It’s been quite a week in Renton. We’ve had visitors from the Philippines, Norway, Africa and India.

We’ve heard their music, their stories, their fears and joys. Turns out , they’re a lot like us.

That’s the point of  hosting the Seattle International Film Festival in Renton, a city richly diverse in cultures that are now easier to appreciate and understand.

And for many in our community the festival was a chance to see a piece of a far-away homeland.

City and community leaders embraced the festival, with their energy, their resources and their time. Volunteers came forward to keep the show running smoothly.

There was a sold-out crowd for the gala and opening screening.

SIFF-Renton will grow in the years ahead. We think it certainly deserves that chance.

Thanks, Valley Medical commissioners

The Valley Medical Center Board of Commissioners – at least three of them – took an historic and courageous vote Monday night in approving a strategic alliance with UW Medicine.

Their decision will shape the nature of medical care at  Valley for years, if not decades to come, and for the better.

Well done, Sue, Carolyn and Don.