and the City will reimburse them for all their costs.

The City has committed $20,533,391 to cover all project construction costs.

Staff noted that the City will do all the publicity such as holding public meetings and ribbon cuttings. Council approved the agreement.

Property Purchased for Pines Project Council approved purchasing three properties for the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project, located at the end of Portland Avenue where it meets railroad property. The first property was purchased from Robin DeRuwe for $525,000. The other two were purchased from the DeWitt Living Trust for $325,000. All three were negotiated with willing sellers and willing buyers.

Horse Arena to be Excessed by City Upon incorporation, the City acquired a 2.07-acre parcel near Balfour and 20th Ave known as the former Balfour Road horse arena. It had been used as part of an equestrian neighborhood until the late 1980’s when it fell into disuse and the home owners’ association let it go into tax foreclosure. However, the parcel is land locked having no access to a public road. The parcel immediately to the east is owned by Spokane County Water District, and the parcel east of that is owned by the Chester Hills Pool Association. Staff recommended declaring it as surplus. It is assessed at $110,000 and the proceeds could be

used for park funds. Council approved the staff recommendation.

Council Briefs

AUGUST 2020 • 9

Dental Emergencies • Dental Cleanings • Wisdom Teeth Extractions • Invisalign • Crowns • Oral Surgery • Root Canals Dental Implants • Teeth Whitening • White Fillings • Children’s Dentistry • Dentures and Partial Dentures • Veneers

• August 4 is an all-day workshop for Council and Staff via Zoom from 8:30AM to 2:30PM. Citizens may join the meeting but no testimony will be taken. The evening meeting on that date is cancelled.

• Council approved three applications to the State for grants: Appleway Trail crossing from City Hall to Balfour Park, sidewalk Improvements for Bowdish from 12th to 16th, and sidewalk/crossing improvements from 16th to 22nd.

• In answer to a question by Council, staff advised that state law regulates vaping and does not permit the City to regulate sales of vapor products. Furthermore, if Council were to regulate the zoning of vapor stores, there would be confusion about whether general merchandise stores that sell vapor products would be affected. Therefore, they advised Council to do nothing.

• Council looked at alternatives for Zoom for virtual meetings and decided to continue to work with Zoom, not wanting a new learning curve.

Issues such as video/speech clarity and muting control and prevention of illicit material by those testifying are being addressed by staff.

• Council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month, noting that thousands of Spokane Valley children, adults, and seniors benefit from the wide range of services, facilities, and programs provided by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department.

• Deputy Mayor Brandi Peetz and Council Members Pam Haley, Linda Thompson all recently received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) after completing more than 60 hours of training credits and community service.

• Council awarded a $2,599,065 contract to DW Excavating for the widening of Barker from the Spokane River to Euclid, changing Barker to a 3-lane road. The bid was $46,000 under the engineer’s estimate.

• Council approved applying for two grants from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. The first is for $1,440,000 for reconstruction of the Argonne Corridor from Indiana to Montgomery. The second is for $4,320,000 for Sullivan Road preservation and sidewalk work from Sprague to 8th Avenue.

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10

COVER STORY

• AUGUST 2020

The Current

The last hurrah for summer

Although the summer might we winding down, its not over yet. Here are some fun activities to get out of the house and find some fun before the sun is gone. *COVID restrictions may apply for some of these activites.

#1

#2

HIKING If you need some time to yourself or want to introduce your child to the great outdoors there are numerous places to take in some beautiful scenery and fresh air here in the Spokane Valley region. Whether you want to enjoy a nice walk right down the road on the Appleway Trail, Dishman Hills nature area or the newly finished Saltese Flats.

Fun Idea- start a trail journal to document the plants, trees, birds, bugs and animals you encounter.

Appleway Trail 3.1 miles Easy Centennial Trail 37.5 miles Easy/Moderate Dishman Hills 4 miles Moderate Saltese Flats 1.5 miles Easy

#3

KAYAKING The new Historic Flight Museum may not be open right now, but that doesn’t take any fun away from visiting Felts Field. In fact it may make getting a great parking spot for a couple hours of plane watching much easier to obtain. And if you don’t see anything overhead, there is a Pan Am that was originally owned by the CEO of Johnson and Johnson.

While you are there. Stop by for a bite to eat at the Skyway Cafe.

DISC GOLF If you have been hearing about disc golf we have the perfect spot for you to check out right here! A short beginner course with some trees that could add difficulty in the future. Easy to follow layout with signs and marked baskets in Greenacres Park. For those that are looking for something more difficult try Camp Sekani, just outside Spokane Valley.

