WSDA ISSUES PESTICIDE DRIFT ADVISORY.

Source link: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=37239

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is reminding pesticide applicators of their responsibility to ensure pesticides do not drift off-target and is offering suggestions on how to reduce the risk.

Last year, WSDA’s Pesticide Management Division investigated more than 70 complaints alleging violations of the state’s pesticide laws. About half of them (34) involved allegations that pesticides had drifted onto neighboring properties. These involved both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. These drift complaint investigations resulted in four civil penalties, nine notices of correction, and four advisory/warnings issued.

To ensure that pesticides do not drift beyond the intended treatment area, pesticide applicators must:

Read the label on the pesticides and abide by all precautions and restrictions on safe handling, necessary protective equipment, buffers, the effect on crops, and more. 

Be especially diligent near areas such as highways, homes, schools, and other occupied dwellings, or where workers are present.

Properly calibrate and configure equipment, using the proper nozzles, pressure, and if applicable fan speed, to keep the spray on target.

Scout the areas bordering the treatment area for people and animals before and during the application.

Evaluate conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and temperature.

Stop applying pesticides if conditions change and the risk of drift rises to an unsafe level or if anyone approaches the area without proper protection. Only proceed with the application when you have assessed that it can be completed without contacting them.

WSDA currently licenses about 32,000 pesticide applicators, dealers, consultants, and inspectors a year. Licensees train to apply pesticides safely. When problems do occur, WSDA will investigate complaints alleging violations of the state’s pesticide laws, including cases of drift, human exposure, property damage, or environmental harm. Some investigations involve unlicensed applicators, such as homeowners applying pesticides. Remember, pesticide is a broad term that includes herbicides, insecticides, miticides, fungicides, and more.

To file a complaint, email pcompliance@agr.wa.gov or call 1-877-301-4555. WSDA also maintains and monitors a toll-free drift exposure line for farmworkers, 1-844-388-2020. Bilingual staff monitor the exposure line. Be sure to have as much information as possible regarding the incident to share with the department or when an investigator returns the call. WSDA strives to respond to all cases of possible human exposure within 24 hours and all other complaints within 48 hours.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS...

Reflecting on Hanford cleanup

2023 Nuclear Waste Program retirement interviews. (DOE)

Statement from Ecology director on Supreme Court decision narrowing Clean Water Act protections. (DOE)

Workers eligible for WA Cares exemptions must apply by June 1 to avoid paycheck deductions starting in July.

Researchers will use drones to collect data about endangered butterfly habitat. ( WDFW)

Public invited to PEAR External Advisory Group meeting (UTC)

LACEY, Wash. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission will host a virtual PEAR (pro-equity anti-racism) External Advisory Group meeting on May 30. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to review the agency’s PEAR plan and metrics, finalize group norms and develop a feedback process. 

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

Senator Murray Statement on DHS OIG’s Report on Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. (details)

Senator Murray Slams Republican Hostage Taking as Credit Rating Agencies Warns of Credit Rating Downgrade (details)

Cantwell Hosts Fentanyl Crisis Roundtable

First responders, community leaders, people personally impacted by the crisis share experiences. (details)

Cantwell: “We Can't Just Rely On The Railroads To Voluntarily Do This”

Train conductor, Pasco mayor, first responders, and union leaders join Cantwell to call for stronger federal rail safety regulations; Railway Safety Act of 2023 includes provisions that would have likely prevented disaster in East Palestine, OH. (details)

KILMER SPEARHEADS LEGISLATIVE CHANGE WITH INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING RESOLUTION

BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION ADVOCATES FOR CREATION OF COMMISSION ON EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING (details)

KILMER-LED COMMITTEE WINS AWARD FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

FRANK E.A. SANDER AWARD IS JOINT INITIATIVE OF AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (details)

3) WORLD & NATION

Arrest of Fulgence Kayishema in South Africa ‘Powerful Message’ That Those Alleged to Have Committed Genocide Cannot Evade Justice, Secretary-General Says. UN PRESS RELEASE

African Union-Led Peace Support Operations Need Predictable, Adequate, Sustainable Support, Speakers Stress to Security Council. UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting Co-Hosted by the United States on Cybersecurity. USUN

Taking Joint Action with the Republic of Korea to Combat the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Illicit Revenue Generation. US STATE DEPT.

Defense Contact Group Remains Steadfast on Ukraine Support.

