Quixote Village Groundbreaking: Miracles Happen

 

Above: Camp Quixote resident Kevin Johnson, after performing today's ceremonial groundbreaking of Quixote Village, a permanent village of 30 cottages for the homeless.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

It takes a village to build a village. That was the upbeat message today as a couple hundred people turned out for the groundbreaking ceremony of Quixote Village, a permanent village for homeless residents of Thurston County.

Pink tape marked out the locations of where the tiny homes will be built. The land, set within city of Olympia limits about a mile from South Puget Sound Community College on Mottman Road, was donated by Thurston County to Panza, the nonprofit organization overseeing Camp Quixote and Quixote Village.

Panza board member Miriam Lorch serves as the board's volunteer coordinator and expressed the theme of the day in a few words: "This is a celebration of a lot of hard work and determined people...it's such a step forward from tents!"

Several residents of Camp Quixote were in attendance and very much took center stage in the ceremony.

Steve Clark, a 13 month resident of Camp Quixote, serves as president of the camp, elected by his peers. Today, he was busy writing receipts for those making donations to Panza.
 
Asked how he arrived at Camp Quixote, Clark said he was from Tacoma, and became down on his luck. "I've been married 30 years to the same beautiful lady. Our wedding anniversary is July 18. I've never been homeless before...I spent a month without her down here, but neither of us could stand to be away from each other." He said his wife is now in the camp with him. Clark says he has carpentry skills and he's looking for a job.
 
"We have some outstanding residents in our camp and Panza has been a miracle. If  it wasn't for them, there wouldn't be a village," said Clark.

 

Above: Camp Quixote president Steve Clark leans on the ceremonial shovel used at today's groundbreaking of Quixote Village.

Scott Benz, a three month resident of Camp Quixote, said he arrived at the camp from Florida, where he contracted Lyme disease. He's been a carpenter for 15 years and picked Washington State to move to because of the cloudy weather. He found out about the camp through Sidewalk, a one-stop homeless services center in Olympia.
 
Mark Blaker, another camp resident who is an enrolled member of the Ojibwe Tribe, gave a blessing of the land and Kevin Johnson, a six year camp resident, did the ceremonial "groundbreaking."

John Colt, a two year camp resident who designed the blue Quixote Village t-shirts worn by many, said, "It's a wonderful day. This groundbreaking is a spiritual event...it's truly a miracle that we've come this far."

This Tuesday, June 11, the Olympia city council is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding a proposed amount of $55,000 to go to Panza in support of Quixote Village for public facilities, and $40,500 for social services, both amounts coming from its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Several Olympia city council members, two county commissioners, two Tumwater city council members, and Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp were also present today.

Above: Panza president Tim Ransom directs volunteers before today's ceremony.

Several Panza board members were in attendance, and by the end of the ceremony they were in tears, overcome with emotion in realizing how far they have come to make the village a reality.

The construction cost for the planned community is $2.8 million. Panza has sought and received federal, foundation, tribal, individual and business associate grants to pay for the development and construction of the village infrastructure and central community building. They also hope to partner with local nonprofit farm and garden organizations that can help establish a village garden and income generating projects within the village. The cottages emphasize affordability, environmental sustainability, and community.

In December 2012, $300,000 was still needed: $140,000 to fully construct the village, and $160,000 to buy furniture and appliances for the community building and cottages, and establish a reserve fund for construction, operations, and maintenance.

According to Panza president Tim Ransom, a capital funding gap was unexpectedly created due to a 30% increase in construction costs since their initial estimate was conducted a year ago. The board conducted "radical surgery" on their budget requests for such items as gutters, downspouts, interior lamination for the cottages, and a woodstove in the community building. In April, Thurston County Home Consortium voting members approved an emergency request by Panza of $170,000 to help close the budget gap and avoid delay in construction.

The 2,700 square foot community building will contain a kitchen, and laundry and bathing facilities. The tiny cottages, each 144 square feet, will have a bed with storage underneath, a desk, a sink and a toilet. Residents will go to the community building for showers, for the preparation of food, and to meet with social service providers. The cottages will be prefabricated and then assembled on site.

Construction will start next week and residents are expected to move in by the end of the year. Residents will be charged rent based on their individual income and will contribute their time and labor to the maintenance of the building and the grounds.

Board member Jill Severn received a standing ovation at the beginning of her speech for her ongoing efforts and work with Panza. Her powerful words did not disappoint:

"...We are not just breaking ground, we are breaking new ground by building a new kind of housing for people who've been homeless. The ideas for this village comes from the original founders of Camp Quixote and it was camp residents who met with our team of architects to devise this layout. This is a design that provides dignity and privacy but prevents social isolation. This the architecture of community living," she said.

"For camp residents, the alternative to living in community is facing all the dangers of pitching a tent in the woods or sleeping under a bridge. Necessity, it turns out, is the mother of community...We must all learn to live together in community without killing each other or the natural world that sustains us, or we may all perish on a ruined planet. Today, we see hope for redemption - and we have been led here by the residents of a tent camp for homeless adults, who banded together in pursuit of justice, peace and community. With that hope in mind, we might think of Quixote Village as a pebble dropped in a pond, sending out ripples of hope and fresh thinking far beyond this site, and beyond this community...."

