Works in Progress Advocating for social justice since 1990 Vol 31 April 2021 No. 8 Coming soon Washingtonians collected funds to purchase a silver service for the officers of that ship, a tradition recognizing the naming of a ship How will Olympians view a memorial after a city. The silver set, which celebrates the Battle of Manila, is now displayed in the dining room to nuclear sub USS Olympia? of the Governor’s Mansion. There is no reflection of the war it started—a Helen Wheatley war that carried American racism across the Pacific, cost hundreds On March 15, Commissioners at the of thousands of lives and fatefully Port of Olympia heard from Olympia shaped Filipino history. officials about what the City hopes will be a shared initiative to me- What’s in a name morialize the “maritime history” of In 1977, the US Navy commissioned Olympia. Councilmember Jim Coo- a “Los Angeles class” nuclear attack per and Deputy City Manager Keith submarine and gave it the historic Stahley asked if the Port would help name, USS Olympia. This nuclear with handling and storing the anchor warhead-capable class of submarine and 38,000-lb rudder of the nuclear carries the Tomahawk cruise mis- attack submarine USS Olympia. sile. The USS Olympia was deployed to the Iraq war. Much of the sub- Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby had marine’s work during the Cold War requested the artifacts on behalf of was “silent service” unknown to the the City, with the idea of placing the public. This made it an apt prop for parts as monuments on the shore- the film, The Hunt for Red October. line. The submarine’s tall conning Photo of USS Olympia by Thomas Shugart tower may be included after it has Local promoters saw an opportunity to time, in the words of Cooper, to “sit Is the USS Olympia part of our President McKinley announced revive the city’s namesake connection in dock and cool off.” “maritime history?” America’s God-given mission to the with the ship and liven up local tour- ism. The Chamber of Commerce had Reflecting a familiar “decide, an- America’s Great White Fleet sailed Philippines: “There was nothing left to the Philippines to usurp Spain’s for us to do but to take them all, and brought the silver service to Olympia nounce, defend” approach to plan- when the original Great White Fleet ning, Stahley asserted that bringing place in the Pacific in 1898. The USS to educate the Filipinos, and uplift Olympia’s main claim to historic and civilize and Christianize them.” cruiser was decommissioned. In 1984 the objects to Olympia to await it established the “USS Olympia Com- disposition would lead to creation of significance was spearheading the Elected president Emilio Aguinaldo, vicious Philippine-American war. who continued to lead the struggle mittee” and laid out the welcome mat a community advisory committee for the submarine. Secretary of State over the next few years. Admiral Dewey stood on the bridge for freedom, called it “government of the ship to command the fleet by consent in America, government Ralph Munro boasted that “there were Commissioner McGregor linked the against Spain in Manila Bay. by force in the Philippine Islands.” 4Submarine, continued on page 12 City’s request to ongoing debates over the potential role of the Port in handling military cargo. He suggest- ed a quid pro quo: if the Port took What happened during...and after? the nuclear items, could the City support military cargo at the Marine Terminal? Stahley responded by The incident at the Red Lion Inn stating, “This is a good opportunity shoes which she’d left under her bed. for the City and the Port to engage ment called police, and later col- Daniel Mootz and Miguel Louis Seven people were arrested. in conversations about what the Port laborated with the Olympia Police means in our community,” including In December 2020, a group named Department (OPD) on spinning a Five of those involved were charged “types and amounts of shipment.” Oly Housing Now (OHN) formed to story that people were held hostage with burglary in the first degree, organize an action at the Red Lion by the housing activists. including two unhoused people. A The City expects the rudder and an- at the end of January. Days before, black homeless veteran with PTSD chor to come to Olympia in less than President Biden had signed an execu- was tasered twice, entered into a sei- a month. Port Commissioner Zita tive order extending FEMA’s Public At 6:15 pm, as the zure, and was severely injured for al- pointed out that an Interlocal Agree- Assistance Reimbursement policy to legedly obstructing the raid. His bail ment would require sufficient notice rain poured and the states that provide safe housing for was set at $40,000 and he spent over for the public to weigh in. Cooper people struggling as a result of the temperatures dropped, a month in jail, largely in solitary observed that the City may go ahead pandemic. confinement, confined to a wheel- without the Port, if Commissioners two Special Weapons chair. He has since been released don’t fast-track an Interlocal Agree- That night and the next morning And Tactics (SWAT) teams, but is left with restricted movement ment. On the night of Saturday, January Washington State Police, that requires him to use a cane. It’s more than a timing question 30, 33 homeless people, along with Thurston County Sheriff’s One of the homeless people in- some community organizers, went to Commissioner Zita pointed out that Office, and OPD arrived. volved, Tiger, had bail set at $50,000, the Red Lion Inn and Suites on Capi- based on prior charges and the the conning tower strongly resem- tol Way. They had booked 17 rooms bles an image that was the lowest- court system’s criminalization of online a few days before. The next houselessness. After being labeled rated aesthetic option in the public day, Sunday, approximately 40 activ- A ferocious response, arrests waterfront survey conducted by “ANTIFA” by Corrections Officers, he ists returned to the hotel just before and charges was forced to go into administrative the Port and Thomas Architecture noon checkout time. They issued Studio. At 6:15 pm, as the rain poured and segregation with Chris Guenzler, a statement insisting the homeless the temperatures dropped, two an “anti-antifascist”, the first Trump She also raised the issue of cultural guests be allowed to stay in the Inn Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) supporter who fired into a crowd of sensitivity and suggested talking to while the city searched for a more teams, Washington State Police, Leftists in December. the Squaxin Island Tribe: “We are tenable solution. Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and giving lip service to diversity, equity OPD arrived. These forces, number- The three OHN activist supporters They then occupied the lobby and were jailed but with their bail set and inclusion, but do we take it attempted to speak with staff mem- ing over 100, stormed the hotel, de- seriously when we’re thinking about ploying flashbangs and pepper balls at $10,000 or less, they were soon bers about working with the City to released to await trial. bringing pieces of a military vessel house the folks already legally there. inside rooms. They forced everyone and displaying it on land that was They were first assaulted and then outside into the freezing rain, includ- historically native homeland?” completely ignored. The manage- ing one person without a jacket or 4Red Lion, continued on page 11 Works in Progress (WIP), is a community newspaper based Why we can’t have a $15 minimum in Olympia, WA, that has been published monthly since 1990. WIP’s mission is to contribute wage or a lot of other nice things to the struggle for justice across A warrior Republican President, ine what those $6.4 trillion dollars fellow employees testing positive economic, social, environmen- Dwight Eisenhower spoke clearly could have done, if invested in this for the COVID-19 virus, tight and tal and political realms, and to about the link between our military country, in us, instead of in those poorly-ventilated working areas expand participatory democracy spending (see the back page pie disastrous wars. and customers who refused to across classes, races, and genders. chart for details) and the reasons wear masks while shopping – at Editorial policy we choose to impoverish so many $2 extra in three paychecks — times berating cashiers when re- working people: quested to mask. Our priority is to focus on sto- just right This was the fleeting amount that ries that are ignored or misrep- “To amass military power without They asked for an ordinance man- cashiers in an Olympia grocery resented in the corporate media, regard to our economic capac- dating hazard pay through the end store got as a result of the highly especially those that relate ity would be to defend ourselves of the pandemic. Councilmembers publicized action by stores in directly to our mission. We seek against one kind of disaster by responded with the information the first, frightening days of the well-researched news stories, inviting another.” “Making one that they have begun to work with pandemic. Though less celebrated serious analyses of issues con- heavy bomber meant sacrificing elected officials in Tumwater and than nurses and paramedics, gro- fronting our communities and 30 modern schools or two fully Lacey to pursue the possibility. equipped hospitals, or two electric cery workers were then recognized account of personal experiences They pointed to the verified record power plants. We pay for a single as essential frontline workers. or reflections by local writ- profits gained by grocery compa- destroyer with new homes that ers. We encourage articles that It didn’t last long. Since May of nies due to the pandemic – profits could have housed 8,000 people. relate to the monthly theme, but last year, the minimal “hazard pay” not reinvested in the workers es- This is not a way of life at all, in material on other topics is also stopped and treatment