Unity in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion remains the touchstone of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today at the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the group. DOD

NATION

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. WH

Fact Sheet: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Actions to Protect Youth Mental Health, Safety & Privacy Online-WH

San Diego Restaurant Owners Charged with COVID-Relief Fraud and Money Laundering

A federal grand jury in San Diego returned an indictment on May 19 charging a California man and woman with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.--DOJ

U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Release Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline--Dept. of education

EPA Encourages Sun Safety on ‘Don’t Fry Day’ as America Heads Into Holiday Weekend

Learn more about a few simple steps to protect your skin and eye health while outdoors this summer. --EPA

4) BUSINESS

Why the Chamber Fights for a Debt Limit Deal

The U.S. defaulting on its debt would be catastrophic for the economy. That’s why the Chamber has been fighting for months to get a debt limit deal done.--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Owner of Two California Construction Firms Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes

A California man was sentenced yesterday to 12 months in prison for willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes.--DOJ

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES JOB CORPS, NEW YORK CITY PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE, RECRUIT, CONNECT STUDENTS TO CAREERS, HIGHER EDUCATION.--Dept. of Labor

Hike, Skip, or Pause?

Governor Christopher J. Waller

At the 2023 Santa Barbara County Economic Summit, University of California, Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project, Santa Barbara, California.--THE FED

Federal Court Finds James D. ‘Jay’ Noland, Jr., Operator of ‘Success By Health’ and ‘VOZ Travel,’ in Contempt of Court Order Barring Pyramid Schemes

Court ruling imposes permanent multi-level marketing ban and $7.3 million judgment on Noland, other defendants as result of FTC actions--FTC

5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: HUD Awards $95.5 Million for Affordable Housing and Community Development Activities in Native American Communities

Funds support development and operation of low-income housing.

Link source: https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_23_099

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $95 million to 55 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, economic development, and more to support Native American and Alaskan Native families on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to sharing resources with Tribal communities so they can meet their own unique needs," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "The funding announced today will help make Tribal communities safer, healthier, and help families thrive.”

The ICDBG program is a competitive grant that provides a range of eligible activities on reservations and related areas. Eligible activities include housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, roads, water and sewer facilities, and single or multipurpose community buildings.

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS

Clallam County Commission work session for 5/30/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302023-839

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/30/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302023-840

Housing solution committee meeting for 6/2/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022023-838

A special meeting of the Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners is called

for: Friday, June 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will occur in person at the Commission Meeting Room, located at 338 W. First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 and also via Zoom.

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022023-676

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS

Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Thursday–Community Conversations. 

6/1/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/9738b08a-4011-4174-b252-6cc44fcb1523

Port of Port Townsend Special Session Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting for 5/30/23

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=cityofpt_c0ccbe9624b6edcffd29778dfc1abe5f.pdf&view=1

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Acts 20:24 (New King James Version)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

 

Weekly Bible Study 

Verdict on the Resurrection, by Ray Madrigal.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? In these closing statements, I will briefly summarize the evidence that you are asked to weigh. Since this case is one of history, I shall appeal t Verdict on the Resurrection o the primary historical documents. We shall hear the testimony of competent, reliable witnesses of the highest moral character- individuals who would rather die than lie. The case before us: The people [of God] vs. Mr. Cynic concerns the reality of the resurrection of Jesus and demands your most diligent attention."

http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/VerdictOnTheResurrection.html

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ

 https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS

How Elites Robbed YOU of the American Dream 

Why are migrants flooding across the border into the U.S.? The answer is the pursuit of some version of the American dream. But here’s what no one is telling these migrants – that while the Biden administration is throwing open the gates to let people in, the government is simultaneously waging a war on the American dream. Here are some of the things Team Biden left off the welcome brochure: You’re arriving at a time when achieving your American dream has more obstacles than any other time in the modern era. Crime, homelessness, and drug addiction are rampant thanks to left-wing policies. Federal spending has jacked up inflation and interest rates, making it harder than it’s been in 15 years to buy a house. The administration’s climate obsession is making energy more expensive and forcing electric vehicles on you that you can’t afford. Officials are regulating everything from your gas stove to the kind of light bulbs you use. And they seem determined to destroy the dollar, which means whatever money you might be able to make won’t go as far as it did even just a few years ago. It’s time to end the unhinged left-wing agenda keeping the American dream out of reach for most Americans.--Glenn Beck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqnIqUu02-s

 

Philemon - Love in Christ.

How do people know we are Christ's and that we are partakers of the faith? How does our reconciliation with God affect our treatment we are to give our fellow man?--TFTWTV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiFed7PauFY

 

  

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley

Let's remember those who gave their lives
to serve this nation this Memorial Day.
Thank you to all who served, from 
The Port Angeles Globe.

* Editor's note, starting this week,  I'll post comic book clips on this page, but leave the comic book pages open for the full story. So, I'll run new stories of series on here, and repost them on the comic book pages. Makes it easier for me to manage.--Peter Ripley

The Chronicles of the Digital Universe 

By Peter Ripley

Terra- Gemini
(meaning, Earth's Twin.)