The Quixote Village has a long wish list for its cottages, community building, and landscaping. To learn more, or to donate, send donations to Panza, PO Box 2274, Olympia, WA 98507 or go to www.quixotevillage.com.

For more information about homelessness in Thurston County, Camp Quixote, and to see pictures of the tiny cottages, go to www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com and type key words into the search box.

Above: Children played Frisbee during today's groundbreaking ceremony of Quixote Village.

 

Above: The Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation (OUUC) choir sang several songs today, and ended the ceremony with an appropriately rousing, "If I Had A Hammer," words and music by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger.

 

OUUC's Rev. Arthur Vaeni gave the day's invocation, saying, in part, "Today we gather to break ground for Quixote Village. This community we are jointly seeking to create may not prove to be Heaven, but it is, I believe, another small step we're taking together to help save our society's soul...."

 

69th Mason County Forest Festival

 

Above: Paul Bunyan does the limbo today under power lines in downtown Shelton at the 69th Mason County Forest Festival parade.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

You haven't seen the Mason County Forest Festival until you've seen Paul Bunyan do the limbo under power lines on Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. And he did that trick, without bending his knees, to audible gasps from parade goers today.

Did he make it? You betcha, courtesy of Industrial Hydraulics, Inc., who has given the big man himself the extra lift in his step.

Trucks, classic cars, decorated horses, representatives of the armed forces, princesses, trucks, American flags, school marching bands, (did I say trucks?) participated in the annual parade under sunny skies.

 

Above: A live Paul Bunyan with Manke Lumber Company.

Above: Capital High School student Katherine Nguyen, the 2013 Capital Lakefair Queen, far right, greets Mason County residents today. The jukebox themed float blared old rock and roll classics and came in third place for the Best in Show parade category award. Later, the Queen and her court toured the Shelton farmer's market. Capital Lakefair will be held in downtown Olympia July 17 - 21, 2013.

 

Above: The North Mason High School marching band.

 

Above: The Mason County 4-H horses sported beautiful purple pedicures. Mason County 4-H won the Novelty category for the parade.

 

Above: The chips were flying for David Moses, Jr. during the vertical log chop contest at the Forest Festival's Log Show.

Washington State Senate Honors 50th Anniversary of Americans on Everest

 

Above, from left: Jolene Unsoeld, Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Jim Whittaker, and Dianne Roberts in the Washington State Senate chambers after the passage of Senate Resolution 8655 last week.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

In one of many recent, national acknowledgements of the 50th anniversary of Americans on Everest, the Washington State Senate commemorated the historical event by passing Senate Resolution 8655 last week.

In attendance were Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963, his wife Dianne Roberts, and Jolene Unsoeld, widow of Willi Unsoeld, who, with Tom Hornbein, summitted Mt. Everest three weeks after Whittaker via a first-ascent of the West Ridge route.

Jolene Unsoeld is a former Washington State representative and United States Congresswoman. A similar resolution, HR 4650, was passed in the House the same day.

Several senators spoke in support of the resolution, which was initiated by Senator Karen Fraser. Fraser said she was inspired to write the resolution because of Washington state's deep ties to the expedition, noting that a large percentage of those involved were from Washington State, and later built their careers here. Many Washington State individuals and companies contributed cash and gave in-kind contributions, including beer, candy, clothing, and supplies, and the team trained and tested equipment at Mt. Rainier.

Senator Curtis King of Yakima noted that the Yakima Rotary Club gave the expedition money; Senator Mike Hargrove showed off a 1963 National Geographic, saying he was not quite ten years old when the ascent was made, but the event got him fascinated in geography. Senator Rodney Tom, a three time summitter of Mt. Rainier, thanked the Sherpas on the expedition, and Senator Kohl-Welles said she once met Sherpa Nawang Gombu who guided her husband up to summit Mt. Rainier.

SENATE RESOLUTION 8655

By Senators Fraser, Hargrove, Honeyford, Kohl-Welles, King, Keiser, Tom, Kline, Parlette, Sheldon, Brown, Pearson, Murray, Dammeier, Mullet, Chase, Hill, Padden, Fain, Ranker, Baumgartner, Shin, Hobbs, Eide, Nelson, McAuliffe, Hasegawa, Conway, Harper, Schlicher, Darneille, Rivers, Cleveland, Rolfes, Becker, Schoesler, Holmquist Newbry, Braun, Roach, Litzow, Benton, Hewitt, Ericksen, Smith, and Bailey
 

WHEREAS, During May 2013, many Washingtonians will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the nationally and globally acclaimed successes of the 1963 American Mt. Everest Expedition, because Washington climbers achieved its most notable successes, and Washingtonians enthusiastically supported this historic achievement in many ways; and

WHEREAS, Members of this Expedition are famed for four unprecedented mountaineering

achievements:

