CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Ferguson issues price-gouging warning to businesses in the Spokane area to protect consumer impacted by wildfires.

 

Link Source: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/consumer-alert-attorney-general-ferguson-issues-price-gouging-warning-businesses

State of emergency declared in Spokane County, essential goods and services include shelter, water, groceries and medical supplies

SEATTLE — On Saturday, August 19, Gov. Jay Inslee and Spokane County declared a state of emergency as a result of two large wildfires burning.

Today Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following warning to area businesses and hotels that his office is on the lookout for price increases on essential goods and services aimed at exploiting the misfortune of Washingtonians impacted by the wildfires.

He is alerting Washingtonians to be on the lookout for price gouging on essential goods and services and to report price gouging to his office.

“My office will use every legal tool at our disposal to stop predatory and unconscionable price increases imposed on essential goods and services that are intended to increase profits by exploiting Washingtonians impacted by wildfire,” Ferguson said. “This includes shelter for Washingtonians who have lost their homes, water, groceries and medical supplies. 

“I am encouraging anyone who sees price gouging to snap a photo or take a screenshot, and then include the image with the complaint they file at the Attorney General’s website through our complaint portal. Spokane-area retailers should file complaints if the cost of the goods they purchase increase for reasons that appear driven by profit.

“It is unfair, deceptive and cruel to exploit increased demand as a result of an emergency in order to increase profits. My office will hold price gougers accountable.”

Washingtonians can file complaints at the Attorney General’s website here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.

Violations of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act carry a maximum civil penalty of $7,500 per violation. Consumers can file consumer protection lawsuits seeking up to three times their economic damages.

Washington does not have a statute specifically referencing price gouging — not even during declared states of emergency. However, attempting to exploit a natural disaster for the sake of profit and harming consumers impacted by the emergency may be addressed as an unfair or deceptive practice under the Consumer Protection Act.

Attorney General’s price-gouging enforcement

In the spring of 2020 more than 1,300 Washingtonians filed complaints with the office following the declaration of a public health emergency. Washingtonians complained about extreme price increases for face masks, hand sanitizer and other products necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, some Washingtonians reported paying $40 for an 8-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer that had recently cost $3.50, or $42 for face masks that used to cost $8.

Ferguson launched a “See It, Snap It, Send It” campaign to combat illegal price gouging. Investigators in the Attorney General’s Office followed up on leads by visiting hundreds of businesses all over the state. The office sent nine warning and 14 cease-and-desist letters to price-gouging businesses.--WA AG

IN OTHER STATE NEWS...

New Commerce program aims to incentivize equitable access to credit for small businesses.

Contributions in exchange for tax credits will fund grants to eligible lending institutions to provide services and investment capital for small businesses lacking access to traditional bank loans. 

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new program to address inequities in accessing capital for small businesses. The Equitable Access to Credit Program, created by the state legislature (HB 1015), creates a new funding mechanism to help Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) offer technical assistance services, small business training, and loans and investments to borrowers who may not be eligible for traditional bank loans.--WA COMMERCE

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project among organizations receiving funding to provide legal aid in communities across Washington state 

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $15.4 million in grants to eight organizations across the state, expanding access to legal aid services for low-income immigrants. The 2023-25 appropriation from the Washington Legislature enables nearly a doubling of previous annual funding levels.--WA COMMERCE

Meet the students clearing litter from Washington highways.

The increasing pace of our high-tech world allows less and less time for teens to have summer jobs, much less to perform public service. This year, 72 Central Washington teens are doing both and making a difference one piece of litter at a time. As members of the Ecology Youth Corps, the students spend their summer break cleaning trash from state highways. --DOE

Payroll employment declines in July

OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy lost an estimated 6,400 jobs (seasonally adjusted) and the monthly unemployment rate decreased to 3.6% in July.

"July’s weak payroll number offsets the strong gains seen in June. Together with the downward revisions to first-quarter job totals, July’s numbers indicate the state’s labor market is gradually cooling off,” said Employment Security Department (ESD) State Economist Paul Turek. "Even so, the unemployment rate continued to fall, showing that the labor market remains historically tight.”--ESD

WDFW opens public comment period for black bear timber damage permit rule proposal.--WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSONIAL DELEGATION

KILMER ANNOUNCES USDA LOAN TO BOOST HIGH-SPEED INTERNET IN MASON COUNTY

MASON COUNTY, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved a ReConnect Loan of more than $3.8 million to help build more than 16 fiber miles and install associated electronics, benefitting 800 households and 10 businesses. The project will meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet in rural Mason County.--PRESS RELEASE

KILMER, STRICKLAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $9.5 MILLION TO IMPROVE FISH HABITATS IN PUYALLUP RIVER & WAPATO CREEK

TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Co-Chairs of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, announced that the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the Port of Tacoma will receive grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve fish passage in the South Sound.--PRESS RELEASE

Quileute Tribe Gets $466K Grant for High-Speed Internet Deployment

45 homes, 10 businesses, plus the Tribe’s health clinic, police, and fire departments to be connected--PRESS RELEASE

Households in Okanogan County, Union to Get Federal Funds for High-Speed Internet

Cantwell announces $34M in funding for rural broadband--PRESS RELEASE

Senator Murray Announces Over $33 Million in Grant Funding and Loans to Improve High-Speed Internet Access Across Washington State.---PRESS RELEASE

Murray, Baldwin, Underwood Lead Bill to Protect Women’s Retirement Security--PRESS RELEASE DATED 8/18/23

3) WORLD & NATION

WORLD:

Deportation, Treatment of Ukraine’s Children by Russian Federations Takes Centre Stage by Many Delegates at Security Council Briefing

Delegate Questions Moscow’s Position in International Community once Conflict Ends--UN PRESS RELEASE

Condemning Military Satellite Launch, Secretary-General Again Calls on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Resume Talks for Denuclearized Korean Peninsula--UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the UN Security Council Stakeout Following a Briefing on Ukraine.

