Housing forum returns to VCA
Vashon HouseHold will host a housing forum on March 18 at Vashon Center for the Arts, reprising the event last year which discussed challenges from affordability to securing water shares and jumping through legal hoops to build more homes on Vashon.
The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m., with panelists including King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Sawbones Human Resources Manager Kit Gruver, Shelter America Group President Chris Bric, social impact and philanthropic strategist Kris Hermanns, and members of Vashon HouseHold.
Mary Bruno, who has written extensively for The Beachcomber about the challenges of building housing on Vashon, will moderate the event.
The atrium will be open an hour before and after the panel event for concessions and conversations.
There is no cost to attend. Visitors are encouraged to register at vashonhousehold.org, but walk-ins will be accepted. Send questions to kari@vashonhousehold.org.
Fauntleroy dock rebuild
Washington State Ferries has selected a concept for a new Fauntleroy terminal, and invites the public to learn more about the design through an online open house and virtual information session.
WSF’s recommendation would hold 124 to 155 vehicles on the dock, compared to just 80 today. WSF will refine the design to minimize impacts to other environmentally sensitive areas.
Register for the virtual information session, which takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, by visiting bit.ly/FauntleroyMarch11. The open house is open through March 21 at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/fauntleroy-ferry-terminal.
The information session and the online open house will include the same information.
Septic workshops
Want to learn more about your septic system, how to maintain it or address other problems? Join one of Vashon Team Septic’s upcoming workshops, either in person from noon – 1:30 p.m. on March 18 at Vashon Library, or from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom, April 1. Both events are free. Register at vashonteamseptic.org.
Forest stewardship course
The Vashon Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course starts April 14 and will inform landowners about caring for their forest, including how to write a forest stewardship plan that could help save money on property taxes. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a service forester. The program costs $175 and pre-registration is required by visiting forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/cpvashon.
Seasonal work
King County Parks is looking to hire seasonal maintenance workers on Vashon Island. The job is great for those who love working in the outdoors and preserving parks and public lands, according to the county.
Part and full-time positions are available at $27.53 per hour.
King County Parks will host an in-person interview-hiring event from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 20, at Vashon Library. Apply first at bit.ly/KCParksJobs and then register for the hiring event at kcparksjobs.eventbrite.com. First consideration is given to applicants who attend the hiring event.
Need a ramp?
The King County Master Builders Rampathon program is now accepting applications for the 2025 building season. Each year, Master Builders members and community volunteers come together to build wheelchair access ramps for homes across King County free of charge. This year, Meade Building Company has applied to volunteer for Rampathon and build ramps for those on Vashon Island.
Income eligibility may determine preference. If you or someone you know would benefit from a wheelchair access ramp, submit an application by March 21 by visiting mbaks.com/community/rampathon.
Public meetings
The following taxing districts, government bodies and citizen groups have civic meetings coming up:
• Vashon Park District’s next scheduled board meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at the Ober Park Administration Building, located at 17130 Vashon Hwy. SW, and via Zoom. Visit vashonparks.org for more information.
• Water District 19’s next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on March 11, at the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW.
• The Vashon Cemetery District’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at the District’s office, located at 19631 Singer Rd SW. The board meets on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Vashon Island School District’s next board meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March. 13, at Chautauqua Elementary School, Room 302, 9309 SW Cemetery Road.
