When Linda Pitcher arrived in Gig Harbor a few years ago, she brought with her a PhD in anthropology from Berkley. She stumbled upon our small community and its rich history of fishing, eventually becoming a volunteer at the History Museum. Linda spent several years meticulously piecing together information on all the commercial fishing boats
The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday’s Little Food Pantry Project embarks on its fourth year providing emergency food, thanks in part to a matching grant from Rotary International District 5020. The grant provided $3,000 to purchase food to supplement donation and fundraising efforts. Beginning early 2021 with just two pantries, the project has grown
It seems the only way ongoing forward momentum is made in the Peninsula School District regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying), is to have the news publish an article about it. Thank you for your coverage in February. Since attending school board meetings from the beginning of the school year, I
Gig Harbor taxpayers are clearly tapped out and that’s why this property tax hike got rejected by 70% of voters. Even though proponents cheated by using tax dollars and illegally utilizing city personnel to promote their side, the citizens of Gig Harbor saw through it and overwhelmingly rejected this transparent tax grab. It’s long past
This may surprise some people, but I am impressed with Heather Maher’s Letter to the Editor and with her dedication to our community. I also agree with much of what Heather has to say, and I thank her for sharing her thoughts. I have always been an advocate for everyone having their say on issues
Edward Nadler’s recent letter brought up the potential Cultural Access tax, stating that “this tax supports the organizations that preserve our city’s charm, natural beauty, and historic heritage.” It seems a fitting time to explain Cultural Access in deeper detail. Cultural Access is a fairly recent piece of legislation (RCW 36.160) that allows municipalities in
Not many things in life can be guaranteed. Except for death, taxes, and stress! While each person may experience stress differently, it’s usually defined as a feeling of “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.” There is no limit to how frequently stress may occur, and for some, even a brief stressful encounter can have
Gig Harbor voters are being asked to approve a permanent levy lid lift on property taxes. We are told that there has been no levy increase in over forty years, that in the last decade our population has increased 65%, placing a strain on city services. We’re told that in the last decade the property
On the evening of April 2, 2024, I attended a meeting sponsored by Engage Gig Harbor to learn more about the Gig Harbor Proposition 1, the “Levy Lid Lift”. Passage of this measure would allow the City Council to Increase Gig Harbor Property taxes from the current rate of $0.70/$1,000 to a maximum of $1.10/$1,000.
As a mom, constituent, and PenMet Parks district taxpayer, I feel compelled to stand up against the recent comments directed at our local parks department leadership. For the past three years I have jumped in with both feet with the goal of learning about the Peninsula Metropolitan Parks Department: how the organization is operated, its