'The Ukrainian people have bravely fought to defend their freedom and democracy and culture. And that is something that is worthy of celebrating. And they have bravely fought to defend and return Ukraine’s children – who have been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia, Belarus, and Russian-occupied territories.--USUN'

Imposing Sanctions and Visa Restrictions on Individuals and Entities to Promote Accountability for Forced Transfer and Deportation of Children During Russia’s Illegal War Against Ukraine--US STATE DEPT.

U.S. Open to Training Ukrainian F-16 Pilots if Needed--DOD

NATION

The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Launches the SAVE Plan, the Most Affordable Student Loan Repayment Plan Ever to Lower Monthly Payments for Millions of Borrowers--WH

U.S. Department of Education Takes Action Against Five Schools for Disbursing Federal Student Aid to Students Enrolled in Unaccredited Programs

The settlement agreements include the payment of liabilities for all five schools and fines against three schools--DEPT. of EDUCATION

Justice Department Awards Almost $70 Million in Grant Funding for Support Services for American Indian and Alaska Native Victims of Crime--DOJ

Data Reports Show that Surge in Homelessness Was Averted During COVID-19 National Emergency

Two New HUD reports suggest that federal relief prevented a rise in evictions and homelessness during the pandemic.--HUD

Department of Homeland Security Announces Distribution of More Than $77 Million in Congressional Funding for Communities Receiving Migrants--DHS

4) BUSINESS

USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers; Marks $1 Billion in Investments through this Program--USDA

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $150M to Connect Underserved and Small Acreage Forest Landowners to Emerging Climate Markets as part of Investing in America Agenda--USDA

Real Estate Investor Resentenced to Prison for Bid Rigging After Retaliating Against Witnesses--DOJ

FTC Action Stops Business Opportunity Scheme That Promised Its AI-Boosted Tools Would Power High Earnings Through Online Stores

Court order temporarily halts the operations of Automators AI, which promised consumers high returns on investment in artificial intelligence-boosted stores on Amazon.com and Walmart.com, agency says--FTC

U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Release Proposed Regulations on Sales and Exchanges of Digital Assets by Brokers--US TREASURY DEPT.

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

AG Ferguson files lawsuit against O’Reilly Auto Parts for discrimination and retaliation against pregnant employees.

 

Source Link: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-o-reilly-auto-parts-discrimination-and

AG accuses national company of routinely and unlawfully denying pregnancy accommodations

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a civil rights lawsuit today accusing the corporate retailer O’Reilly Auto Parts of systemic discrimination and retaliation against the company’s pregnant employees.

The lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court against O’Reilly asserts that it is the company’s practice to unlawfully refuse pregnant workers reasonable workplace accommodations, such as the ability to sit or rest, limit how much they lift or handle hazardous materials, allow flexibility for Map of O'Reilly locations in Washingtonrestroom breaks, and pump breastmilk for their newborn babies after returning to work postpartum.

Moreover, after unlawfully rejecting these accommodations, O’Reilly managers routinely engaged in retaliation against the women who sought them — demoting them, threatening termination and forcing them to take unpaid leave or quit altogether.

At least 22 women suffered physically, emotionally and financially as a direct result of O’Reilly’s unlawful actions. The Attorney General’s Office suspects the number is much greater, with hundreds of Washington workers employed by O’Reilly at 169 stores across 27 counties.

If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination at a Washington O’Reilly, we want to hear from you. Contact our Civil Rights Division by emailing Oreillylawsuit@atg.wa.gov or by calling 833-660-4877 and selecting Option 4. Current and former employees may also submit a complaint using an online form.

 “Pregnant Washingtonians should not have to choose between healthy, safe pregnancies and their livelihoods,” Ferguson said. “My office will hold O’Reilly and any other employer accountable when they violate the law and endanger the health of their employees and their babies.”

“Having a healthy and safe pregnancy is critical for both the baby and mother, and it’s reasonable to expect employers to accommodate that,” said Sen. Karen Keiser, who sponsored the Healthy Starts Act that enshrined these pregnancy accommodations into state law. “Women shouldn’t have to choose between being able to work and provide for their families, and having a healthy pregnancy. While nearly all employers follow the law and do right by their pregnant workers, in the rare cases where they don’t, we need to act, and I want to thank Attorney General Ferguson for taking this important enforcement action.”

Details of AGO investigation

The Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into O’Reilly after receiving two separate complaints from pregnant employees within months of each other. Limited records provided by the Missouri-based retailer reveal at least 134 requests for pregnancy accommodations were made in Washington between January 2019 and February 2023. The company has since been unresponsive and uncooperative, leading Ferguson to file the lawsuit.

Multiple employees told Civil Rights Division investigators that their requests for pregnancy-related leave were denied, including one woman who said O’Reilly’s leave of absence department repeatedly rejected the accommodation because her due date was an “estimate” and not definitive.

Many employees told investigators that O’Reilly managers required them to lift more than the weight limit recommended as safe by their doctors. Some of them said that did not change even after they complained to management of dizziness, significant cramping or other physical symptoms while performing the work.

Several women said they were subject to verbal harassment for taking breaks to sit or use the restroom. At least two women said managers hid the stools they used during breaks to rest, including one who was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and blood clots in her legs. One of them said the assistant manager admitted to the retaliatory action.

When employees expressed concerns to management about these and other actions, managers were routinely dismissive. Several employees told investigators that they never believed their accommodations were taken seriously. In fact, one woman says a manager even told her so, List of discriminatory practicesremarking that he thought she would be leaving in a few months so it “didn’t matter.”