Preface:  A Strange new world.

In the digital universe there's many galaxies, and stars as much as ours in our reality.

The digital universe made by the digital gods, with one push of a button, or pulling of an electrical cord can wipe out the entire universe.  Within one of the countless galaxies in the digital universe, there's a planet known as Terra-Gemini, which orbits, a blue star system, along with 13 other worlds,   Terra-Gemini was the only life supporting planet, the rest of the solar system had gas giants, and large rocks of ice.  

Terra-Gemini is the size of our Jupiter, and has three moons orbiting the planet. The surface of this world has two main oceans, Neptune, and Poseidon. It has thirteen huge continents, along with a few medium islands dotting the oceans.

There are life forms in this world, made up of people of lost, and mythical civilizations from other realities, which would turn into creatures befitting their characteristics when they came into this world, from another dimension. Like in example if you had an attitude of a furious bear, you would to into a humanoid life form resembling a bear. Of Course there were a few exceptions to the rule set by the digital gods.

INVASIVE PEST TRAPPING SEASON RESUMES.

 

LINK Source: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=37222

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is beginning its annual search for pests that could threaten the state’s environment and agricultural industry. Staff will set thousands of traps statewide to monitor for the introduction or spread of more than 130 invasive pests and diseases, including spongy moth, Japanese beetle, apple maggot and northern giant hornet.

While eradication treatments are ongoing through June, trappers have already started setting the first Japanese beetle traps in the Grandview and Wapato areas where they caught more than 23,000 beetles last year. Trappers will also place approximately 20,000 spongy moth traps and 5,000 apple maggot traps this summer. Both spongy moths and Japanese beetles attack more than 300 different types of plants, which could be devastating to the environment and agriculture should they become established.

Trapping for northern giant hornet worker hornets will not start until July, when workers become more active. WSDA will trap exclusively in Whatcom County. However, the agency will also be encouraging citizen scientists to trap for these invasive pests again this year, especially in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, Clallam and Jefferson counties. Public hornet trapping instructions are available on WSDA’s website.

WSDA is still asking residents to report all suspected hornet sightings. Northern giant hornet queens should be active now and could be spotted while they establish their nests. As the colony grows, worker hornets may become increasingly visible throughout the summer and into the fall.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Sven Spichiger, WSDA acting pest program manager, said. “Although we didn’t confirm any hornets last year, it is too early to let our guard down. They could still be out there.”

Public reports account for more than half of Washington’s confirmed hornet sightings. Suspect hornet sightings can be reported at agr.wa.gov/hornets, via email at hornets@agr.wa.gov, or by calling 1-800-443-6684. While all reports are encouraged, a photo or specimen is necessary for confirmation.

WSDA has spent decades monitoring for invasive pests that threaten agriculture or the environment. Agency trapping efforts combined with public reports have prevented invasive pests such as the spongy moth and citrus longhorn beetle from establishing in Washington and devastating trees, forests, parks, farms, and gardens.

 

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES

Sunnyside mushroom farm will pay $3.4 million for violating the civil rights of its workers.

Ostrom Mushroom Farm discriminated against female workers, Washington residents by intentionally replacing them with male guest workers from Mexico.(details)

AG Ferguson’s lawsuit forces Google to pay nearly $40M over deceptive location tracking.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced Google will pay $39.9 million to Washington state as a result of his office’s lawsuit over misleading location tracking practices. Google will also implement a slate of court-ordered reforms to increase transparency about its location tracking settings.(details)

Community Economic revitalization Board invests more than $10 million in three counties.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $8.75 million in low-interest loans and $1.35 million in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements intended to spur business growth and job creation in Adams, Snohomish and Spokane counties. (details)

109 wastewater treatment plants across Washington awarded for top performance.

OLYMPIA – 

Washington has more than 300 wastewater treatment plants tasked with treating wastewater and protecting water quality. These complex facilities deal with everything homes and businesses flush down the drain. While every facility is unique, they all rely on certified wastewater operators for proper operation and maintenance(Details)

Keep plastics out of compost

Preventing plastic contamination in yard debris and food scrap bins benefits soil (details)

WDFW seeks public comment on draft periodic status review for Washington wolves.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on its draft periodic status review (PSR) for the gray wolf (Canis lupus). (details)

Inslee signs new budgets that go big on housing, behavioral health. (details)

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.