by grocery sential to producing those profits. welcome. any true sense.” retailers generally reverted to busi- ness as usual, except workers were A December 2020 report by the Informed opinion pieces are still exposed to continuous risk Brookings Institute found that accepted when accompanied by of infection, sickness and death. facts, examples, and sources. We THINKING “While top retail companies’ profits Unlike many who can work from discourage writing where a key soared during the pandemic, pay home, grocery workers constantly point is stated as fact when it’s OUT for their frontline workers—in most interact with customers, suppliers unproven or in serious dispute. cases—has not. In total, the top retail and co-workers. Every day they Writing that stereotypes groups companies in our analysis earned LOUD leave work wondering whether or categories of people won’t be on average an extra $16.7 billion in they this is the day they will bring accepted. $1.9 trillion to keep life going profit this year compared to last—a the virus to their families. is too much. $6.4 trillion in the stunning 40% increase—while Once we receive a submission, cause of war is never enough Grocery workers locally are taking stock prices are up an average of we may choose to publish it or matters into their own hands. With 33%. With few exceptions, frontline not. While the views expressed in Here is a more recent observation of the help of their union, United retail workers have seen little of the material we print are those the same phenomenon. This is Tom Food and Commercial Workers, this windfall. The 13 companies we of the author alone, WIP aims to Engelhardt’s introduction to an essay local workers presented their case studied raised pay for their frontline print material that is consistent by Mandy Smithberger in the March for renewed hazard pay to the workers by an average of just with our mission. WIP reserves 2 edition of Tom Dispatch. Olympia City Council on March 23. $1.11 per hour since the pandemic the right to edit all submissions Strange, isn’t it, what doesn’t sink began—a 10% increase on top of for accuracy, length, and clar- in. Take this number: $6.4 trillion. Speakers named several grocery wages that are often too low to meet ity of expression. We will work There’s a figure you might think stores in the area where the com- a family’s basic needs.” with authors if there is a need for should cause a genuine stir (es- mitment to safety measures has editing that extends beyond those pecially since each of those was a faded, leaving workers vulnerable. Seattle and neighboring cities have areas. taxpayer dollar). In fact, that was They named lack of adequate PPE already adopted a mandate requir- what, in November 2019, Neta supplies, inadequate disclosure of ing grocery stores and large retail- Unless copyrighted by the au- ers with food business who have at thor, all original material printed Crawford of Brown University’s invaluable Costs of War Project least 500 employees globally to pay in WIP under Creative Com- $4 per hour hazard pay for grocery mons license CC-BY-NC-ND. calculated that this country had spent on or committed to its post- I workers. Workers in Progress 9/11 wars across significant parts Upcoming themes Even so, as we know from reports of the planet (and future care for of the pandemic profits of Ama- Publishing Committee May—Finding common ground . US military personnel damaged by zon, another behemoth, the gap Emily Lardner, Lori Lively, Deadline April 15 Kevin Pestinger, Enrique them). By all rights, that number between the struggles and sacri- Quintero, Bethany Weidner should have stunned this country. June—The big lie fices of low-wage workers and the It should have caused an uproar. deadline May 15 wealth they create for their em- Treasurer Ann Vandeman It should have resulted in major ployers and shareholders is wider policy changes in Washington. July—Ballot or Bullet? Managing Editor than ever. —BW Bethany Weidner Just imagine that, in the years deadline June 15 before Covid-19 hit, when Ameri- Associate Editor Lori Lively can infrastructure was already Production & Design Lee Miller going down — “infrastructure Community Spolight week” would become a (bad) joke Melissa of the Trump era — the Ameri- Roberts can taxpayer was “investing” $6.4 Art & Photography Lindsey trillion (a figure you can’t repeat Dalthorp, Ricky Osborne, Paul too often) in a series of disastrous Peck, Lori Lively wars. They would be responsible for the deaths of thousands of In this issue Editing: Sarah Keefe, Hanna American military personnel and Broback hundreds of thousands of civilians Memorial to nuclear sub USS Olympia...... 1 Proofreaders Fred Silsby, James in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. What happened at the Red Lion?...... 1 O’Barr, Scott Yoos, Matt Crich- They would uproot millions more ton, Janet Jordan, Bruce Larson, and help unsettle the planet. Yet, Book review: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents...... 3 Sarah Keefe explain it as you will, they sim- ply couldn’t be (and still can’t be) A maximum wage: prelude to economic equality...... 4 Distribution Kevin P, Dave ended. If that isn’t the record from Can’t get a break—working single moms...... 5 Groves, Mike Pelly, Scott Yoos, hell, what is? Sandia Slaby, Matt Crichton, Nonprofits of Thurston County call for racial justice...... 6 Fred Silsby, Bruce Larson Today, Crawford’s figure would, of course, have to be updated as The Commons: Reclaiming What is Ours...... 6 Website Carolyn Roos, we await Joe Biden’s decisions on Heather Sundean future American war-making from Election update on the West Bay Yards issue...... 7 Social Media Heather Sundean Afghanistan to Iraq and beyond. An environmental review for West Bay Yards...... 7 Tech guru Lohen Che’ And yet, strangely enough, as TomDispatch regular and Pentagon An oasis in the heart of Olympia’s Westside...... 8 Advertising Rates expert Mandy Smithberger reports, Annual plant sale for Nicaraguan scholars coming up...... 10 $10 per column inch Washington, in a remarkably bipar- Business card $25/30 tisan fashion, continues to fund A victory for railroad workers and the public...... 11 the Pentagon at levels that should Quarter page $160 A new nuclear arms race is brewing...... 12 Discounts for 6-12 months astound us all. This at a moment when questions remain about Flooding in the Chehalis River Basin...... 13 Contact WIP: [email protected] whether the Biden administration or by snail mail at PO Box 295, can pass a $1.9 trillion bill to offer The future of Washington state rail...... 14 relief to Americans overwhelmed by the disaster of Covid-19. Imag- Community Spotlight...... 15

2 Works In Progress April 2021 systems that she examines, i.e. the economic whites go against their very old system in India, and the own economic interests to support BOOK REVIEW relatively brief one in Nazi Germa- Trump? ny. I found it most disturbing that the Nazis borrowed our eugenics The problem with this question is Caste: The Origins of and Jim Crow laws as the basis for that it is too abstract in form and their Nuremberg Laws. Even the thus misses the deeper underpin- Nazis blanched at the extremism of nings of the group’s foundational the American caste system. interests. Unquestionably, over the Our Discontents past several decades, the economic In Pillar Number Five, Wilkerson condition of lower economic by Isabel Wilkerson uses the metaphor of the mudsill whites has deteriorated due to the which in a house is a sill plate skewing of wealth distribution. upon which all The perpetration of this decline Denis Langhans the US. In that year it is the construction has been mostly due to Republican projected that our long- rests. She notes: policies. The phenomenon of Trumpism standing white majority “In a caste system, has perplexed many. How did a will become a minority. the mudsill is the Nevertheless, many in this group grifter billionaire attract over 70 This development to- bottom caste that have been blinded by zero-sum million voters, a large percentage gether with the election everything else thinking. Here, it is held that if being whites of lower economic of an African-American rests upon.” there is any improvement for a status? Did Trump possess a per- president in 2008, has minority, it must come at a direct sonal charisma that created this created a seismic force In the early 20th loss to the lower economic white group, or did he possess an intui- in the American elec- century, a racial group. This distorted thinking is tive cunning that identified and torate. Is this seismic creed of the South a basis for the deeply-visceral dis- exploited a latency in this sector of upheaval simply a mat- articulated by contents exhibited at Trump rallies, the white population? ter of racial bias, or is Thomas Pearce and at the recent insurrection at there a deeper cultural Bailey contained the Capitol. Reading Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste element at work? Isabel the central te- The perceived superior position of provides a foundational perspec- Wilkerson asserts that nets of the caste whites in our caste system func- tive to address the questions about the operative force is the system. Its most tions as a piece of driftwood to Trumpism. As indicated by the sub- extant caste system in essential tenet is which some cling to avoid social title, The Origins of Our Discontents, the US. inscribed clearly: “Let the lowest her work is an etiology, a search white man count for more than the oblivion. Trump understands this for origins and causes. We live in a Caste or racism? highest negro.” anxiety and plays to their deeply time of deep social discontent. inscribed caste status: “Let the low- It is easy, but inaccurate, to con- est white man count for more …” To understand the origins of our flate caste with racism. Wilkerson Trumpism viewed through discontents, Isabel Wilkerson’s points out that the two are neither the lens of Caste Denis