LILACS to COPS for creating a program to help landlords of apartments and houses keep their properties safe and drug-free. Property crime is huge in Spokane, and part of the problem is absentee landlords. Engaged landlords who band together and work with COPS have a much higher success rate of keeping the bad guys at bay. We always say we need to “do something” about crime; this is a program that actually does something.

LEMONS to Washington state lawmakers and voters who got I-1351 passed, which mandates that no teacher in K through 12th grade has more than 17 students, but didn’t fund it or factor in the fact that school buildings can only hold so many classrooms and we’re facing a major teacher shortage. Now school systems all over the state are breaking the law and kids are likely going to have to be shuffled to schools that are not in their neighborhoods. The intention was good, but more thought should have been put into it, and the change should be allowed to phase in over a decade or so.

LILACS to the Spokane Salary Review Commission for recommending a 44 percent pay increase for city council members, bringing the pay to $45,100. How many thought they were making close to that amount, if not more, already? By paying roughly half that for a MORE THAN full time job, the position really only attracts the independently wealthy or spouses of people with great incomes. It’s simply not something the everyday person can afford to do. If we want the best, we must pay for it. How many have witnessed candidates for the position who can’t write, spell or think coherently? Is that the caliber of people we are looking for to run an ostensibly world class city?

LEMONS to AMC for proposing that texting be allowed in movie theaters because young people are married to their phones. After overwhelming negative response they reversed themselves, but how out of touch could they be? LILACS to them for saying texting will not be allowed now or in the future. Now how about instead putting an intermission in every movie so people can text, refill their popcorn and take a bathroom break?

LILACS to Anna Pearce, who wanted to be called just that, rather than the thrusted upon name of Patty Duke, for courageously drawing attention, through her death, to the little-known condition sepsis. We were lucky enough to interview her for a cover story several years ago and were touched by her giving and gracious nature. Goodbye Anna, and thank you for continually working miracles!

LILACS to the businesses who are investing in downtown and taking a chance. Lately we are seeing the beginning of a renaissance on the west side of downtown, west of Monroe, with two new tap houses—Iron Goat and Steel Barrel—and Brooklyn Deli opening in the former Scout location. We are hoping to see some retail move in and as we drive around we can see the beginning of something similar to Portland’s Pearl District forming. Anyone want to install some elevated water tanks for ambience?