Several of the women say that after they gave birth their managers coerced them into returning to work before the end of their scheduled maternity leave, in some cases before being cleared by their medical providers. Others described being denied breaks to pump breastmilk, resulting in the inability to breastfeed their babies.

Many of the women who talked to investigators said their managers forced them out of their jobs immediately following their requests for pregnancy accommodations. 

This conduct was also consistent across multiple stores. For example, one woman was pregnant four times during nearly a decade of employment in various positions at several different stores. Each time, she was denied accommodations — once having to transfer to a location much farther from her home because the store she was working at denied her request for pregnancy-related leave.

Ferguson’s lawsuit asserts these unlawful actions by O’Reilly amount to multiple violations of both the state’s Healthy Starts Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. The suit also accuses O’Reilly of violating the state’s Consumer Protection Act, for deceiving Washington workers and potential job applicants. The company publicly touts a commitment to safety and wellness as well as employment practices that are free from discrimination — all of which is inconsistent with the experiences of the many women who talked to the Attorney General’s Office as part of its investigation.

Ferguson’s lawsuit seeks to obtain damages and restitution for people who were harmed. It also seeks civil penalties, including enhanced penalties for violations that targeted or impacted workers on the basis of sex discrimination. Those penalties are $7,500 for each violation and enhanced penalties of $5,000 per violation, respectively.

The suit also seeks to stop O’Reilly’s unlawful conduct.

Assistant Attorneys General Teri Healy and Alyssa P. Au, Investigator Rebecca Pawul, and Paralegal Tiffany Jennings lead the case for the Attorney General’s Office.

Healthy Starts Act

The Healthy Starts Act went into effect in July 2017, after Senate Bill 5835 passed both the state House and Senate unanimously. The law ensures that pregnant employees have the right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Under the law, employers must provide certain accommodations for pregnant employees, including:

Providing more frequent, longer or flexible restroom breaks;

Changing a no-food-or-drink policy;

Allowing more frequent sitting; and

Limiting lifting to 17 pounds or less.

In addition to these mandatory accommodations, employees can ask for other accommodations they may need, such as job or schedule restructuring, modifications to an employee’s equipment or work station, transfers to less dangerous or physical work, scheduling flexibility for prenatal visits, extra break time to express breast milk or other reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

The Healthy Starts Act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who request a pregnancy accommodation or otherwise exercise their rights under the law. It allows employees or the Attorney General to file a lawsuit based on a denial of a reasonable accommodation or retaliation.

In addition, the Washington Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination against employees based on sex, including pregnancy status. It also prohibits firing employees or reducing their work schedules because they are pregnant.

Past AGO enforcement

This is not the first time Ferguson has challenged O’Reilly’s discriminatory workplace practices. In 2014, Ferguson’s office investigated O’Reilly for not providing health care benefits to same-sex spouses that the company was providing to other married couples.

After O’Reilly failed to provide a complete response to a Civil Investigative Demand and refused to produce any documents related to its decision not to provide the benefits, Ferguson filed a petition in King County Superior Court to force the company to comply.

The action resulted in O’Reilly changing its health care policy nationwide to provide benefits to same-sex couples.

Other pregnancy accommodation cases brought by the Attorney General include:

State of Washington v. Colmar: In Ferguson’s first case brought to trial under the Healthy Starts Act, a Tacoma judge ordered more than $41,000 in penalties and mandatory training for a FedEx contractor and its owner for firing an employee immediately after she requested a pregnancy accommodation.

State of Washington v. Matheson Flight Extenders: Ferguson’s civil rights lawsuit against the California-based air cargo handler included claims that the company failed to accommodate a pregnant employee who requested modified duty. The suit resulted in a $168,500 judgment to compensate harmed employees. 

IN OTHER STATE NEWS...

Permit updates focus on cleaner stormwater for growing communities

Feedback sought for state’s municipal stormwater permits and guidance manuals--DOE

Innovative conservation efforts save 50% more water at Auvil Fruit Company​.

Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River recently wrapped up a years-long pilot that has saved 50% more water at a Vantage fruit orchard. This conservation and water banking project was a partnership with Auvil Fruit Company, a major producer of premium apples and cherries in Central Washington. --DOE

WDFW, Snohomish County seek public input on Spencer Island habitat restoration.

OLYMPIA – In partnership the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Snohomish County are looking for public feedback to guide habitat restoration efforts at the Spencer Island Unit of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area and the Spencer Island County Park. The project’s goal is to enhance Chinook salmon habitat and advance ecosystem recovery, while considering public use and outdoor recreation on the site. --WDFW

Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton area) to reopen for Chinook retention Aug. 18-20.

OLYMPIA – Chinook salmon retention in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton area) will reopen Aug. 18-20, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.--WDFW

Wildfire smoke is causing unhealthy air conditions for much of the state.

Air Quality Alerts issued through Monday for more than a dozen counties and Tribal Nations.--DOH

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

Cantwell Joins VP Harris to Celebrate Lower Costs for Washingtonians Thanks to Inflation Reduction Act

Cantwell-championed measures provide long term tax credits key to accelerating clean energy transition, creating millions of new jobs, were part of Act signed into law one year ago today--Press release

Cantwell Convenes Fentanyl Roundtable in Vancouver

State of WA experienced biggest increase in drug overdose deaths in the U.S.; 67 deaths in Clark Co. involved fentanyl in 2022, a 500% increase from 2018--Press Release

Senator Murray Visits Hurricane Ridge, Discusses Efforts to Rebuild Visitor Center with Olympic National Park Staff

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center burned down unexpectedly on May 7th; More than 300,000 visitors come to Hurricane Ridge each year – Senator Murray visited with Olympic National Park staff and reiterated her commitment to securing funding to help rebuild the necessary infrastructure..PRESS RELEASE

