County Planning Commission Removes Reclaimed Water Language from Draft CAO

Above: The southernmost tip of Budd Inlet features downtown Olympia, the Port of Olympia and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance in this aerial file photo from 2006.

County Planning Commission Removes Reclaimed Water Language from Draft CAO

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

In a meeting Wednesday night March 7 of the Thurston County Planning Commission, the commissioners discussed groundwater infiltration of reclaimed water and its regulation, then followed a staff recommendation to remove several pages of its language from the draft Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).

The action of removing the reclaimed water language from the draft CAO prohibits its use in critical aquifer recharge areas.

The county planning commission is a nine member citizen’s advisory committee to the county commissioners. The county's CAO has not been updated since 1994 and several chapters are being rewritten, one of which regards Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARA). Infiltration of reclaimed water is not currently regulated by the existing CAO.

"If it’s not mentioned, it’s prohibited," says Andrew Deffobis, county associate planner who worked hard on the draft language. "We put a lot of time into it, and it’s all good in theory, but it’s a topic that will benefit from significant public input. This was a way to make that happen," said Deffobis in a recent telephone interview.

Placeholder language, based on the outcome of further study and public process, says the CAO could be amended at a later date to include standards regarding reclaimed water.

Informed by this reporter of the county planning commission's decision to remove the reclaimed water language from the draft CAO, Romero commented on Saturday, "It's good to take a cautious approach - there's too much at stake."

Language from work conducted by the planning commission would have required water to have been processed through advanced treatment such as reverse osmosis or nanofiltration.

Strictly worded language also stated that, "when a federal or state standard or management recommendation is established…reclaimed water will not contain emerging contaminants at levels documented as having harmful effects on salmonids when it enters the surface water body…."

At two presentations earlier this month, a wide variety of elected officials, state, city and county agency staff, and community members heard several scientists speak to the issue of aquifer recharge with treated wastewater, the presence of compounds - also known as chemicals or contaminents - of emerging concern, and the high cost of advanced treatment facilities. The event was sponsored by the LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the state Department of Health.

County Commissioner Sandra Romero, Thurston County’s representative to LOTT, attended a presentation, and heard the scientists state that, based on current science, such absolutes ensuring that human and aquatic life will not be harmed by the infiltration of treated water into our groundwater are not yet possible. When asked, the scientists also expressed their opinions that an advanced treatment plant here was not necessary, and that technologies work very well to meet current drinking water standards.

The county commissioners also serve as the county’s board of health.

Concerns expressed to the planning commission late last year during public hearing testimony on the draft CAO, and the CARA chapter specifically, factored into the decision to delete the language.

Rich Hoey, now the public works director for the City of Olympia, testified to the planning commissioners that while the city of Olympia shares the county’s interests in protecting drinking water, the draft requirement for advanced treatment of reclaimed water goes too far to address as yet undefined risks. The city recommended that the CARA section on reclaimed water be placed on hold until LOTT’s groundwater study is complete.

LOTT’s Reaction to Planning Commission Action

LOTT has just begun a four year study exploring putting treated wastewater into the county’s groundwater aquifer as part of its plan to deal with wastewater and meet future drinking water needs. LOTT identified several barriers contained in the county’s draft CAO language that would hinder their plans in managing future volumes of wastewater.

On Friday, Mike Strub, LOTT’s executive director, was asked to comment on the county planning commission's decision.

"For us, the glass is 98% full…. We at LOTT have no problem waiting to build a groundwater infiltration recharge basin – the next one was planned near Tumwater, technically in the county in the growth management area. It wasn’t going to be completed until 2018 anyway. We are in agreement to not permit that until we have data with the groundwater study to inform that decision, but as far as taking out the whole language, to prohibit reclaimed water use, that may have unintended consequences," said Strub.

Strub expressed concern for several small Class A plants in the county. "Tenino just built a new one, Yelm has one, Grand Mound has one, and Rainier is considering one - they’re on septic tanks and things are in tough shape there - so, this may have a broader impact than they (the county planning commissioners) were thinking…."

"But we have time to consider minor modifications and suggest changes. My feeling is that most of what we recommended – to do additional science, do additional work and let that guide future permits and regulations – was heard, but we think there are other ways we can achieve our (mutual) goals," Strub added optimistically.

The county planning commission will forward their recommendation to the county commissioners for final approval. When this will happen, Deffobis says, is the "million dollar question." He estimates that the draft critical areas ordinance will be forwarded to the county commissioners in about two months, then more public hearings will be held.

For more information about the draft Critical Areas Ordinance or the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area chapter, contact Thurston County Associate Planner Andrew Deffobis at (360) 786-5467 or deffoba@co.thurston.wa.us or go to www.thurstonplanning.org.

The next LOTT board meeting is Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 pm, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. The LOTT board retreat is Saturday, March 17, 500 Adams. St. NE. They will discuss their strategic business plan for 2013 - 2018. For more information, contact Lisa Dennis-Perez at (360) 528-5719 or go to www.lottcleanwateralliance.org.

A LOTT of Concerns About Drinking Water Quality

Above: Pharmaceuticals, above, are Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs) in our drinking water.

A LOTT of Concerns About Drinking Water Quality

By Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

About 150 state and local government officials, staff, scientists and members of the public participated in a scientific symposium at LOTT Clean Water Alliance last week to discuss pharmaceuticals, personal care products and other contaminants - compounds - entering the environment through reclaimed water and the discharge of treated water into Budd Inlet.

Sponsored by LOTT and the Washington State Department of Health, the event was just the beginning to educate the community about the issue as LOTT, a regional organization comprised of the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County, starts a four year study on groundwater aquifer management.