Langhans is a white man— Caste should be required reading. synonymous nor mutually exclu- For several years, many pun- a long-time privileged beneficiary of sive. Rather, race is the visible dits have pondered an apparent the American caste system. A tale of two dates agent of the unseen force of caste. enigma—Why do so many lower The year 1619 AD was a seminal Caste is more than rank; it is a point of origin with the introduc- state of mind that holds everyone tion of enslaved Africans at James- captive. It is structural in nature town. These enslaved people did whereas racism, per se, is more not see themselves as “black”, but attitudinal. In short, caste is the as humans of various tribes and operating system for the economic, territories. Turning them “black” political and social interaction in was the necessary step of convert- the US since its gestation. ing human beings into currency. This conversion laid the economic The mudsill of caste foundation of the United States. Wilkerson lays out eight pil- lars upon which caste rests. The Another year, 2042 AD, looms large American form shares these eight in the political power equation for commonalities with the other caste Then this happened… ...Mike Kreidler dealt the insur- in the first round of its presiden- ance lobbyists a slap by issuing tial election to a leftist econo- an emergency rule prohibiting mist running on the Union for insurers from using credit scoring Hope line. But, no surprise, the to set personal property (particu- other candidate was a right-wing larly auto) rates. With new scru- banker. The US came in third with tiny of practices that have racist the “eco-socialist” candidate they results, studies found that using backed. The economist and the credit scores were just an excuse to banker will meet in a run-off on charge low income and black driv- April 11. Check out the November ers higher rates unrelated to driv- 2019 article in Works in Progress for ing records. The prohibition will the grim background of Ecuador’s last three years after the current recent governments. coronavirus pandemic is declared ...it’s old news, but really. So far over. during the pandemic, America’s ...our legislators think that cities 660 billionaires—major beneficia- and towns shouldn’t be allowed ries of the Trump tax cut—became to make their own zoning rules. $1.3 trillion wealthier, enough Two bills SB5235 and HB 1220 to give every American a $3,900 prohibit a city from requiring that check and still be as rich as they someone with an ADU live on the were before the pandemic. Alert to readers! property—more options for absen- ...speaking of bi-partisanship? tee investors to pull money out of Did anyone notice that the 10-year WIP has received a grant to print The Cigarette: A Political History your neighborhood. cost of Trump’s 2018 tax cost was book reviews in 2021. How will it —Sarah Milov (choice, agency, ...When Oklahoma tribes won a $1.9 trillion—the same number work? Each month we’ll publish desire) a list of books (see right column). US Supreme Court case that said as the Biden tax expenditures? Union Made—Eric Lotke (novel their Muskogee (Creek) reserva- Under the Covid Relief plan, more If you’d like to be considered to review one of them, contact us at about the romance of organizing tion was never disestablished, it than 93% of kids receive benefits. to win) was a shock. Everyone had pretty Americans in the lowest quintile [email protected] and put BOOK much forgotten about the treaties increase their incomes by 20 per- REVIEW in the subject line. We Bring the War Home—Kathleen that they’d signed a while back but cent; those in the second-lowest, will buy the book (or reimburse Belew (white power movement & now they had to face some serious 9 percent; those in the middle, 6 you if you buy it) and pay $50 if militias) questions. The governor had a fix percent. The Trump tax cut ben- the review is accepted. See the Who Will Pay Reparations on My though. He appointed a commis- efits went overwhelmingly to the review of Caste on this page. Soul—Jesse McCarthy (essays) sion without a single tribe member. top 20 percent. Despite promises We will run issues monthly with Instead there are two oil fracking of higher wages for everyone else, a maximum length of 750 words. Forever Prisoners—Elliott Young executives, a pipeline CEO, and nothing trickled down. Do you re- We currently have reviews sched- (immigration) two oil industry lobbyists. No prob- member the vote on the Trump tax uled through June, so there’s lemo. cut? Not a single Democrat in the plenty of time to read a big book! House or Senate voted for it. ...Ecuador defied the trend to autocrats and gave the most votes

April 2021 Works In Progress 3 cial stability, the pursuit of happi- ness in other forms becomes more REFLECTION difficult. Yet financial stability is becoming less attainable for much A maximum wage: prelude of the working class. A maximum wage tied by ratio to the minimum wage is a step toward greater income equality to economic equality by recognizing that the super- rich do not deserve all the wealth Adora River Rose people to share in the prosperity; It may seem that efforts to regulate they control, just as the working without it, the disparity in income the income of the super-rich are a poor do not deserve the poverty The federal minimum wage in could continue to increase expo- lost cause, but there is precedent they are subjected to. the United States, signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt A tax system that favors the in 1938, has been a topic of de- wealthy has failed us bate ever since. Its purpose was to Our poverty rate today hovers protect workers from being paid a around 10%. A tax system that wage lower than what is necessary favors the wealthy has not proven for survival. Roosevelt has been to eradicate poverty. Focusing quoted as saying, “no business only on the poor and those with which depends for existence on less ability to stand on their own paying less than living wages to its has not solved income inequal- workers has any right to continue ity. A refusal to acknowledge the in this country.” importance of regulating the top as well as the bottom will continue to Prove that you need the money delay any solution. Today, the argument is less about whether the minimum wage Through implementing a maxi- should exist and more about how mum wage, the people of the US much to increase it -- if at all. The nentially. Regulation that ties top for such regulation. Currently, will continue to achieve economic consistency in the debate is that executive pay, by a designated there are laws in the US that pre- growth, expand incentives to in- most of the argument focuses on multiple, to the lowest-paid em- vent companies that discriminate crease the pay to lower-wage work- those in poverty, recognizing that ployee in the corporation would against women and minorities ers, and move towards the type of their survival is at stake. At the likely result in higher wages for from gaining government contracts. income equality that ensures that same time, resources for these the lowest paid workers first, and a minority of wealthy individuals groups are always means-based, less of the corporation’s revenue Setting a standard for won’t have financial control over allocated to those who can provide would be lost to taxation. companies that rely on the our leaders and representatives. A proof of need. government de facto maximum wage through a Would high-income earners return to higher taxes will pave the Sam Pizzigati, an Associate Fellow work less hard if tax rates were way for more income equality and For the rich - no questions asked at the Institute for Policy Studies, higher? allow more Americans to pursue Interestingly, people with the responded to these laws by asking, their own versions of happiness. highest accumulation of wealth are It is often argued that a higher “why should we let our tax dollars never held to a means test when income tax rate (or maximum subsidize companies that increase Adora River Rose is studying at it comes to how they acquired wage) will reduce the incentive for economic inequality - by compen- SPSCC to become a teacher. She is their wealth. It’s unlikely that the high-income earners to continue to sating top executives at levels that an Eagle Scout, a performance artist, top 1% of Americans gained over perform at the same level, result- dwarf the pay that goes to aver- and an advocate for transgender 30% of the nation’s wealth in the ing in a reduction of gross domes- age workers?” Restricting govern- rights and equality. adora.river. same way those paid the minimum tic product (GDP). ment contracts to companies that [email protected] wage earned their money. That This argument is not supported pay upper executives a rate that 30% share is increasing alarm- by history. The US has historically is no greater than a determined Works Cited ingly while causing undeniable had income tax rates that effec- multiple of the rate of their lowest- “Marillyn Hewson.” AFL, AFL-CIO, economic difficulties for the low tively acted as a de facto maximum paid workers is one way to begin 2021, aflcio.org/paywatch/LMT. and middle classes. wage. The highest individual in- increasing economic equality. Pizzigati, Sam. Have the Rich Won? To address inequality, redesign come tax bracket in US history was An inalienable right to life, 94% in 1944 and 1945. Maybe Not. Somerville: Economic economic incentives liberty and the pursuit of Affairs Bureau, 2009. Without a change in economic pol- High top-bracket taxes in the happiness Yglesias, M. “The case for a icy the rich are likely to gain more 1950s correlate with high GDP It is not beneficial to value only maximum wage.” www.vox. control over the lives of the poor. If growth those who can thrive financially com/2014/8/6/5964369/maxi- we want to decrease inequality, we In the 109 years since the income in a capitalist society. For some mum-wage. 6 Aug 2014. Accessed need to broaden the