Murray, Cantwell Announce More Than $220 Million in Fishery Disaster Assistance Relief Coming to Washington, Alaska

Washington- and Alaska-based crab fisheries have lost an estimated $287.7 million due to harvest cancellations. (details)

Senator Murray, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Students from Dangerous Seclusion and Restraint Practices

The Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA) would bar the use of seclusion and dangerous restraint practices at any school receiving federal taxpayer dollars. (details)

Data Privacy Concerns Grow as More Abortion Patients Travel to WA: Cantwell Reintroduces Bill to Protect Personal Data

Idaho’s ‘Abortion Trafficking Law’ raises data privacy concerns for patients traveling to the State of Washington. (details)

Military Service Members and Their Spouses Could Access Abortion Services No Matter Which U.S. State They’re Stationed In Under Bill Introduced by Cantwell. (details)

KILMER, BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS INTRODUCE YIMBY ACT TO TACKLE HOUSING CRISIS AND LOWER COSTS

BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION ADVOCATES FOR ZONING REFORMS, STREAMLINED PERMITTING, AND INCREASED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (details)

KILMER, BERGMAN CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CHANGES TO IMPROVE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR U.S. SERVICEMEMBERS

LAWMAKERS URGE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMONSENSE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM NONPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL WATCHDOG. (details)

KILMER, MACE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN HAVENS ACT TO ADDRESS VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION WOULD ENACT PILOT PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSITIONAL HOMES FOR VETERANS. (details)

3) WORLD & NATION

End War on Nature, Redirect Subsidies to Green Solutions, Secretary-General Urges in Observance Message Marking International Day for Biological Diversity

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on 22 May.( UN PRESS RELEASE)

Continuing Its 2023 Resumed Session, Non-Governmental Organizations Committee Recommends 4 Entities for Status, Defers Action on 80 Others

Subsidiary Body Also Takes Note of 280 New Quadrennial Reports. (UN PRESS RELEASE)

Chronic diseases taking ‘immense and increasing toll on lives’, warns WHO.

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, are claiming around three quarters of all lives lost each year.(details)

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine. (USUN)

FMS 2023: Retooling Foreign Military Sales for An Age of Strategic Competition. (US STATE DEPT.)

Austin Outlines What's Needed for Successful Competition With China. (DOD)

This year's budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, or PDI, is a full 40% higher than last year's request, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and that's part of a DOD-wide effort to outpace the People's Republic of China.

NATION

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. Delivers Remarks at First Colloquium Bringing Together 20 African Countries to Collaborate on Pretrial Detention Issues. (DOJ)

Russian National Charged with Ransomware Attacks Against Critical Infrastructure

Ransomware Attacks Against Law Enforcement Agencies in Washington, D.C. and New Jersey, As Well As Other Victims Worldwide; U.S. Department of State Offers Reward Up to $10M (DOJ)

U.S. Department of Education Releases Report on State of School Diversity, Announces New Grant Opportunity. (details)

Biden-Harris Administration Takes Action to Help Schools Deliver Critical Health Care Services to Millions of Students

New resources and proposed regulations from U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services advance Administration’s commitment to expanding health care access and fighting youth mental health crisis. (details)

Federal Housing Administration Finalizes Policies to Expedite Claims Processing for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

New policies are expected to shorten the timeframe for mortgagees to receive Home Equity Conversion Mortgage assignment funds. (HUD)

4) BUSINESS NEWS

USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events. (details)

The Dire Consequences of a U.S. Debt Default

It would mean the government no longer always pays its bills. Treasuries would no longer be risk-free. Interest rates would rise for all. A recession could quickly follow. ( US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

Considerations for Revisions to the Bank Regulatory Framework

Governor Michelle W. Bowman (THE FED)

FTC Warns About Misuses of Biometric Information and Harm to Consumers

Agency issues policy statement addressing emerging technologies that might harm consumers and violate the FTC Act (details)

Man Charged for Alleged Participation in $45M CoinDeal Investment Fraud Scheme Involving Over 10,000 Victims

A Nevada man has been charged for his alleged participation in CoinDeal, an investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $45 million.(DOJ)

5) IN FOCUS& LOCAL MEETINGS:

IN FOCUS: May 22 Symposium Provides Unique Insight into How Judicial Decisions Affect Health; Public Welcome.

Link source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=50109

The Washington State Supreme Court Symposium sponsored by the Minority and Justice Commission (MJC) will once again offer a public seminar on May 22 that explores how judicial decisions impact individual and community health.

The symposium is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at Motif Hotel in Seattle, is free and open to the public, and will be livestreamed by TVW. Registration for in-person seating is being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZLT5HV.

“Beyond the Bench: Exploring How a Judge's Decisions Can Impact Health,” is the most recent educational session in a series of MJC symposia presented annually to the Washington Supreme Court. Each year a topic is chosen which examines issues affecting people of color at all levels of state courts, with recommendations to better ensure fair and equal treatment.

A judge’s decisions may affect factors that are critical to individual and population health such as housing stability, socio-economic position (including education and income), access to health care, structural racism, and the quality of the environment. Yet, judges are rarely given guidance and training on these impacts and how they relate to the law.