For more information on these areas go to: https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=5005 https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=5029 .

Few cities have a hidden wilderness and an extensive river area they can boast about within their urban area. Spokane Valley has three access points at Mirabeau Park, Sullivan Park, and Barker Bridge to allow kayaks, canoes, rafts, boats and more.

To book a formal trip to enjoy our white water rapids check out https://www.rowadventurecenter.com/spokane-river or https:// riverrafting.net/spokane-trips/

#4

FELTS FIELD

The Current

COVER STORY

#5

AUGUST 2020 • 11

#6

U-PICK PRODUCE

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Although most are aware of the amenities Greenbluff offers for choosing your own produce (if you aren’t please go to https:// greenbluffgrowers.com), we have some of those right here! Carver Farms offers several opportunities throughout the year to gather strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins and more. Utecht Produce offers similar opportunities as well.

If you aren’t into picking your own you can take a fruit stand tour instead! There are several options around Spokane Valley including 13416 E Sprague Ave 13416 E Sprague Ave 21005 E Trent Ave

Our area has some great mountain bike trails ranging from level intermediate to difficult. If you are new you can get a checklist to get you started at https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ mountain-biking-checklist.html?series=intro-to-mountain-biking Sekani-Beacon Loop 6.3 miles Intermediate/Difficult Mount Spokane Loop 9.6 miles Very Difficult Big Rock 5.9 miles Intermediate Mica Peak Trail 12.3 miles Intermediate

#7

#8

FARMERS MARKET Shop for local and regional produce like fruit, veggies, honey and hand crafted items like specialty soaps or hand made chocolates.

Friday evening market in Spokane Valley at Centerplace. Saturday morning market available at Town Square in Liberty Lake. See their websites for additional information on food truck nights or other special events. https://spokanevalleyfarmersmarket.org/ https://www.libertylakefarmersmarket.com/

Spokane Valley is full of beautiful original bronze sculptures throughout the community open to the public. These art pieces have been commissioned and donated my the Spokane Valley Arts Council.

“Working the Line” CenterPlace -Ace Powell SV City Hall “Dance of the Sun and Moon” CenterPlace “Coup Ponies” SV City Hall

SAND

VOLLEYBALL One of the best hidden gems in Spokane Valley is the 16 tournament quality sand courts located in Browns Park on the corner of South Pines Rd and East 32nd Ave. But whether you are a competitive player or want to enjoy an afternoon with the kids these courts offer an element of fun to your outdoor exercise.

A newly completed Make sure to bring your own volleyball.

#9

ART TOUR

12

• AUGUST 2020

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Whether it’s music, sports or volunteering, Hope Harrington excels.

The incoming senior at East Valley High School maintains a 3.99 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also part of EV’s chapter of Washington Drug Free Youth. Harrington has been playing the violin since fourth grade and is part of the school orchestra. She volunteers as a mentor with the youth program at Life Center Church and at Second Harvest. She has lettered in volleyball since her sophomore year and earned All Great Northern League honors as a junior. She also served as team captain. In track and field, Harrington competes in the discus, shotput, javelin and hammer throw.

She placed ninth in state in the hammer throw as a sophomore. Harrington would like to pursue a career in psychology.

Three-sport athletes are a vanishing breed at the high school level but Henry Stevens is an exception. The incoming senior at East Valley High School was the starting quarterback for the Knights last season. In a win over North Central, he threw for 270 yards, passed for three touchdowns and rushed for two.

As a sophomore, he was the backup quarterback and starting kicker. The Othello transplant has competed in varsity basketball since his sophomore year and was a starter last year. He tallied 14 points in a victory over rival West Valley. In soccer, Stevens had the third highest goal total in the Great Northern League last season, including a hat trick against Pullman.

An Eagle Scout, Stevens maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society and Washington Drug Free Youth.

Paul Fletcher’s life journey began in Otis Orchards and took flight throughout the world. The Spokane Valley native graduated from East Valley High School in 1968 where he played basketball and baseball and was president of the National Honor Society chapter. After earning a degree at Washington State University, Fletcher began a career in the U.S. Air Force that spanned nearly 35 years and included critical administrative roles at the Pentagon.