discussion to tax was instituted, forty-nine of people, happiness is not about 18 Nov. 2020. include a maximum wage -- a de those years have had a tax rate of financial gain, but without finan- facto maximum wage, or a cap on over 70%. Thirteen of the fif- wealth and assets-- concurrently teen years that the tax rate was with the minimum wage. over 90% were consecutive years. Are you a low income parent? To decrease income inequality, the From 1951 through 1963, the high- first task is to create economic in- est-taxed individuals were taxed at Do you want to know more about your either 91 or 92%. centive for corporations to distrib- legal rights to public assistance? ute more of their revenue to those As of 1951, four of the prior six earning overall lower wages rather years showed a decline in gross than those with high salaries. domestic product, correlating Historically, tax rates on high with a reduction of over 11% in P.0.W.E.R. can help! incomes functioned as a de facto the highest income tax bracket at maximum wage which provided its largest difference. Yet when the Parents Organizing for Welfare such an incentive. Writer for Vox, tax rate returned to over 90%, the Matthew Yglesias reasons, nation saw nearly twenty years of & Economic Rights offers consistent growth in GDP. “During the 90% top income tax Welfare Rights Hotline rate, for a firm to put an extra $100 This indicates that a higher tax rate in the pocket of a top executive would have little to no probability of Workshops & Education required them to pay another $1,000 reducing production within corpora- in salary. Rather than send $900 to tions in the US. A maximum wage, Welfare Witness Uncle Sam to pay a CFO an extra or a return to a tax bracket over Economic Collaboration $100, it makes more sense to give 90%, could pave the way to return a modest raises to five separate middle more economically equal society. managers — putting more money 360-352-9716 in the pockets of your workforce Government money supports and less in the pockets of the federal vast salaries for contractors 866-343-971 6 (toll-free) government.” It may seem difficult to imagine [email protected] When the rich find ways to pay in- regulations such as a maximum come tax at a lower rate than even wage imposed on the rich, especially www.mamapower.org the lowest wage earner, it could since large corporations with highly provide the corporation with an paid executives often benefit from incentive to increase top executive government contracts. In 2018, gov- Every mother pay rather than increase the pay ernment contracts made up nearly of the lowest paid employees and 70% of Lockheed Martin’s rev- is a working those in the middle. A maximum enue but the Executive Chairman of wage that is in some way tied to a the Board was compensated nearly mother! minimum wage would allow more thirty-one million dollars (Marillyn).

4 Works In Progress April 2021 Working, schooling and wearing the working as her kids’ caretaker and many hats needed to get through teacher, and as a full-time worker Can’t get a break the day leaves no time for being and manager. a parent. This mom said, “I need It’s even a challenge for single time to be present in my kids’ lives.” Working single moms in the pandemic moms who are primary care-givers So her greatest wish was to have to get support from former partners Single moms in general have less someone to cook meals that are Ilana Smith —and lifelong co-parents—to ensure pay, less resources and less space. actually healthy; someone to clean that their kids are fully supported They have been overworked, the house; a handyman on call for One thing has become clear over in their studies and their lives. under-supported, and overstressed that dishwasher -- and everything the past year: the pandemic didn’t Having a fully functioning school for a long time. This has led many else that seemed to be breaking. affect everyone equally. There is to put their own well-being, men- and an equal partner in parenting the person joked about on social tally, emotionally and physically, A longing for emotional support was this mom’s wish, along with a media, out of work but getting on the back burner. The unequal chance to see friends for the regen- unemployment; without their typi- demands of home and work placed A second single working mom erative effect of a sisterhood bond- cal income but still able to cover on single mothers during the reported the irony of being told ing over a Scrabble board. On top the rent; with time to worry about pandemic has increased levels by her employer to make space of all that, her dishwasher broke… what to binge watch or when they of emotional distress and burn- for self-care, and then promptly a third single mom spending many could get their hair done. And out. Cases are even higher among being advised that her caseload at hours washing dishes by hand. others out of work and without black, Asian and Latina mothers. work was doubled. Another irony unemployment, struggling to make was her feeling of jealousy towards Underlying the burnout— ends meet—but finding themselves When I asked three single working those who ended up unemployed economic discrimination with some free time. mothers in our community what because of the pandemic. Perhaps they needed just to feel sane again, reading social media posts of oth- The Brookings Institute reported And then there are the ones who their wishes hit home. ers’ excessive boredom at being at in their “2018 American Com- didn’t get a break. The ones who home with nothing to do but make munity Survey data, before CO- made the shift to the digital work Time to be present for the kids sarcastic videos and watch TV ex- VID-19, nearly half of all working world without missing a beat. Even women—46% or 28 million—worked One local single mom spent the acerbated her despair. when their workload grew to ac- in jobs paying low wages, with past year converting her face-to- commodate the masses newly in Her hopes of finding someone to median earnings of only $10.93 per face consulting business into a need of services, the pay did not. share her life with seemed to slip hour. The share of workers earning virtual, digital-based experience for farther out of reach as isolation, low wages is higher among black her clients. Long days and nights Confined to home with two jobs stress weight-gain, and a longing for women (54%) and Hispanic or have been dedicated to trying to human contact with someone other Latina women (64%) than among Compared to two-parent house- grow a business against almost than her children strained her resil- white women (40%), reflecting the holds where at least one parent insurmountable odds. Added to the was able to focus on childcare structural racism that has limited while the other worked, single par- options in education, housing, and ent households were hit hard by employment for people of color.” the pandemic. Isolation and exces- Some expenses are especially bur- sive workloads have caused nega- densome to working moms. Lack tive impacts on mental health for of affordable and available child- all members of our nation. How- care for example. Childcare itself ever, the effects of such isolation is very expensive yet the childcare on top of a full-time job for income providers, who are mostly women, and the full-time job of being a sin- are grossly underpaid leaving a gle parent can increase pandemic working mother with little left of stress levels exponentially. her paycheck if care is not subsi- Negotiating child-care with work dized. Unlike men, women face responsibilities takes a toll. other not-so-hidden expenses as- sociated with their gender, such as Taking on the role of full-time expensive undergarments and the caregiver for one’s children, full- monthly costs of feminine hygiene time housekeeper with the added products that tap into the lower challenge of cooking and cleaning paycheck that women earn. for little people making messes without supervision during the Gentrification of neighborhoods workday, full-time teacher’s aide that were once affordable to many isolation and many aggravations ience. Too many free moments were filling in the gaps of instruction be- associated with pandemic living, lower income single parents, has tween the few hours of interaction spent handwashing dishes (wish- made it harder to rent, and next she had to start washing all dishes ing her children were old enough with teachers, and full-time worker by hand when her dishwasher to impossible to buy a home to ac- stuck in Zoom after never-ending to wash their own), she echoed the cumulate generational wealth. As broke and repair was way too wish for help with housework and Zoom, has left many single moms expensive. neighborhoods become gentrified, at a mental breaking point. time to connect with her children services important to low-income outside of schoolwork. households, like free clinics and food pantries, move away and be- Some private space come less accessible. A third single working mom talked about the close quarters in her Does it have to be this way? small, affordable home and a Cities like Vienna created housing desire for more space. How much specifically designed for moms longer will hiding in the garage or who work. Developments that are the car be necessary for a private close to public transit and have phone conversation, free from the on-site healthcare and childcare prying ears of little ones? She remi- facilities are making it possible for nisced about promotion opportuni- single parents and moms, who are ties she’d had to pass-up due to the traditionally childrens’ primary constraints of being at home while caregivers, to have opportunities to reduce the heavy burdens associ- ated with the role. Along with stresses and demands tied to the pandemic, worries about what the future holds abound. What happens when the morato- rium on evictions ends? Where can women with small children go to have access to the affordable child- care necessary to find full-time work and pay for the ever-increas- ing costs of housing? How can we gain equity in the workforce? And why can’t dishwashers stand-up to pandemic level living? Ilana Smith is an avid reader, wishful traveler, and a lover of Scrabble who has laid down roots in Lacey. Source consulted for this article: Bateman, Nichole and Ross, Martha (2020). //www.brookings.edu/essay/ why-has-covid-19-been-especially- harmful-for-working-women/

