Lilacs to the City of Spokane for how beautifully Sprague Street has evolved into a nice little pocket of Spokane. Growing up in the 90s, everyone would hear stories about the lower east side of Sprague being a high-crime area and where sex workers and serial killers roamed. Now, as I drive through on a sunny day through the same area, you can tell it has its own little charm going on—a far cry from what the area was once before. I know it’s not the first time this topic has been brought up, but, once again, congratulations, Spokane for making a place with a dark past have a bright future.

Lilacs to the Spokane park workers who continue to make our city look nice. It must be quite an undertaking to prepare for spring in a city that has as many beautiful, gigantic parks as Spokane does, but every year they make it seem effortless. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing our city in full bloom.

Lemons to the treatment of the homeless. I understand this is a touchy subject, but I think we can agree that the homelessness problem we have in our city has become steadily worse. It feels like during the holiday season people are much more inclined to help our homeless. Of course, this makes sense since it’s the season of giving, right? But what happens after New Year’s Day? This doesn’t go for everyone, but the attitude toward our homeless appears to do a 180. I have seen government workers pass out food and blankets to a homeless camp under the Maple Street bridge—which I applaud—but just last week, the same people who seemed to be helping were now tearing down everything and cleaning out the entire place. I’m not trying to take one side or the other, but I feel like if you are going to help someone, it shouldn’t just be around the holidays—be kind all year long.  

Lemons to poor gun safety. The number of stories about shootouts, drive-by shootings, gang-related violence, and gun violence in general among the youth is horrendous. I understand purchasing a firearm legally and going through the proper regulations to obtain a CCW (Concealed Carry in Washington) permit so you can keep you and your family safe, but, all in all, it’s the responsibility of the gun owner to make sure all weapons are locked and stored safely. Sadly, at times it can be the parent’s gun that a kid will get ahold of because it’s the most convenient. It’s not guns that kill people but people who kill people. I advise anyone who is new to guns and considering purchasing a firearm to go through a firearms safety class, which they have available at Sharp Shooting Indoor Range & Gun Shop (509-535-4444).   

Jordan Bozzi is the son of founder and co-founder Vincent and Emily Bozzi and is CEO/publisher for Bozzi Media. Jordan grew up in Spokane and graduated from Ferris and West Valley high schools. Some of Jordan’s hobbies include painting, traveling with friends, and designing clothing and jewelry. A resident of Spokane, Jordan’s main focus is keeping his parents’ dream alive.