Author Sarah Ickes was born and raised in the Keystone State, Pennsylvania. The social media and website manager also owns a small business, https://www.sarahickesart.com/, and designs her own book covers. Sarah started writing in elementary school, where a few of her works were published in national collections. Her first novel, The Serpent’s Star, came out […]
To Ponder
Oakbrook Elementary School: A Severe Case of “Yo-Yo” Academics. Why is that?
Submitted by John Arbeeny. Lakewood CARES is providing an academic-based response to schools highlighted in the Clover Park School District (CPSD) “#SuperSchoolShoutOut“articles in The Suburban Times. This is data you will not find elsewhere in CPSD community relations pieces, School Board meeting agendas or monthly “Inside Schools”. The CPSD “beaming with pride” article covering Oakbrook […]
Letter: Dangerous Government Efficiency Initiatives
Submitted by Greg Alderete. During the second Gulf War, a major logistical challenge arose with the influx of civilian contractors working on contracted equipment in combat zones. Ensuring these contractors were properly vetted and tracking maintenance issues became essential for operational effectiveness and troop safety. To address this, we implemented a control system that accounted […]
Letter: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
There were many of them, hundreds perhaps. Several were etched with messages of endearing love, a never-letting-go love, a number of them symbolizing their forever love by two matching locks being intertwined and locked together. Presumably, the keys to all were tossed to be forever lost in the loud and raging waters cascading to the […]
The most important decision this Lakewood City Council is going to make
One can never predict the future, of course, but the choice of a new city manager is probably the most important decision the current Lakewood City Council is going to make. So you, informed citizen, are going to want to know about it. I’ll tell you what little I know, and then please stay tuned […]
Letter: From Sunrise to Sunset
From sunrise to sunset, from start to finish, from beginning to end, from east to west, from Washington to Tennessee, grandeur, and beauty, and majesty, and glory, and royalty, and dignity are on display. Encompassing all, the whole earth with respect to all its inhabitants and creatures are witnesses and are given pause and cause […]
The High Price of Environmental Justice in Pierce County
Environmental Coalition of Pierce County blog post. In both the city of Tacoma and Pierce County, planning departments use a Determination of Nonsignificance to avoid enforcing environmental rules and Growth Management policies. Neighborhoods then must use the court system at great costs. Both Tacoma and the county neighbors had the support of their local Land […]
Let’s Talk! – Tater Tots for Lunch
Are you ready to switch off your screens and ponder or discuss another writing/conversation prompt during dinner tonight? You want to know about my thoughts on it? Here’s my take: Funny. It IS lunchtime as I’m pondering this. Imagining the flavor and texture of tater tots makes my mouth water. I love potatoes in any […]
Letter: Treasure Hunting
The filtered sunlight through the fog-enshrouded trees drew us irresistibly upward along the split-rail fence that initially bordered the trail and served as a safeguard from the rocks below. This protection, perched at the edge of the cliff, soon gave way to a sign warning of slippery trails and ever-increasing heights, and yet the hope […]