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Aquatic Invasive Species

(First airdate: December 9, 2020) The European green crab is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. Emily Grason and Jeff Adams are both experts in aquatic invasive species and as marine ecologists with the UW College of the Environment and Washington Sea Grant, they oversee a comprehensive program focused on early detection, monitoring and control of the green crab. Learn more about this invasive crab and what is being done to keep the crab out of Puget Sound.

Note: The repeat episode is rescheduled to air Tuesday 12/22 at 5:30pm (preempting Bioneers that day).

Nature Now #492
Pinto Abalone, part 2

(First airdate: December 9, 2020) Nan Evans explores some of the work being done to restore the ecological health of the Salish Sea. Betsy Peabody, Founder and Executive Director of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, paints a broad picture of marine stewardship in the Salish Sea as she shares both the passion and the work of ecological restoration. Ali Redmond shares the work being done at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center to recover endangered Pinto Abalone populations. And Dana Africa tells her story of being an abalone foster parent and enthused advocate for all things marine.

Give Love ~ Give Hope ~ Give Jefferson!

KPTZ supports United Good Neighbors who for over 60 years have championed local organizations that provide for the basic human needs of individuals and families in Jefferson County. UGN’s annual Give Jefferson campaign supports frontline efforts to deliver food, shelter, healthcare, education, and hope to those most in need in our community.  To all who are weathering uncertainty and recovering from crisis, Give Jefferson offers hope and the reassurance that we are not alone. In 2020, all donations to Give Jefferson will be matched by All In WA, a coordinated statewide relief effort providing immediate support for workers and families impacted by COVID-19.  

Christmas 4 Children- Santa’s Helpers go Virtual

(Airdate: December 8, 2020) Christmas 4 Children, 19 years running, is supported by community organizations and individuals bringing holiday cheer and gifts to those families challenged by economic stresses. Kelly Liske talks with Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can about the opportunities and challenges this holiday season as Santa’s helpers adjust to the Pandemic protocols. Learn how you can be a virtual Santa’s helper and make this heartwarming need to come to fruition.

Our Working Waterfront ~ 12/08

(Airdate: December 8, 2020) In this edition of Our Working Waterfront, Port Director Eron Berg gives us a recap of the month’s activity at the Port. The budget is finished, and the Intergovernment Collaborative Group is underway. The airport runway is finished after resurfacing hit a snag with the contractor.

Both Eron and Port Commissioner Pam Petranek emphasize the importance of the new Facility Engineer and maintenance team in keeping the Port’s infrastructure healthy and functioning. Pam talks about the vibrant synergy that exists among educators, designers and makers, that contributes in such a healthy and sustainable way to our maritime economy’s circle of giving and receiving.

Ric and Top Kop

(Airdate: October 2, 2020) Ric and Top Kop from Kinetics Sculpture Race on COVID-19 Kinetics.

Wendy Davis

(Airdate: October 2, 2020) Wendy Davis on Lila’s Kitchen and the future of food trucks in Port Townsend.

County Public Health Report ~ 12/07

Today, Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke shared about the recent Jefferson County increase in COVID-19 cases. He answered questions from KPTZ listeners about:
*Case count in WA state is up by 20%, which overwhelmed the state’s data system causing it to be down some in the past week.
* Jefferson County has the lowest case rate in the region.
* People with public health backgrounds are welcome to volunteer to assist Jefferson Co. Public Health with contact tracing.
* Distancing is the most important technique for avoiding the virus. Outdoors, at least 6 feet. Masking does not substitute for physical distancing. Even though not required, wearing a mask while bike riding is also recommended.
* Current recommendation is to stay home and stay healthy for at-risk individuals. Doctors’ offices are not at high risk for transmission.
* Cooked take-out meals are minimum risk, and helps the local economy.
* The real risk in dining out is when gathering with non-household members. The safest way is to dine only with one’s own household.
* Best time for testing is 5 days following a close contact with someone who contracts Covid-19.
* The 25% occupancy (of fire capacity) is up to the store itself to maintain. 
* Discussion of vaccines: the government has purchased enough for the entire US population, so they will be available at no out of pocket cost.
* Vaccination levels need to be at least 70%, and perhaps more, before it will be possible to stop wearing masks.
* Vaccines have not been tested on children under 18, which will delay rollout of the vaccine to youth.
* WANotify phone app system is recommended, for anonymous contact tracing of both time and distance.

Department of Emergency Management Director Willie Bence said that 45,000 additional N95 masks are being delivered, prioritizing hospitals and first line workers. This represents an increase in capacity.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke by emailing [email protected].

Community Call to Action for Housing

Even as we hold the big picture in the affordable housing challenge, we need to focus on immediate solutions using lessons from 2008, and in the context of remote workers moving here and housing prices skyrocketing.

KPTZ reporter Chris Bricker talks with Justine Gonzalez-Berg, Network Weaver for the Housing Solutions Network about the Housing Declaration and what it all means: Why it was crafted, who was involved in crafting it, what it says, and how we can show support.