Cascadia today: Spokane wildfire forces evacuations + Portland cop funding campaign is lying + BIPOC birding groups
Good morning! I'm in Portland today, having meetings with Cascadia activists and enjoying the train ride on the Amtrak Cascades. It's an essential connector between the cities of Cascadia, and the line recently reduced travel times from Seattle to Vancouver BC by ten minutes, after border patrol shifted their customs screening to Vancouver pre-boarding rather at the border at Blaine. It's so much better than driving I-5 and allows you to work, read, or have mimosa!
More than 11,000 evacuated from Spokane wildfire
The Spokesman Review reports that more than 11,000 residents of the Northwood neighborhood of Spokane have been evacuated after a wildfire threatens some 2,000 homes. Firefighters battled the 350-acre blaze as governor Bob Ferguson sought FEMA assistance. Meanwhile, Oregon governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency in preparation for this summer as drought and a recent heat wave increased wildfire risk. CBC reports that a wildfire outside Kamploops, British Columbia required evacuations.
It's likely going to be a tough wildfire season, and all the more reason to avoid austerity budgets this next session in Oregon and Washington.
Canvassers lying about Portland initiative funding more cops
The Portland Mercury reports that the campaign for the so-called "Safer Portland" initiative – which would raid the city's clean energy fund to hire more cops – have been lying to voters about what the measure would do. Canvassers have avoided talking about hiring cops, but instead focusing on "reducing response time" and misleading voters.
While I was in Portland chatting with city council candidate Jeremy Beausoleil Smith, we witnessed canvassers (many who are hired from out of state) doing their deceptive thing with eaters at a food truck. Jeremy did the right thing and set the voters straight. They didn't sign. Reject this dumb bill shifting funds from climate projects to yet more police.
Oh, and the campaign to repeal the millionaires' tax in Washington is underway. Don't sign it. We need a budget that funds schools, health care, and affordable housing.
Judge blocks Idaho trans bathroom bill
Idaho Capital Sun reports that a federal judge has halted enforcement of Idaho's cruel new transgender bathroom bill which could send trans people to jail for up to a year for simply using the restroom that fits their preferred gender. The judge wrote that the law "“invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.”
Common women's infection poorly studied and treated
The Tyee looks at the medical establishment's poor understanding and treatment of very common women's infection, bacterial vaginosis, or BV. The article talks to health providers and women in British Columbia frustrated with the lack of research and options for reliable treatments – yet another example of how patriarchy ruins everything.
Historic fire lookout vandalized during restoration
OPB reports that the historic High Rock lookout near Tahoma (Mount Rainier) was recently vandalized just prior to completion of a volunteer effort to resort the mountain top cabin that once served as a lookout for wildfires. Reopening of the cabin will likely be delayed until 2027. The spot, which I've hiked to several times has one of the most extraordinary views of Tahoma. To donate to the restoration visit Sand Mountain Society.
Black and brown birding groups in Seattle
The South Seattle Emerald has a really great article and photo essay about a variety of groups in Seattle and across Washington state dedicated to promoting birdwatching in BIPOC communities. The groups are helping to open the outdoors to groups that have previously felt excluded or faced discrimination simply for walking in the woods.
Thank for reading. Keep loving and keep fighting. --Andy