Lacking surface water options, Thurston County uses groundwater for its drinking water. After wastewater treatment, the water is discharged into Budd Inlet. In recognition of our region's limited water resources, LOTT is exploring the idea of increasing the recharge of our groundwater with reclaimed or highly treated water.

Currently, the downtown Budd Inlet plant reclaims about one million gallons per day that is used for irrigation purposes. Newer treatment plants on Martin Way and Hawks Prairie produce reclaimed water, some of which is already returned to our aquifers.

Using reclaimed water to recharge our drinking water sources is part of a national trend. Scientists at the LOTT symposium gave two case examples of systems in Arizona and Southern California that already feature direct potable water reuse - a pipe to pipe system.

At issue is the presence of compounds of emerging concern (CECs) in the environment, the potential impact to public health and the environment, and what happens to CECs during wastewater treatment and when reclaimed water is infiltrated to groundwater.

Five nationally and internationally recognized scientists discussed the margins of exposure, the transport of CECs during managed aquifer recharge, and regulatory issues and efforts focused on water reuse. Each presented charts and graphs showing their research and work in the engineering, toxicology, and water quality fields.

"Emerging does not mean that these chemicals are new - it’s just that modern chemistry and technology can detect them at lower and lower levels," said Robert Bastian, senior environmental scientist with the Office of Wastewater Management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C.

This detection, however, has raised concerns about potential effects to human health and ecosystems, along with concerns about the adequacy and accuracy of studies.

The levels of biodegradability and persistence of chemicals, many of which are commonplace in most people’s everyday use, was compelling information.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that these compounds are not much of a problem and the organization is not going to produce guidelines, said Joseph Costruvo, Ph.D., who is a member of the WHO Drinking Water Guidelines development committee and was director of the Criteria and Standards Division of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Drinking Water. The Environmental Protection Agency is thinking of producing guidelines, he said.

The scientists repeatedly described that the margin of exposure through drinking water as minimal, and, using the example of drugs, compared the exposure to the therapeutic dose actually prescribed by doctors and ingested directly. These drugs, both prescribed and illicit, also include caffeine, antibiotics, veterinary medicines and vitamins. Personal care products also include a variety of chemicals.

Several drugs that many people have in their medicine cabinets, such as gemfibrozil, carbamazepine, and primidone are troublemakers for wastewater treatment plants and are considered “persistent,” meaning they are not biodegradable.

Another persistent compound, triclosan, is a common ingredient in name brand toothpastes such as Total and Colgate. Other troublemakers are sucralose, sugar substitutes better known by name brand products such as Sweet N Low, Splenda, and Equal. They are made to not be absorbed by the body and are thus excreted as waste into our water supply systems.

Some CECs, however, are not drugs, and are not biodegradable, such as flame retardants. Some of the chemicals discussed also included known endrocrine disrupting compounds, called EDCs. Some chemical sources are natural, and are included in food and dietary supplements.

Local Reactions

After the program, local public officials and agency staff expressed a great deal of interest and concern about the issue and what they were learning.

Tom Oliva, Tumwater city councilmember and Tumwater’s representative to LOTT since the recent passing of Tumwater City Councilmember Ed Stanley, wondered what the appropriate process was for what the region wants.

"Do you want to spend this much money or that much money? There’s a rush to want to treat to zero contamination – what the scientists here said is that kind of water doesn’t exist in the first place. I want to drink clean water, but how dirty is it? Technology is going to change within our generation. The scientists here aren’t overwhelmed by local political baggage, so let’s make an informed decision, not a hasty one.”

Oliva said Tumwater has a big stake in the issue of reclaimed water, as it will begin use 600,000 gallons of it starting next year to irrigate the Tumwater Valley golf course.

“I learned a lot – the science involved, the chemicals, methods and standards for exposure. It’s a pretty complicated subject,” added Oliva.


Above: Personal care products are compounds of concern for wastewater treatment plants.

Diana Yu, MD, health officer for Thurston and Mason counties, also expressed concern and passion about the information she heard.

“What they (the scientists) did for me was put things into perspective…if we want to rid the world of CECs, we need to stop using those products. People and industries need to stop relying so much on chemicals and medications, from fertilizers to weed control to contraceptives, antibiotics and pain killers - do we really need all that? What goes into our bodies, comes out the other end and has to be disposed of,” said Yu.

"A lot of what they said made sense...The biggest issue will be about the "unknown." How will it affect us? What about our children's future? The air we breathe is laden with chemicals. The foods we eat may also be exposed to chemicals. In the past, potability of water was based on it being free of pathogens. We still use that as a surrogate measure. As technology gets better, we will find more and more things in the water, not because they were not there before but because our technology has improved so much we can quantify small amounts," Yu continued.

About drinking reclaimed water, Yu said, "I do not think I am quite ready to drink out of the pipe directly, although it seems like some of the experts have done so. I have to do some more thinking about the information I received. The bottom line is how can I weigh the perceived risks to health without being paralyzed by fear. We do need water to live. In our lifetime, how much of the minute amounts of whatever we encounter in the water will actually affect our health?"

How much does Thurston County want to spend?

LOTT operates two Class A reclaimed water facilities that filters out a majority of CECs. The Thurston County Planning Commission wrote into their draft critical areas ordinance many protective measures, including an advanced treatment plant using technologies such as reverse osmosis or nanofiltration, prior to groundwater recharge. When asked about this, the scientists at the symposium said that this is not necessary, in their opinion, and that water can be overtreated.

"Pure water is not good for you. Fish cannot live in pure water. Overpurifying anything is not good, as it robs you of essential minerals," said Shane Synder of the University of Arizona.