(1) On May 1, Jim Whittaker, a Washington State native, climbing with Sherpa Nawang Gombu by the South Col route, became the first American to reach Everest's 29,028 foot summit, the highest point on Earth;

(2) On May 22, Willi Unsoeld, who would become a faculty member at The Evergreen State College, and Tom Hornbein, who returned from Everest to the faculty at the University of Washington School of Medicine, pioneered the unprecedented and exceptionally difficult West Ridge route to the summit and descended by the South Col route to complete the first traverse of a major Himalayan peak;

(3) A few hours earlier that same day, Lute Jerstad, a former Washington resident, and Barry Bishop of Washington D.C. reached the summit by the South Col route; and

(4) Both teams were benighted during the descent, Unsoeld and Hornbein catching up with Jerstad and Bishop. All four survived an unplanned and unprecedented all-night bivouac above 28,000 feet without oxygen, tents, or food, and Unsoeld and Bishop suffered severe frostbite; and

WHEREAS, These mountaineering achievements are successes of the human spirit, involving supreme human effort, extraordinary physical capability and endurance, clear vision and goals, intense determination and focus, superior teamwork, high tolerance for discomfort and danger, and exceptional organizational and logistical preparation; and

WHEREAS, These mountaineering achievements are also the successes of the highly appreciated, dedicated, expert Sherpa climbers who accompanied and supported the members of the Expedition; and

WHEREAS, Human survival at the upper elevations of Mt. Everest is possible only for brief periods of time because the air contains roughly one-third of the oxygen density of sea level, temperatures are generally around negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and hurricane force winds are frequent; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the 109 days of the Expedition, the team steadily engaged in scientific research relating to physiology, psychology, sociology, geology, and glaciology; and

WHEREAS, The Expedition's worldwide acclaim included recognition by President Kennedy at a White House ceremony, by the National Geographic Society, by King Mahendra of Nepal, by the United States Ambassador to Nepal Henry Stebbins, by India Prime Minister Nehru, by the United States Ambassador to India John Kenneth Galbraith, by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, by mountaineering organizations throughout the world, by major news media around the world, and more; and

WHEREAS, The people of Washington State played a very significant role in the historic successes of the Expedition, through team members with deep Washington ties, including Barry Prather of Ellensburg and John Breitenbach who attended the University of Washington and tragically died when a massive wall of ice in the Khumbu icefall shifted and buried him in tons of ice blocks; through many contributions of cash and in-kind donations from Washington businesses, organizations, and individuals; through Washington State's United States Senator Warren G. Magnuson serving on the Expedition's Advisory Committee; through the Expedition's training and equipment testing taking place at Mount Rainier; and more; and

WHEREAS, Washingtonians' outdoor recreation heritage of hiking, climbing, and camping in the State's extensive mountain ranges, and the widespread appreciation by Washingtonians of the State's beautiful mountains and stately snowy peaks, served as the inspiration for and enthusiastic support of the Expedition in 1963;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the historic first American ascent of Mt. Everest:

(1) Congratulate members of this historic Expedition Jim Whittaker, Nawang Gombu, Willi Unsoeld, Tom Hornbein, Lute Jerstad, Barry Bishop, and all those who supported them;

(2) Express appreciation to all Washingtonians, to the hundreds of others from around the country who assisted its achievements, and to Norman G. Dyhrenfurth who, with his determination and genius, organized and led the Expedition; and

(3) Encourage Washingtonians to continue to engage in outdoor recreation in Washington's welcoming mountain ranges and to continue to appreciate their splendor and be inspired to greatness by them; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Jim Whittaker, Jolene Unsoeld, Tom Hornbein, Norman G. Dyhrenfurth, to the other four surviving members of the team, and to the surviving widows or nearest of kin of the team members now deceased.

 

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of Senate Resolution 8655, adopted by the Senate

 

April 16, 2013

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate

Above, from left: Tom Hornbein, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jolene Unsoeld, and Jim Whittaker at a 50th Anniversary celebration of Americans on Everest in Seattle on April 20, 2013. Sponsored by The Mountaineers, the event honored Jim Whittaker, who was presented with The Mountaineers Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

 

Above, from left: Jim Whittaker, Norman Gunter Dyhrenfurth, Tom Hornbein, Jolene Unsoeld, and David Dingman at the 50th Anniversary on Americans on Everest held in the San Fransisco area, sponsored by the American Alpine Club and Eddie Bauer in February 2013.

 

First Day of Spring Brings It On

 

Cedar, 5 1/2 years old, tries his hand at bubbleblowing today on Percival Landing, as Julia Crane-Jacobs, 6, upper left, does not seem to know that a bubble is following her home.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

A few brave, bundled up folks continued a 20 year tradition of greeting the first day of spring with a celebration near The Kiss statue on Percival Landing today. Bubbleblowing and camaraderie kept muscles moving throughout the noon hour.

"This is a lot harder than it looks!" said Hildi Flores, who participated in the celebration for the first time. Wind gusts often stole her bubbles away before they ever had a chance.

