News Briefs | Sept. 11 edition
Published 11:53 am Thursday, September 11, 2025
Passport2Pain
On Saturday, Sept. 13, Vashon will host the 15th Passport2Pain bicycle ride, so drivers should stay alert on ferry crossings and island roads. More than 300 cyclists are expected to converge on Vashon and Maury Island to ride the event’s routes: the 80-mile Idiot, the 50-mile Weasel, the 30-mile Weenie and the 12-mile Tourist route. This year’s theme is Monty Python, so islanders can expect dark knights, cows, coconuts, spam and rabbits appearing at some of the 17 checkpoints. The event will finish at Jensen Point, where riders will enjoy tacos provided by La Isla. This event benefits the junior rowing program at the Vashon Island Rowing Club, the Vashon Food Bank, Vashon Youth and Family Services and One Village/Journeymen. Find out more at passport2pain.org.
Legislative Forum
All three state legislators representing Vashon in the 34th District will attend and speak at a free community forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Vashon Center for the Arts. Moderated by Craig Beles, the panel will include Senator Emily Alverado, Representative Joe Fitzgibbon and Representative Brianna Thomas. The event is being presented by Islanders for Ferry Action in coalition with the Vashon Chamber of Commerce, Vashon Senior Center, VashonBePrepared, Comunidad, Vashon HouseHold, Vashon Maury Island Community Council, Vashon Health Care District, Vashon Food Bank, Vashon Youth & Family Services and the Vashon School District.
Wildfire Protection Survey
King County is working with partners to develop its first countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan, designed to help the whole community become more resilient to wildfire, and asking residents to take a short survey to support that process. Find the survey at publicinput.com/kingcocwpp and learn more about the Community Wildfire Protection Plan at kingcounty.gov/wildfire.
County seeks feedback
King County Local Services wants to know what roads and intersections make you feel unsafe. Take an anonymous survey at publicinput.com/e00375 to help inform planners about traffic safety needs on the island. The survey is open through Sept. 22.
Historic barns grants
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a new round of funding available for owners of historic barns in Washington State.The deadline for applications is Sunday, October 19, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit preservewa.org/barn-grants or contact Moira Nadal at 206-462-2999 or grants@preservewa.org.
Home and Garden Fair
Registration for vendors and event sponsors is open for the Vashon Chamber of Commerce Home & Garden Fair on October 18. The free event connects residents with professional experts and vendors. Visit thisisvashon.com/home-garden-fair.
Shellfishing closures
Recreational shellfishing remains closed on some beaches of Vashon-Maury Island due to unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poison — a neurotoxin that can sicken or even kill those who eat contaminated shellfish.
Throughout much of August, the closure extended to all island beaches and included all species of shellfish including clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters and snails.
But as of Monday, Sept. 8, some beaches has reopened, including the North End Boat Ramp, Wingehaven Park, Piner Point, Tramp Harbor, Point Robinson and Maury Island Marine Park.
Beaches still closed, as of Sept. 8, included Fern Cove, Lisabuela, Department of Natural Resources areas 77-79, Spring Beach, Neill Point Natural Area, Inspiration Point, Lost Lake, Manzanita Natural Area, Dockton, Burton Acres, Fern Cove and the Southworth Ferry Dock.
Before heading out to shellfish, check an interactive map showing which beaches are closed and which are open, at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html, or call the DOH biotoxin hotline at 800-562-5632.
The closures refer only to recreational shellfishing; commercial shellfish sites are monitored separately.