"Is it worth it? No, not in my opinion," said Robert Bastian of the U.S. EPA. Describing the examples of two very advanced treatment facilities in San Diego and Los Angeles, he added, "Now we know why California is bankrupt - they like to spend money....There are several barriers to take compounds out, and overall, technologies work very well and meet all drinking water standards," he added.

The quantities of these compounds in water were described by the scientists as being very small. For example, CECs in treated wastewater are measured in parts per trillion. One part per trillion is one drop in 16 Olympic swimming pools, said Shane Synder, Ph.D. of the University of Arizona. CECs in drinking water are present in even smaller amounts, sometimes not even detectable by today's instruments.

"We can do anything to water. What’s your goal? It must be determined case by case and is site specific. All do a pretty good job to easily meet drinking water standards – it’s all doable, it just depends on how much you want to pay,” said Jorg Drewes, Ph.D., professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at at the Colorado School of Mines.

Drewes gave case examples - Orange County, California is spending $450 million, supported by the community through a bond measure, to build a full range treatment plant. Orange County is facing a shortage of water and found this option was cheaper than shipping water from the Colorado River.

Audience member Maria Victoria Peeler, an engineer who works for the state Department of Ecology, is responsible for developing policy for some persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals, primarily mercury. As co-chair of the international mercury reduction initiative for state regulators, she has been working at the international level for five years.

Commenting after the program Peeler expressed some disappointment with the program, saying, "PBTs is one of the biggest problems we have in the state. What I didn’t hear about, and of concern to me, is nanotechnology, the science of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level. There has been a spark of activity in the last 10 years within the business and industrial community to produce products created by nanotechnology and process waste at a municipal level, products like batteries, mascara, lipstick, and other consumer products. Pharmaceuticals are no doubt a big issue. We can detect them, track, and control them, but that’s not the case with engineered nanoparticals,” said Peeler.

Another attendee, Jim Casebolt, president and operator of the Pattison Water Company in Lacey which services about 1,600 homes since 1964, expressed concern with LOTT’s plans. LOTT has acquired property within the area where he gets his water from several wells and is concerned about chemicals and pollutants in reclaimed water.

"Listening to the people who presented, they sounded pretty good, but they are representing the reclaimed water industry. I’m pretty sure you could round up a group of other scientists who could present a great deal of concerns," said Casebolt.

What's Next?

After the program, LOTT’s executive director Mike Strub was asked about the scope of LOTT’s groundwater recharge study. He said the scope of the study has not yet been determined, "but we want to add to the science, take advantage of science around the nation so that it’s safe and meets the intent of beneficial use. There are different conditions within the whole watershed: rural, urban/industrial, and urban. We want to take a global approach to our watershed – this study will inform those lofty goals. The first several months (of the study) will be very active, and include community input. This is good timing to start talking about some of the topics and we welcome comments."

What You Can Do For Starters:

Properly dispose of your prescription medicines, including narcotics, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins, so they don’t end up in the water system. Several secure drop boxes, installed in 2010, are located throughout Thurston County. Go to www.ThurstonTOGETHER.org for a list of locations.

For more information about the Compounds of Emerging Concern Science Symposium held March 2, 2012, go to: www.lottcleanwateralliance.org. To receive information about LOTT's groundwater recharge study and public involvement opportunities, email LOTT or leave a message with your name, mailing address, and/or email address at (360) 528-5716.

Gov. Gregoire Signs Marriage Equality Legislation

Above: After the bill signing, Representative Jaime Pederson, left, and Senator Ed Murray celebrate as they are handed two pens used by Governor Chris Gregoire to sign the marriage equality bill into law today.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Valentine's Day came early for marriage equality supporters as Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire today signed historic marriage equality legislation.

Hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender activists and their allies, some representing business, faith, and labor groups, filled the Capitol Building to witness the event.

As Gregoire spoke, the crowd often interrupted with claps and chants of 'thank you' and 'four more years.' She focused her comments on the celebration today, and not the legislation's legal challenges ahead.

“As governor for more than seven years, this is one of my proudest moments,” Gregoire said before the bill signing. “And most surely today is a proud day in the history of the Legislature and the state of Washington. It is a day historians will mark as a milestone for equal rights. A day when we did what was right, we did what was just, and we did what was fair. We stood up for equality and we did it together – Republicans and Democrats, gay and straight, young and old, and a variety of religious faiths. I’m proud of who and what we are in this state.”

“I’m proud that our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,” Gregoire said. “They will be equal. I’m proud that children in our schools and neighborhoods will not have to wonder why their loving parents are considered different than other loving parents. I’m proud of parents who have fought so fiercely for the rights of their much-loved gay and lesbian children. And I’m proud that children who discover they are gay and lesbian can feel good about themselves.”

Washington now joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York plus the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex marriages.


Above: Governor Chris Gregoire signs marriage equality legislation today.


Above: Representative Jaime Pederson, left, and his partner Eric scramble to collect their four sons for a photo opportunity with Governor Gregoire. In his comments prior to the bill signing, Pederson said, "Years later, our kids will look back and ask what all the fuss was about...."

"Our Stories Are Our Power" - A continuing series of stories and profiles of GLBT community members, advocates and allies


Above: Regional ecumenical leaders gather for a photo opportunity before the bill signing. The Reverend Nigel Taber-Hamilton, left, represents the Episcopal Church of Western Washington, that includes the Diocese of Olympia. He is a participant of the Faith Action Network (FAN), which is organizing Interfaith Advocacy Day on February 14 at United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave. SE, Olympia. For more information, go to www.fanwa.org


Above: John McCluskey, standing, and Rudy Henry, of Tacoma, have been partners for 53 years. "It's been a really long engagement," joked McCluskey. 'A piece of paper isn't going to change much (for us), but we've been waiting a long time. I never thought this day would come in my lifetime. Today is a great, historic day....'" said McCluskey.