Cedar, 5 1/2, felt the heavier bubble wands played a factor in the making for better bubbles.

Gita Moulton said she has experienced snow flurries during the celebration on the first day of spring before, but heavy rain and sudden wind gusts are worse, and do not make for good bubbles. Brief bursts of sun were welcomed.

Sponsored by People-Who-Know-We-Live-In-A-Great-Place, come wind, rain, sleet, snow, hail, or high water, or maybe even sun, the celebration occurs regardless of the weather.

The weather today provided for some dramatic scenes, as a rainbow threatens to burst forth over The Kiss statue and Budd Inlet.

Homeless Census More Than Just Numbers

Above: Anna Schlect, city of Olympia's housing program manager, and lead coordinator for Thurston County's 2013 "Point In Time" homeless census count, reviews interview forms submitted by volunteer Marci Price this afternoon.

 by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

By late afternoon today, an estimated 200 - 300 homeless people arrived to take advantage of social services offered by regional partners, said Anna Schlect, city of Olympia's housing program manager.

The city and Thurston County entered into an agreement to conduct Thurston County's annual "point in time" homeless census. The city will provide preliminary result information to the county by March 1. The definition of homelessness includes people living in emergency shelters, transitional and substandard housing, those who are unsheltered, such as cars, tents, parks and sidewalks, and those living in the homes of family members or friends.

The census numbers are used by federal, state and local governments to help them qualify for tax funding and guides the allocation of tax dollars toward shelter and services. Eighty percent of the actual homeless count comes from agencies, said Schlect, so the results are not based solely on the census numbers gathered today.

In past years, volunteers have gone out to find and interview homeless people. This year was different. To reach the homeless who are not receiving shelter or services from any agencies, the event today involved a coordination of providers offering resources and needed on-site services in one location, proving that the census involved more than just numbers.

"This is the first time we've done this...it's mostly been fantastic. As with any first attempt, there's been a few bumps, but this has been an amazing experience to see what it takes to put together a full service community center with food, social services, haircuts, and medical services...we even have even valet parking for people's bicycles and backpacks!" said Schlect. Schlect said the people who have come to take advantage of the services have been very appreciative, especially for the haircuts.

"Our partners have been wowed by the opportunity to get out of their normal flight path to spend time understanding all the needs of the homeless," she said. "We've also partnered with police, fire and medical services. In fact, this is a great trial run for how we need to respond to a natural disaster. Last year was Snowmaggedon. We needed to learn how to accommodate the homeless. So here we are, with four active faith communities within two blocks. This is where we can serve three distinct populations: families and children, unaccompanied youth, and single adults. After a natural disaster, people with homes get to go home, but homeless people get pushed out. It's heartbreaking...." Schlect has been involved with efforts to learn from the missteps of last year's cold weather response.

Sitting with Schlect throughout our outdoor interview, Schlect fielded a constant stream of volunteers returning from the field to discuss their interview forms, and answer questions from community members. Over a 24 hour period, about 175 volunteers will have fanned out to cover Thurston County and collect data in rural communities, the urban hub, and other areas where the homeless are known to gather.

Marci Price, who is employed by the city of Lacey, was one of those who returned her forms to Schlect. She said it was her first time volunteering for the homeless census and told Schlect she wants to do it again next year.

"It was very rewarding. Everyone I greeted was very receptive, welcoming, wanting to tell their story," said Price. Price told Schlect that she had contact with eight homeless people, but only returned three completed forms because the others had already been contacted by volunteers.

"Sometimes that feels like you didn't sell as many Girl Scout cookies but it's important to check," Schlect joked with Price. Asked by this reporter how long she spent speaking with each person, Price said it depended on how much they wanted to talk, saying she spent between five to 15 minutes or longer speaking with each person.

"You're the best!" responded Schlect. Schlect, however, genuinely praised everyone with that phrase many times over, thanking volunteers for their time.

The Homeless Connect event staged tents in the 800 block of Franklin Street today and used the First Christian Church as its base, providing the homeless biscuits and gravy for breakfast, spaghetti and meatballs for lunch, and chili and tomato soup for dinner. The warm space and musical entertainment was also provided throughout the day.

Local service agency volunteers were also available, ready to offer referrals for a wide range of mental health and chemical dependency programs, veteran's programs, and victim's advocacy assistance. Temple Beth Hatfiloh, across the street on 8th Avenue, offered a medical clinic, offering flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks, vision and dental screening, and more.

Preston Anderson, a housing case manager for the Veteran's Administration, said he helped five people today and feels he would not have reached them had it not been for the event today. "The older vets, Vietnam vets especially, were often given misinformation, became discouraged and stopped searching for housing - they gave up. So now, there's more of a presence and outreach to reach homeless veterans. Anderson said he attends the once a month meeting of the Homeless Coalition Taskforce coordinated by the county.

"This point in time homeless count allows us a better chance to help a part of the population we might not ordinarily get to - an opportunity to provide services to those we might not otherwise see," said Mark Freeman, Thurston County Public Health's social service director, as he hurried around the First Christian Church kitchen, whipping up a mean batch of chili for dinner.