April 2021 Works In Progress 5 Nonprofits of Thurston County call for racial justice Dear Thurston County Commissioners; Thurston County Mayors, City Councils and City Administrators; Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney; Thurston County Sheriff; Thurston County School Superintendents; and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Director:

In response to the movement With advisement from BIPOC power) community-led, partici- now is the time to align our actions and demand for justice for Black (Black, Indigenous, People of patory budgeting processes to with our stated values and we are Lives, and because these times are Color) Communities, we have determine where the reallocated calling our local leaders to do the calling on us to have a wise and outlined several policy priorities funds are invested same. that our nonprofit community is courageous response, we, Thurston  Redesign and reinvest current We can’t create the changes that asking our elected and appointed County nonprofit communities, school resource officer contracts we want to see in this community, leaders to research and to swiftly have signed onto this collective let- into student supports and school which are desperately needed, if put into action. We recognize that ter indicating our intention to align counselors we continue to go about business one list of policy priorities will with racial justice and a local racial  Adopt and align with the federal as usual. Business as usual upholds not be representative of all BIPOC equity-focused policy agenda. Justice in Policing Act of 2020 racism and upholds oppression. Communities and perspectives, and Washington State Initiative It is time for us to show courage We believe it is important to be en- and we’ve tried to do our best to be 940 and to show that we value Black gaged in this conversation because responsive and also demonstrate Lives. When we stand in solidarity we are service providers, ulti- allyship/accompliceship.  Denounce white supremacist mately responding to the inequi- hate groups and armed vigilante together we will see true systemic ties that have come from systemic It is clear that there have been groups and take tangible steps change in our communities. good intentions and that several to prevent them from inciting oppression. In recognition of the Signed, intersectional nature of oppression, of your jurisdictions have taken violence we are actively considering how important steps to address issues  Ensure Human Rights Com- Family Support Center all forms of oppression compound of inequality and yet, these efforts missions are led by BIPOC and of South Sound have fallen short of what is needed. the negative impacts of racism. those whose rights are impacted, Community Youth Services That is; ableism, ageism, religious The caliber and direction of our and fund their work oppression, classism, heterosexism work together must be amplified to  Prohibit all collusion with ICE Enterprise for Equity and homophobia, anti-indigenous address the significant harm, stress, and eliminate system practices Sidewalk oppression/colonization, anti- fear and pain BIPOC communities that include sharing information immigrant oppression, sexism, and are facing every day. This set of with ICE. Interfaith Works transphobia are all implicated in policy priorities acknowledges the  Extend eviction moratorium systemic racism. gravity and pace of change that YWCA is needed to address these harms. with a rental relief fund for Our nonprofits hold collective households financially impacted Pizza Klatch Support for We look forward to working with LGBTQ+ Youth power in this community and have you on this journey in the coming by COVID-19, which has been a responsibility to use that power months. proven to disproportionately GRUB wisely and for justice. We know impact BIPOC Together! that until we dismantle systemic We are asking Thurston  Create and adopt Good Cause white supremacy none of us can Eviction and non-possessory Thurston Asset Building Coalition meet our missions for the well- County and Thurston policies Homes First being of people and our planet. County cities to:  Create accountability metrics and systems of transparency POWER We want to stand in solidarity with  Declare racism as a public with regards to the above-named the changes that Black Leaders and health emergency pcaf Communities of Color are calling priorities; make progress on  Install community-led public for. Because Communities of Color demands transparent and up- Olympia Film Society safety accountability bodies to are most impacted by systemic to-date based on priorities of direct a fundamental shift in Tambra Donohue, Director, Monarch oppression, we believe that Com- impacted communities how our local criminal justice Children’s Justice and Advocacy munities of Color know best the We know that some of these de- system operates, and to sig- Center solutions that are needed. We see mands can happen right away and nificantly reduce the scope and it as our responsibility to amplify understand that some of them will HAKI Farmer Collective power of this system these solutions and to step into take more time and will require CIELO allyship in whatever ways we can.  Reallocate funds from criminal different types of community pro- This is one, among many, of those justice system to community cesses to determine the best way Bridge Music Project ways. based services; install sanc- forward. However, we know that tioned (with decision making The Commons: Reclaiming what is ours A documentary film directed by when everything seems to have a and places, the wealth of the land, Young people feel this acutely, ask- Kevin Hansen dollar value, Commoners are now oceans and atmosphere, the inter- ing: “Why aren’t resources avail- saying, “we’re taking a new path net, their genetics, and the ideas able to all?” For the young, seeing The Commons is a documentary forward.” that are the heritage of life itself. our broken democracy fail has cre- film about communities re-assert- ated a crisis of confidence in gov- ing sustainable futures using con- Creating “open source” We found there are ernment. Looking sensus, equity, and shared resourc- communities already laws protecting at this unappealing es—ancient Commons principles. the rights of Common- future, our young The film offers many examples Making the film, we found a re- ers. Many of these laws awakening in progress. Tired of people may feel lost, of how it is possible to take the are the underpinnings so we now have a inspired path toward a communal waiting for governments or corpo- of our legal system rations to ‘get it right,’ many Com- crisis of political future so many are drawn towards. itself. People need to succession: ‘Who The film is intended to be what moners are already taking action know that it is both as a community to push back the wants to do more of Gandhi hoped we would speak, possible and success- that?’ they ask. Satyagraha, a new Truth Force, tide of unjust privatization or de- ful to have a new kind and what Dr. Andreas Weber calls struction of shared resources. of ‘Commons’ democ- In this film, we seek Enlivenment. Often inspired by Occupy move- racy, a self-governance to show how it is ments, many Commoners are based on consensus, possible to move For this film, we asked why new justice, sharing, sus- towards “self-orga- forms of self-organizing were forming new communities, re- imagining the concept of money, tainability and good- nizing democracy” emerging—and got very similar will. by highlighting the answers. Everyone is restless—es- starting new schools, creating open-source computer code and many successful pecially young people. Something Labor and natural examples of Com- inside us is calling for a better, launching cooperatives every- where. Many—most—of these proj- resources—the origin of our moners doing just that. We support healthier future. People are unwill- common wealth a return to the shared decisions, ing to settle for the bleak future ects have the idea of ‘open source’ deeply embedded in their plan- We have lost many rights to re- sustainable living and community- many fear. They understand deep- based action that Commons offer. ly that the shared resources of the ning. People are asking for sustain- sources that were once a shared ability, not destruction, sharing world are a human right, owned by heritage. In the process we lost Details and where to watch the not privatization, and justice—not all, not just a few—and that these part of our humanity. Rights to film: featuring David Bollier, Bill brutality. resources are in peril. many Commons resources were McKibben and the commoners. usurped centuries ago, starting Directed by Kevin Hansen with Nine years went into making this Reclaiming sovereignty over the with the indigenous peoples—but film: we listened as 49 communi- Commons cinematography by Bunker many don’t know it. We are dissoci- Seyfert. Produced by Pierre Terre ties across the Americas, Europe, We made this film because people ated from the living resources and and South Asia told us what has Productions & Survival Media need to know that actions are energy that sustains us; dissociated Agency. Released 2019. Runtime: 109 made their Commons work over already under way; that it is pos- from the understanding that labor the centuries. In the face of com- minutes. View link: https://vimeo. sible to reclaim sovereignty over and natural resources are the ori- com/ondemand/commons modification and privatization, the Commons: the shared spaces gin of the wealth of our Commons.