Above: After the official bill signing, Governor Chris Gregoire signed Pride flags for Olympia GLBT activists Anna Schlect, left, Matthew Shrader, and Naki Stevens. Shrader, a student at South Puget Sound Community College, is co-chair of Capital City Pride 2012.


Above: Members of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), including GSBA executive director Louise Chernin, left, were excited to witness the bill signing. "It's a great day...it's amazing to be a part of history," said Chernin. "Everyone benefits when everyone wins....Of course this is a great opportunity for weddings, but it goes deeper than that. It's going to impact the economy in so many ways - there will be a ripple effect. Everyone's going to have a chance to grow their business."


Above: Lacey residents Lynn Grotsky, left, and Lisa Brodoff have been partners for 31 years. Grotsky, a social worker and counselor in general practice, and Brodoff, a law professor at Seattle University School of Law and one of The Righteous Mothers, the musical group, were litigants in the first "out" second-parent adoption case in Washington State. Their battle in the late 1980's was among the first such cases in the nation. "It took two years but we won," said Brodoff. The couple have two children, a daughter, Evan, 25, and a son, Micha, 22. "Now they can both walk us down the aisle!" cheered Brodoff.

"Our Stories Are Our Power" - The Story of Representative Sam Hunt

Above: GLBT activist and leader Anna Schlect welcomes Representative Sam Hunt (D-22, Olympia) to the microphone at last night's event celebrating the House passage of Washington State's marriage equality legislation earlier that day.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

"Our Stories Are Our Power" - The Story of Representative Sam Hunt

While celebrating the House passage of Washington State's marriage equality legislation yesterday, Washington State Representative Sam Hunt (D-22, Olympia) explained that when he first wrote out his floor speech, he used pseudonyms for all his GLBT friends because he didn't know how "out" they were.

"But when I contacted them, they said 'no, please use my name.' It was an honor...."

Below is a transcript of the floor speech given by Representative Sam Hunt (D-22,Olympia) prior to the House vote which resulted in the passage of the marriage equality legislation yesterday afternoon:

For years, my children and their friends gathered at our house on weekend evenings to watch movies, play video games, share friendship, and empty all of the soft drinks from the refrigerator.

Any given night would find 10 to 20 young people in this safe environment -- my wife and I were glad to have them in our home.

As it turns out, several of these young people are gay or lesbian.

I stumbled onto this realization when I would say things like, “Hillary, I think you should go out with Lars,” and was greeted by “Dad, don’t you know Lars is gay?”

Or, “Why don’t you and Mike go out?” and she said, “Uh Dad, I don’t think so.”

When I said Nathan and Katie would make a good couple, the response was, “Dad, that just would not work.” My children were educating me.

Each and every one of these young people is outstanding and welcome in our home any time. And they do visit.

One worked on Broadway before returning to Olympia to start a business; Lars was high school valedictorian who went to the Air Force Academy, served in the Air Force, worked in Congress, and now is at the US State Department.

Another is an investment manager in Seattle.

There are partners, families, and each one contributes to his/her community.

The vote I will take to legalize same sex marriage is for them and for those young adults who are my friends and my children’s friends—those kids who lived in my basement and drank all my Pepsi.

This issue bothers them a lot less than it bothers my generation. They don’t know what the big fuss is about.

They have asked me to take this vote.

My two children have asked me to take this vote.

My wife of 41 years asked me to take this vote.

And my 91 year-old mother asked me to take this vote.

I’m voting YES today on SB 6239 for these young adults—gay and straight—who called our house home on so many evenings.

I’m voting yes for our many GLBT friends and family (Anna, Jeff, Marilyn, Anne, Alec, Gabi) in Olympia and Washington State who deserve the equality and respect this bill provides. And, yes, Cal Anderson, this vote is for you!

I have no doubt it is the right thing to do.

To my basement dwellers, this is for you—our future leaders.

Look for future articles in what will be a series of GLBTQ related stories by Janine Unsoeld under the title: "Our Stories Are Our Power."

"Our Stories Are Our Power"

Above: Washington State Representative Laurie Jinkins of Tacoma speaks tonight at a celebration party in Olympia about today's passage of marriage equality legislation.

"Our Stories Are Our Power"

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

A cautious celebration party was held tonight in Olympia with the news that marriage equality legislation passed the House today in Washington State with a 55-43 vote.

Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire today issued a statement on the approval of the marriage equality legislation.

“This is truly a historic day in Washington state, and one where I couldn’t be more proud. With today’s vote, we tell the nation that Washington state will no longer deny our citizens the opportunity to marry the person they love. We tell every child of same-sex couples that their family is every bit as equal and important as all other families in our state. And we take a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“I commend our House members and thank Rep. Jamie Pedersen for sponsoring this bill. Our legislators showed courage, respect, and professionalism. I look forward to signing this piece of legislation, and putting into law an end to an era of discrimination.”

A source tonight said that Governor Gregoire is expected to sign the legislation on Valentine's Day.

Supporters gathered at the Urban Onion restaurant tonight to celebrate, but also warn that the fight for equality is not over. Washington State, seventh in the nation to approve marriage equality, will be the first in the nation whose legislation will be subjected to a referendum. The referendum will face voters in November.

Several elected officials addressed the crowd, including Representative Sam Hunt (D-22, Olympia), Senator Karen Fraser (D-22, Olympia), and Representative Laurie Jinkins (D-27,Tacoma), Washington State's first openly lesbian legislator.

