July 10, 2024
ISSUE 28
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PNW Native Lacrosse’s mission: Respecting and teaching the game By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
PNW Native Lacrosse, based in Pierce County, strives to empower Native communities through its programs and initiatives. The organization states: "Our vision is to foster a future where lacrosse is not just a sport but a catalyst for empowerment among Native youth." The group aims to use lacrosse to improve participants' physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. JD Elquist oversees the program and coaches the Bellarmine boys high school lacrosse team, in addition to coaching with the Puget Sound University Lacrosse Club. PNW Native Lacrosse offers programs to support Native youth and preserve cultural traditions through lacrosse in Pierce County. The organization provides youth clinics to introduce Native youth to lacrosse through basic skill training like passing and shooting. These sessions also incorporate cultural activities such as storytelling and traditional crafts, emphasizing physical fitness, teamwork, and mental resilience. LACROSSE COMPETITIONS Regarding
Report: Shortage of rentals — and red tape — pricing out state’s tenants By Carleen Johnson | The Center Square
about tribal traditions related to lacrosse. They collaborate with local schools, tribal communities, and cultural organizations to highlight the sport's cultural significance. Mentorship programs are also provided to
A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, or NLIHC, finds most workers in Washington are spending so much on rent, they are priced out of saving for an eventual down payment on a home of their own. The report found Washington has the fifth highest rental costs compared to wages in the nation. A renter needs to earn more than $40 an hour to afford a two-bedroom home or apartment for rent, but the average renter in Washington makes just under $29 an hour. A person making minimum wage would have to work 99 hours a week to afford that rental property, according to the NLIHC report, and pay other bills like food and transportation. The state's average fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,097, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It's even more in King County: $2,645. According to NLIHC, a growing number of renters are spending more than half of their income on housing, which often means forgoing some necessities like healthy food and medical care. Low-income housing advocates pressed lawmakers during the legislative session to cap rental increases, but a bill to do that didn't make it past the committee stage. Every Republican and several Democrats rejected the bill, arguing it could have unintended consequences on the housing market, discourage construction of much needed new housing and push landlords out of business, further straining the market. According to the Building Industry Association of Washington, the high cost of rent in the state is making it extremely difficult for people to save enough for a down payment on a home. BIAW President Jay Roberts told The Center Square the problem boils down to "the overregulation of everything." Roberts pointed to the Washington State Energy Code as an example. "We're getting ready to take on the 2021 International Energy Code," said Roberts. "That includes codes for building a house from front to back. Any state can meet or exceed those codes and the state of Washington exceeds those codes significantly." Roberts says impact fees are another burden. "In some parts of the state before you can get a permit to build you pay up to $75,000 in impact fees," he explained. Construction costs and expensive regulations
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Courtesy Photos PNW Native Lacrosse coach JD Elquist. competitions and tournaments, PNW Native Lacrosse organizes opportunities for Native teams, including forming an all-Native lacrosse team for regional and national tournaments. They also host intertribal tournaments to foster community spirit and friendly competition. Additionally, PNW Native Lacrosse conducts Cultural
Exchange Programs to educate players and community members