Code updates expand food truck options in Pasco

The city of Pasco recently expanded opportunities for mobile vendors and food trucks within the city in a Municipal Code update.

The update includes streamlined licensing, with one Mobile Vending License for all vendors; flexible location options, with permits available for sidewalks, parking spaces, parks and approved food truck parks; the removal of a requirement that vendors be affiliated with a brick-and-mortar business, allowing for the use of vacant lots with property owner approval; and the expanded use of parklets and public space cafes adjacent to businesses.

The changes are part of a citywide effort to activate public spaces, create economic growth and support local entrepreneurs. Food trucks and mobile vendors provide accessible entry points for entrepreneurs, a city of Pasco press release said, and are key to Pasco’s vision for its public spaces.

Book lovers rejoice: Libraries forge borrowing agreement

Library lovers in the Tri-Cities area now have more options when it comes to book borrowing.

Five regional libraries have entered into a reciprocal borrowing agreement, meaning that patrons of one library can get a free library card at the other four libraries. To get one, patrons will need to show up at the library they wish to visit with a valid photo ID.

Richland Public Library, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Walla Walla County Rural Library District, Walla Walla Public Library and Columbia County Rural Library District have all signed on to participate.

The agreement allows patrons to check out physical items and databases, but digital resources such as Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy are not included.

Some libraries might allow added access to digital resources. The Richland Public Library, for example, allows access for $25 a year. When registering for the reciprocal card, patrons can ask for additional access at the front desk.

A reciprocal card can only be used at the library where it was obtained, not for all of the libraries in the agreement. That means that a Walla Walla Public Library reciprocal card cannot be used at the Mid-Columbia Libraries, as one example.

Materials also need to be returned to the library they were checked out from.

Tri-City Dust Devils announce new ownership

The Tri-City Dust Devils have agreed to sell the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings, which owns and operates select minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball.

The Dust Devils will remain the High-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and continue playing at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, which they have called home since their inaugural season in 2001.

Bobby Brett is managing partner of Brett Sports, which sold the team to DBH, which formed in 2021.

The Dust Devils compete in the Northwest League, where they have advanced to the league championship series five times in their 24-year history.

The team finished the 2024 season with more than 121,000 fans, which set a single season attendance record for the third consecutive season.

WSU’s new apple variety gets new name

Washington State University’s newest apple has an official brand name: Sunflare.

Announced by WSU apple breeder Kate Evans on Dec. 10 at the Northwest Horticulture Expo at Yakima, the new name resulted from a public contest that drew more than 15,000 responses.

The new tart, crunchy, juicy fruit is a cross of Honeycrisp and Pink Lady and will reach grocery stores in 2029.

Thousands of name entries were winnowed down by WSU faculty and staff as well as public focus groups of apple lovers. The university sought a creative, distinctive name that consumers will remember and link positively with the apple. Sunflare won in part by best reflecting the apple’s physical qualities.

Winning contestant Ryan Escarcega, a 49-year-old food service salesperson and chef from Centralia was inspired by the variety’s bright hues as well as the powerful solar storms that sparked northern lights visible across North America last spring.

Hermiston development sets high mark in 2024

Hermiston’s commercial, industrial and residential construction permits were valued at $266 million in 2024, up 76% over the previous year.

“The strong development performance we saw in 2024 is a testament to Hermiston’s continued growth as a hub for business and residential investment,” said Mark Morgan, Hermiston city manager, in a release. “These aren’t just numbers on a page; they represent real-world investment in our community and increase the housing inventory, add jobs and grow the tax base.”

In 2023, the city saw a total permit value of $151 million.

The primary driver of Hermiston’s record-setting development figures was industrial growth. The South Hermiston Industrial Park saw significant private investment, with major projects underway in the energy/information sector and the transportation/warehousing sector.

Last year the city, population 20,000, issued 89 new home permits, continuing a trend of strong performance observed since 2018. The numbers are lower than the peaks of 2020-21 which were driven by historically low interest rates, but 2024’s activity is strong by historic standards, the city said in a release.

The city anticipates even more new home construction in 2025, thanks to several large-scale developments that broke ground in late 2024. While interest rates are expected to decrease, significant new tariffs on imported materials may offset the savings for developers.

“Our focus is on keeping local development costs as affordable as possible,” Morgan said. “Broader factors like interest rates and tariffs increasing material costs are beyond our control, but we’ve been working to create an environment that supports builders and buyers alike.”

HFG Trust acquires Kennewick investment company

HFG Trust has acquired fellow Kennewick-based company Professional Investment Management Services, an independent registered investment advisor.

The acquisition strengthens HFG Trust, founded in 1983, as a locally owned privately held Tri-Cities wealth management firm. HFG Trust’s total client assets have grown to more than $1.8 billion and it now has 14 fiduciary financial advisors specializing in wealth management, portfolio management, 401(k) services and trust services.

The acquisition of PIMS comes soon after the announcement that Community First Bank will be acquired by HAPO Community Credit Union.

HFG Trust will continue operating as an independent company.

Lawmaker files bill to allow small cafes, stores in residential areas

Legislation being proposed by state Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, could lead to more neighborhood markets and small cafes if approved.

House Bill 1175 would require Washington cities and towns to allow small cafes and stores in residential areas, according to a release. It would not permit bars that solely sell alcohol, nightclubs or big-box stores.

The bill defines neighborhood cafes as businesses serving a limited menu. They may sell alcohol only if it also serves food. A neighborhood store is a small market of at least 500 square feet that may sell food, beverages and household items.

Local governments could still regulate operating hours, parking and maximum square footage.

Klicker introduced similar legislation in 2024 but it failed to pass the Senate before the legislative session ended.

The state legislative session began Jan. 13.