Mark, a volunteer who preferred that I not use his last name, arrived to help in the kitchen. Asked why he volunteered today, he said, "I'm here because I feel happier with myself when I serve the community." Mark says he is a phone volunteer for the Crisis Clinic of Thurston/Mason County.

Nicole Hill, Tumwater city councilmember, also arrived for the dinner time shift, ready to help. Asked why she offered to volunteer, Hill said, "I feel well versed in many issues, but the social service arena is my weakness, so I came to learn, help, and get an understanding for what underserved citizens are experiencing."

Hill said she also helped do some in-take interviews with the homeless this morning. Clearly moved by the experience and the stories obviously still fresh in her mind, Hill immediately choked up and took off her glasses to wipe away tears. "Hearing some of the stories was humbling...the women's stories are difficult....the domestic violence...the kids...it's heartbreaking...." That was all she could say at the moment.

Ky, the Chicken Guy

Ky, 24, said he's known as Ky the Chicken Guy because he likes chickens. So much so, he rescues roosters and tries to find them new homes. He's pretty successful at it. Ky has been homeless since April.

I found him in the tent hosted by Covenant Creatures, a local nonprofit that provides pet food and assistance to street pets and their owners, the working poor, the disabled, and senior communities. Ky was accompanied today by Squeaker, one of his chickens.

Ky grew up in Edmonds and in 2007, received a Washington Association of Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship. It was his work as a certified veterinarian assistant that got him the scholarship. He moved to Olympia with the intention of going to The Evergreen State College, but in the meantime, federal laws changed that barred his attendance. So, he enrolled at South Puget Sound Community College. A year and a half into his studies, Ky says the government said they couldn't pay for the scholarship.

"Before I moved down here, I had several veterinary clinic job opportunities lined up, but then the economy tanked, and those doors closed. Then I wasn't able to pay my rent. There was tension with roommates, so I moved out, and ended up on a farm in Lacey. But then they decided to grow marijuana on the property and I wanted no part of that, so...." Ky proceeded to give me more details about his current living location and situation.

Asked if he has accessed some of the services available today, he said he got a flu vaccine. I expressed concern for his safety and comfort on cold days like this, but Ky said his chickens are like "little heaters" and he is plenty warm in his tent.

I asked Ky if he felt safe where he was now. Expressing personality, humor, and confidence, Ky assured me of all my concerns, saying he successfully intervened when he saw a man beating a woman and rescued one of his chickens from getting its head bitten off by a opossum, so yes, he felt safe, and added, "I'm in control of my happiness whether I'm homeless or not...."

"You know, I want to break down stereotypes. When I tell people I'm homeless, they've actually said to me, 'You look too well dressed to be homeless,' or 'What drugs are you on?' I'm clean and sober. I don't do drugs. I have the most boring homeless story ever."  He said his goal is to get a degree in veterinary medicine, and own several acres to convert it into a cock-fighting rehabilitation center.

Asked what he needs, he said he needs chicken feed, since people tend to give dog and cat food to agencies like Covenant Creatures. Leanne Johnson, Covenant Creatures' program director, who was nearby throughout the interview, agreed. "I also need wood shavings for them, but not cedar."

Anyone wishing to donate chicken feed or wood shavings for Ky's chickens may do so through Covenant Creatures. They can be reached at (360) 357-6301, CovenantCreatures@vircom.net or go to www.CovenantCreatures.com.  

Above: Ky, the Chicken Guy, and his friend Squeaker.

In light of the ordinances recently passed by the Olympia city council that target the homeless community, a community conversation about homelessness will be hosted by Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights (POWER) on Monday, February 4, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Darby's Cafe, 211 5th Avenue, in downtown Olympia.

A potluck will start at 5:30 p.m. From 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., homeless people are invited to speak about their experiences, then from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., the discussion will focus on finding solutions.

In last Tuesday's city council meeting, Mayor Stephen Buxbaum expressed his disappointment that the Salvation Army had decided to pull out of recent discussions regarding their involvement in providing a low barrier shelter. "I was very surprised and a little discouraged," he told councilmembers. Councilmember Nathaniel Jones also expressed his disappointment. "The city is interested in being part of the solution but we need partners."

The Olympia city council will host a study session on homelessness with Thurston County homeless taskforce coordinator Theresa Slusher on Tuesday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the city council chambers.

Puget Sound Partnership Seeks New Director

"...this transition will provide yet another opportunity for the Partnership to evolve...." says Col. Anthony Wright in his farewell letter.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

In what turned out to be one of his last Puget Sound Partnership meetings, the executive director, retired Col. Anthony Wright excused himself about 3:00 p.m. yesterday to meet with newly sworn-in Governor Jay Inslee and state agency directors.