Symposium participants will be able to understand how the social determinants of health — particularly poverty and racism — are relevant to legal cases. The Symposium presenters will make the connection between these health factors and issues such as a state worker’s compensation cases, child welfare cases, and cases where people in prison are requesting release.

Justice Yu stated that the topic “offers an opportunity for the Court and the public to better appreciate the relationship between judicial decisions and the health of a local community. It is an opportunity for each one of us to stretch our mind and to better appreciate the social impacts of our decisions.”

Judge Galván, co-chair of the Minority and Justice Commission, added, “Judicial decisions are typically seen through the lens of the impact on the individual before the court. This program provides a different perspective — how these decisions influence the collective health of the families, neighborhoods and communities in which we serve.”

Salus Populi is the only judicial education program dedicated to training judges on the social determinants of health and their relationship to law. It is a project in collaboration with the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University School of Law and the Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research at Northeastern University. Salus Populi is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson and W.K. Kellogg Foundations.

The Washington State Minority and Justice Commission was established by the state Supreme Court in 1990 to determine whether racial and ethnic bias exists in the courts of Washington and to take creative steps to overcome and prevent them. The Commission grew out of a task force established in 1988 at the urging of state legislators.

CONTACT: Frank Thomas, Senior Court Program Analyst with the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, (360) 704-5536, Frank.Thomas@courts.wa.gov; Kelley Amburgey-Richardson, Administrative Manager for the Supreme Court Commissions, Kelley.Amburgey-Richardson@courts.wa.gov 

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County Work Session for 5/22/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222023-836

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/23/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05232023-837

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/23/23

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/13126/05232023Work-Session-CFP

Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 5/23/23

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05232023-678

City of Sequim Council meeting for 5/22/23

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2833

City of Forks Council meeting for 5/22/23

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Agenda-20230522.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 5/22/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/9f14dc17-8770-453f-bfa9-4d9a0747bda7

Port of Port Townsend Commission meeting for 5/25/23

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-25-ICG.pdf

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Romans 15:5-6 (New King James Version)

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Weekly Bible Study 

They "Gladly Received His Word", by Larry Ray Hafley

http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/TheyGladlyReceivedHisWord.htm

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ

 https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS

Apocalypse GPT: Why We Must Shut Down the Artificial Intelligence Revolution Now | Ep 276.

The terrifying future of artificial intelligence is here. Pandora’s box opened with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Now humanity is driving toward a cliff; even the top AI companies acknowledge that. But that’s not stopping them from taking all our worst human impulses and supercharging them with AI’s unlimited technological power. Companies like Snapchat, Facebook, and Apple are already beginning to implement AI into the products you use every day. Glenn exposes how AI tech, which can already recreate your voice in seconds, become your "girlfriend," and change the fate of elections, could destroy reality as we know it. He also speaks with Center for Humane Technology co-founder and former Google ethicist Tristan Harris, who outlines the critical reality that we all will lose if every major player doesn’t hit the brakes soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd0hcCK-hgs

Sunday Worship - 5/14/2023

Four Lakes Church of Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq_9CspEmho

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley

 

 

AG Ferguson: Companies sent hundreds of thousands of deceptive texts, emails targeting small businesses, nonprofits.

 

Link source: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-companies-sent-hundreds-thousands-deceptive-texts-emails-targeting

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a consumer protection lawsuit against two businesses and their owner for sending hundreds of thousands of deceptive texts and emails to Washington businesses and nonprofits. These deceptive text messages cost Washington businesses at least $163,000. The lawsuit is part of Ferguson’s Small Business Protection Initiative.

The large-scale, lucrative text and email scheme targeted Washington small businesses and nonprofits.

Ferguson’s lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, asserts the Wyoming companies and their owner, Cameron Groom, sent deceptive solicitations that were designed to appear as though they were sent by the Secretary of State.

Tens of thousands of text message solicitations demanded $200 to file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The texts did not disclose that businesses can file required annual reports directly with the Secretary of State’s Office for $60. For nonprofits, the cost is between $20 and $60, depending on the nonprofit’s annual gross revenue.

Other text solicitations demanded between $150 and $175 to file annual meeting minutes. Washington state does not require either to file annual meeting minutes.

Ferguson also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to bar the companies from sending their deceptive solicitations to Washington businesses while his case continues.

In just over a year, EFile Business Inc. and Online Filing LLC sent more than 147,000 deceptive text messages to Washington businesses and nonprofits. More than 800 Washington companies paid EFile and Online Filing to submit annual reports at more than three times what it would have cost them to file the reports themselves. Ferguson expects to uncover even more businesses that were deceived by EFile and Online Filing through the litigation.

