The headlines can give us a quick look at the day's news, but sometimes the
 headlines aren't enough. Sometimes we need to take a few extra minutes to
 consider the facts, understand context and weigh options.

 Pierce County Talks is PCTV's talk/discussion program that explores topical
 issues with the people involved.


Episode 17

For many people, buying a home is the American Dream come true...so what would you do if criminals turned your dream into a nightmare by buying, selling and using illegal drugs right in front of your house? Hear from a citizen who is facing that scenario and from Pierce County Councilmember Jim McCune.

And, more and more research suggests that drug and alcohol abuse can be symptoms of an underlying mental illness. Is Pierce County doing enough to identify and treat those who suffer from behavioral health issues? Erich Ebel speaks with Pierce County Councilmembers Derek Young and Connie Ladenburg about their proposal to deal with it.

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    Previous Episodes
      

Shows	Topics
Episode 16	Segment Topics Hear from local leaders about the Army personnel drawdown and what this means for the future of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Also, the Washington State Fair begins its annual Puyallup celebration. Councilmember Joyce McDonald and Fair CEO Kent Hojem talk about the fair’s positive effect on the community.
Episode 15	Segment Topics The 2015 U.S. Open is now part of Pierce County history. On this program we look back at the experience and discuss what went well and what needs improvement as Chambers Bay looks to a return engagement.
Episode 14	Segment Topics Court Appointed Special Advocates" or CASA's. This group of volunteers provide a watchful eye and advocate for foster children in the court system. And do you know how to recognize domestic violence and abuse? We'll talk about it with leaders from the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.
Episode 13	Segment Topics The County's Comprehensive Plan includes transportation, roads, bridges and pedestrians. What are the anticipated needs and how do we meet them? And 2015 marks the 125th anniversary of the City of Puyallup - it's a Summer long celebration. Join us for these topics on Pierce County Talks.
Episode 12	Segment Topics The Pierce County Council passed its updated Shoreline Master Plan. The plan's rules oversee both residential and commercial use of properties along the county's waterways. Pierce County is updating its Comprehensive Plan which is a road map for growth over the next 20 years. Pierce County Councilmember Derek Young and Sean Gaffney are on set.
Episode 11	Segment Topics The Pierce County Council has voted to build a new General Services Building. Councilmember Rick Talbert and Leslie Young, a community advocate, join the discussion. University Place continues to be a city on the move, especially with the U.S. Open around the corner. Guests include: Mariza Craig, UP Economic Development Director and David Swindale, UP Development Services Director.
Episode 10	Segment Topics We'll meet two new government employees. The Pierce County Council welcomed Derek Young of Gig Harbor. He now represents the seventh district. The City of Fife hired a new City Manager. Subir Mukerjee took the reigns in January.
Episode 9	Segment Topics Washington was the first State to officially outlaw Human Trafficking and Pierce County is taking steps to fight it. Also...after decades of cancer research, we are not frightened as much by the diagnosis. Funding research is the purpose and goal of the South Sound CARE Foundation.
Episode 8	Segment Topics Tacoma Schools Superintendent, Carla Santorno and Kent Roberts, Chairman of the Foundation for Tacoma Students, discuss the plan to increase graduation rates. And...we meet a woman who beat the odds to make her life long dream of space travel come true. Soyeon Yi is S. Korea's first and only astronaut.
Episode 7	Segment Topics As the military re-evaluates its strategies and techniques and budgets tighten up, more soldiers will be making the transition to civilian life. And...Pierce County is unique in its delivery of mental health services - the delivery is privatized. Privatization has its pros and cons and the system is being watched and evaluated.
Episode 6	Segment Topics The most important time in a child's education is from birth to five years old and we're not doing very well at providing what they really need. On the other end of life, seniors are more likely to be victims of scam and fraud. Do you know the warning signs of fraud and victimization?
Episode 5	Segment Topics Bates Technical College is getting a long-awaited new building at its 19th Street campus. And...a group of community organizations are trying to alleviate youth homelessness.
Episode 4	Segment Topics The Tacoma Symphony has a new Music Director after 20 years. We'll meet Sarah Ioannides and learn about her plans and goals. And... they're in the mail....the 2014 property value assessments. What's the trend in home values now, and what happens if you don't like your valuation?
Episode 3	Segment Topics The recession and housing bubble left many abandoned and bank-owned properties. Many of these are unkept and unsightly. New County rules seek to address this issue. Also...a visit with Puyallup's Main Street Association and a preview of the Meeker Days Festival.
Episode 2	Segment Topic A discussion of lessons learned from Pierce County's assistance at the Oso mudslide. Hear from first responders about their experiences.
Episode 1	Segment Topic This episode discusses the state mandate for updating the county's Shoreline Management Program and how it will affect Pierce County residents.