"It's just incredible what we've done here today - but it will cost. It will cost us more time, more money, and take more time away from our families...we need to be prepared to give all that we can give, and then give some more. It's going to be something we've never seen before. Do not become complacent. Start organizing now. Enjoy tonight, remember how this feels, and how much we want to keep it," said Jinkins, her voice cracking with emotion.

Other speakers were equally strong, but subdued.

"Today we closed a chapter in our work...we have a lot of work to do. This victory is not secure, but we know how to win....Our stories are our power," said Josh Friedas, Executive Director of Equal Rights Washington.

Friedas suggested several methods to reach undecided voters, including letters to the editor and the use of social media. He also stated that it will take a minimum of between $5-10 million to carry the message to voters. '"However, there is no price tag on equality,"' he said.


Above: Senator Karen Fraser voted yes for the Senate version of the bill, which passed 28 - 21 last Wednesday evening.

"We're making news around the world. Through civil discourse, we're promoting democracy by doing this respectfully. Since the vote, I don't know when I've gotten so many thank you's, from people I've never met or heard from before...." said Senator Fraser.


Above: Maria Trevizo speaks to the crowd of marriage equality supporters tonight.

Maria Trevizo of Olympia also addressed the group and credited her activism against discrimination to her brother Tony, who worked with San Francisco's first openly gay elected official Harvey Milk. She held up a picture originally published in the San Fransisco Chronicle of her and her brother at the 1978 Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco. After the picture was published, she was demoted within 48 hours from her job as a supervisor at a state hospital. She fought for reinstatement for one and a half years. "I learned to like generic cereal with hot water and peanut butter," Trevizo remembered.

Trevizo, a local wellness education specialist and a member of the Ysleta Pueblo del Sur Nation of Texas, married her partner Laurie Meeker ceremonially 13 years ago. From the stage, she asked Meeker to marry her civilly. Meeker accepted, and they kissed as Trevizo sat down to her seat.

Look for future articles in what will be a series of GLBTQ related stories by Janine Gates Unsoeld under the title: "Our Stories Are Our Power."

More Triage on Legion Way

Above: This tree on Legion Way is scheduled for removal.

More Triage on Legion Way

by Janine Unsoeld

An "X" marks the spot for 12 trees on Legion Way, indicating that they will be removed.

After a thorough assessment conducted by the City of Olympia's urban forester, 12 trees on Legion Way are in the process of being removed due to damage following last week's snow and ice storm. Two private tree removal companies have been contracted by the city to do the removal, now underway, said Cathie Butler, communications manager for the City of Olympia.

Broken limbs caused damage to several homes and Madison Elementary School on Legion Way. Asked about damage to the school, "a tree scraped the side of the building and broke one of the light fixtures and that was it. Overall, we fared very well - we feel very fortunate," said Ryan Betz, director of communications and community relations for the Olympia School District today.


Above: A tree on Legion Way near Madison Elementary School has been marked to indicate limb removal.

Another six trees on Legion Way, already scheduled to be removed in an earlier assessment and replaced with young trees, are not among the 12 identified this week as representing an imminent public safety hazard. Those trees are slated to be removed at a later time.

Planted on Armistice Day in 1928 as a living memorial to honor local veterans, some trees on Legion Way are now 90 feet tall. Over 30 years ago, 123 trees were topped for overhead utility lines. As a result, the trees have long been on the decline due to unnaturally shaped and weakened branches and trunks.


Above: Portions of Legion Way continues to be closed while tree work is ongoing.


Above: The tree on Legion Way that scraped Madison Elementary School has been removed.

"We're Doing A Lot Of Triage (Tree-age) Right Now...."

Above: A beloved, heavily damaged beech tree in Sylvester Park, downtown Olympia, will need to be removed. The tree is thought to be 119 years old.

"We're Doing A Lot Of Triage (Tree-age) Right Now...."

by Janine Unsoeld

Yesterday's sunny, almost spring-like weather allowed many people to finally get out and assess the damage resulting from last week's snow and ice storm. State employees, however, have been hard at work throughout the ordeal.

"We're doing a lot of - pardon the pun - triage right now," said MaryGrace Jennings, cultural resource manager for the State Department of Enterprise Services (DES), formerly known as the Department of General Administration. Her responsibilities include facility planning related to historic grounds.

Contacted about fallen trees on state-owned property, Jennings said she has been in meetings with other state agency staff and has developed a list of planned removals, many now underway. First and foremost, crews are dealing with removals that relate to public safety. Enterprise Services has hired three tree service companies to remove broken and fallen branches.

Asked specifically about the historic trees in Sylvester Park, Jennings said a heavily damaged beech tree will have to be removed. "It's gotta come out, but we still have one left," she said.

The tree, thought to be 119 years old, suffered a severe wound a long time ago, resulting in concrete being poured into a gap in the trunk, a former tree preservation practice. One limb that broke off was rotten at the elbow.

"It had a tremendous weak spot...there will be no recovery," said Jennings.


Above: One of two major limbs that broke off of the beech tree in Sylvester Park. In this view, the last remaining beech tree in the park can be seen in the background, near Capitol Way.

Jennings said the area was a public commons until it was landscaped and dedicated in 1893 as a park, to suit the new courthouse, by Edmunds Sylvester. At that time, it was landscaped with two dozen trees.

"The remaining elm tree in the park near Franklin Street lost a lot of limbs but is fine. We will do a hard prune - Europeans are having tremendous success doing this. We are planning to do this but are making no commitments right now, but the elm tree has safety issues that we must address," said Jennings.