At about 3:40 p.m., an assistant to Wright issued a press release from Wright saying that it was time for him to move on, and get back to his company, Normandeau Associates, thus ending his seven month tenure as head of the agency tasked with restoring the health of Puget Sound. Wright accepted the temporary appointment when Governor Gregoire asked him to take the job, and agency staff have known for about two weeks that he was leaving.

Explaining Wright's departure from the agency, the Partnership's public information director Alicia Lawver said this afternoon, "Tony had a personal commitment to former Governor Gregoire...he's been fantastic, and a champion for Puget Sound. He will continue on for the transition. He's committed to stay for a few weeks until a replacement is found...."

Governor Inslee's communications director, David Postman, said in a telephone interview this afternoon that a recruitment notice for a new director of the agency was posted and interviews for a new director may start as soon as next week.

"My understanding is that when Governor Gregoire asked him to serve, he always knew he was going to go back to his previous job, and he let Governor Inslee know that at least several weeks ago. It wasn't a surprise. A decision will be made with the Leadership Council of the Puget Sound Partnership and they think they have some great candidates," said Postman. Postman declined to name the candidates.

Says Wright in his farewell letter to the agency and Puget Sound partners,"While a change in leadership is never easy, this transition will provide yet another opportunity for the Partnership to evolve. Over the years, each of the Partnership’s executive directors has brought a different talent and provided enduring contributions that continue to propel the Partnership and its mission forward....The Partnership’s next leader inherits a solid foundation for action and I look forward to seeing this essential work continue to build momentum."

This reporter last spoke with Wright in November at a meeting of the Thurston County League of Women Voters, saying that when he interviewed with Governor Gregoire for the position, he eagerly told her he was going to "break some plates." She reportedly responded, dryly, "Well, how about you just chip them a little."

Whether Wright broke any plates, chipped them a little, or even had a chance to get them out of the cupboard is debatable, but his shoes yesterday, usually black and shiny, did exhibit quite a bit of mud.

The Partnership's Advisory Boards

Efforts to clean up Puget Sound has a long history. The Partnership group strives to work on an action agenda to prioritize Puget Sound cleanup and improvement projects, and work cooperatively to coordinate federal, state, local, tribal and private resources. The website says that they will base their decisions on science and focus on actions that have the biggest impact, and hold people and organizations accountable for the results.

Governor Gregoire's politically appointed seven member Leadership Council chose a science panel, composed of nine scientists, who report to the Council.

Another board, the Ecosystem Coordination Board, also advises the Council. This board is made up of 27 individuals representing the interests of federal government, tribal government, the state departments of Health, Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, Ecology, ports, cities, counties, and environmental and business. Environmental interests are represented by the Washington Environmental Council and the Nature Conservancy. Business interests are represented by the Master Builders and Taylor Shellfish.

In typical acronym laded, state agency-ese, upcoming work plans were outlined by several entities as they gave 20 minute presentations on how they propose spending their allocated budgets to benefit Puget Sound. Some participants questioned how some multi-year, multi-phase efforts can keep up with emerging issues and solve big, overall problems. Concern was also raised on how to communicate regional success stories to local governments and encourage restoration efforts in counties with low resources.

At Thursday's Ecosystem Coordination Board, Wright stayed most of the day, participating in conversations about the the struggle of convincing private property owners against the hard armoring of shorelines, despite their having properly issued permits that allow it, and the delicate tightrope the agency must walk when dealing with legislators.

With the legislative session and Governor Inslee's term now underway, the group discussed the legislative process and basic questions of how to stay in touch with each other and how often. With the infrequency of meetings (the last meeting was held in late October) and the time staff spent in rebuilding their website, the group sounded like it was behind the eight ball.

Potential conflicts of interest were also discussed as some board members may also serve as lobbyists for their interests or in the case of agency representatives, it is inappropriate for them to push the Partnership agenda.

"We all have lobbyists up there - I'd rather know where the third rail is before I touch it, whether to intervene or stay away from it. Knowing this on a real time basis would be helpful," said Sam Anderson, who represents the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.

"Welcome to my world," responded Linda Owens, legislative assistant to Senator Christine Rolfes, (D-23rd, Bainbridge Island). "The word of the week is interesting....a lot of changes, new committee names, staff being shifted daily...it's very busy. I'm sort of optimistic, maybe this is a shake-up...be persistent and carry on. Be as persistent as you need to - we're here if you need us."

As the conversation continued about how to proceed with a proactive agenda, Wright said, as if to explain his limitations and soon-to-be departure, "You'll see us not say certain things because we're a state agency. The Governor told me to do this, and I went for it...but there are gaps that are relatively obvious, but we'll be concurrent with the Governor. We need to get in there, with everybody, and make sure they know who we are...."

How that happens, and with whom as executive director, remains to be seen. Let's hope he or she doesn't mind getting a little mud on their shoes as they hit the ground running.

 The next meeting of the Ecosystem Coordination Board will be Thursday, March 21 in the General Administration Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. For more information about the Puget Sound Partnership, go to www.psp.wa.gov.

