Washington Voices

The Spokane Valley City Council got its first look at this year’s proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments Tuesday and, as expected, they generated a discussion on what things should be in the plan and what items shouldn’t be. There are three proposed site specific plan amendments, one requested by a citizen and two initiated by the city. The two proposed by the city are to correct mapping errors. The rest of the proposed amendments are modifications to update maps or other information and include policy language.

A nature hike and a cleaning day will kick off spring in the Dishman Hills Natural Area. The annual buttercup hike, presented by the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association, begins at 1 p.m. at Camp Caro, 625 S. Sargent Road, on April 18.

My name is Deborah and I’m dependent on e-mail and the Internet. There, I’ve confessed. Now please pass the coffee.

Freeman School District will begin student registration on Monday. Children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2010. Parents must bring the child’s current immunization records, a state-issued birth certificate and proof of residence, such as a current utility bill.

Monday Millwood City Council – 7 p.m. City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave.

SPOKANE VALLEY – The cities of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake together plan to offer a series of dance classes that begin this week. Classes will be offered every Monday in ballroom classic, swing and romance dances such as the waltz and rumba. Six-week sessions will begin Monday, May 17 and July 12. The classes are limited to adults and teens over 16. The cost is $55 per person or $90 per couple. Registration forms are available at www.spokanevalley.org or call (509) 688-0300.

As we planned, 20 years in the future … we are driving west on I-90 and take the Pines Road exit. The exit is lined with people with signs, “Please help – we need money for taxes.”

Residents filled Millwood City Hall Monday night during a special public meeting to discuss traffic concerns on Butler Road, Empire Way and Fowler Road. “We want to hear from the public as to what your ideas are,” Mayor Dan Mork said, addressing the audience.

Story ideas We want to expand our coverage of Valley neighborhoods and we need your help. Let us know when something interesting is happening in your neighborhood.

One of the joys of early spring is the appearance of Washington-grown asparagus in the markets. Lightly steamed with a little butter or lemon juice, it is a meal in itself. Sorry, I like mine simple, without goopy Hollandaise sauce. Washington, California and Michigan produce most of the asparagus in the U.S. The dry climate and fast-draining soils of the lower Columbia Basin around Tri-Cities are perfect for growing the crop. We should see it hitting the markets in the next couple of weeks. That’s pretty close to home but still has to be trucked to us.

For 04-01-2010

For 04-01-2010

Area churches are celebrating Easter and other Holy Week observances throughout the weekend. •Mission Community Presbyterian Church, 2103 E. Mission Ave., will open its doors for prayer today from noon to 12:45 p.m. and Friday from noon to 3.