“As the people’s law firm, we will continue serving as a watchdog on behalf of small businesses,” Ferguson said. “My consumer protection division’s Small Business Protection Initiative has already won tens of millions of dollars for Washington businesses that were deceived by similar tactics.”  

The Attorney General’s Office received 19 complaints about the businesses, and the Secretary of State received complaints, as well. The complaints prompted an Attorney General’s Office investigation beginning in May 2022. The Secretary of State also posted a notice warning about the deceptive solicitations.

Ferguson is seeking restitution for impacted businesses, plus interest, and civil penalties from the companies for their deceptive conduct.

Defendants sent deceptive, unsolicited texts and emails

Beginning in January 2022, the companies sent unsolicited deceptive spam text messages and emails to Washington businesses and nonprofits after obtaining their information through publicly available sources.

In a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office, a Bellevue business owner wrote: “I thought this was a text from the state government as a reminder for me to file my annual report. So I clicked the link and paid them $200 dollars to file my annual report. (We moved here last year, so I had no idea annual filing is only $60.) I received the text on Monday June 6th, I filed on their website the same night. On June 8th Wednesday, I received email from sos.wa.gov saying I have successfully filed my annual report. A person named Cameron Groom used their American Express card and paid for the $60 filing fee. This is when I realized I was scammed.”

A Snohomish business owner said in his complaint: “It looked very official and I bought their service. Within a few minutes, I had a bad feeling that I had just been defrauded and went back to cancel my order. There was no one to contact and no response to a complaint I filed through their website. … I feel suckered and can’t believe I fell for this scam.”

Ferguson’s lawsuit asserts that the scheme is an unfair or deceptive practice under the Washington Consumer Protection Act. It also violates the state’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act and the Uniform Business Organizations Code.

In addition to stopping the companies’ illegal conduct, Ferguson’s lawsuit seeks restitution for impacted businesses and nonprofits, plus annual interest, in addition to civil penalties. The Consumer Protection Act allows for penalties of up to $7,500 per violation.

Assistant Attorneys General Shidon Aflatooni and Gardner Reed, Investigator Scott Henderson, Paralegals Matt Hehemann and Khalid Ali, and Legal Assistants Michelle Paules and Kristina Winfield are handling the case for Washington.

What businesses are required to file, and where to find more information

Washington businesses and nonprofits are required to file an annual report each year by the last day of the month in which they originally formed. Prior to that date, the Washington Secretary of State notifies the business by mail or email. The Secretary of State does not send text solicitations.

The letter or email from the Secretary of State will detail the annual report filing deadline, renewal fee and the process for filing the report. Businesses can either file online, or complete paper annual reports and return them by mail.

Businesses and nonprofits are not required to submit annual meeting minutes to the state.

The Secretary of State offers comprehensive guides for small business and nonprofits, which include information on annual reports.

There is also an annual reports page on the Secretary of State’s website that includes a link to the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System where businesses and nonprofits can file their annual reports online. There are also links to business and nonprofit annual report forms, including instructions, which can be downloaded, printed and submitted by mail.

Any business or nonprofit that believes it may be the target of a scam should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

Ferguson’s prior enforcement actions standing up for small business owners targeted in scams

In November 2022, as a result of a lawsuit filed by Ferguson, a King County Superior Court judge ordered CA Certificate Service and Labor Poster Compliance and their owners to pay more than $24.8 million for their unlawful conduct targeting small business owners. The companies sent hundreds of thousands of letters to Washington business owners that deceptively appeared to originate from the government. The letters demanded payments for posters or certificates that they deceptively implied were required to purchase. The certificate is not mandatory and available from the state for a fraction of the cost that CA Certificate Service demanded. The posters are available from state and federal agencies for free.

In March 2016, a King County Superior Court judge ordered civil penalties and restitution of $1.15 million in Ferguson’s lawsuit against Mandatory Poster Agency. The judgment included $793,540 in civil penalties and up to $362,625 in restitution for victims. The Michigan-based company duped thousands of Washington small businesses into paying for documents many Washingtonians thought were coming from a state agency. The judge found Mandatory Poster Agency violated the state Consumer Protection Act 79,354 times.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

Electron Hydro dam owner ordered to pay largest financial penalty in an environmental criminal case in state history (details)

Commerce invests nearly $650,000 toward building new statewide Apple Health and Homes network to address chronic homelessness (details)

Washington State Public Works Board opens applications for $235 million in funding.

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board this week opened applications for three funding programs offering a total of $235 million in grants and low-interest loans for public infrastructure projects. This is the first of two application cycles in the 2023-25 biennium. A subsequent funding round is expected to open in 2024. (details)

Settlement reached in appeal of Hanford Site leaking tanks Agreed Order.