Tree Maintenance in Sylvester Park, Old Capitol Building Campus

Above: Workers remove damaged limbs from a mature beech tree in Sylvester Park yesterday.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Trees are being pruned, and some are slated for possible removal in Sylvester Park and the nearby campus of the Old Capitol Building.

Luke Colvin, owner of Arbor Care Tree Specialists, of Astoria, Oregon and his crew were spotted in the park yesterday taking care of some dangerous limbs. Colvin said that one tree, a Deodoria Cedar, had a "big fracture" in it as a result of last year's storm. The other tree they were pruning is a beech.

"These trees have some large crossing limbs in the upper canopy and some over weighted lower leaders...We've been honored to receive a two year contract with the state of Washington to maintain the trees in state parks and properties...now we're buried in work," said Colvin. He said the state has worked for two years on a progressive scope of work that includes an inventory and evaluation of trees throughout the Capitol Campus and state owned properties. Sylvester Park is owned and maintained by the state.

In late December, the company removed trees near the Insurance Building, and a nearly 35-foot-tall Western red cedar tree next to the Visitor Center at Capitol Way and Sid Snyder Avenue. That tree, which was adjacent to the pedestrian footbridge over Capitol Way, was diseased and posed a public safety hazard. Wood from the downed tree was offered to local tribes.

There are plans and a timeline of activities associated with the replanting of trees wherever possible. In the case of the four trees recently removed near the Insurance Building, replanting will not occur due to their proximity to the building. In three other campus locations where trees were removed, trees were replanted, with more replantings scheduled in the future.

Tree Inventory and Evaluation

Upon request of the state Department of Enterprise Services, Colvin's company evaluated the trees in Sylvester Park and the Old Capitol Building grounds.  At both locations, Colvin says he did not see any major signs or symptoms of root rot or large decay pockets in the trunks of the trees. Because of the lack of outward signs of major structural defects caused by decay, he only performed visual evaluations of the trees from the ground. 

According to the October 2012 report, his findings and recommendations mostly recommend proper pruning to repair storm damage, to establish proper structure and reduce tip weight on the lower leaders. This work will help insure long term preservation, help prevent future storm damage and reduce hazards.

Some trees, however, are slated for possible removal. Colvin's report includes the following description of his assessments:

Sylvester Park:

"Along the south side of the park, there is a row of conifer trees made up of Common juniper, False arborvitae, Western red cedar and Port Orford cedar. All of these trees have grown up in very close proximity to each other and thus have had a lot of competition for light and space. Due to this competition, the trees have taller heights than they should...and are over weighted in the upper canopies. Also, there are numerous included crotches because of co-dominant tops, minor to major storm damage and some small decay pockets. I recommend proper pruning and possible removal of a couple of the trees to reduce the hazards they pose.

Other trees:

On the west side of the park there is a row of six mature Norway maple trees that appear to be in good over-all condition. All six sustained minor to major storm damage. I recommend proper pruning to repair storm damage...."

In the southeast corner of the park is a mature American elm tree. This tree sustained major storm damage and has some very over weighted lower leaders. In the lower canopy, this tree is pushing a lot of epicormic growth from the main trunk. This could be in response to the storm damage or be a sign of another underlying problem. Further in depth evaluation should be performed to determine the health and safety of this tree. If the tree is found reasonably safe to retain, I recommend proper pruning to repair storm damage...."

Old Capitol Building grounds:

 

Two trees are recommended for removal.

"On the southwest corner of the building is a mature Western red cedar. This tree sustained major storm damage and has many very over weighted lower leaders. I recommend proper pruning to repair storm damage...."

On the southeast corner and the east side of the property, there are ten semi-mature Sweet gum trees. All ten sustained minor storm damage and one sustained major storm damage. The one that had the entire top broken out, I recommend removal and replacement. For the other nine, I recommend proper pruning to repair storm damage...."

On the northwest corner of the property is an over-mature Port Orford cedar. This tree has three major co-dominant tops. At all three unions, there is extensive included bark and each top is heavily weighted in one direction. Also, there was very poor annual shoot growth, which is major sign of stress. I recommend removal to mitigate life, traffic, pedestrian and structure safety hazard this tree poses. " 

Colvin and his team are scheduled to be in the park and on the Old Capitol Building grounds throughout the week.

Above: New grass was recently planted where a 119 year old beech tree was removed last year after it sustained heavy damage in last year's winter storm.

2013 Legislative Session Starts Amid Climate Change Concerns

 Above: Not everyone is interested in climate change issues, as evidenced by the couple on the left. They might be interested one day, but, this morning, they felt pretty safe making out while a small group of folks gathered nearby.

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Climate change activists bundled up early this morning to head down to Percival Landing to observe another high tide in downtown Olympia. This one, however, was nowhere near the level reached in December. Budd Inlet, was, in fact, quite calm due to a high atmospheric pressure.

"The event is a non-event," said Andy Haub, city of Olympia planning and engineering manager, arriving this morning by bicycle to the gathering on his way to work. Mayor Stephen Buxbaum briefly hung out with the few shivering die-hards by The Kiss statue, who all then headed to the Bread Peddler for morning treats.