6 Works In Progress April 2021 acres of land that promises market Olympia City Council elections rate housing and excludes afford- able housing, then they would be signing onto private gains at the expense of the public. We have Update on the West Bay Yards issue people in our own community who are carrying the burden for the Dan Leahy hearing. I need to learn more able public housing for everyone city’s lack of action. Mutual aid has before committing to a position. who needs it. This project serves no picked up because city resources On March 12, I asked all thirteen I plan to watch the video and one except those who will profit and are lacking. In addition to the candidates running for the five reach out to stakeholders to gath- needs to be taken off of the table. lack of affordable housing, thou- positions on the Olympia City er citizen views. My platform is sands of tenants currently can not Sarah DeStasio (candidate, running Council for their position on the grassroots and I have prioritized make their rents. Despite job loss for position 6). There should be a proposed development agreement citizen concerns when taking a and COVID shutdowns, there is a thorough environmental impact re- for the West Bay Yards project. On position on controversial issues. continued expectation for tenants view before the City commits to the March 23 the City Council held a to pay rent. It is illogical to sup- Talauna Reed (candidate, run- West Bay Yards development agree- public hearing on the agreement. port high end market rate housing ning for position 5). The short ment. While there is limited build- March 30 was the date set for the when we have a growing houseless response is that I do not sup- able land in our area, I do not think Council to approve or disapprove population with people facing evic- port this at all. My position is that a market-rate shoreline develop- the development agreement. tions once the moratorium is lifted. firm and anytime the city gives ment is likely to benefit most Olym- Although the issue is the lack of Not all candidates responded incentives to private developers, pians or our ecosystems. If built, the housing and the need to increase does not consider environmen- project is not eligible for the Multi- housing in our city, that is not the Incumbent Yen Huynh and Robbi tal impacts, excludes the public Family tax exemption or reduced im- Kesler are vying for position two. only thing that is keeping housing from discussion before drafting pact fees. I would like the City to use unaffordable or inaccessible. If the Both Huynh and Kesler responded. an agreement on these types of those taxes and fees to help increase Clark Gilman, the incumbent for city were to approve this agree- issue and or does not prioritize our affordable housing stock. ment, it would further perpetuate position four responded. Incum- the current needs of our com- bent Lisa Parshley, Talauna Reed Tyrone Brown (candidate, running the pandemic that marginalized munity, i will not be in favor of people have already been fac- and Wendy Carlson are running it and my vote will reflect that. for position 7). We are currently in for position five. Taluana Reed the midst of a syndemic: A health ing. We need to focus on accessible The people in this community and equitable housing. responded. Sarah Destasio, Corey need reassurance for this council pandemic and a housing pandem- Gauny and Dontae Payne are vy- that this housing crisis we are ic. Before this syndemic, the house- Dan Leahy is an organizer and long- ing for position six. Sarah Destacio in has high priority. We do not less population was already growing time resident of the Westside. responded. Incumbent Jim Cooper, need market rate housing. We at a rapid rate. If the city were to Tyrone Brown and Spence Weigand, need liveable wages and afford- sign this 15-year agreement for 7 Jr. are vying for position seven. Tyrone Brown responded. Candace Mercer responded and stated she will file for position four. Citizens: An environmental review Statements by candidates Yen Huynh (incumbent, running should precede a binding contract for position 2). I am continuing to study and evaluate all of the excellent input that we received at for West Bay Yards the public hearing and I welcome more. Bethany Weidner represent the interest of the public as Reasoning offered Robbi Kesler (candidate, running a party to the contract. Opponents submitted extensive for position 2). I have followed the [Dozens of people who filed and varied comments ranging from West Bay Yards development agree- comments or called into a uniqueness of the shoreline and ment issue reasonably closely, but public hearing March 23 argued related ecosystem, lack of key pro- not as carefully as I would if I were forcefully that an environmental visions in the contract, and unsuit- on council and actually voting. I review should occur before ability of the site. Most urged the would potentially vote against the the City makes any more Council to begin with an environ- development agreement if there is commitments to the West Bay mental review that could answer an extraordinary concession being Yards developers. Business owners many of the questions about the granted to the developer of which and development advocates project. Here are excerpts from I am not currently aware. I pride disagreed. By the time this paper three statements: myself on having great critical is printed, Council members will thinking and research skills, and have made a decision of some A specialist in urban restoration: am capable of making decisions kind. Here’s a summary of the I am concerned that this approach to on my own but I also realize at an public input. Read full comments shoreline development weakens our executive level a need to delegate on the City’s website at www. city, and undermines our regional and consider input from staff who olympiawa.gov/west-bay-yards] public investment in ecosystem are experts in their respective recovery. A 30-foot fringe of trees and fields. I have confidence in the What some dredge spoils at the foot of rip- city staff and relevant state agen- Members of the public had an rap is not restoration—it’s superficial cies to make the right decisions opportunity to talk to the City decoration to sell you on a bad idea. with respect to ensuring the proj- Council about the viability and This development group has indi- ect complies with relevant laws at desirability of facilitating the in- cated through its opening design that various stages of the process if it troduction of an “urban village”— it has no interest in the health of the moves forward. I would tend to be a 470-unit apartment/town- Salish Sea. You should ask for a real house-retail-commercial complex proposal that demonstrates a com- on the side of approving develop- When ment agreements in situations like — between West Bay Drive and mitment to ecological health. It would West Bay Yards because I realize the edge of Budd Inlet at the site Ten months after West Bay Yards LLC be a betrayal to all of us if the City the project will still be required to of a former plywood plant. presented their project at a “presub- Council gave away the bank at the mission conference” in May and one opening bell. meet all applicable development At issue was a Development regulations. week before the City Council was to Students from Marshall Middle Agreement—a voluntary contract make a decision. Clark Gilman (Mayor Pro Tem, that ensures West Bay Yards LLC School CSI who will live with this running for re-election, position 4) that the project will be isolated Who decision. In our research we’ve I do not support the Development from changes in Olympia’s land found that there is no benefit this Arguing against approval of the proposed development has to the Agreement proposed for the West use regulations (last revised in WBY Agreement: 2016) between now and 2036. at least six envi- community. Whether it’s limiting Bay Yards luxury apartment project ronmental steward organizations on the former Hardel plywood mill (Development project do get natural space, or the increasing traf- protection from changes in regu- including DERT, Olympia Coalition fic, a development this big will have site. I do not believe it is appropri- for Ecosystem Preservation, Audubon ate to vest this project to today’s lations—but at a later point in crushing impacts. In the end, this the review process.) Society, Sierra Club, Cultural Land- growth will not pay for itself. You land use rules for 15 years. We are scapes, and Olympia Archeological at a moment of great change in may be long gone, but we will be left Why Society, among others, plus over 130 holding the bill. our thinking and actions around unaffiliated individuals. climate change, the environment, A Development Agreement is So much inaction has left our genera- and equal justice. These emerging the product of a “behind the Arguing for approval: City Planning tion tired. Tired of waiting for a fate priorities are very likely to shift counter” negotiation between and Development staff; Ron Thomas, doomed by the messes others have land use regulations during the the developer and staff. In WBY architect; eight other business left us to clean up. Tired of watching course of this 25 year agreement. Olympia, the Planning and and development interests including the same mistakes unfold time and Development staff has complete Olympia Master Builders, Kidder- Candace Mercer (states she is a time again, history repeating itself so discretionary authority over Matthews, Thurston Economic candidate for position 4). I was clearly for all to see but not clearly individual projects—except for Development Council, two profes- unable to respond by the deadline enough for anyone to do about it. Development Agreements. They sional planners, a couple of business because I am experiencing hous- There is no way for the effects of come to the City Council be- owners and a Missing Middle activist; ing instability and was unable to Climate Change to reverse themselves. cause they’re binding contracts. plus six unaffiliated individuals. attend the West Bay Yards public 4Binding contract, continued on page 10 The role of the City Council is to

