History and Heritage

Honoring the 100-year history of Goldendale Library
February 16, 2012
The year was 1912. The scientific community was heralding a recommendation to include vitamins “A” and “B” in the American diet, headlines recounting the grisly details of the “unsinkable” ship Titanic’s demise were splashed across newspapers nationwide, and in the growing Washington town of Goldendale – which just the year... Read More...
A new life for Washington’s historic properties
February 15, 2012
The Washington State Senate on Tuesday afternoon unanimously passed Senate Bill 6523, which would allow private parties to lease and make improvements to state-owned properties under certain circumstances. I introduced the bill after several businesses indicated an interest in restoring a historic building on state land. There are many historic... Read More...
Remembering Senator Alex Deccio 1921-2011
October 27, 2011
I was saddened to learn of the passing Tuesday evening of Senator Alex Deccio. I had the honor of serving with the Senator and remained friends with him after his many years in the Legislature. He and Senator Bob McCaslin (who passed away in March) were the last of the... Read More...
Census returns varying widely across 15th Legislative District
April 13, 2010
The rate of 2010 Census returns are varying widely across Central Washington, and some communities have returned less than 50 percent of the forms. Here are some figures regarding the four counties in the district (figures as of April 6): • Clark County: 63 percent (2000 Census participation rate: 76... Read More...
Senate approves my resolution honoring Filipinos
March 04, 2010
On Wednesday, the Washington State Senate unanimously passed a measure that honors the long and proud history of the Filipino people in the United States. Senate Resolution 8668, which I sponsored, recognizes the honorable service of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the United States military and society, celebrates their contributions to... Read More...
Bill to protect citizens from wildfires passes Senate
February 16, 2010
I sponsored a measure that would help protect human lives and property from wildfires. It was unanimously approved by the Senate on Monday. Engrossed Senate Bill 6462 is in response to the Dry Creek fire that destroyed the landmark Silver Dollar Café, on “no man’s land” at the junction of... Read More...