Haub will explain sea-level rise issues at the city's third annual community update on climate change on Monday, February 4, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Room B, in downtown Olympia. The event will also be hosted with Transition Olympia and a local group called Confronting the Climate Crisis.

This year’s discussion will focus on Olympia-specific implications and response to climate change and sea level rise. Haub will provide an update on the city’s ongoing sea level rise work and summarize a recently-released federal study of potential sea rise rates along the Pacific Coast including Washington. Rhonda Hunter, a former coordinator of climate change planning for the state Department of Ecology will discuss climate change action from the state to the individual level. Time will be provided for questions and answers.


2013 Legislative Session, Climate Action Rally Begins Amid Snow Flurries

  

Later in the afternoon, this first day of the 2013 legislative session, a grassroots climate action rally was held on the steps of the Capitol Building, featuring local speakers and musicians, including Jim Page.

Glen Anderson, coordinator of the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation, which created the Confronting the Climate Crisis group, addressed the crowd.

"Climate scientists are virtually unanimous that the climate crisis is real, is caused by humans, and is getting worse very rapidly...on this first day of the Legislative session, we affirm that the climate crisis is our first priority, and we call upon the Washington State Legislature and Governor Inslee to act boldly to protect our climate. We are all in this together!"

Gar Lipow, a local independent journalist and author of "Cooling A Fevered Planet" and other books related to the climate crisis, was also one of the speakers.

"Washington State is a center of awareness about the climate crisis. Let's make it a center for action as well when it comes to creating green jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions....and let Washington State's citizen's push our national leaders for national action too!"

Above: Glen Anderson speaks at today's climate action rally.

Stephanie Angeles, 26, of Seattle, came to Olympia specifically to attend the climate action rally. A volunteer with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and a student at the University of Washington, her senior project is coal exports. "I'm dealing with it as a violation of the federal Clean Water Act and I spoke at the scoping hearing in December in Seattle....It's so important to be down here!"

 

The Climate Crisis and a Carbon Tax

In an interview later, Lipow said he is watching a proposed carbon tax expected to be introduced this session by the Senate Majority Assistant Whip, Senator Kevin Ranker (D- 40th District, Orcas Island).

Although Ranker has not yet introduced the legislation, Lipow has read the description and says it is regressive. Ranker was interviewed by KUOW on January 7 on the value and advantages of introducing a tax on carbon in Washington state.

"By its very nature, a carbon tax is limited...it hits the poor, and it's hard to structure. If you have a carbon tax, it's a matter of justice and political reality for it to be progressive. So, the way you make it progressive is you spend the revenue in a way that benefits the majority of the people. Ranker's bill says it's looking at relieving business and property taxes. It's not going to help....If you pass a tax that's going to hurt the local plumber but not Bill Gates, how much support do you think you're going to get in the future?" said Lipow.

Lipow says he supports a carbon tax, but it's probably not going to be a high priority for him this session. Instead, he has developed a position paper called N.O. F.E.A.R. (No Obligation Funding of Efficiency and Renewables) that he hopes to promote with legislators.

"If we deployed all mature efficiency and renewable technology in Washington State where energy savings would pay back costs, we create tens of thousands of jobs, and grow our state's economy," said Lipow.

Lipow says that utilities in six states, including Oregon, finance insulation, solar hot water heaters, and other forms of efficiency and renewables by adding monthly charges to utility bills. Charges are tied to the meter, not the payer. A monthly fee becomes another part of the utility bill. When the current occupant moves, the next occupant is liable for it, just as the next tenant is liable for the rest of the electric bill.

Lipow suggests that Washington State can issue tax exempt bonds for purposes such as renewables and efficiency and then lend the proceeds of the bond sales to non-profit groups that engage in installing such technology, such as the Washington State Housing Finance Commission does.

"If we formed non-profit Renewable and Efficiency Districts in each county, they could partner with utilities to finance such programs on a large scale, funded by tax exempt bonds issued by Washington State," said Lipow.

The result would be that funds could be available to home owners, small business, and renters who would not need to borrow money to take advantage of the opportunities, and funds would be available to everyone, regardless of income level.

To learn more about progressive use of a carbon tax, Charles Komanoff will be speaking in Olympia on Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. at Traditions Fair Trade, 300 5th Avenue SW. Komanoff directs the Carbon Tax Center, a New York based clearinghouse for information, research and advocacy on behalf of revenue-neutral carbon taxes to address the climate crisis.

The Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation's climate action group meets at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 22. For more information, contact Bourtai Hargrove at climate@olympiafor.org for more information.

For more information about the City of Olympia sea-level rise discussion on February 4, contact Andy Haub at (360) 570-3795 or Barb Scavezze, Transition Olympia, a local organization focused on building community resilience and self-reliance, at (360) 878-9901.

For more information about past high tides events in downtown Olympia, see articles on this blog at www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com and type key words into the search button. 

Above: Stephanie Angeles of Seattle came to Olympia today to participate in the climate action rally on the steps of the Capitol Building.