Feels Like Spring & Walking in Her Shoes - jhitchen
April 9, 2026
Good morning neighbors,
I don’t know about you, but it really feels like spring these days. There are colors popping out on our bushes and trees, flowers blooming, and young people enjoying spring break, all reminders that the seasons are changing.
This week, I am going to share a little about two very different topics, and the second one might be something you might choose to avoid because it is going to talk about domestic violence and sexual assault. Of course, I have my list of community events, so you can skip the second topic and go right to the bottom if it isn’t something you want to read about, but I thought it was important to share.
But let’s start with the Daffodil Court.
Official Ambassadors of Pierce County
Last week on Tuesday, we had the honor of hosting and proclaiming that the 24 young ladies, all seniors in high schools across the county, are the official Ambassadors for Pierce County.
For the 24 young people who received the honor of being their school’s Daffodil Princess, it is so much more than the parade, which was a resounding success this weekend. How they manage to move the people, bands, floats, and a royal court to 4 different locations in the county and stay on time is alone a remarkable accomplishment.
To become an official Daffodil Princess and an official ambassador for Pierce County, these young people first apply within their own schools. There are specific criteria they must meet, and then they go through a judging process. I have had the honor of being a judge, and they truly are looking for young women who will inspire and give back to their school and community.
District 6 had four Princesses:
Each Princess accepts that over the next 6-10 months, they will appear at many community events, escort dignitaries, lead events, and encourage young people. They read to children at our libraries, volunteer at community programs, and stand on the sidelines during walk-a-thons and participate in parades.
They do all of this while finishing out their senior year in high school and making important decisions about their future. The tradition of naming the Daffodil Court as official Ambassadors began 14 years ago, and it truly is what we ask these young people to do. Their bright yellow dresses are beacons of hope and joy, and a look to the future with young people stepping up.
Domestic Violence: In Her Shoes
Last week, the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center hosted a simulation called “In Her Shoes,” and it was eye-opening. For those who are not familiar with the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (CJFJC), they are Pierce County’s lead agency that serves as our domestic and intimate partner violence support center. The simulation allowed people to spend some time making decisions while following in the footsteps of someone experiencing abuse at the hands of a family member or partner.
Since joining the Council, I have been honored to be a member of the CJFJC Board and was both excited about this learning opportunity and anxious as well. Upon arrival, we were assigned a role to portray, then moved through the simulation with many stops along the way. Each person’s story was unique, and each decision made was a potential point where the outcome could be safety, violence, or additional trauma.
I teamed up with the Chief of Police from the Town of Steilacoom (thank you for participating, Chief Yabe!), and we chose Elena. She was a young woman who was brought to the county under false pretenses and ended up in a controlling and violent relationship. Because she didn’t speak English well enough, as we moved through trying to make decisions, we kept getting turned around and back in the hands of our abuser.
Sadly, our simulation was one of a few in which the decisions we made ended with her death at the hands of her abuser. This happens in our county, and we have seen it happen recently in Puyallup and the Key Peninsula. These recent cases are highlighted because they were extreme and picked up by the media. Sadly, there are dozens of cases that go without making the news.
However, we have amazing partners and advocates across the county working tirelessly to help. Abuse doesn’t start with extreme violence or murder; it often starts with manipulation and financial and emotional control. I am not an expert, but in the simulation, there never seemed to be a “right door” to get to safety - but there are doors. If you are or know someone who is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, please reach out for help. A couple of resources and partners are:
Survivor Support Services in Pierce County | Our Sisters’ House
Community Domestic Violence Advocacy Program CDVAP - s?x?q?liltub yabuk’? | Puyallup Tribe
Domestic Violence can happen to anyone. There are many people who simply don’t believe they have a choice, that no one will help or believe them. Some victims are ashamed because they believe it is their fault. This is not true!
Please reach out to any of the above organizations to ask questions. No one should live in fear of abuse in their home or being abused, but we can’t help when we don’t know it is happening. And we want to help!
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events Coming Up: Pierce County Library events and classes at the Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
Parkland School Rummage Sale: Friday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Looking for clothing, household items, crafting supplies, and so much more? Stop by the Parkland School and do a little thrifting.
Sunnyside Beach Community Clean-up: Saturday, April 11, from 8 – 9 a.m., meeting at 2509 Chambers Creek Road to do a little sprucing up of the Sunnyside Beach Park in Steilacoom.
Lakewood Youth Empowerment Summit: Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pierce College Lakewood Campus, and you must register to attend. This is for youth with a focus on Clover Park and Steilacoom School District.
Regional Opportunity Fair: Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Park Technical College. Collaboration for a Cause is pulling together local resources, services, and job opportunities all in one place. Registration encouraged.
Parks Appreciation Day: Saturday, April 25, both DuPont and Lakewood are hosting Parks Appreciation Day events. It is a great way to give back to your neighborhood or community and put a little love back into it.
DuPont Information:Catalog - City of DuPont, WA Parks & Recreation
Lakewood Information: Parks Appreciation Day - City of Lakewood
Farrell’s Marsh Community Work Party: Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. You can gather your gloves and join the community in battling the ivy creeping up many of the Farrell Marsh trees.
We started this newsletter on a high note, celebrating blooming flowers and young people who inspire others. Then we shifted to a heavy but important topic. I know I always appreciate the sun and warmth that come with the beginning of spring, and when we can connect with people, it can bring a little sunshine.
You can be “the Spring” for someone. You can find a way to inspire or lift them up. Help a neighbor struggling to take care of their yard. Find a community group or organization and join in planning a community celebration. Find a way to get out and be around people.
We can be the sun and the warmth within our community, and Spring is a great time to do just that!
Take care,
Jani