Cheers to Federal Way voters for approving the landmark bond measure that will rebuild eight aging schools. Residents are making a critical investment in their city’s future and well being, especially as the population continues to grow. Schools wear out over time, and the bond will rebuild schools that are between 46 and 61 years old. No tax measure is perfect, but neither is our state’s overall flawed tax structure, which places the financial burden on school districts when it comes to crucial construction. Special cheers to Superintendent Tammy Campbell for her leadership in rallying the community behind the bond, as well as the staff and volunteers who committed their time and effort in the successful campaign.

Jeers to “Black Friday” consumerism and any retailers who open on Thanksgiving Day.

Cheers to local volunteers who instead spend their Thanksgiving evening serving meals to the less fortunate, such as the community supper at Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way.

Cheers to the city for courting the U.S. diving trials for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Federal Way hosted the trials in 2000 and 2012 at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. In 2012, the trials had an overall economic impact of about $3.5 million in King County.

Cheers to Abbe Vineyard and Winery for finally securing a city permit to open a tasting room. Located on seven and a half acres in southern Federal Way, the small winery could open the door for microbreweries and craft distilleries in the city. These types of businesses encourage tourism and are deeply ingrained in the Pacific Northwest’s culture. On that note, jeers to the city for being behind the curve when it comes to attracting such businesses. If city officials are serious about tapping into Federal Way’s economic potential, then they need to reduce the regulatory barriers for microbreweries, wineries and distilleries.

Cheers to the recent opening of Campeon Market at the corner of 312th Street and Pacific Highway. This Latino supermarket includes a hot breakfast and lunch bar alongside fresh tamales, tortillas, ceviche, baked goods and more. It is a good fit for this cultural melting pot we call Federal Way.

Jeers to businesses putting out Christmas merchandise before Halloween.

Cheers to Mayor Jim Ferrell for (finally) organizing a meeting of community churches and other organizations to discuss what services are currently being offered to the homeless. Hopefully, this conversation will provide the city direction in the future in filling remaining gaps in services.

Jeers to people driving aggressively in an effort to make it through intersections before the light changes to red, especially as the weather gets worse.

Cheers to Thankgsiving. Hope everyone has a happy holiday.