Best cities for Jobs, Yakima: strongest employment outlook in US
June 18, 2009
Best and Worst Cities for Jobs, Spring 2009
Quarterly Survey Reveals Areas Expecting the Largest Employment Growth and Losses
by Tara Weiss and Emily Schmitt, Forbes.com
Thanks to last year’s strong harvest of apples and the jobs that followed in juicing, packaging and shipping, Yakima, Wash., has the strongest employment outlook in the country for the second quarter of 2009, according to a quarterly survey by employment services firm Manpower.
“This is an agricultural base, a huge apple-growing region,” says Bill Cook, director of community and economic development for Yakima. “Last year’s apple harvest was huge, and it helped carry employment through the winter. Even in a normal economic year that wouldn’t happen.”
Downtown Yakima comes back to life
June 17, 2009
Yakima has more dining, more lodging and more attractions in its renovated downtown, in the middle of Washington wine country.
By Jackie Smith
Special to The Seattle Times
— Conversations and laughter filled the little pub tucked away in the town’s original City Hall and fire station as we squeezed into the after-work crowd at this Historic District hot spot. Grabbing two plastic chairs from a corner stack, we settled in for a cold one and conversation at Bob’s Keg and Cork on a recent summer evening.
Bob Hargreaves opened his popular pub and casual dining spot (27 N. Front St., 509-573-3691) a decade ago, back when there wasn’t much going on in the old town, a time when there wasn’t much going on anywhere in downtown Yakima.
“It was dead,” Hargreaves says. “But there has been a dramatic change in the last three to five years. There are people on the sidewalks again. Even locals are noticing. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen people on the sidewalks.”
We were in my hometown for a shot of solar-powered vitamin D, using it as a base for weekend explorations in Central Washington’s wine country, an area now boasting more than 60 wineries scattered throughout the Lower Yakima Valley.
What we hadn’t expected was the lure of Yakima’s revitalized downtown. With new eateries, wine-tasting rooms, entertainment venues and hotels, a weekend visit wasn’t enough time to experience it all.
Not so many years ago, the sidewalks were empty, as were many of the storefronts. Even portions of the retail hub, the Yakima Mall, were boarded up for a time after the last of the retailers headed for new digs in the suburbs.
“Operation Downtown Renaissance,” an intense effort by civic and business leaders, has brought new life to the area stretching west from Interstate 82 through the heart of town to its Historic District.
Front Street
Historic District
A recently completed face-lift gave the oldest part of town a new “old” look. Cast-iron lampposts line spacious sidewalks, and Front Street is again paved with bricks, much as it was when first paved in 1907.
For 25 years, the Greystone Restaurant, in the 1899 Lund Building at 5 N. Front St. (509-248-9801, www.greystonedining.com), has been the area’s fine-dining cornerstone. Now, with five other eateries open, the selection of culinary offerings in this compact time-capsule district has expanded to include French cuisine, Northwest fare and pub grub. A favorite stop, The Depot Restaurant & Lounge at 32 N. Front St. (509-949-4233, www.depotrestaurantandlounge.com), opened six years ago in the former domed passenger waiting room and adjacent baggage room of the century-old train station. It’s an expansive, tranquil setting disturbed only by the occasional passing freight train. (Passenger service ended decades ago.)
The sidewalk is a maze of shrub-filled pots and overflowing greenery in front of the Garden Girl, 25 N. Front St. (509-452-2612), one of several boutiques that have recently sprouted in Yakima’s first Opera House. Wine aficionados are drawn to the Cascade Wine Store, 26 N. First St. (509-972-2811, www.cwcwine.com), to sample retail selections at the small tasting bar, while java and gelato lovers head next door to the North Town Coffeehouse, 28 N. First St. (509-895-7600, www.northtowncoffee.com), which opened in July.
There’s free on-street parking in the area as well as in several lots accessed from Front or First streets. Accessible walkways lead from all lots.
Downtown
Walking along Yakima Avenue, the town’s main east/west drag, is one of the best ways to see all that’s new. Those once-empty sidewalks are being enlarged to accommodate and encourage pedestrians. They are also serving as patios, with some 15 businesses making the most of the town’s annual 300 days of sunshine by offering outdoor dining and/or drinking. One of the newest and prettiest patios is walled with lush flowering baskets and enormous planted pots at Santiago’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, 111 E. Yakima Ave. (509-453-1644, www.santiagos.org), where they’ve been serving south-of-the-border fare since 1986.
The sidewalk tables under the vintage neon sign — a hunter with his rifle aimed skyward — at the Yakima Sports Center Restaurant and Lounge, 214 E. Yakima Ave. (509-453-4647, www.yakimasportscenter.com), are the first indicator of change at this old landmark, once a smoke-filled diner and card room. While the sign and name nod to the past, in 2006 new owners opened a brighter, livelier restaurant and lounge. Its food and beverage menu packs them in, along with late-night live music.
It’s worth a jog off Yakima Avenue to visit Essencia Artisan Bakery and Chocolaterie, 4 N. Third St. (509-575-5570, www.essenciabakery.com), where it’s futile to resist the baked goods and chocolate creations.
Masset Winery Downtown Cellars, 312 E. Yakima Ave. (509-248-5251, www.massetwinery.com), is among five recently opened tasting rooms within a five-block area of downtown. Wine is paired with appetizers, and local artists are showcased in this tasting-room/art gallery that also features live music on weekend evenings.
The sparkling chandelier and vaulted ceilings create an elegant ambience in the lobby of the 2-year-old Hilton Garden Inn, 401 E. Yakima Ave. (509-454-1111, www.yakima.stayhgi.com). The 111-room hotel, in what was once a part of the old mall, is flanked by upscale shops, one selling home décor and the other wine and entertainment items. There’s direct lobby access to Ummelina Spa, 399 E. Yakima Ave. (509-225-4772, www.ummelina.com), a sister to the one in Seattle. From a lengthy list of treatments, I tried a 20-minute foot soak ($20), a curiously refreshing combination of salts and shells, misting and massage — a perfect tootsie treat after exploring the town.
In June, the Ledgestone Hotel, 107 N. Fair Ave. (509-453-3151, www.yakimawahotel.com), opened for both long- and short-term stays. There’s a contemporary feel to the hotel’s sleek lobby. Its 110 suites look like high-end condos, each with separate bedroom, living room, kitchen and eating area. The hotel is near Interstate 82, a bit of a hike from the city center.
Coming soon: A 124-room boutique hotel, with oversize rooms and high-end rates, is scheduled to open in late spring 2009 in the northeast corner of the former mall, near the Hilton Garden Inn. Planning is under way for a 120-room full-service Holiday Inn at East Yakima and Fair avenues.
Entertainment happenings
The Seasons Performance Center, 101 N. Naches Ave. (888-723-7660, www.seasonsmusicfestival.com), transformed a former church into a 400-seat performance center in 2005 and has taken center stage in Yakima’s entertainment scene. Its musical lineup includes jazz, classical and world music performed by local and internationally known musicians.
The interior of the elegant, 90-year-old Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St. (509-853-2787, www.capitoltheatre.org), is more visually striking than its exterior. Call to arrange a tour if you can’t make it to a performance.
We hit the downtown’s First Friday celebration, a mishmash of activities that begins about 6 p.m. and varies by business, ranging from live music to product demonstrations, and special menu items at eateries and tasting rooms. It’s relatively new, and activities vary each month.
We’ll soon head back to Yakima. Next time, though, we won’t venture far from downtown.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2008170857_nwwyakima111.html
Freelance writer Jackie Smith, a Yakima native who now lives in Kirkland, is a regular contributor to NWWeekend. Contact her: travelnwrite@msn.com.
North Star Lodge: Best Medium Sized Cancer Care Facility
April 9, 2009
The facility name conjures a mental picture of a beautiful, tranquil lodge in an idyllic lush mountain setting. The 42,000 square foot facility does not disappoint. It is a bi-level structure on approximately five acres. You cross a rough plank bridge, over a bubbling stream to enter the foyer. A large portico shelters the front entrance protecting patients and visitors from occasional inclement weather.
Welcome to this month’s HOPE award winning medium-size practice in the “Facility” category. Read more…
New Pain Clinic Opening
April 6, 2009
Water’s Edge, Memorial Hospitals new Pain Relief Institute is opening. Located on Lake Aspen the clinic houses 3 Physiatrists and an Orthopedic Physician. We will soon be looking for an additional Physiatrist and Neurologist.
Physiatry Physician Jobs
Who we Are
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital is planning the opening of a New Spine Center in Central Washington. An opportunity to grow with our group of established hospital employed Physiatrists, Neurosurgeons, and Pain Specialists.
What We Do
We are looking for a physiatrist to work with our neurosurgery department located primarily in the emerging Spine Center. The individual we are seeking will have a pivotal role in the initial evaluation and work up of patients and have a close side by side working relationship with the surgeons, interventional pain service and associated specialties.
What you Bring
Board certified or eligible in physiatry with experience and proven expertise in NCV/EMG’s, a strong desire to work with spine patients and have or can get a license to practice medicine in Washington.
About Memorial
Yakima Valley MemorialHospital and our growing Family of Services is one of the largest health care organizations in Central Washington, with over 2,000 health care professionals and support team members. Memorial is committed to providing the highest standards of medical excellence. We are dedicated to our mission…to improve the health of those we serve.
We measure what we do by living our core values every day.
Respect
compassion
accountability
safety
teamwork
excellence
If you share these values, we’d like to
meet you. We’re looking for great people who are excellent Physiatrists.
Contact Lori Stephenson
(509) 249-5178 e-mail her at
physicianrecruitment@yvmh.org
More Cancer Prevention Efforts at North Star Lodge
March 24, 2009
Posted: Sep 4, 2008 04:22 PM
Updated: Sep 5, 2008 09:00 AM
Yakima, Wa.- Soothing. Relaxing. Peaceful. This isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you think cancer but patients at North Star Lodge are experiencing this first-hand.
“They’re not walking into a sterile, stark typical hospital setting,” said Tracy Daniels, an employee at North Star Lodge.
Instead they’re walking into a comforting environment that offers the surgery, radiation and chemotherapy that cancer patients need. People from across the state come here to get the care they need.
“Patients come from Spokane, a woman is from Walla Walla and several people from the Tri Cities,” said Dr. Tom Boyd, Director of Oncology at North Star Lodge.
Over the last three years North Star has become very popular thanks to their many new treatments.
“Cutting edge therapy that’s not available in the seattle area,” said Boyd.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the valley area. It’s because of this that North Star has created Star Study, research focusing on breast cancer prevention.
“It was successful in reducing the risk of women by about 50 percent,” said Boyd.
And they don’t stop there. North Star started a new cancer study today to find more options for their patients.
“Treatments that are perhaps a little more mild in their side effects and far more effective against the cancer,” said Boyd.
Yakima Crime Rate
March 6, 2009
TJ MULLINAX/Yakima Herald-Republic
Overall crime in the city of Yakima has declined 56.5 percent since the high of 1988, when there were 175.3 crimes for every 1,000 residents. Last year that rate dropped to 76.3.
Yakima’s crime rate continues to dip to levels not seen in decades, thanks to a dramatic 19 percent drop in property crime last year.
Statistics for 2007 show that property crime in Yakima decreased in almost every category, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. As a result, the city’s overall crime rate of 76.3 per 1,000 residents was the lowest since the state began keeping comparable statistics in the late 1970s.
Car thefts dropped 16 percent, burglary dropped nearly 18 percent and thefts were down 22 percent. Only
arson, which increased by 23 percent, went against the grain.
The trend mirrored that of the rest of Yakima County and most of its 13 other cities, which saw overall crime rate dip 15 percent.
Yakima’s drop would have been even more dramatic were it not for increases in violent crime due mostly to a nearly 56 percent spike in aggravated assaults. There were 226 aggravated assaults in 2006 and 352 last year.
The number of assaults was the city’s most since 1996, when Yakima was coming down from a 10-year explosion in crime that peaked, statistically, in 1988.
Robberies were actually down 14 percent. But the jump in assaults pushed the city’s rate of violent crime (rape, robbery, assault) to 6.8 incidents per 1,000. That was the city’s worst since 1997 but far from the record of 14.1 set in 1990.
Violent crime here was only slightly higher than three other major Washington cities — Seattle, Spokane and Kent — and lagged far behind Tacoma, which had a worst-in-the-state rate of 10.4 violent crimes per 1,000 for the second year in a row.
Among big cities, Tacoma and Everett also have the highest property crime rates, a dubious distinction held by Yakima in 2006.
Capt. Jeff Schneider, acting chief in place of Chief Sam Granato, who was out of town Monday, said he didn’t have any special insight into the decline in property crime.
The same is true of the increase in assaults. Schneider noted, however, that random stranger-on-stranger crime is extremely rare in Yakima.
“And even then, it’s more like bar-fight kind of stuff, not somebody walking their dog down the street and getting attacked,” he added. “That stuff just doesn’t happen.”
The overall decrease in crime is not news to Yakima police, said Schneider, who insisted that crime in the city is not nearly what is used to be when he was a rookie cop in 1984.
“Some days you could call it routinely dull around here,” he said. “That was never the case back then.”
* Chris Bristol can be reached at 577-7748 or at cbristol@yakimaherald.com.
Overall crime rates for Yakima Valley cities
Union Gap (pop. 5,700) — 136.8*
Toppenish (pop. 9,105) 82.5
Sunnyside (pop. 15,130) — 80.3
Yakima (pop. 82,940) — 76.3
Wapato (pop. 4,540) — 74.7
Grandview (pop. 9,150) — 70.7
Zillah (pop. 2,660) — 62.8
Mabton (pop. 2,080) — 49.0
Granger (pop. 2,955) — 40.9
Yakima County** (pop. 89,740) — 32.5
Selah (pop. 6,935) — 31.1
Tieton (pop. 1,200) — 9.2
Moxee (pop. 2,065) — 7.7
* Rate per 1,000 residents
** unincorporated areas of the county and towns of Harrah and Naches
Cities with the highest crime rates
Everett (pop. 101,800) — 91.6*
Tacoma (pop. 201,700) — 83.4
Yakima (pop. 82,940) — 76.3
Seattle (pop. 586.200) — 64.5
Spokane (pop 202,900) — 63.0
Kent (pop. 86,660) — 62.6
Federal Way (pop. 87,390) — 58.9
Vancouver (pop. 160,800) — 45.2
Bellevue (pop. 118,100) — 36.7
Spokane Valley (pop. 88,280) — 35.9
* Rate per 1,000 residents