His other stops included bases in Ohio, Illinois, Virginia and Hawaii as well England and West Germany. Fletcher retired from the military in 2007 after over 3,500 flight hours in planes like the C-130, C-21, T-37 and T-38. A longtime member of Greater Spokane Valley Rotary, Fletcher has served two terms as president. He is an avid golfer and cook. Paul and his wife Kathy have one grown son.

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AUGUST 2020 • 13

The Current

Business grants offered

By Nina Culver Current Contributor

Small business in Spokane County are now able to apply for grants to help recoup their losses in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. All businesses that had 49 or fewer full-time equivalent employees as of March 1 are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations can also apply.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has been involved in the effort to distribute the $10 million in grant funding approved by Spokane County Commissioners, said chamber president Lance Beck. The money came from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Beck said his organization was contacted early on by businesses who were struggling to stay afloat when they had to either shut down or limit their business. That financial strain was not going away. “It was continuing to mount and increase,” he said. “Any kind of relief we could find in uncertain times was much appreciated.”

The federal government launched the Paycheck Protection Program to help, but not all businesses were able to get funding and some of those that did get funding didn’t get all that they needed, Beck said. His organization is partnering with Greater Spokane Inc., which is administering the grant program, along with other business organizations in the county.

Beck said the Valley Chamber was involved in a similar small business grant program run by the Washington State Department of

MEET OUR NEW ATTORNEY Danielle J. Palm Attorney

Commerce earlier this year. There was only $10 million available for the entire state. “We designed that from scratch,” he said. “We had 1,800 apply for that program and we were only able to help 61 of them.”

documentation showing their losses, because one of the requirements of the CARES Act is that some recipients are audited, Beck said. “They have to certify that they’ve been damaged,” he said.

The chamber took what it learned during that experience to make this grant program run more smoothly.

“We had to design a program that was truly fair and equitable across the board,” he said. “We were tasked with designing a program that we could focus quickly, so we could get the money to businesses quickly.”

The process has moved so quickly that certain criteria and procedures are still being finalized, Beck said.

The grants will be awarded with a lottery system, but certain businesses, such as those owned by veterans or minorities, will get priority.

There will also be an effort to make sure that the money is distributed throughout the county, Beck said, everywhere from Cheney to Mead to Liberty Lake to Valleyford.

GSI began accepting grant applications on July 27 and they can be submitted through Aug. 10.

The application is available online at https://greaterspokane.org/ opentogether-small-business-andnon-profit-grant/.

The maximum grant amount is $10,000. The money can be used for operating costs, rent, personal protective equipment and more.

Beck said businesses can calculate their losses and add in additional costs due to COVID-19, but can’t ask for more funding than they need.

“You can be made whole, but you can’t be better than made whole,” he said.

Businesses and nonprofits must be located in Spokane County, have been established before March 1, 2019, have had under $10 million in gross revenue in 2019, be in good standing with the Department of Labor and Industries, not be in bankruptcy and not be a marijuanabased business.

Those who have questions can attend online webinars that will explain the application process and requirements. The link to the webinars is on the same web page as the application.

Applicants will have to have

“We want to make sure we spread these dollars all over the county,” he said.

Everyone expects interest in the grants to be high, Beck said. “We really think we’ll see over 3,000 applications this time,” he said.

GSI hopes to begin distributing money by the first week of September, Beck said. The county must spend the money by Oct. 31.

“We’re on a ticking clock,” he said.

The City of Spokane Valley has also decided to make some of its CARES Act funding available for small businesses located inside the city limits. The city council recently voted to spend $904,000 on grants for businesses with 18 or fewer employees, including $75,000 set aside for businesses that cannot open until Phase 4 and the hospitality industry.

Additional funding was allocated for nonprofit organizations, rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, food security and school districts. The city received about $2.9 million in CARES Act funding to distribute by Oct. 31. “There’s a little over $40,000 remaining,” said

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city public information officer Jeff Kleingartner. “We’re also looking at other COVID expenses that we might need to cover through October. It’s good to have a safety net.”

Council members thought it was important to provide grants to small businesses even though Spokane County will have a grant program as well, Kleingartner said. “We want to make sure Spokane Valley businesses that need support get it,” he said. “Some of them might not get funding from the county.”

The maximum grant amount will be $7,158. “These are not really large grants,” Kleingartner said. “It’s something to help.”

Businesses still closed and the hospitality industry were singled out by the council because they have been hit the hardest, Kleingartner said. Hotels and motels lost money money after large events that typically draw people to the area were cancelled. And some businesses can’t open at all until the county is in Phase 4. “They really don’t know when they’re going to open,” he said.

