This week on the Compass we attend the Independence Day Chillin’ & Grillin’ Picnic/Potluck/and BBQ held on Monday, July 5 at HJ Carroll Park in Chimacum by the Jefferson County Progressives, where we talk with a number of progressive activists, including supporters of Ballot Initiative 1362 for Universal Health Coverage in Washington State, one-man peace movement Doug Milholland, and longtime stalwart housing activist Julia Cochrane on the subject of immediate terms for caring for the homeless.
John Mauro was on air live from Water Street, and spoke with the people behind Jefferson County Historical Society’s “Hidden History” project. John and guests including JCHS director Shelly Leavens and PT Main Street director Mari Mullen explained what the project is and how it brings Port Townsend’s past to life.
(Airdate: July 8, 2021) East Jefferson Fire & Rescue (EJFR) is a combination career and volunteer department serving Port Townsend and the surrounding area. District 1 Fire Chief Bret Black found this attribute of his new position attractive. New to Jefferson County, Chief Black was equally drawn to the unique aspects of our rural region. Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can had the opportunity to discuss with Chief Black the attributes of readiness along with how we can do our part to support this important service in our community. Join us for the first part of a two-part series to learn more about fire safety, hazard prevention and readiness for your family.
(First airdate: July 7, 2021) Sablefish, also known as black cod or butterfish, are native to the Northwest. With declining wild stock and steady demand, a sablefish aquaculture effort has the potential for providing economic, environmental and societal benefits. But much research is needed to find out whether it would be a sustainable effort. Learn more about a pilot project studying this topic.
(Airdate: July 7, 2021) Explore everything from flies to folklore as Nan Evans talks with Seattle author, photographer, and urban naturalist, Kelly Brenner, about her book Nature Obscura.
The following is a summary of the presentation made by Dr. Tom Locke, our local Public Health Officer and Willie Bence, Director, DEM, Jefferson County, during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. The summary was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke reported that the Jefferson County COVID-19 infection rate has seen a drop in positive cases, with 11 in the past 2 weeks. There have not been any Gamma or Delta variants reported in Jefferson County. For those 12 and older, 73.3% of the eligible County population have received one dose of the vaccine, while 70.1% have been fully immunized. Jefferson is bested only by San Juan and King counties.
Dr.Locke said that cold viruses are beginning to circulate in Jefferson County and that wearing a mask if you are sick is “incredibly effective for source control.” It protects others from you. Consider wearing one.
Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence told Commissioners that a special pop-up vaccination clinic will be held for veterans during the Veteran Stand Down event at the Elks Club in Port Townsend, July 26 from 10am to 2pm. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available. No other pop-ups are being scheduled at this time, although DEM stands ready to activate if events warrant. Vaccines continue to be provided through local pharmacies and Jefferson Healthcare’s Express Clinic. Emergency Management’s COVID-19 Call Center will continue to operate. For information, call 360-344-9791.
Next week’s Monday, July 12 BOCC meeting will be held in-person at the Courthouse in the Commissioners’ Chambers beginning at 9am. If you plan to attend, please leave plenty of time to check in at the basement entrance. Be prepared to show your vaccination card, sign an attestation, or wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. The meeting also will be live-streamed through the county website at www.co.jefferson.wa.us, with links to Zoom or phone. The Chambers has a 49-person occupancy limit. This is the first live BOCC meeting in the courthouse since the beginning of the pandemic.
(Airdate: April 16, 2021) La Cocina PT on starting a new business in Jefferson County.
(Airdate: April 16, 2021) Aislinn Diamanti on her new political career.