Regarding the trees on the Capitol campus, four cherry trees were damaged, and one of the original Olmstead maples on campus may have to be removed. The tree is located near the World War II memorial. "It has already been the subject of bracing, but we may just have to let it die with dignity now," said Jennings.


Above: A heavily damaged Olmstead tree on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Another big tree loss is along Deschutes Parkway. Seven elm trees planted after the Nisqually earthquake in 2001 sustained heavy damage and will have to be removed. Jennings said, "They were healthy and well on their way...it's heartbreaking...."


Above: State Department of Enterprise Services gardener Dan Kirschner breaks snow and ice off the sidewalk around Deschutes Parkway yesterday.


Above: Working as a team, State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) gardener Chris Brownell cleans up the path just scraped by DES gardener Dan Kirschner.

"We Need To Take Back The Park"

Above: A memorial to Mt. Rainier Park Ranger Margaret Anderson is set up at the visitor's center at Paradise. The display included flowers and a book for people to sign and express their thoughts.

"We Need To Take Back The Park"

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

"It's really important to us that the park is back open and we reclaim the beauty as a place of inspiration, solitude, recreation, refuge and renewal. Those are the things that makes the park important to people," said Kevin Bacher, Mt. Rainier National Park Service public information officer, today while on duty at Longmire.

The park reopened after a week of being closed in the aftermath of the shooting death of Ranger Margaret Anderson.

On the morning of January 1, Park Ranger Anderson set up a traffic block to intercept a vehicle that failed to stop at a chain-up checkpoint. The driver, Benjamin Colton Barnes, opened fire on Anderson, killing her. The driver then fled on foot into the woods. Approximately 250 personnel were involved in the search operations. Barnes was found dead near Narada Falls on January 2.

Mount Rainier National Park closed during the hunt for the gunman, with the park evacuating park visitors to get them out of potential danger. There were 125 visitors in lock down at the Paradise Visitor Center from Sunday noon until 3:30 p.m. Monday. There were also 25 visitors at the National Park Inn at Longmire who were evacuated out of the park. Visitors had been held at these locations for their own safety.


Above: Mt. Rainier National Park Service public information officer Kevin Bacher, center, speaks with Scott Isaacson, a public information officer from Lassen Volcanic Park in Northern California today at Longmire.

Anderson worked at Mount Rainier for three years and is survived by her husband Eric, also a ranger in the park, and two young children. A memorial service to celebrate Anderson's life will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 1:00 p.m., at Pacific Lutheran University, Olson Auditorium, 12180 Park Avenue South, Tacoma.

"It's really been a hard week," Bacher continued. 'The degree to which this has been hard for our staff has been hard to express."

"We need to take back the park and make it a positive place and not let someone with an agenda to change that...Margaret deserves that," Bacher continued, clearly choking up with emotion. Bacher expressed how the park service community has come together to support Mt. Rainier National Park rangers, and indicated rangers standing nearby who have recently arrived from Yosemite and Sequoia national parks to relieve them of their responsibilities and provide support as needed.

In memory of Ranger Margaret Anderson, below is a sampling of the scenes and sheer beauty at Mt. Rainier today:


Above: Flag at half-staff in memory of Margaret Anderson at Longmire.




Above: A Cascade fox who looks like he may be used to a handout or two...as cute as they are, do not feed the foxes!


Above: Another Cascade fox. These foxes, although different colors, belong to the same subspecies, Vulpes vulpes cascadensis.


Above: Kite flying at about 6,200 ft on Mt. Rainier.


Above: Janine skiing - Lindsay Vonn has nothing to fear.




Above: Sunset from Paradise.

Donations for the Anderson family may be sent to:

KeyBank
P.O. Box 159
Eatonville, WA 98328
Checks should be made out to Margaret Anderson Donation Account

Wrapping Up 2011, Reinventing Yourself, and Finding Balance

Above: City of Olympia Mayor Doug Mah, left, speaks with incoming city councilmember Nathaniel Jones, middle, and incoming mayor Stephen Buxbaum after the December 16th ribbon cutting of the new playground at Percival Landing in downtown Olympia.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

"What are the best cities to start over in so you could reinvent yourself?"

Ah...don't we all ask that question of ourselves from time to time. That question is just one of my favorite (unpublished) comments that I received this past year in response to a story posted on my blog. My answer is that Olympia is certainly one of the best places.

Little did I realize in May when I accepted a couple of new caregiving jobs that I wouldn't be able to keep up with my blog, Janine's Little Hollywood. For several months, my hours often totalled 80 plus hours a week. I know these kind of hours are not unusual for many people in our community. Paid and unpaid, we have an abundance of dedicated people who devote their time, energy and talents doing great work. But it's taken me some time to admit: I can't do it all. At least, not all at the same time.

Some know that I am a caregiver for seniors, and that is what I do to pay my mortgage and bills, and support my family. While my hours have tapered off recently, I still work fulltime and am immensely devoted to my wonderful clients for as long as they will have me in their service.

It's clear my stories have been missed, and your concerns have been appreciated! Many want me to continue what I love to do for my community - capturing special moments, documenting meetings, and covering controversies through my writing and photography. Thank you!

I've heard via email from a former Olympian who now lives in Maine, and relied on my reporting to know what was really going on in Olympia. A local businessperson in Olympia called me, and dreadfully convinced herself that I had been seriously injured on my new scooter (see the South Sound Green Pages president's message, Summer 2011, at www.oly-wa.us/greenpages). No such accident occurred. And just last night, another concerned citizen who appreciates my work wondered if I was a trust fund hippie who really didn't need to write to earn a living. I explained to her that I earn very little income from my blog and other community endeavors, and no, I am not a trust fund hippie. I did graduate from Evergreen though.