RICHLAND – 

Work to respond to actively leaking tanks and future tank leaks at the Hanford Site will continue to proceed as planned following a settlement agreement filed with Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board today. (details)

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers.

Jefferson County

In April 2023 the Examining Board of Psychology and Jeremy Joseph Senske (PY60066892) agreed to the suspension of his psychologist license. Senske did not report to the Department of Health that he pleaded guilty to vehicular assault and driving under the influence in 2019, a class B felony and a gross misdemeanor. Senske may petition to reinstate his credential after one year and must participate in a substance use monitoring program if the program determines he is required to enroll, or clinical supervision for one year if he is not. Senske must also pay a $10,000 fine, attend and pass an ethics course, complete six hours of continuing education in the areas of legal and ethical responsibilities, and comply with all criminal court requirements resulting from the collision.

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

KILMER, STRICKLAND JOIN PUGET SOUND RECOVERY ADVOCATES AT U.S. CAPITOL

ANNUAL EVENT CELEBRATES PUGET SOUND RECOVERY AND ADVOCACY, RECOGNIZES SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION. (details)

Cantwell Urges Biden Administration to Stand Up For WA Potato Growers in Trade Dispute with Japan

Japan, WA’s biggest customer for processed potatoes, still doesn’t allow imports of fresh potatoes after nearly 30 years of negotiations. (details)

Bipartisan Railway Safety Bill Passes Cantwell-Led Commerce Committee in 16-11 Vote, Heads to Full Senate

Eight key provisions in bill will improve freight rail safety, help prevent future train derailment disasters like in East Palestine; Cantwell: “Not enough trains carrying hazardous material are treated with the care that they deserve” (details)

Senator Murray Highlights Critical Importance of Strong Investments in Education and Workforce. (details)

At Hearing on Defense Budget, Senator Murray Underscores Importance of Passing Timely Funding Bills to Keep Pace with Competitors and Support Military Families (details)

3) WORLD & NATIONAL NEWS:

WORLD NEWS:

Nation Marks 50th Anniversary of End of Vietnam War.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration today hosted "Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families," on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (DOD)

Black Sea Initiative exports top 30 million tonnes from Ukraine, as talks continue over renewal.

The UN-brokered Black Sea Initiative, aimed at ensuring the flow of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer amid global shortages exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has now allowed the safe export of more than 30 million tonnes, since it first began in July last year. (details)

As Forum on Forests Session Continues, Delegates Discuss Midterm Review Preparation, Trust Fund Status, Emerging Issues on Forest-Energy Nexus

As the Forum on Forests addressed its preparations for the midterm review on the effectiveness of the international arrangement on forests and the status of its Trust Fund, as well as emerging issues facing forest management, speakers today underlined the need to improve transparency, increase funding and build on the forests-energy-livelihoods nexus. (details)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al Sabah Before Their Meeting. ( US STATE DEPT.)

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Ambassador Jim O’Brien at a Foreign Press Center Briefing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.( USUN)

NATION

GCI Communications Corp. to Pay More than $40 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to FCC’s Rural Health Care Program

GCI Communications Corp. (GCI), located in Anchorage, Alaska, has agreed to pay $40,242,546 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly inflating its prices and violating Federal Communications Commission (FCC) competitive bidding regulations in connection with GCI’s participation in the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program. The program provides more than $570 million each year to assist rural health care providers with their telecommunications needs.(DOJ)

Retired Special Education Teacher Sentenced for Traveling Overseas to Sexually Abuse Children

A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with children as young as 12 years old. (DOJ)

U.S. Department of Education Announces 161 Students to be Honored as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars (DEPT. OF EDUCATION)

HUD AWARDS MORE THAN $22 MILLION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING; HOMEOWNERSHIP

$12.5 million in Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity (SHOP) Grants; $10 million Rural Capacity Building Grants (HUD)

HUD ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $837 MILLION FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN’S INVESTING IN AMERICA AGENDA TO IMPROVE HOUSING QUALITY AND REDUCE ENERGY COSTS FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

New funding from Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and $4 billion in loan commitment authority will make HUD-assisted multifamily housing more energy efficient, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve climate resiliency. (HUD)

4) BUSINESS NEWS:

Court Enjoins Alabama Seafood Processor from Distributing Adulterated Seafood Products

A federal court today enjoined an Irvington, Alabama, company and several of its operators from distributing adulterated seafood products in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). (DOJ)

The Evolving Nature of Banking, Bank Culture, and Bank Runs

Governor Michelle W. Bowman

At the 21st Annual Symposium on Building the Financial System of the 21st Century: An Agenda for Europe and the United States, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany (THE FED)

Climate Change and Financial Stability

Governor Christopher J. Waller

At the IE University – Banco de España – Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Conference Current Challenges in Economics and Finance, Madrid, Spain. (THE FED)

New Treasury Department, IRS, and Census Study Finds Economic Impact Payments Quickly and Effectively Reached Underserved Communities and Americans Most In Need. (THE Treasury DEPT)

IRS offers tips on preparedness and how to protect personal information during natural disasters (irs)

5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: FUSION POWER Electricity? Or Is it life imitating art?