Senator Murray Visits Olympic Discovery Trail, Discusses $16 Million She Secured This Year for Trail Completion Through RAISE Grant Program.--PRESS RELEASE

3) WORLD & NATION

WORLD HEADLINES:

Security Council Speakers Argue Over Western Countries Supplying Arms That Support Ukraine’s Right to Self-Defence Against Russian Federation’s Aggression

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, speakers in the Security Council today examined the justification and consequences of arms supplies from the West to Kyiv, with many arguing that these weapons support that country’s self-defence against the Russian Federation’s invasion and others expressing concern that such military assistance makes a peaceful settlement a distant hope. --UN PRESS RELEASE

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Increasingly Repressing Its Citizen’s Human Rights, Freedoms, High Commissioner Warns Security Council

Several Members Say Such Issues Poses No Threat to International Peace, Stability--UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation of Human Rights in the DPRK--USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability.

" We also continue to condemn Russia’s termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is harming developing countries most of all, and appreciate efforts by countries like Romania and Moldova as we work to get Ukrainian grain to those who most urgently need it."--US STATE DEPT.

General Says Deterring Two 'Near Peer' Competitors Is Complex.

U.S. Strategic Command is focusing on extended deterrence during a time when the country faces two near-peer rivals, said Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton yesterday. dated 8/17/23/DOD

NATION:

Foreign National Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Mailing Ricin to President of the United States in 2020--DOJ

HUD Approves Changes to Housing Choice Voucher Program to Accelerate Homelessness Solutions in Los Angeles

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved requests by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Development Authority to modify Housing Choice Voucher Program admissions requirements to expedite their efforts to help people experiencing homeless.--HUD

HUD Awards Nearly $140 Million to Protect Families from Lead and Other Home Health and Safety Hazards

Funding to make low-income families’ homes safer and healthier.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded today nearly $140 million to 36 state and local government agencies in 19 states to protect children and families from lead-based paint hazards and other home health hazards.--HUD

Biden-Harris Administration Launches SchoolSafety.gov Awareness Campaign to Support Schools with Safety Resources.--DHS

Court orders Washington company to comply with regulations, pay $850k for illegally storing hazardous chemicals and violating federal environmental laws--EPA

4) BUSINESS

Owners of Mental Health Counseling Services Company Plead Guilty to Employment Tax Crime.--DOJ

Memorandum from Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo - Inflation Reduction Act – Year 1--US TREASURY DEPT.

Inflation Reduction Act 1-year report card: IRS delivers dramatically improved 2023 filing season service, modernizes technology, pursues high-income individuals evading taxes--IRS

FACT SHEET: Marking One Year of the Inflation Reduction Act.

WASHINGTON, DC, August 16, 2023 – One year ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes the largest investment in climate action in history. As a core pillar of Bidenomics and the President’s Investing in America agenda, the law is lowering energy costs, bringing opportunity to communities across America and tackling the climate crisis through investments in agriculture, forest restoration, and rural communities.--USDA

Public Policy Risks Faced by Companies Soar--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Successful business management requires successful risk management. Entire industries have been built to help businesses quantify, mitigate, and insure against risk. In some cases, risks are relatively easy to quantify—like the risk of debt default or property loss. Even with potential impairments that are harder to assign a dollar value to—such as reputational risk—businesses have still found ways to measure, track, and actively manage risk.

IN FOCUS: IN FOCUS Senator Murray Visits Big Quilcene Trail, Discusses Her Wild Olympics Bill with Local Leaders.

Also has weekly meetings on this page, and Weekly Devotional.

( These items are now featured on the On Focus Page)

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-senator-murray-visits-big.html

FARMERS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR COMPOST EXPENSES IN NEW PROGRAM.

 

Source Link: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=37607

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is launching the Compost Reimbursement Program to encourage on-farm compost use. Approximately $1 million will be distributed annually on a first-come, first-served basis.

All commercial Washington farmers – including those in agriculture, silviculture, aquaculture – are eligible for the program. Participants must agree to conduct soil sampling before and for several years following the compost application. Additionally, the compost must be purchased from a business with a solid waste handling permit.

Producers must first apply to and be approved for the program, ensuring that their business and compost source are eligible. Once approved, program participants must sign a grant agreement contract and conduct pre-application soil sampling before applying the compost. After expenses are incurred, applicants will submit a reimbursement application for their total expenses. The expenses are then calculated and the applicant is reimbursed for 50 percent of their expenses, not to exceed $10,000 total per business.  

WSDA anticipates accepting applications beginning in September. But producers can sign up now to be notified once the application period opens. Applications will continue to be accepted until the allotted funds are spent each fiscal year, which runs from July through June.

The Washington State Legislature established the Compost Reimbursement Program earlier this year when they passed and funded Revised Code of Washington 15.04.420. WSDA has been setting up the infrastructure since then and will begin accepting applications once the infrastructure is in place to collect, process, and reimburse the grant applications.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS...

AG Ferguson announces the collection of DNA from more than 2,000 violent and sex offenders--WA AG

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his lawfully owed DNA project has reached a significant milestone, with more than 2,000 new profiles added to the national DNA database since the effort began.

Washington Public Works Board approves $4.37 million for eight critical infrastructure projects--WA COMMERCE DEPT.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board last Friday approved $4.37 million for pre-construction projects in eight Washington communities. The awards support roads and streets, domestic water, sanitary sewer, and solid waste, recycling and organics infrastructure.

Ecology announces environmental restoration grant awards.