April 2021 Works In Progress 7 Work that’s its own reward West Central Park is an oasis in the heart of Olympia’s Westside SW neighbors and park The possibility of a green and picnic areas. In the summer all had the pleasure of seeing the park volunteers past and present welcoming space kinds of vegetables are there in take shape as the product of many raised beds for anyone to harvest. hands and heads. Here’s a little of The neighborhood won a second During the years (before the pan- what they experienced, taken from For years it was home to an time in December 2012 when a demic) there were concerts, work- weekly newsletters that yet anoth- abandoned building. In 1997 the Westside resident, Alicia Elliott. shops, movies and seasonal events er volunteer sends out: City paid to demolish the building, purchased the property and turned free to everyone. leaving the lot vacant. It was the it over to the community to create 11/2013—We are over half way last unoccupied parcel located at a neighborhood park. to our goal of planting the whole the intersection of two busy arteri- Eastern side of the park. Come als on the Westside—Harrison Sunday to help move dirt and and Division. Early one May Day mulch and turn sod into new beds. morning, guerilla gardeners from TESC transformed a corner of 12/2013—We plan to file our the lot with plants and flowering 501(c)3 application. This should shrubs. The City’s Public Works improve our chances to raise Department bulldozed them the $120,000 toward building our per- next afternoon. manent park. How about a 2/2014—We’ll be painting, digging convenience store, then? another irrigation trench and con- tinuing work on the permaculture For the next 15 years, people in seminar area. The weather should Olympia’s Southwest neighbor- be great hood fought off proposals for gas stations, minimarts and drive- 6/2014—If you’re an artisan, a by banks. The intersection was musician, a crafter, a food vendor, dangerous without adding more a local cause…sign up for the June traffic. Then, in 2011, Olympia’s Jubilee with its focus on demon- Community Planning staff ap- strations of old skills and crafts. proved a 7-Eleven with cars enter- 1/2015—At the weekly work party ing and exiting from two streets. It we’ll be completing work on the promised to generate money—de- Today “West Central Park” is a How did this come about with no arbor and putting on a few more velopment fees plus property and labels to identify plants. Looking to sales taxes for the city; profits for neighborhood oasis. Stroll along employees and limited funds? one of the pathways and take note add new board members. the foreign owners of the 7-Eleven It started with the founder and an chain. But this was not to be. of the shrubs and plantings offer- 4/2016—Still a few spaces left ing color and texture even on the initial board of talented volunteers who took on the formal task of for our Mini Bird and Bee House Instead, people in the neighbor- rainiest cold winter day. Take note workshop. hood organized and succeeded in creating a nonprofit organization— reversing the city’s approval. filing for tax exempt status, keep- ing records, developing an initial How was this possible in our vision for the park. world where investors call the shots and “development” trumps That first board started by creating all other land uses? a structure to attract and support the volunteers who would be need- Making the neighborhood safe ed to create and maintain the park. for community From the first year, regular Sunday work parties have been the way Confronted with the “done deal” people gave their time and ideas to of the 7-Eleven, residents set to the park. As one volunteer said, “I work to show how the Planning needed to collaborate with people Department ignored City rules in my community on something when it approved the store. After positive and growing and beauti- an appeal to the Hearing Exam- ful…beyond the day-to-day cares of iner—who predictably ruled for my own situation.” the staff—the neighbors raised of the innovative: pervious surface $8000 for another appeal. With the the Park Board chose for all drive- Coming together from 10 to 2 help of a local attorney working ways and parking areas. every Sunday for hands-on work for free, they took their case to out-of-doors not only built and Superior Court where Judge Lisa Rain gardens bursting with texture maintained the park, it allowed for Sutton found that the community suck up water that used to flood relationships to develop and ideas was right—the City had failed to nearby sidewalks. There’s fanciful to bear fruit. Volunteers who have abide by its own Municipal Code. path lighting, a chess table, and been involved from the first day

88 Works In ProgressWorks In Progress April 2021 April 2021 9 Work that’s its own reward West Central Park is an oasis in the heart of Olympia’s Westside

8/2016—Time for mowing, weeding, raking, torching, picking up litter! Building new turf with 30 yards of soil just delivered! We hope to get to the seeding too. Some volunteers will be working on a low berm to create am- phitheater seating for Monday Movie Madness. 6/20/17—We need help to install steel edging along the Park pathways. The United Way team will be there for the Day of Caring if you’d like to plug in. 10/2017—We’re hosting our third annual Harvest Fest with apple pressing, cider making, seed and veggie swap or share; mushroom cultivation workshop, hügelkul- tur workshop, edible landscape tour, natural beekeeping workshop and the incredible, edible, community stone soup! 6/2018—This Sunday, we’ll be helping out at the Senior Services Garden. We planted the beds about 3 weeks ago husband helped build these beds, said “Gar- connect with artists or looking to orga- and stuff is growing fast. Come to work and stay to play dening and nurturing this space beautifies nize events would be a welcome volun- bocce ball. the neighborhood and helps us to feel more teer. connected to our community.” A class or 9/2018—Friday around 4 o’clock we’ll be hanging lights Until larger gatherings are safe, the park group could adopt a bed—and food sharing can be a venue for small events such as for the Equinox Dance Party. Grab a string of lights and is always possible. some vines to help make the Park special. recitals and limited performances. Once concerts are back the search will be on Bee & Wasp Update—Thanks to everyone who helped for stage crew and support volunteers. make wasp traps last week. We put the traps in the park and nearby properties to help reduce the wasp popula- In addition to helping tend the park itself, tion. We have a few containers of honeycomb left for sale there are many great projects waiting from last year’s hive. for the right people to help them grow. There is an opportunity for everyone to 10/2018—Just finished the compost system at the park n be part of programs, events, and projects in partnership with OlySunrise Compost Concierge! The Another goal is to bring more art and craft events to the park. Someone with a yen to that bring our community together in the new wire coverings will help keep the birds out and park all year round. make the overall process easier for our crew of volun- teers to maintain. 6/2019—Hügelkultur is a water-wise planting technique that acts something like a nurse log. Workshop with a master gardener—how to plant and the benefits. 7/2019—Movie Madness! Mondays in July and August from 8:45 to midnight. Come early for popcorn and slides from Park work parties and local business ads. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your besties to snuggle in for your own walk-in theater! And now it’s 2021 The pandemic changed life at the park, but it’s still there providing respite and community. The crew of dedicated volunteers turned to staggered schedules for safety and kept pruning, Why not join us? We currently have openings for an additional board mowing, and weeding since member, volunteer coordinator, and someone to help with outreach and last March. program/activities. Except for gardening and landscaping tasks, most of Current board members are the work is done virtually right now, making it accessible to everyone. looking to scale up activities We can provide supervision reporting for students and others who might in the park as safety guide- need official volunteer hours. Shoot us an email or give us a call for lines allow more people to more information. gather. A major new struc- ture—an open-air canopy [email protected] Office phone: (833) 223-727 —has just been completed, offering new ways to use the space. Projects that were put on hold during the pandemic, Thurston County Food Bank will have priority along with new ideas that have been Food Distribution at the Downtown, Client Service Center. germinating—as always: Regular distribution 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Mon, Wed, Fri Starting in April the park All food is prepacked and distributed through either the will return to summer hours, with volunteers meeting Drive-Up or Walk-Up distribution model. from 11 to 1 every Sunday. Follow the signs for the vehicle line—please stay in your car— It’s beautiful in the spring, and friendly staff and volunteers will bring your food out and and here are some places to contribute: load it into your vehicle. Some volunteers are build- If you are on foot, line up along the Thurston Ave wall where ing new benches for more there are marked spots to help with safe, social distancing. park seating. Love wood- Your food will be brought out to you once you check in. working, or have ideas? Office & donation hours Donated sandstone is being cleaned and prepped for a 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday spiral herb garden slated For more information go to our website: for a special work party this summer. https://thurstoncountyfoodbank.org/80-2/grocery-distribution/ It’s nearly time to plant the Working to end hunger in our community ADA accessible raised beds. Cathy Visser, who with her 220 Thurston Ave. NE • downtown Olympia WA