So, while - at this time - I can't attend meetings like I used to, it does not mean I am no less informed about what's going on. I have stayed active and informed in a variety of ways. If anything, I have become more informed about what's going on in the lives of many hardworking people throughout the South Sound. I have a lot of story ideas, and will get to them as I can, especially with your continued positive feedback and financial support for independent journalism. So keep your emails and story ideas coming, please.

Life is about balance and remembering to have fun along the way. Keeping that in mind as we head into 2012, I wish you all peace and happiness, and oh yes, fulfilling employment and volunteer work, affordable healthcare and education, food and shelter, accessible social services and resources, environmental and economic justice, and equal rights for all.

So, for now, here's a few snapshots of what I've been up to since May. Enjoy!


Above: Golden Paintbrush at the West Rocky Prairie property in Maytown. The tour of the property was sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For the story, see the Summer 2011 issue of the South Sound Green Pages at www.oly-wa.us/greenpages.


Above: A resident at Patriot's Landing in Dupont enjoys fun and games at a July 4th community celebration.


Above: Janine enters a few photographs at the Thurston County Fair in August and wins a few ribbons.


Above: Percival Landing sports a few familiar names.


Above: Christie Krueger, second from left, is one of several volunteers to graduate in October from SIDEWALK's first class of trained advocates and greeters for Olympia's new homeless intake center. Phil Owen of Bread and Roses is at the podium. For more information, go to www.walkthurston.org.


Above: Sous Chef Leroy Keener prepares fabulous meals at Mercato Ristorante in downtown Olympia.


Above: Mt. Rainier at sunrise in October.


Above: Janine reaches Camp Muir (10,188 feet) on Mt. Rainier in October.


Above: Olympians on the steps of the Capitol Building in November express their opposition to the Keystone pipeline .


Above: Finding balance, love and joy, Janine Gates and Krag Unsoeld are married on December 9th.

Olympia Planning Commission Hears Quixote Village Testimony: "We're Not Helping 'Those People' - We're Helping Each Other...."

Above: The proposed Quixote Village. The model was created by students at The Evergreen State College.

by Janine Gates
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Over 30 people spoke to Olympia Planning Commissioners and a standing room only crowd tonight at a public hearing regarding community efforts for Camp Quixote, a temporary camp for the homeless, to become a permanent encampment, called Quixote Village. The hearing was conducted at Olympia's new city hall and lasted two hours.

The public hearing addressed two aspects: extend the time limit from 90 days to 120 days for a temporary homeless encampment to be allowed to stay in a given location, and determine zoning code amendments to land development regulations for the proposed encampment. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Olympia city council for their consideration.

A permanent homeless encampment is currently not a listed use within the city's zoning code. Last November, the Olympia City Council directed staff to expedite zoning code amendments to the Planning Commission that would allow a permanent homeless encampment.

Camp Quixote began as a protest in 2007 on city-owned property in downtown Olympia. When police moved in to disperse the group, First United Methodist Church offered them sanctuary. Now, seven local congregations host the camp on a 90-day rotation schedule. It is currently at United Churches on 11th Avenue and Capitol Way, near the Capitol Campus, having just moved on Thursday from First Christian Church.

Educators, social service workers, camp volunteers, home builders, community and church leaders, students, and Camp Quixote residents presented the commissioners with a variety of compelling and articulate personal stories in support of the village. Many provided commissioners moving testimony of how they came to be homeless in Thurston County.

Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe spoke on behalf of all three commissioners, stating that they are "100 percent behind this effort. It's efficient, economically feasible and environmentally sensitive....It's a model for the rest of the county...please move it forward. This is the best proposal we've seen in a long time," said Wolfe.

The proposed permanent homeless encampment is on Thurston County owned property in the Mottman Industrial District. Thurston County has donated the two acre parcel of land for the proposed village.

Quixote Village would contain 30 permanent dwellings with communal use of bathrooms, showers, laundry, dining, and other facilities. Community vegetable, herb and flower gardens are also proposed for the area.

Jill Severn, chair of the non-profit Panza committee, was the first speaker, saying that Quixote Village would address our basic values of a "safe, strong sense of community that is environmentally sustainable." The village, she said, will be safe, beautiful, and walkable, with warm and dry cottages.

Her sentiments were echoed by the remaining speakers except for a couple property owners adjacent to the property, who said they were just notified of the proposal this last week.

John Peranzi, who lives near the property, and his attorney, Robert Casey, who also spoke, said this is the wrong place for this encampment and that the city has limited industrial area, which feeds a job base. He said that trucks are in and out at 7 a.m. Trucks that are put in reverse produce a loud beeping sound that could disrupt residents.

"Quixote Village is a residential use and the comprehensive plan prohibits residential use next to an industrial use with few exceptions," said Casey. Casey submitted a seven page letter to commissioners that one commissioner said she received earlier this evening. Peranzi and his attorney urged that should the village be approved, that additional conditions be imposed. "This proposal puts the cart before the horse. It requires a change in the comprehensive plan, and legally, that's not happening or proposed," said Casey.

Tony Cairone, who lives directly across from the proposed village, said he bought his property in 1978 and developed it in 1986. He said the process is "a little daft."

"It is 24/7 industrial...I own property on South Bay Road that I'd give you if you wanted it, but no body's asked me. Is there a plan to block this thing? I'll find out. The Planning Commission blew it - we should have been notified about this a long time ago - I don't want to prevent these people from a place to live, but it doesn't belong here."

John Kotola, president and chair of the EcoBuilding Guild, said that as a long-time business owner in the area, he's driven by the property for the last 11 years and it's an eyesore. "The encampment would be a definite improvement."