OLYMPIA  – 

Improving habitat, collecting derelict fishing gear, and removing invasive species are just some of the highlights of the latest round of environmental restoration grants awarded by the Washington Department of Ecology. Seven organizations in six counties will benefit from $318,478 in grants.--DOE

Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) reopens for shore-based salmon fishing in August; fishing restrictions also lifted within 100 yards of Dash Point Pier.--WDFW

WDFW invites public comment on rule making for Lake Roosevelt white sturgeon season.--WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONL DELEGATION

Cantwell-Authored CHIPS & Science Act Seeding U.S. Manufacturing, Innovation Resurgence After Just One Year

2,880 new high-wage semiconductor manufacturing jobs already announced in the Pacific Northwest; CHIPS & Science Act unlocking manufacturing and research potential across WA - in places like Seattle, Spokane, Camas, Yakima - and across the nation.--Press release

Senator Murray Visits University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering School, Discusses AI Development with UW Researchers

Senator Murray: “I secured this funding because I know how essential it is that this technology be developed responsibly and ethically—leading on AI will be important if we want Washington state to remain at the forefront of innovation, research, and scientific achievement.”--PRESS RELEASE

Senator Murray Hosts Roundtable on PACT Act Implementation at VA Puget Sound, Discusses the Need to Expand Veterans’ Health Care Benefits and Access

As of July 2023, VA has received more than 14,000 claims for PACT Act benefits from veterans and survivors in Washington state

Senator Murray helped secure over $50 billion for PACT Act implementation to help connect Washington state veterans with new health care and other benefits.--PRESS RELEASE

3) WORLD & NATION

WORLD: 

Continued Military Hostilities, Sexual Violence, Attacks against Citizens Pushing Sudan into ‘Catastrophic’ Humanitarian Crisis, Speakers Warn Security Council

Continued violence in parts of Sudan, particularly sexual and ethnically targeted violence, risks engulfing the country in a prolonged conflict with regional spillover, senior United Nations officials told the Security Council today, as they warned that the country’s descent into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe continues to deepen. --UN PRESS RELEASE

Efforts to Organize Consultations with Syria Still Not Successful, Senior Official Tells Security Council, Stressing Cooperation Crucial to Close Chemical Weapon File

The Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) efforts to organize the next round of consultations with Syria continue to be unsuccessful, a senior official of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs told the Security Council today, stressing that full cooperation by Damascus is essential to closing its chemical weapons file.--UN PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Applauds the Completion of the FSO Safer Oil Offloading Operation.

I welcome the news that the UN has now successfully transferred oil from the decaying FSO Safer supertanker moored off Yemen’s Red Sea coast onto a new vessel. The United States has long been a leading advocate and financial supporter of this project.

Had the world not acted, coastlines across the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula would have been polluted, exposing communities to deadly toxins, and contaminating drinking water supplies for the entire region. Shipping through the Suez Canal would have been disrupted – halting food, fuel, and life-saving supplies that would have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian conditions in Yemen.

At a time when the world faces a host of pressing crises, this is a bright spot, and a model example of international cooperation. Now, we must finish the work by removing the Safer from the Red Sea.--USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena at a Joint Press Availability--US STATE DEPT.

Defense Official Says Force Posture in Niger Is Unchanged.--DOD

NATION

Two Nigerian Nationals Plead Guilty, and One Sentenced to Prison for International Inheritance Fraud Scheme That Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims--DOJ

U.S. Department of Education Announces Key K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Efforts--DEPT. of EDUCATION

As students, educators, and families prepare for back-to-school, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced key K-12 cybersecurity resilience efforts.

CDC warns of Listeria outbreak linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups.

Two people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported, one from New York and one from Pennsylvania. Both have been hospitalized, and neither died.

HUD and VA Launch “Boot Camps” to Accelerate Homeless Veterans' Path to Permanent Housing and Support Services

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) “Boot Camps.” The HUD-VASH “Boot Camps” are a series of workshops to help Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Veteran Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) improve their processes and more quickly transition veterans from homelessness to permanent housing with wraparound supportive services. The HUD-VASH program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA.--HUD

Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Safety Review Board to Conduct Review on Cloud Security--DSHS

CSRB’s Third Review Will Provide Recommendations to Help Organizations Protect Against Malicious Access to Cloud-Based Accounts  

4) BUSINESS

United States Orders Mewbourne Oil Company to Pay $5.5 Million and Reduce Unlawful Air Pollution from Oil and Gas Wells in New Mexico and Texas, Eliminating More than 11,000 Tons of Harmful Air Pollutants Annually--DOJ

USDA To Provide Additional Financial Assistance to Qualifying Guaranteed Farm Loan Borrowers Facing Financial Risk--USDA

Welcoming Remarks

Governor Michelle W. Bowman

At "Fed Listens: Community Listening Session" hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.--THE FED

IRS and Treasury issue guidance for owners of solar and wind powered energy facilities in low-income communities for increased energy credit under the Inflation Reduction Act--IRS

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $69M FUNDING AVAILABLE TO HELP YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES CONNECT WITH GOOD JOBS--DEPT. of Labor

 

5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: State turns unexpected hospital closure into opportunity to address urgent behavioral health needs.

Source Link: https://medium.com/wagovernor/state-turns-unexpected-hospital-closure-into-opportunity-to-address-urgent-behavioral-health-needs-8d46098dc89d

As part of an urgent effort to serve the increasing numbers of people waiting for behavioral health services, including those in jail awaiting competency services, the Department of Social and Health Services finalized an agreement to lease and purchase the former Cascade Behavioral Health facility in Tukwila.

The purchase of the vacant behavioral health hospital for $29.9 million will add about 100 beds. The department will take a phased approach of making the beds available to patients. The facility operated as a privately-owned psychiatric hospital until it was shuttered last month.

