Lilacs to the Hagadone Corp. for proposing three new high rises in the oft-disparaged East Sherman area. With housing at a premium and urban sprawl a continued threat, high-density residences near downtowns are always a winning move. Sure, they’ll mess with a few homeowners’ views, but actually the juxtaposition of high rises against Lake Coeur d’Alene might enhance the sightlines. 

LILACS to Amazon, first for proposing another huge warehouse in the Spokane Valley (jobs!) but also for introducing new palm recognition in a few of their Seattle stores, which could lead the way to identifying people for concerts, building access, and (we hope) computer access. This writer will do cartwheels the day the need to remember countless passwords and user IDs finally passes.

LEMONS to those who assume the worst in our politicians and don’t give benefit of doubt. Partisan politics has infiltrated the news media like never before, and each side is pandering to their audience, finding the devil himself in politicians who represent the “other” side. It’s dismaying to see great people on pilloried and taunted. A little more tolerance from either side would be a great civics experience. Let’s learn from odd couple Ginsberg and Scalia and learn to set apart our differences for the sake of simply enjoying each other’s company. 

LILACS to Visit Spokane for throwing out an outmoded membership model, where members were charged fees in a kind of hostage scenario if they wanted to get referrals from visitors. By throwing out the membership model and embracing sponsorships and other revenue sources, Visit Spokane will be stronger for all. Other membership organizations may want to watch and learn from this.

LEMONS to the City of Spokane for considering a monthly surcharge for people who choose to recycle. If recycling is still being encouraged this is exactly the wrong approach. Of course, it’s often been said by those who aren’t afraid to take brickbats that recycling really doesn’t work all that well. By the time all the costs and pitfalls are added in, the environment barely sees any benefit at all. A much better approach, in our view, would be to incentivize packagers to create biodegradable food containers. They  need to break down in years, not centuries, and it’s doable now.

LILACS to the Spokane City Council for committing $1.1 million to an alternative to traditional jails for those with mental health or substance abuse issues. Jail is no place for them. They need a different kind of help and compassion. Being thrown in with hardened criminals does not benefit the vulnerable, it merely warehouses them in an environment of hopelessness.

LILACS to Spokane and to Lime Bikes for letting us be one of only fifteen cities nationwide that get to try their new red Jump bikes. The bikes make it super easy to pedal up hills (and Spokane is a surprisingly hilly town). If you’ve ever dreamt of flying, these bikes provide a similar effect, giving riders the chance to effortlessly pedal up steep hills that would have winded them before. You still get SOME exercise, but it’s not exhausting. In other words, it’s fun!

LEMONS to neighbors opposing a water tower in Hamblen Park. We know they’re nice people, but really, we all need water, and Hamblen is the least destructive and least expensive location. The park is mostly wild and undeveloped, and the water tower itself would only take a small footprint. Sure, it might alter the view for a few homeowners, but it is something that everyone would get used to quite easily. Sometimes we have to suck it up and allow for inconveniences for the good of our neighbors.