“They’re really taking a financial hit.”

The city still has to decide who will administer the various programs to distribute the money.

Kleingartner said he expects the issue to be back before the city council soon. “The city council is hoping to find a partner or partners to work with on determining the next step.

There probably will be a fairly short window of time for applications.

They’re going to be working pretty fast to figure that out.”

With so much yet to be determined, Kleingartner said he doesn’t know when the money will be dispersed. “I know the goal is to dispense the money as soon as possible,” he said.

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AUGUST 2020 • 15

The Current

Gratitude - Feeling and

expressing thankful appreciation for benefits received

By Ben Wick

We live in a truly unique time.

We are experiencing dramatic changes to our normal routines that come with slowing the spread of a pandemic, trying to minimize the impact on our local economy and community, and support each other through a tragic event where a person was killed. Yet in all of that struggle there is still some things that are familiar and should be thankful for, our sense of community and commitment to each other.

Over the last few months we have seen some amazing things.

We have seen people come together to support each other. As mayor I have seen churches come together to creatively find ways to connect within their congregations by establishing drive-in theater style services or stream services online.

Our local School Districts and teachers embrace distance learning and prepare and deliver food to care for and keep their students and community going. Service clubs such as Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Club calling members to make sure they are ok since they are unable to meet in person. And families supporting our local businesses by ordering up food for take-out (#orderUpSpokaneValley) and doing curbside pickup or delivery to get needed items from local store’s when they can to help them keep their doors open.

As chair of the Spokane Regional Health District, in a matter of weeks I have seen more than half of the 200+ employees at the district volunteer and step up to new leadership roles, often times stopping midstream the projects they were doing to change gears to help with the COVID response and help our community through the pandemic.

Elected officials from all around the community who typically haven’t worked together before have come together as a united front for a common cause. Our national Guard members stepping up to support our local food bank operations and health screening facility in order to allow people who might not have

insurance get access to medical assistance they need.

As a neighbor and family member I see numerous neighbors practicing social distancing yet still checking in on each other to make sure were all ok and minimize trips to the store by sharing items we had purchased to get each other through.

I have written birthday messages for people who are unable to celebrate with their families but just needed a little encouragement to get through.

This month’s character trait is gratitude, gratitude or the expression of thankfulness and appreciation for others is important yet often times gets overlooked. Far too many times we get focused on the activities and actions that aren’t so positive.

However, there are many people who are doing amazing things and many more that will do amazing things if we share a little gratitude.

Gratitude doesn’t have to be large or expensive gifts for others but is most impactful as a few kind words or a simple card recognizing someone for something they did which you appreciate.

Think about the last time you got positive feedback and how it made you feel. Imagine if we could make everyone feel that way. When was the last time you recognized someone for something they did? Its never too late.

To all of our medical professionals and members of the Spokane Regional Health District, to everyone who works for the city helping our community continue to move forward, to all of our School Districts and Chamber of Commerce connecting community members to needed resources, to all of our elected officials coming together to work for the greater good, and most importantly to all of our community members for pulling together to help each other out; You are all doing an amazing job, thank you.

Ben Wick, City of Spokane Valley Mayor and is in his second term on the Spokane Valley City Council. In addition to his role on at the city he is currently serving as the Chair of the Spokane Regional Health District and Spokane Regional Transportation Council. He is a fourth generation Spokane Valley native, happily married with 4 young children at home. He and his wife own the Greater Spokane Valley Current and Liberty Lake Splash newsmagazines and he is an IT Manager for Spokane Industries.

16

• AUGUST 2020

The Crest

The Current Brought to you by

About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Local Partnership,

ShareFarm connects farmers to community

By Nina Culver Current Contributor

Stephanie Watson freely admits that she was just a tiny bit starstruck – and who wouldn’t be when the United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue pulls up to pay your project a visit?

“We just couldn’t believe he came out to our facility in Liberty Lake to meet us,” Watson said. “But there he was and he was pretty impressed.

We are a total success story for their program.”

Earlier this year, Share Farm was part of a collaboration that landed a $1.4 million USDA grant to help reduce food insecurity and connect local consumers with locally grown food.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us,” Watson said. “We source locally grown nutritious food and get it to people who need it. Healthy food that can help heal bodies.”

Share Farm is based in Liberty Lake and it is a little different from other farms because it doesn’t grow any vegetables and fruits, it simply connects local consumers with the farmers who grow peaches, corn and potatoes right outside its back door.