A “Historic Announcement,” Says Cantwell, as Everett-Based Helion Energy Announces World’s First-Ever Deal to Sell Fusion-Powered Electricity.

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/a-historic-announcement-says-cantwell-as-everett-based-helion-energy-announces-worlds-first-ever-deal-to-sell-fusion-powered-electricity-

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, hailed Everett-based Helion Energy’s announcement that they will be the first company in the world to generate and sell electricity from a fusion reactor.

“Fusion is inherently clean, inherently safe, and could one day provide vast amounts of the type of power we need to tackle the climate crisis,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Today’s historic announcement confirms that the State of Washington is the world’s leading hub for fusion energy innovation and commercialization.”

Under the agreement, Helion will provide Microsoft electricity from its first fusion power plant. The plant, which Helion plans to build in the State of Washington, is expected to be online by 2028 with an eventual target power generation of 50 megawatts or greater.

This first-of-its-kind sale agreement comes just six months after the breakthrough demonstration of fusion ignition at the Lawrence Livermore National Labs in California, which proved that fusion could be a viable power generation process.

Fusion, the same process that powers the sun, typically utilizes an inexhaustible supply of water as its fuel, and produces negligible atmospheric emissions and zero greenhouse gas emissions. Fusion reactors cannot meltdown, and do not generate the high-level, long-lasting radioactive waste associated with nuclear fission reactors.

Thanks to leading fusion companies like Helion, which operates out of a 150,000 square foot warehouse near Paine Field, as well as Everett-based Zap and Seattle-based Avalanche, many consider the Puget Sound region to be the world's biggest fusion energy hub.

During a Senate hearing last month, Sen. Cantwell pressed Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about plans to expand federal support for fusion research. At an Energy Committee hearing last September, Sen. Cantwell asked fusion experts like Dr. Scott Hsu, Lead Fusion Coordinator for the Department of Energy, and Professor Steven Cowley, Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, about what more we can be doing to boost fusion R&D and make sure we can manufacture fusion components domestically.

Congress has shown its support for fusion development in the Cantwell-led CHIPS & Science Act, which authorized nearly $7 billion for fusion-related R&D and pilot projects over the next five years. Last year the White House additionally released a “bold decadal vision” for commercial fusion deployment. The Biden Administration’s recently released budget request asks Congress to invest more than $1 billion to support R&D on fusion reactors. That funding boost is a follow up to a March 17, 2022 White House announcement of a “Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy.” That announcement set out how, in ten years, the U.S. can have multiple fusion pilot plants of different sizes, approaches, and fuels operating in new fusion technology hubs around the country. Private investment in fusion increased by 139% in the past year alone, now standing at over $5 billion worldwide.

Editor's comment: This is what you find in sceince fiction stories using fusion power to run space ships and other things. 

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County Work session for 5/15/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05152023-803

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/16/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05162023-804

Clallam County Health board meeting for 5/16/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05162023-801

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/16/23

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/13089/CC-Agenda-Packet-05162023

CLALLAM PUD MEETING FOR 5/15/23

https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05-15-23-Joint-PUD-CCBOC-Meeting-Packet.pdf

OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 5/17/23

https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AGENDA-May-17-2023-Business-Meeting.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 5/15/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/db8e7cd6-3ad5-4ea6-9642-195250ab8c77

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA FOR 5/15/23

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3534

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Proverbs 31:30 (New King James Version)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

 

Weekly Bible Study 

What Calvin Taught Me About Kindness, 

"What if we always seasoned our speech with salt (Colossians 4:6)? What if we were always more concerned with others interests than our own (Philippians 2:4)?" --Truth for the World

https://truthfortheworld.org/blog/2023/05/12/what-calvin-taught-me-about-kindness

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ

 https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS

James Bond UNDER REVIEW?! Futuristic BOOK BURNING is here.

There is more than one way to burn a book, and the world is full of people running around with lit matches,’ Ray Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451, once wrote. And now, the far-left is proving that futuristic book burning — using methods without flames — is here. In this clip, Glenn reveals the most recent ways the left is censoring past, written works — from James Bond novels and Road Dahl classics to Dr. Seuss stories. Plus, he reads Bradbury’s warning for future generations and asks an important question: ‘What are we DOING gang?!’ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVs3CS2dbFU

Philemon - Changed Relationships--TFTWTV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a_EzFYpqtI

 

  

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley