The British Columbia government just named a high-level official to jump-start the struggling economy along the coast. But the move is unlikely to be enough.

The region has been devastated in the last decade as its main industry — logging — has shriveled. An earlier revitalization plan tried to lure new investment into the region, which produces some of the world’s most costly lumber. Instead, Weyerhaeuser sold its business in the area.

Naming a former deputy premier to coordinate policy for the coastal economy is an admission that earlier steps haven’t worked. But the new “coastal czar” already has several demanding posts and is unlikely to pull off a quick turnaround.

Cascadia’s major newspapers have given lots of space to the latest saber-rattling by North Korea. But they’re leaving arguably the biggest threat to this region mostly unanalyzed.

On Tuesday morning the papers could have marshalled “day two” stories about what North Korea’s nuclear test means for this region, which is the closest part of the continent to the crisis. Instead, The Seattle Times, The Oregonian and the Vancouver Sun all pasted newswire stories and maps on their front pages. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer made due with just a thumbnail photo and tiny headline. An editorial in the P-I downplayed the threat and another in the Oregonian urged everyone to remember the oppressed North Korean people.

A story by Hal Bernton in the Seattle Times was the only one to include wisdom of local experts and to connect the Korea crisis to Cascadia, noting the extensive military ties and large Korean population here.

Sure, it’s not clear if North Korea has the desire or capability to attack North America. But considering the overwhelming attention regional media gave to vague threats from the Middle East and the omnipresent threat of terrorism, it’s time they devoted similar efforts to the serious danger from across the ocean.

Opponents of the 2010 Olympics are threatening an international boycott to force organizers to cut costs and lessen the games’ impact on the environment.

The group, 2010 Watch, says the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee broke its earlier vows for transparent financing, ensuring that poor residents wouldn’t be displaced and protection of the environment during construction. The group also wants a province-wide referendum, claiming that a 2003 vote wasn’t broad enough and that most residents would now reject the games.

A B.C. auditor’s report found that taxpayers would be left with a C$1.5 billion bill for the games. Upgrading the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler is hurting environmentally sensitive areas, 2010 Watch says, and growth of hotels in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside threatens poor residents there.

The organizing committee responds that construction plans will be modified as the projects progress but that other complaints eventually will fade away.

The first step toward getting a share of the $2 billion in goods in services needed by the 2010 Winter Olympics is to actually make an effort, according to the Washington Association of Business. Most companies haven’t even considered the potential market, the group said. Small firms should set their sights on being vendors to larger companies operating in Canada, and Washington companies need to start looking for ways to draw visitors through the state.

While they’re at it, the AWB, which functions as a state chamber of commerce, asks the state government for four things:

— Expedited cross-border travel.
— Improvements for travelers. For example, a rest area for people waiting on the U.S. side at Blaine.
— State help matching small businesses with Canadian counterparts.
— An actual effort to draw visitors into the state.

The list doesn’t mention improved transportation. While there are several road improvements ongoing near the border, traffic is assured if there is any significant spillover from the games. Why doesn’t the AWB push for expanded passenger train service, a Seattle-Vancouver-Squamish ferry and smoother airport customs?

To get businesses on board, the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) scheduled meetings around the state beginning March 21 to bring state business owners, trade officials and the Governor’s 2010 Olympics Task Force.