In 2018, Eric Kobe and Vincent

Peak got the idea to connect local farmers directly to their customers via a phone app and a website they developed. They later brought on Adam Hegsted, local restaurateur and owner of the Eat Good Group which includes restaurants like Incrediburger and Wandering Table.

The concept was simple: order online and a delivery of fresh local produce and artisan food products will show up on your doorstep within 24 hours.

Then earlier this year Share Farm and Eat Good Group partnered with the Inland Northwest Farmers Market Association and Spokane Food Fighters – together they got the USDA grant.

The grant mainly supports the Farmers to Families Food Box program, which delivers free fresh produce to local families every Saturday.

Watson explained that farmers are being paid to bring their produce to the facility in Liberty Lake, where somewhere between 350 and 450 boxes containing 20 pounds of produce are packed up Saturday morning.

“Volunteer drivers from Spokane Food Fighters then show up to deliver the boxes,” Watson said.

“They put five or six boxes in their cars and head out.”

The private delivery makes the program “very dignified” Watson said.

“That is important because we have people ask for a box who’ve never had to ask for food help

Photo by Nina Culver Volunteers help sort food from local farmers into approximately 350 to 450 delivery boxes for distribution across the greater spokane area each saturday. before,” Watson said. “The need is huge right now because so many were laid off because of COVID. This way they get nutritional food without a big truck pulling up in front of their house.”

Sign up for the boxes is managed

by Spokane Food Fighters and it’s on an honor system: Anyone can ask for a box. Watson estimates that Share Farm delivers about 9000 pounds of food every week.

The quick turnaround for the box program means Share Farm can bypass costs for cold storage and other logistical issues that can be very expensive. And the partnership with Hegsted and Eat Good Group allowed Share Farm to use Hegsted’s temporarily closed Eat Good Café in Liberty Lake as their base.

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“We have some warehouse space and we have cold storage if we need it, all because we partnered with Adam,” Watson said.

Watson is responsible for signing new farmers on to the Share Farm platform and she often relies on local farmers markets to get to know producers.

“The farmers are having a difficult time reaching consumers and selling all their produce,” Watson said.

“Restaurants shut down because of COVID and the farmers markets had to limit the number of stands to comply with COVID distancing

regulations. These are tough times for farmers.”

Watson said that Share Farm has seen an increase in its regular business, too. She’s busy bringing new producers on to the website which already features local favorites like Roast House Coffee, cheeses made in the northwest and locally sourced meat from goat to hazelnutfed pork.

“Some people got very concerned about going to the store when COVID hit,” Watson said. “With us you don’t have to leave your house.

We are just a few clicks on your computer screen, and then food shows up on your doorstep.”

Share Farm hopes to expand its commercial site to Seattle and other markets, but for now it remains focused on the greater Spokane-area.

“We may try to expand the Farmers to Families Food Box program to other locations like Yakima,” Watson said.

She believes COVID will permanently change the way people spend their money, shifting spending to locally grown and produced wares.

“The COVID crisis has made it very clear that it’s important where you spend your money,” Watson said.

“Eating fresh seasonal vegetables is more important than ever to help your immune system.”

AUGUST 2020 • 17

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• AUGUST 2020

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Spokane Indians of 1970 maintain place in baseball Garvey, Bill Buckner, Bill Russell history and Charlie Hough many of whom

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Bring up the topic of the greatest baseball team ever and you are bound to field no shortage of opinions.

The New York Yankees typically crowd most ballots with extraordinary squads from 1927, 1939 and 1961, chock full of players headed to Cooperstown. Connie Mack’s 1929 Philadelphia Athletics garner votes as a more obscure minidynasty while modern-era clubs like the 1970 Baltimore Orioles, 1975 Cincinnati Reds and 1998 Yankees are ranked by many among the game’s all-time elite.

Yet when it comes to a discussion of history’s preeminent minor league roster, chatter from the pundit gallery is usually more subdued.

In 1993, Baseball America named the 1970 Spokane Indians as the greatest minor league team ever.

There has been little debate over the selection before or since.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a club that produced 21 players who would advance to the big leagues, a number unfathomable in today’s game when less than 10 percent of minor leaguers move onto the majors. The Indians from a half-century ago finished 94-52, capturing the Pacific Coast League Northern Division by 26 games before sweeping Hawaii to win the PCL title. Spokane – then the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers – outscored the Islanders 36-0 in four games.

