Never thought I’d live to see the day when there was a more upbeat attitude at a Des Moines City Council meeting than there was on a good day walking at Beach Park.

No doubt the Samoan Christian Church folks, whose pastor and congregation members recently moved into their new home of worship at 19804 Eighth Ave. S., made a huge step in the right direction at this January 9 meeting when they shared island traditions of respect and appreciation with Des Moines leaders and community residents.

This meeting was considerably “upbeat” in comparison to other meetings in recent years when a police officer was often on duty in the council chambers.

On the other hand, though beautiful at anytime, walking in Beach Park is frequently not an option when flood waters from Des Moines Creek drench the area. Perhaps delayed drivers enduring traffic backups during re-construction of the bridge at Des Moines’ north entrance will find comfort knowing when the project is finished, it’s planned to also correct park flooding.

That may not relieve traffic frustration now, yet in the long run the park, salmon and drivers should be swimmingly better off.

WHILE I would like to paint this world in words of “lollipops and roses,” the truth is -- under today’s influences of drugs and greed -- life can get pretty ugly.

Speaking to the city council were two owners of property in an area east of Pacific Highway South that is known for prostitution, gangs and drug activity. They reported witnessing the act of a man being shot in the head.

In our next-day interview, Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker said, “Every police department member is frustrated in not being able to meet the needs of the Pacific Highway South region. The police department is working closely with these owners. We do not have adequate resources to attend to the area as much as we would like to do.”

Since 2000, over 20 percent of police resources have been taken from them. Last November, a proposed levy lid lift for increasing property taxes about $105 a year on a home valued at $250,000 failed by a mere 5 percent of the vote.

Unlike cities with sales and property taxe income from major shopping and industrial areas, the Des Moines city budget is squeezed.

Economic development is the solution. Yet, people must be safe and free from fear where they live and work.

BAD news travels fast - good news takes longer.

Des Moines, like Burien, Sea Tac, Tukwila and other communities, count volunteers as invaluable assets. Yet little is heard about them.

Des Moines’ high profile event was the Waterland Festival, where volunteers made the good times roll for over 40 years.

Among Des Moines’ lesser heralded volunteers are members of local organizations such as the Senior/Community Activity Center, Food Bank, Rotary, IOOF, Kiwanis, Lions, Masonic Lodge, JOBS Daughters, Boys and Girl Scouts, churches, school bands, athletic teams, community service students -- and too many others to name.

To meet some of these folks and have fun too, here are some of their upcoming events:

“Dessert First Dinner Dance” -- Des Moines Activity Center, Feb. 3, 6-9 p.m. Celebrities will be food servers and dance music should be groovy. Sure to be a sell out. Call 206-878-1642 for tickets or information.

“Sweethearts and Fashions of Yesteryear” -- presented by Des Moines Historical Society at IOOF Hall, S. 225th St. and Seventh Ave. S., Feb. 9, 7 p.m. See pictures of local sweethearts and live models wearing old-time fashions. Admission is FREE. Donations appreciated.

“Poverty Bay Wine Festival” -- at Beach Park Auditorium, March 11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and March 12, noon to 6 p.m. Tasting from 15 wineries, samplings of northwest delicacies and souvenir wine glasses. Advance tickets $20, at Corky Cellars 22511 Marine View Dr. S. At the door, $25. To attend Friday’s March 10 (black tie optional) Gala Opening, call 206-824-9462 for information.

All profits raised at these events benefit others.

“ALL that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” said Edmund Burke.

Small wonder I’m persuaded this beautiful city can be “lollipops and roses,” and the new mellow city council meeting is a welcome event!