(Airdate: February 1, 2026) Cris invites local author and retired professor of Information Science, Ricardo Gomez to talk about his novel, The Tides of Freedom: The Slow Drowning of Democracy This is political fiction examining how democratic institutions erode and how individual choices can make a difference. This is truly a book about our current time. We also dip into AI and how it can help without taking over the writing process.
(Airdate: January 30, 2026) This week co-hosts Jim Burke and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour welcome County Administrator Josh Peters. Discussion centers on State Senate Bill 6239 which aims to make it possible for any civil suit faced by the County go through binding arbitration before going to trial. This could potentially save the county time and money, and possibly compensate victims faster than a long court process. Some time is devoted to other legislation in which the county has an interest,
Please note: the monthly BOCC Public Health (and safety) Report is Monday, February 2 at 9:45am during the Jim B. Show
KPTZ’s Taylor Clark and Brewocracy Now cohost Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro talked briefly about the city’s statement regarding ICE as a follow up to last week’s discussion with Port Townsend Police Chief Tom Olson. We then learned about John’s recent trip to Olympia to talk to our legislators about the about the city’s legislative priorities.
(Airdate: January 29, 2026 – My Cat Ate My Homework)
(Airdate: January 28, 2026) How can we act locally to protect special forest habitats while providing for sustainable forest harvests and supporting our local communities and economies? A tough prospect. Listen as Nan Evans explores specific efforts here in Jefferson County to do just this. Guests this week are County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour and Malloree Weinheimer, owner of Chickadee Forestry.
(Airdate: January 20, 2026) We’re in Xinjiang province in the town of Turfan. Turfan is, without question, a Silk Road town. Unlike Hami, where the Chinese have recently taken over and reproduced their vision of life in architecture purgatory, Turfan has maintained much of its traditional character….
(Airdate: January 26, 2026) KPTZ’s Taylor Clark was joined by Jill Buhler Rienstra, former Jefferson Healthcare Commissioner and Jennifer James-Wilson, former Port Townsend School Board member. Both of these community members have served for a long time in their roles (since 1995 for Jill and since 2009 for Jennifer) and they provided interesting reflections on their public service. KPTZ salutes their commitment and contributions.
(Airdate: January 26, 2026 – Pheasants on Protection Island) – Chinese birds on Protection Island.
(Airdate: January 23, 2026) This week on County Connections co-hosts Commissioner Greg Brotherton and KPTZ’s Jim Burke welcome Shawn Frederick, Director of Central Services. They discuss what Central Services provides to the workforce of Jefferson County Government and the public. They also delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the way that the county is integrating Darwin AI into the workflow.
Also, a reminder that the BOCC public health (and safety) report will be broadcast on Monday, February 2 at 9:45am during the Jim B. Show. Listeners with public health and safety questions for Public Health Officer, Dr. Allison Berry or Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management , may send email to [email protected] by Friday January 30th at noon.
KPTZ’s Taylor Clark was joined by Port Townsend Chief of Police Tom Olson and Deputy Chief Kamal Sharif to talk about the department’s efforts to achieve WASPC certification. We also discussed the PTPD Strategic Plan. There is a link to the plan on the City’s Police page here: https://cityofpt.us/police. There was also an interesting listener question regarding the role of the PT Police in responding to any possible ICE activity. This is at 17:44 in the recording.
