Cheers to the proposed Renton School District construction bond measure that will be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. If passed, the measure would allow for several repairs and security upgrades at district buildings. It would also allow the district to help purchase a site for a new Renton High School. The best part is that, according to the district, taxpayers may actually see a decrease in their property taxes. Healthy schools mean a healthy community. The bond measure is worth your vote.

Cheers to the Seattle Mariners and their playoff run! Even though the playoffs ended in disappointment, it felt good to feel good again about the Mariners in October.

Jeers to the racial disparity in homeownership in Washington state. A work group’s findings show that, despite housing discrimination and redlining no longer being legal, the housing gap is even more significant now. Disparities between white and non-white homeownership is between 14% and 18% in King County — and in some counties, the gap is much higher. Owning a home is a primary way to build wealth for many families. Government leaders must create more opportunities for people to own their home.

Cheers to the Renton Downtown Partnership becoming a designated Washington Main Street Community. The honor by the Washington State Main Street Program is intended to create opportunities for economic revitalization through incentives such as tax credits for local businesses.

Jeers to election deniers.

Cheers to the National Culvert Removal, Replacement and Restoration Program that will work wonders for the region’s salmon migration and spawning. The federal money will replace at least 50 culverts in King County to allow fish and other native animals to pass safely under roads. The program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made about $1 billion in federal money available to restore fish culverts, many of which are expected to be used in our region. This will be money well spent. Salmon play a critical role in Washington’s environment, economy and food supply.

Jeers to local hell-raiser Shawn L. Perantie, who was finally arrested and charged with second-degree malicious mischief and reckless endangerment. Perantie, who pleaded not guilty in court last week, is accused of throwing rocks and debris at vehicles off of State Route 900 in Renton. People had been complaining for a while on social media about the rock throwing suspect.

Cheers to Mary Ellen Stone, CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, who will retire next fall after more than four decades of advocating for sexual assault survivors. She has been a driving force for change in the way survivors are viewed and treated, both in King County and Washington state, and has been a role model for other regions throughout the United States. The world needs more people like Mary Ellen Stone.

— By Andy Hobbs, editor