“The closure of this hospital was tough news, but it also presented us with a sudden and unexpected opportunity,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “We have been working diligently to serve rapidly growing numbers of patients needing behavioral health care, but one of our biggest constraints is the amount of time it takes to build and staff new facilities. I appreciate the work of the department to act quickly so the state could prepare a competitive bid. We will move as quickly as we can to prepare the hospital to serve patients.”

“Although we currently have several projects to add bed capacity in various stages of construction and development, we believe this was a prime opportunity for us to add immediate capacity in a location that is easily accessible for staff, patients, and their families,” DSHS Secretary Jilma Meneses said. “The demand for behavioral health services remains high, and we will continue to examine a wide range of options to help us positively impact the needs of people awaiting behavioral health treatment.”

The department will officially take possession of the building Aug. 15, and will work toward moving in civilly committed patients from the state hospitals in the near future, which frees capacity at the state hospitals for people in jail awaiting competency services.

Before patients are transferred into the new hospital, DSHS will make maintenance upgrades, including the addition of interior cameras on the wards and installing the appropriate IT infrastructure.

Inslee reiterated the state’s commitment to strengthening Washington’s behavioral health system in his State of the State address in January. He also noted the need to reform the competency services system to ensure people can receive behavioral health care outside of the criminal justice system.

Over the past nine fiscal years, requests for DSHS to provide inpatient evaluations and competency restoration services have increased by roughly 145 %. These large and unpredicted increases in the number of county criminal court orders have exceeded the large number of beds already added to the forensic system. The Legislature approved his request-legislation which initiates several reforms to improve access to care, provide more options for services and diversion outside the court system, and improve efficiency.

Multiple new facilities are currently in the process of being developed and opened. DSHS is creating a new facility for people found not guilty by reason of insanity, which is scheduled to open later this fall at the Maple Lane campus near Rochester.

The Oak Cottage Civil Center for Behavioral Health at Maple Lane started receiving new patients from Western State Hospital in March, which also frees up bed space at the hospital for forensic patients.

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County work session for 8/14/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142023-894

Clallam County Commission meeting for 8/15/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08152023-895

Clallam County Board of Health for 8/15/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08152023-892

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 8/15/23

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/13400/CC-Agenda-Packet-08152023

City of Sequim Council meeting for 8/14/23

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2891

City of Forks Council meeting for 8/14/23

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Agenda-20230814.pdf

Clallam County PUD meeting for 8/14/23

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public

OMC BOARD MEETING for 8/16/23

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Special Port of Port Townsend meeting

Special Commission Meeting

Agenda

Nomura Building

385 Benedict Street (entrance on Benedict Street)

Port Townsend, WA

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

Port Townsend Marine Trades Association Meeting (with quorum of Port Commission)

Topic of Discussion: Leases

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-08-15-CommMtg-Special-Meeting-Agenda.pdf

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

 

Weekly Bible Study 

Buddhism

There are two ways to approach the subject of Buddhism. One approach is to look at Buddhism as it has existed in Asia. It is a very important part of the culture there. It is engrained in the habits and lifestyle of millions of Asian people. The other way is to study it as practiced by people in the Western world. --TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/buddhism

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

The Deep State Plans for the 2024 Election 

Donald Trump has been indicted not once, not twice, but THREE times in this year alone. Why? He committed the gravest sin known to man: He questioned the integrity of the 2020 election. As we all know, that was the most secure election of all time! For context, before April, no former president had ever been indicted. While the latest indictment focuses on events surrounding January 6, don’t be fooled. This has NOTHING to do with election 2020 and EVERYTHING to do with election 2024. The Deep State is real, and its members have been building an election-winning machine for years now. They took it for a test drive in 2020. And they're working hard to perfect it by 2024. Because once it's fully operational, it will seem impossible for a dissident candidate to win a fair election ever again. But Glenn explains it’s important that we not lose hope: don’t take the black pill. There's still a way to return the electoral system to its factory settings, and it starts with exposing what we're up against 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCt9GVbf-9w

Sunday Worship - 08/06/2023

Four Lakes Church of Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI_6liu72uM

A Praiseworthy Church--TFTW

 

 

  

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

AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee argue Idaho’s abortion “travel ban” is illegal.

 

Link Source: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-gov-inslee-argue-idaho-s-abortion-travel-ban-illegal

OLYMPIA — Today, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general to file legal arguments in a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s restrictive law making it a crime for adults to help minors travel out-of-state for abortion care.

The challenge to Idaho’s so-called abortion “travel ban” was filed in U.S. District Court in Idaho earlier this month by an attorney working with sexual assault victims, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and the Indigenous Idaho Alliance. Ferguson’s amicus brief urges the court to block Idaho’s law immediately.

“The Constitution protects the individual right to travel between states, and Idaho’s radical Legislature cannot abolish that right,” Ferguson said. “Washington is standing up for the Constitution and reproductive freedom to support this challenge to Idaho’s unconstitutional abortion travel ban.”

“Washington vigorously supports those challenging Idaho’s patently cruel and unconstitutional law restricting travel for abortions,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “This law places Idahoan youth in grave danger, and unlawfully infringes on every person’s First Amendment rights to free speech and to travel freely between states’ borders. As I said in my April 4 letter to Gov. Little when he signed this repugnant law, we will continue to harbor and comfort all Idahoans who seek health care services that are denied to them in Idaho.”

In today’s amicus brief, Ferguson argues that Idaho’s law not only endangers minors from Idaho, it also punishes Washington’s and other states’ medical providers and residents for helping them access lawful abortion care outside of Idaho’s borders.

“This cannot be reconciled with Supreme Court precedent, under which States cannot prevent their residents from accessing abortion care in other states where it is legal — much less from even accessing information about such lawful care,” the brief asserts.

Further, Ferguson argues, Idaho should not be allowed to criminalize legal conduct in other states.

Idaho’s abortion laws, among the most restrictive in the country, have resulted in significant increases in Idaho patients coming to Washington for care. Washington clinics reported an unprecedented 75% increase in Idaho patients between January 2022 and early 2023. For example, Planned Parenthood’s clinic in Pullman reported that 62% of its patients were from Idaho in June 2022 — the same month the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The next month, Idahoans made up nearly 80% of its patients. Pullman is just eight miles from the Idaho border.

Other states bordering Idaho have seen similar increases in Idaho patients.

Idaho’s law also harms the ability of states like Washington to provide timely medical care. In a letter to Idaho’s governor in April, Gov. Inslee warned that Idaho’s law would likely result in an “increased mortality rate of Idahoan women and girls.”

Deputy Solicitors General Cristina Sepe and Emma Grunberg, Assistant Attorneys General Sarah Smith and Alexia Diorio and Legal Assistant Stephanie Lindey developed the brief for Washington.

This is the third time Washington has weighed in on Idaho’s restrictive abortion laws. Last month, Washington led a coalition of 15 attorneys general to file a friend of the court brief supporting Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana and Kentucky, challenging a law that had been interpreted to prohibit providers from making out-of-state referrals for abortion care. In August 2022, Washington joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general to file a friend of the court brief supporting the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit challenging another of Idaho’s restrictive laws.

If you have questions about your right to access abortion care in Washington, Ferguson has partnered with advocacy organizations and Washington law firms to make pro bono legal counsel available to abortion providers, individuals traveling to Washington for care and others seeking to understand their rights in Washington state. Help can be found at a new legal services website managed by the Lawyering Project — abortiondefensenetwork.org.

Anyone with complaints or concerns about violations of reproductive rights under state law is encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

Washington’s efforts to protect reproductive freedom

Earlier this year, Ferguson partnered with Rep. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue, and Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, to pass a nation-leading health privacy law. The Washington My Health My Data Act protects Washingtonians’ most sensitive health data — including data on reproductive and gender-affirming care. The new law requires entities that collect personal health data to maintain and publish a privacy policy, blocks them from sharing that data without consent and guarantees the right to withdraw consent. It also restricts geo-fencing around health care facilities, the practice of using individuals’ location data to potentially bombard them with anti-choice messaging.

Ferguson filed a lawsuit in February in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington accusing the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of singling out the medication abortion drug mifepristone — one of the two drugs used for medication abortions — for excessively burdensome regulation, despite ample evidence that the drug is safer than Tylenol.

Less than two months later, a federal judge in Spokane barred the Food & Drug Administration from doing anything to reduce the availability of mifepristone in Washington, 16 other states and the District of Columbia that filed the lawsuit. That lawsuit is ongoing.

Also in February, Ferguson partnered with 21 other attorneys general to file a friend of the court brief in a separate case in federal court in Texas defending the FDA’s original approval of mifepristone. The case, filed in November 2022 by four doctors and several anti-abortion medical associations, seeks to overturn the FDA’s decades-old approval of the drug.

That same month, Ferguson joined 22 other attorneys general to urge CVS and Walgreens to continue with plans to dispense abortion pills, despite threats from states that have severely restricted abortion.

Last May, Ferguson sent a letter to the members of the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, and the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission asking the boards to exercise discretion when licensing out-of-state medical providers who have been penalized for providing abortion services criminalized in other states.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS...

Fun with a purpose - the Washington Bee Atlas trains volunteers to map native bees--WSDA

Blake Refund Bureau Launches to Assist with Refunds of Court Fines

July 31, 2023

Washington state's official online reimbursement center for court-ordered fines or costs paid in connection with drug possession convictions, found to be unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court in State v. Blake, launched July 29, 2023.--WA COURTS

Washington Supreme Court Hires State’s First Supreme Court Administrator.

The Washington Supreme Court announced it has chosen its first administrator, filling a new position created with funding approved this year by state lawmakers. Ashley Lipford, who has worked the past four years as judicial administrative assistant to Chief Justice Steven González, was named to the position and will begin her new role Monday, July 31.--WA COURTS

$11.3 million available for water banking grants.

OLYMPIA  – 

The Washington Department of Ecology is now accepting applications for $11.3 million in water banking grants. The grants are intended to help rural communities in headwater basins throughout the state preserve water supplies for local use.--DOE

WA Among States To Recover $5.5 Million In Overcharges For Lear Captial Investors.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) today announced that investors who purchased retail precious metals from Lear Capital will receive compensation as a part of Lear’s bankruptcy plan. State securities regulators had been investigating Lear for deceptive securities and commodities activities and misleading marketing at the time of the company’s bankruptcy.--DFI

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.

KILMER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS OF USDA PROGRAMS FOR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the introduction of the REACH Our Tribes Act, legislation to make government help more effective for Tribal communities by ensuring they have a say in budget decisions, tracking how well the help is working, and making it easier to find and use available resources.--PRESS RELEASE

Cantwell Tours Local Spokane Company Helping NASA Astronauts Return to the Moon and Beyond

41 companies in Washington state contribute to the NASA Artemis Program, Hi-Rel is currently the only supplier in Eastern Washington--Press Release.

Senator Murray Discusses New Clean Energy Jobs and Opportunities at Big Bend Community College’s Workforce Training Center in Moses Lake--Press release

3) WORLD & NATION

Security Council Adopts Presidential Statement Addressing Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity in Situations of Armed Conflict

In All-Day Debate, 80 Speakers Call for Unity Tackling

Global Hunger, Urge Russian Federation to Re-join Black Sea Grain Initiative--UN PRESS RELEASE

UN Secretary-General Creates Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the creation of a new Scientific Advisory Board to advise UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and how to harness the benefits of these advances and mitigate potential risks.--UN PRESS RELEASE.

Ninety-One Countries Sign U.S.-Led Joint Communiqué Condemning the Use of Food as a Weapon of War--USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken After the UN Security Council Open Debate on Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Security--US STATE DEPT.

DOD Releases Plan for Implementing Cyber Workforce Strategy--DOD

NATION

Two New York Men Sentenced for Operating Mass Mailing Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly and Vulnerable Victims--DOJ

Bitfinex Hacker and Wife Plead Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving Billions in Cryptocurrency--DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Opens Nearly $100M in Grant Opportunities for HBCUs, TCCUs, and MSIs and Underserved Students--Dept. of Education

CDC Recommends a Powerful New Tool to Protect Infants from the Leading Cause of Hospitalization

New immunization is the first approved and recommended in the U.S. to prevent severe RSV disease in all infants--CDC

FDA Approves Second Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray Product--FDA dated 7/28/23

“We know naloxone is a powerful tool to help quickly reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose. Ensuring naloxone is widely available, especially as an approved OTC product, makes a critical tool available to help protect public health,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “The agency has long prioritized access to naloxone products, and we welcome manufacturers of other naloxone products to discuss potential nonprescription development programs with the FDA.”

4) BUSINESS

Vice President Harris, Treasury Department Announce Over $175 Million to Support Small Businesses as Part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda--US TREASURY DEPT.

USDA, Washington State University Break Ground on New State-of-the-Art Agricultural Research Facility.

PULLMAN, Wash., August 1, 2023 — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Plant Sciences Building that will house scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington State University (WSU)--USDA

Home energy audits may qualify for an Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit--IRS

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE ON PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING, REMEDYING DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERAL CONTRACTING--Labor Dept.

Statement Regarding Termination of CooperCompanies’ Attempted Acquisition of Cook Medical’s Reproductive Health Business.--FTC

5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: Fish and Wildlife Commission to decide land transactions, a petition on spring bear hunting, hatchery transfer, and 2024 budget requests at meeting in August.--WDFW

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to hear updates on a variety of topics during its Aug. 10-12 hybrid meeting in Olympia, including decisions on land transactions, a 2024 spring bear hunting petition, Klickitat Hatchery transfer, and 2024 legislative and budget requests.

The Commission kicks off work Thursday at 8 a.m. with meetings of its Big Tent and Wildlife committees to discuss the Commission’s draft Conservation Policy, an overview of Communications and Public Engagement, and updates to the Game Management Plan (GMP) timeline update and avian flu.

Beginning on Thursday at 1 p.m., the Fish Committee will receive a briefing on the co-manager Hatchery Policy, an update on the Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Federal Endangered Species Act listing status, the Willapa Bay salmon management draft policy, and an overview of a new Management Strategy Evaluation approach for salmonids in Washington. At 3 p.m., the Habitat Committee will provide an update on fish passage and screening rulemaking. 

The Commission meeting continues Friday with an opportunity for open public input, followed by a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind.

The Commission will take comments and decide on proposed land transactions in Grays Harbor and Clallam counties, and the proposed transfer of the Klickitat Hatchery to the Yakama Nation for upgrades and permanent operation. The Commission will also decide on the agency’s budget requests and policy proposals for the 2024 legislative session.

On Friday afternoon, commissioners will hear an overview of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation from an invited guest, Dr. John Organ. The Commission will decide on the 2024 spring bear hunt petition, and a freshwater forage fish management policy.

The Commission will close Friday with a briefing on social science and its application to fish and wildlife conservation.

The Commission meeting resumes Saturday with open public input followed by a briefing and public comment on the co-manager hatchery policy update and the Willapa Bay salmon management draft policy review.

The August meeting will be hybrid, with public attendance available via webinar, phone, and in–person at the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street SE, Room 172, in Olympia. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. For more information about attending, please view the meeting agenda online.

Visit the WDFW webpage for information on how to register to submit testimony either virtually or in-person. Registration deadlines are in effect for public input opportunities throughout the meeting. All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS

Callam County Commission work session for 8/7/23

 https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08072023-890

Clallam County Commission meeting for 8/8/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08082023-891

Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 8/8/23

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08082023-700

Special Forks City Council meeting for 8/8/23

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_08_08_Council.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 8/7/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/39c38fb0-9765-4bac-ba63-106748ff2412

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA FOR 8/7/23

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3539

Port of Port Townsend meeting for 8/9/23

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/20230809-CommWS-Agenda.pdf

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Psalm 119:130 (New International Version)

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

 

Weekly Bible Study 

Brotherly Kindness

In the Old Testament, the first two brothers that we find are Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:2 reveals that “Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” In other words, Abel was a shepherd, and Cain was a farmer. Both men offered sacrifices to God. Cain offered some fruit of the ground, and Abel offered the firstling of his flock. Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable and pleased God, but Cain’s was unacceptable.--TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/brotherly-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

Glenn's message for the CHALLENGES we're about to face.

This past week, Glenn says, was one of the best and worst America has experienced. On one end, lies have been laid bare as Devon Archer testified that Joe Biden did in fact meet with Hunter Biden's business associates. But on the other, we've seen the arrogance of the elite as they continue to push the lies and indict former president Donald Trump for the third time. But, Glenn warns, while the forces we're up against may appear to be growing stronger, we cannot give into fear. Instead, it's time to double down on truth and restore what we know to be self-evident about gender, family, blind justice, integrity, and our basic human rights. But this solution, he warns, can't come with cursing and reimagining. Instead, the only way to truly win is to "thank God for the storm."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpc2oOvCXKg

Sunday Worship - 07/30/2023--Four Lakes Church of Christ

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

 

  

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