Stories for Jan. 13, 2011

Crosscut Tout: Having fun with 'The Barber of Seville'

Thu, Jan 13, 3 p.m.

The Seattle Opera held a 'Mane Event' recently to promote its upcoming production, which opens Saturday (Jan. 15).

Whatcom County's money-saving plan: let developers' attorneys write land-use laws

Thu, Jan 13, 11 a.m.

Last year, the county took a money-saving approach to another environmental issue by letting homeowners inspect their own septic tanks.

How far will we sprawl? In Washington, no one knows

Thu, Jan 13, 2 a.m.

By Robert McClure/InvestigateWest

Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties have all seen developers use the long-term vesting of building rights to build many houses in areas otherwise designated for protection from urban sprawl. King County has seen fewer such developments in recent years.

Gregoire's encouraging push toward a new localism

Thu, Jan 13, 2 a.m.

By David Brewster

Disaggregating the mushy amalgam of federal, state, and local programs is the hot new idea in political reform, with appeals to the left and right. It's encouraging to see the governor promoting this kind of divestment.