“The fact that we’re still talking about that team 50 years later just shows how special they were,” said Otto Klein, Spokane Indians’ senior vice president. “It’s the Indians’ team that’s referred to the most of any team we’ve ever had.”

The roster included names like Bobby Valentine, Davey Lopes, Steve

would go onto turn the Dodgers into one of baseball’s top contenders for the next decade and beyond. Tommy Lasorda, the future Hall of Fame manager, was in his second season as Spokane skipper, watching his team compile 799 runs in 146 games while opponents managed only 590.

“It was a great year to be a baseball fan in Spokane,” said Harry Amend, former Central Valley High School baseball coach who worked as a longtime regional scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. “The Dodgers had the best farm system in baseball.

I think back to that 1970 team and then scouting all those years and they had some guys who were special.”

Buckner, who would go on to play 22 years for five major league teams, hit .335 for the Indians in that magical season. Garvey, a future National League MVP, batted .319 with 15 home runs in just 95 games while Hough, who would go on to hone his signature knuckle ball and collect 216 big league wins, won a dozen games for the Indians, saved 18 and finished with a 1.95 earned run average. Valentine was named

the PCL MVP with a .340 batting average and 211 hits.

While always proficient at the plate, Valentine struggled early in his career defensively, committing 93 errors over two seasons in Spokane.

Lasorda, known for his relentless positive reinforcement of players, did his best to build up Valentine who would go on to play a decade in the majors and manage Texas, Boston and the New York Mets.

“Go and get yourselves a pen and paper and get Bobby’s autograph,” Lasorda reportedly told his squad after a particularly tough-fielding game for Valentine. “Because some day he’s going to be great.’”

Less-heralded players like Doyle Alexander, Tommy Hutton and Von Joshua would establish respectful careers in the majors while others such as Tom Paciorek and Bob Stinson went on to join the early renditions of the Seattle Mariners.

Overall, the ’70 team accounted for 21 big league all star selections and 23 World Series appearances.

“Back then, we didn’t have the Seattle Mariners, we had the Indians, they were our big league team,” recalls Ken Van Sickle, longtime athletic director at University High School, who was 11 in 1970 and attended Indians’ games with his

family. “I don’t remember a time when the stands weren’t full. It was just a great level of baseball.”

Van Sickle’s allegiance to the local club meant following the Dodgers and the many players who progressed from Spokane to Los Angeles. A framed photo of Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Ron Cey – the veteran Dodger infield that played together for more than a decade – adorns his office wall at U-Hi. In 2018, he was at Dodger Stadium for a World Series game between L.A. and Boston.

“I have fond memories of those Indians’ teams back then,” Van Sickle said. “Those were the guys who when they left Spokane, went to the major leagues.”

Before the 2020 Indians’ season was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Klein said there were plans to bring players from the 1970 team back to Spokane for a 50th anniversary celebration at Avista Stadium. There was even talk of hosting a night of recollections at The Bing Crosby Theater in downtown Spokane, similar to events featuring Gonzaga basketball players from the past.

“Of any team we’d do a reunion for, it would be that team,” Klein said. “They set the gold standard.”

Photo courtesy of the Spokane Indians The 1970 Spokane Indians are considered by many to be the greatest team in the history of minor league baseball. The club finished with 94 wins and swept the Pacific Coast League championship, outscoring Hawaii 36-0 in four games. A total of 21 players on the roster went on to play in the major leagues.

AUGUST 2020 • 19

The Current

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20

• AUGUST 2020

Online Author Talk with

Peter Brown Meet the author & illustrator of The Wild Robot.

LIBRARY

New book butler service selects books for you

By Alison Johnson, librarian Spokane County Library District

When you can’t browse the shelves in the library, wouldn’t it be great to still enjoy a serendipitous book discovery? That’s where Book Butler—a new service offered by Spokane County Library District— comes in.

Sign up at

www.scld.org/ peter-brown

www.scld.org

Based on your request, our staff selects 3–6 books from our shelves, including large print books and audiobooks on CD if you prefer those. All of the items are placed on hold to your account and at the library where you’d like to get them. Then you’ll get a notice when they are ready for pickup.

Requests are limited to one per month per cardholder.

You make the request by choosing the parameters, including books for kids, teens, or adults and genres you would like to read. You can even select a family read-aloud

To get started, visit the Book Butler webpage at www.scld.org/ book-butler. If you are unable to access the website, you can call us at 509-893-8400 and we will be happy to help you with your Book Butler request over the phone.

If you are looking for a cozy mystery, a gritty true crime book, a science fiction adventure, or a great biography, we will find a few for you to read. Give Book Butler a try and see what new books and authors we can find for you!

Online library program brings author, illustrator Peter Brown

The Library is so excited to have Peter Brown for two virtual author visits in August. You can meet Peter Brown in this online presentation. He will discuss his books for children and middlegrade readers, share fun facts and illustrations, and talk about what it’s like to create illustrations and books. This program is for all ages.

“The Curious Garden,” and “The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder.”

By Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District

For all ages ONLINE Thursday, August 6 11am & 2pm

bundle, which contains picture books and chapter books great for families to enjoy together.

Picking up your books is easy with our curbside pickup service (www.scld.org/curbside-pickup), and the selections check out to you for four weeks, giving you time to read or listen and hopefully enjoy!

Book Butler is also great when you aren’t sure what exact book to read next but you know the genre or type of book you’d like to read.

See & hear about his illustrations, like those for Creepy Pair of Underwear.

The Current

Here at the library, we have all been fans of author and illustrator Peter Brown for a while. He delights readers of all ages with his illustrations for stories like “Creepy Pair of Underwear” (a favorite at our annual Slightly Spooky Storytime programs).

His book “My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.)” touches on the very real way that adults in authority (teachers, librarians, and so on) can seem scary to young children and also how getting to know someone in a different context makes them seem more, well, human!

In “The Wild Robot,” middlegrade readers cheer for robot Roz as she learns to survive in the wild.

In his newest book “The Wild Robot Escapes,” we follow Roz as she tries to survive civilization!

The Online Author Talk with Peter Brown takes place on Thursday, August 6, at 11am and again at 2pm. Registration is required, and you’ll need to provide an email address to receive login information. Be sure to sign up at www.scld.org/peterbrown.

If you’re not familiar with Peter Brown’s stories, I encourage you to check out and read them. You won’t be disappointed. You can place a hold on titles in our online catalog and pick them up curbside at your library. (Don’t forget to track your minutes of reading with Beanstack for our Online Summer Reading Challenge.)

Along with the books already mentioned, here’s a list of books written and illustrated by Peter Brown that you’ll find in the library’s catalog: “Mr. Tiger Goes Wild,” “You Will Be My Friend!”

“Children Make Terrible Pets,”

You’ll also find these books that Peter Brown has illustrated: “The Purple Kangaroo” by Michael Ian Black and “Creepy Carrots!” by Aaron Reynolds.

You can place a hold on any of these books at www.scld.org/ peter-brown-books. You can also check out digital versions for some of them on OverDrive at www. scld.org/peter-brown-overdrive.

I hope you are able to meet Peter Brown and learn more about his books in our online program.

If so, I’ll see you online!

AUGUST 2020 • 21

The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

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The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current.

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• AUGUST 2020

The Current

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Continued from page 4 the entire porch area in flame, with the fire extending into the structure.

The firefighters from Ladder 1 knocked down the exterior fire with pre-connected hose lines while simultaneously working to make entry into the manufactured home to contain and extinguish flames that were found to extend into the interior and the attic area. A quick search of the structure by other crews on scene confirmed that the structure was unoccupied.

Firefighters had the main fire knocked down approximately six minutes after arriving on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A residential fire call to 911 initiates the response of three engines, a ladder, a rescue and two command staff officers as well as a dedicated incident safety officer. When smoke and flames are confirmed by the responding units, a working fire call is sent asking for an additional two engines, and a second ladder truck.

This afternoon a total of nine fire vehicles and four command vehicles responded, staffed by a total of 31 firefighters, to include one engine from our automatic aid partners in Spokane County Fire District 8. This workforce is needed to quickly and efficiently contain the situation and provide the best scenario for a rescue attempt, if needed, for people trapped inside and to provide a mandated force to assist should any firefighters find themselves in trouble. There were no injuries noted to civilians or firefighters this evening, with no injuries to responding fire personnel.

Damage was confined to less than half of the building, but is unlikely to be repaired.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time and the Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind our citizens that three out of every five deaths in America resulted from homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).

Additionally we would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone using barbeques this summer season to ensure that the propane is secured and off when cooking is complete and any conventional coals are extinguished to the extent that they are cold to the touch.

Service Call, June 21 – Spokane Valley Fire, Valley Engine 7 was

returning to quarters from a call when an unattended toddler was observed running South across 4th at Marigold. VE7 activated the emergency lights, blocked traffic, exited the apparatus and caught the child running west on the sidewalk.

