Cascadia today: Late winter storm batters Cascadia + BC debates title for First Nations + book arts by Aimee Lee
Hey, I have a small favor to ask. If you enjoy the irreverent collection of news, arts and anti-fascism you find at Cascadia Journal, can you send a link to a friend? Thanks!
Do you appreciate Cascadia Journal's feisty reporting on the ways the Pacific Northwest is pushing back against US fascism? If you have the means, please consider a paid subscription of just $5 per month. Each subscription helps me produce original reporting and opinionated notes on Cascadia's fight to build a more resilient and autonomous bioregion. And to those who already subscribe, thank you! --Andrew
Atmospheric river batters Cascadia
Blizzard conditions in the mountains, flooding and mudslides in the lowlands, and trees downed by wind are all part of a later winter storm hitting Cascadia, OPB reports. One person died and 35,000 homes were without power in Washington, KUOW observes. The atmospheric river is delivering several feet of fresh powder in the Cascades, which is good news for skiers – but the late snowfall isn't enough to correct a future drought caused by low snowfall throughout this past winter, KUOW notes.
Starbucks CEO flees Seattle
Hope Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, is enjoying the warm weather after leaving the Seattle area to join his new neighbor Jeff Bezos on Billionaires Row in Miami. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. Oh and dear readers, please don't cross the picket line – Starbucks baristas are still on strike, though there's a new contract proposal on the table.
First Nations title discussions in BC continue
The Tyee looks at the ongoing controversy over title granted by the Canadian government to the Musqueam (Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) First Nation covering a large portion of greater Vancouver. Conservatives have been panicking, claiming that this means the end of private property in Vancouver, and are terrified that negotiations with the Cowichan First Nation with regard to title in the suburb of Richmond will spell disaster for property rights. Never mind that the First Nations have said repeatedly they have no interest in abolishing property rights.
Though – an independent Cascadia should certainly look into what title and reparations for Indigenous nations would look like as we de-colonize our bioregion.
Former coal plant will continue not burning the stuff
After the Washington legislature slapped a tax on burning coal, a former coal-fired power plant in Centralia, WA is likely to continue conversion to burning fossil gas instead, despite efforts by the Trump administration to keep it polluting Cascadia's skies. Even better would be expanding solar and wind power across Cascadia, especially as oil prices soar thanks to Trump's poorly planned war against Iran. Maybe follow the lead of the Skwah First Nation located near Chilliwack, BC – which is adding solar panels to achieve energy autonomy, CBC reports.
Book art by Aimee Lee
The Stranger reviews what seems like a very cool exhibition of art books at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art by local paper artist Aimee Lee. Lee works in hanji, a Korean paper that's very difficult to make but extremely pretty. The exhibit, "Tethered," runs through June 14.
Thanks for reading! --Andrew
_-_People_of_the_River_Grass_(18629852013).jpg){kind=link}