Chris VanDaalen, education chair coordinator for the EcoBuilding Guild said that Camp Quixote residents work well together, and have a strong code of conduct.

"The village is not an encampment, but a permanent village for low income people, because once this is built, they won't be homeless. Once it's built, it's a place where I'd want to live....I'm inspired by it. It has transformed the community's relationship with its homeless...."

Tinamarie Swihart said she has been a resident of Camp Quixote for two months. "We're a family, we care for each other, help each other. Our hosts talk with us, listen to us...."

Swihart said she lost her job, was hit by a car, and is now disabled. "Not all of us choose to be homeless...We do show respect and honor. We are not a danger or a threat just because we are homeless. We want to be active members of society. I did help, pay my taxes, donate to my church. I am worthwhile and special because I'm alive. I love Camp Quixote."

Another resident, Lucas Riedler, said he has lived in Washington for four years, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Washington National Guard. A diagnosis of a psychiatric disability and knee surgery a year ago started his path to homelessness.

"I work part-time, and if it wasn't for Camp Quixote, that wouldn't be possible." Riedler said it's hard to hold a job when you're trying to meet your basic needs, like trying to find out where to take a shower or go to the bathroom. "Camp Quixote has been a blessing for me," said Riedler.

Another homeless person, Sheran Creed, lives at the Bread and Roses women's shelter on Eighth Avenue in Olympia and described her path to homelessness. After a broken relationship in which she was thrown out and unable to get her belongings back, she was in a car accident and is now on medication due to a cognitive disorder.

"It takes me all day to catch a bus, go to the doctor's office, and go to social services. Before homelessness, I was used to cars and planes, not buses and trains." She supported the efforts to create a Quixote Village. "Push, push hard - these people deserve it. They have no mailbox, no address, no way for DSHS or doctors to contact them. This means a lot - it's a leg up. It's a possibility."


Above: Olympia Planning Commissioner Roger Horn stands in a nearly complete home designed to be mobile so it can travel with Camp Quixote from church to church. The homes were on display for the South Sound Green Tour last month in downtown Olympia. The tour was sponsored by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.

Several volunteers for Camp Quixote also spoke.

Jeff Loyer says he started volunteering with Camp Quixote because he owns a trailer. "Helping people move leads to a compassionate life," Loyer said, to chuckles from the audience.

"This (village) is an opportunity to do something unique - we have to be creative, and challenge day to day thoughts. I move them and I look at the turmoil in their souls." Loyer urged the commissioners to extend the time limit for moving from place to place to 120 days.

"It's a reasonable compromise. Camp Quixote works - you just have to visit it a couple times and you see that it's working - they aren't sitting around being lazy. A permanent camp would be viable and attractive."

Matt Newton, an instructor with YouthBuild, teaches construction skills to 28 at-risk youth at New Market Skills Center in Tumwater. His students have helped build three little homes - prototypes built to be portable - which were recently on display at the South Sound Green Home tour last month in Olympia.

"They have insulation, a heater, a light bulb, an outlet, a skylight, siding...no different than most of your homes, except that it's the size of your walk-in closet." Newton described the pride his students felt being part of the tour.

"Quixote Village is about building community where there wasn't one before."

Arthur Vaeni, pastor at Unitarian Universalist Church in Olympia, which has hosted the camp several times, said that he supports transforming Camp Quixote to Quixote Village.

"One of the things I'm concerned about is legitimatizing tent cities by continuing Camp Quixote in this form. Right from the start, they had a vision to have a village. I have found that it is best to listen to those who need help, and help them help themselves."

An architect, Garner Miller, said he has donated his services to the Quixote Village proposal. "I thought it was really important - I wanted to make sure the residents had a voice. In this series of workshops with the camp, groups of residents with pens, paper, and scissors laid out a facility site plan that you have in your packet. The county site will be great. If the land wasn't available, I don't think it'd be viable.

Miller said some may ask why there aren't apartments in the site plan. "That's not how these residents want to live...."

John Redfern, another volunteer, says he hasn't lived in Olympia long because he's in the military, but he and his wife are avid supporters of Camp Quixote.

Redfern said it's taken several years of self-discovery and a deployment to Afghanistan to realize that "there are no differences in people around the world. They've helped me discover that more. We're not helping 'those people' - we're helping each other. We're fragile. It doesn't take much to put us there (at Camp Quixote). It could happen to any of us at any time. Who knows - we could be there tomorrow, and they could be giving us a hand up," said Redfern.

Commission Chair Roger Horn said that the commission will deliberate the testimony at its next meeting, May 16. The meeting will be held at Olympia City Hall, 601 4th Avenue East, and begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Camp Quixote and the proposal for the village, contact Steve Friddle, city of Olympia community services manager at (360) 753-8591. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, May 6, and may be directed to the Olympia Planning Commission and sent to PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507. Email for general Planning Commission topics: cpdinfo@ci.olympia.wa.us. Put Attn: Planning Commission in the subject line or at the top of your message.


Above: Olympia Planning Commissioner Roger Horn speaks with student home builder Tyler White, 18, inside a Quixote Village home at the South Sound Green Tour last month. White attended tonight's public hearing about Quixote Village. He says he started building the tiny homes last December through YouthBuild, a program for at-risk youth. White says YouthBuild helped him get back on track with school and get job experience.

Asked what he likes most about building the houses, White says he really liked showing the houses at the South Sound Green Tour. "Getting my confidence up so that I could talk with people was an awesome experience."

White now has a landscaping job, but will continue building houses with YouthBuild. His teacher, Matt Newton, spoke at tonight's hearing. For more information about YouthBuild, go to www.nmvsc.com.