VE7 notified dispatch of the incident and requested Sheriff to assist in locating the child’s home. Once the home was located VE7 made contact with the child’s family and safely returned the child to his mom.

The child and his siblings had been playing inside the home before being located outside by VE7. VE7 notified dispatch of the child’s address and VE7 returned to service.

Service Call Lock out, June 23 – Spokane Valley Fire was called when a child was accidentally locked inside a car. Crews arrived at the Denny Ashlock Bridge parking lot where a 3 year old was locked in the car. The child and his father had finished a walk. He placed his son in his car seat and then he closed the door with his keys on the front seat and the door locked. A male standing next to his car was able to help flag us down upon arrival. We used Duct tape and applied it to the top and side of the front passenger door for paint protection. We used one wedge and the long tool. We were able to hit the unlock on the key fob and gain access. No damage was done. A Lockout waiver was signed prior to our attempt.

The car was not hot and the child was not injured.

About SVFD: Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 125,000, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas within the 75-square miles of Spokane County Fire District 1. In 2019, SVFD firefighter crews, including its paramedics and EMTs, responded to more than 18,326 emergency calls.

Established eighty years ago in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and by fire district’s ISO Class 2 rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau.

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The Current

End of an Era, West Valley leadership

By Pia Hallenberg Current Contributor

West Valley School District is losing two of its top administrators to retirement at the end of this school year. They’ve had somewhat parallel careers at the district and long-time District Spokeswoman Sue Shields said they are both too humble to say much about their successes in school administration, and that they will be very much missed.

West Valley School District superintendent Dr. Gene Sementi is leaving after spending 31 years in the district, and so is District Business manager Doug Matson after the same number of years.

Sementi began his West Valley career as a math teacher at Centennial Middle School. Prior to that he taught in St. Maries, Idaho, for two years but said he got tired of commuting between St. Maries and Coeur D’Alene where he was living at the time.

Doug Matson

ON THAT NOTE “I got the job in West Valley and taught math and science for two years,” Sementi said. He has been principal and assistant principal both at the elementary and high school level. “I guess I’ve had every single management job in the district.”

If he had to pick a West Valley job for the next 25 years, he said he would go back to being an elementary school principal. “I just loved that,” Sementi said.

Sementi said he’s most proud of how West Valley’s graduation rate has gone from 75 percent 20 years ago to the 90th percentiles for the last many years.

“The West Valley community really suited me because I’m a blue collar pull yourself up by the bootstraps kind of person,” Sementi said. “This place will forever be in my heart.”

“I’m really proud of that, but there is no magic bullet,” Sementi said. “Getting there took a lot of hard work by everyone in the district – students, teachers, staff and administrators – but we got there.”

The West Valley School District has already promoted assistant superintendent Kyle Ryddell to replace Sementi.

As for retirement plans Sementi said he has eight grandchildren only two of whom live in Spokane.

“The rest is spread out over the country and I plan on spending a lot more time with them,” Sementi said. “I also plan to read more books and to read more than two or three pages at a time.”

He is looking forward to more free time but leaving isn’t without a little heartache.

Sementi will be joined by Matson who has been the business manager at West Valley School District for 31 years. He came to West Valley from Newport School District in 1989, the same year Sementi was hired.

The Superintendent in Newport back then was Steve Smith who moved to West Valley and then hired Matson. Both Newport and West Valley had some financial challenges to overcome.

“I’m very proud that we have been able to bring fiscal stability to our schools,” Matson said. “We managed to get through some tough times and stay positive

Dr. Gene Sementi

AUGUST 2020 • 23

about it.”

He said the most difficult part of his career was to train really good people and then see them leave.

“You know you have to do it and you have to let people move on to different jobs,” Matson said.

Training has been a big part of Matson’s career and Shields said he is recognized state-wide as a mentor to school administrators who work in the finance areas.

“He has trained at least seven or eight other managers who are now running districts,” Shields said.

Matson’s retirement include a lot more travel.

plans

“Before COVID 19 hit the plan was to visit all the states and get a picture with my wife in front of the capitol,” Matson said. “When things get back to normal that’s what we are going to do.”

Shields had originally planned on retiring at the end of the school year as well but decided to stay until the end of the year.

“With COVID hitting and all the stuff going on, that just seemed like the right thing to do,” Shields said.

24

• AUGUST 2020

The Current

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