8 Works In Progress April 2021 Works In Progress April 2021 9 9 would like to return to my rural community to teach and inspire Annual plant sale benefit for my students to reach for their Nicaraguan scholars coming up dreams. Jean Eberhardt history. I read a lot about what’s other fruits and vegetables. My in- ` going on in Nicaragua and around dustrious mom buys fresh milk to The Thurston-Santo Tomás Sister How novel to be together, scattered the world, and I think critically make cuajada and bake rosquillas County Association is a non-profit safely across Jean’s yard on Oly’s about the complexity of our situa- for sale in the Mercado Campesino community organization founded Westside, potting up perennials tions. Pedagogy has been the most in Santo Tomás every Sunday. She in 1988. It is entirely volunteer-run once again. It’s our annual plant difficult of the subjects for me as and I bring these delicious prod- and relies on the support of this sale to raise money for scholar- community to keep this exchange ships for students in our sister alive. town of Santo Tomás, Chontales Nicaragua. You are invited to read more about the scholarship program on line at Every weekend from mid-March https://oly-wa.us/tstsca/ through April, masked volunteers will be chatting and digging, divid- Our infrequent newsletters always ing, and potting up the promise include interviews with two or of colorful spring and summer three of the university students. blooms. Avid gardeners and local Donate directly through our PayPal farmers (shout out to Rising River link on this site: https://oly-wa.us/ Farm, Spring Creek Farm, and TSTSCA/. Common Ground Farm, among How to order your plants others) contribute to the diversity of plants available. Call 360-943- At 5pm on Thursday April 29 we’ll 8642 (no texts) or write tstsca@ launch our online site for pur- gmail.com to inquire about vol- chases through May 1 and May 2. unteering your time, seedlings or thurston-santo-tomas-sister-county- plant divisions. organization.square.site/ Twenty first-generation, low- Email [email protected] to be income students have graduated placed on the list for an alert when from our program and found work the site goes live. $30 minimum in their chosen fields. A $500 an- Spring 2018 delegation from Santo Tomás with supporters from Olympia purchase required: we will com- nual scholarship allows each of 16 plete orders in the sequence young Nicaraguans to continue in I’ve not been exposed previously to ucts to town on the local bus and received, select our best plants higher education in their country. theories about how young people then I help her with sales. and box them up for free curbside They become professionals able learn. I am confident that I will pickup at specific times. You’ll also grow into a good teacher, one who I dedicate quality time to my have the option of free delivery if: to stay and build a stronger com- homework and know that I’m munity. uses thoughtful strategies that 1) you make a minimum purchase take into consideration students’ investing in my future and that of of $50 and 2) you live within 5 Meet one of our current distinct backgrounds and their my family. I think I’ve inspired miles of the Westside. Order early students, Dany Lazo individual and group needs. my little brother to dream big too. to get the plants you want. Great He wants to be a veterinarian. My prices, great gifts, great gardening, Hello, I’m Dany Lazo. I’m study- I am from El Alto, a rural com- older sister wasn’t able to pursue great cause! ing to be a high school social munity outside of ST, where my more education. There just weren’t science teacher. I’m 20 years old father is a campesino who works any options for her at that time. Jean Eberhardt has lived in and in my third year at the Mar- hard on the farm of his patron. Our The economy is not doing well and Olympia for 44 years(!) and, after tin Luther King Jr. University in family has access to a plot of land her husband has not been able to participation in two volunteer Juigalpa, about 40 minutes away we do not own to grow our an- get steady work on local farms. Too construction brigades to Nicaragua, from Santo Tomás (ST) by bus. I nual subsistence crops of corn and few rural students are complet- became a founding member of the enjoy my classes in philosophy, beans, as well as root crops of yuca ing even basic education. I want TSTSCA, committing to this long sociology, English, geography, and and quequisque, vines of ayote and to be part of changing that. After standing relationship with Santo I graduate in another two years, I Tomás in 1989. Binding contract From page 7

The choices are in our hands, so we nity for much-needed economic hope you’ll be able to make the right development, market rate hous- one. (signed by 30 students) ing, environmental restoration and new public access and amenities, An individual who has learned injecting new life into the West Bay from experience. You must call for an Environmental Impact study on neighborhood and hopefully lead- this development BEFORE an agree- ing to additional improvements ment is made, so that we avoid what along the water front. the Supreme Court has forcefully Bethany Weidner is a former policy rejected as analyst. She serves as volunteer “a dangerous incrementalism where editor of Works in Progress. the obligation to decide is postponed successively while project momentum builds. Even if adverse environmental effects are discovered later, the inertia generated by the initial government decisions (made without environmen- tal impact statements) may carry the project forward regardless. When government decisions may have such snowballing effect, decision makers need to be apprised of the environ- mental consequences before the proj- ect picks up momentum, not after.” Hearing from Tim Smith [planning staff] that the land has indeed been sold to the development group speaks directly to this effect. Would the devel- opment corporation buy that prop- erty if they didn’t believe the City was going to give them a green light? Proponents questioned no element of the project but saw it as all benefit. One business owner summed up everyone: Let’s not squander this once-in-a-generation opportu-

10 Works In Progress April 2021 A victory for railroad workers and the public Like most private corporations, there is no outside agency that cars derail, possibly due to snow. sive product from another. Power railroad companies are continuous- monitors safety or anything else, is cut and the area is evacuated. ly trying to do the same work with including collecting accident data. NS—Jones County, Mississippi fewer employees. In the case of Recently the Railroad Workers 12/2. Several train cars carrying CSX—Atlanta, Georgia 10/11. 38 freight trains, the goal has been to United (RWU) decided to prepare motor vehicles, acetone, and poly- cars derail, causing a fire and 2 get down to a single crew member an annual list of “major” derail- vinyl derail, blocking traffic. No injuries, hazardous materials spill. injuries. running an entire train. Automa- ments on Class One railroads—not NS—Ferguson, Missouri 9/25. 6 out tion can take care of the rest. including passenger trains. BNSF—Vado, New Mexico 12/2. 12 of 125 cars derail. empty rail cars and 2 locomotives The goal would have been met, The total in 2019 was nearly one CN (Canadian National Railway)— if a three judge panel had not derail. The engineer and conduc- per week. 2020 was only slightly tor are injured. Hope, British Columbia 9/14. 60 ruled against an order issued by a better. cars carrying potash derail and 20 Donald Trump appointee to cancel NS—Amherst Township, Ohio 12/1. spill contents. state laws mandating two-person Those who work directly on rail- 5 train cars carrying grain derailed. crews and at the same time autho- roads attribute some of the cause CSX—Charleston, South Carolina rizing one-person crews nation- to “PSR” which stands for Precision UP—Highway 99, northern Cali- 9/7. 9 empty steel cars derail. wide. In February, the judges ruled Scheduled Railroading. This allows fornia 11/23. At least 6 cars derail. Tankers carrying hazardous materi- UP—North Platte, Nebraska 8/23. in favor of a challenge to the order companies to extract more profit 38 cars derail. by Washington, Nevada and Cali- by running longer trains, working als spill/are at risk of spillage. fornia along with railroad workers’ fewer people longer and fewer as- NS—Wayne Township, Ohio UP—Laramie, Wyoming 8/23. 57 unions. (Washington and several sets harder. 11/24.15 cars derail, there are no cars carrying corn derail. other states have laws requiring injuries. UP—Phoenix, Arizona 7/29. Partial two crew members.) 2020 Major Derailments CSX(Chessie-Seaboard Consolidat- bridge collapse after 10 cars derail UP (Union Pacific Railroad)—Polk and catch fire. . The judges said that the Trump Ad- County, Iowa 12/25. 2 derailed ed)—Baltimore, Maryland 11/23. ministration failed to provide any tank cars leak octane. 21 cars derail, no injuries. NS—Tuscaloosa, Alabama 7/18. 17 factual basis for their order, instead NS—Atlanta, Georgia 11/15. 1 loco- cars derail, causing a vegetable oil offering “an economic rationale” in UP—Lee County, Illinois 12/24. 39 spill. lieu of safety considerations that cars derail carrying freight. motive and 6 rail cars derail. There are the main concern of the Fed- is a minor diesel leak from the UP—Sheboygan County, Wiscon- BNSF(Burlington Northern/San eral Railroad Administration. locomotive. A small fire is reported, sin—7/6. 13 cars derail, spill coal Francisco Railway)—Yakima and power lines are downed. Only into a river, block intersections. Trump’s order was also in violation County, WA 12/23. 3 engines, 7 one injury. of administrative laws that require cars derail after semi truck crash BNSF—Winslow, New Mexico 7/6. an opportunity for public comment NS—Roanoke County, Virginia 29 cars derail. NS (Norfolk Southern Railway)— -- but the judges were able to take 10/30. A bridge collapses caus- County line road, Indiana 12/23. UP—Phoenix, Arizona 6/29. A into account comments submitted ing 22 rail cars carrying coal to 20 train cars carrying 132 cars, 2 train derails and a diesel leak oc- in 2016 in response to an Obama fall in and contaminate Roanoke locomotives, and containing haz- curs, starting a fire. Administration proposed ruling on River with 2000 pounds of coal. No ardous waste. the same issue. There were 1,545 injuries. UP—Temp Town, Arizona 6/26. 12 comments supporting multiple- BNSF—Custer, Washington 12/22. KCS (Kansas City Southern Rail- cars derail. crew rules – out of a total of 1600 A train derails, catches fire, leaks way)—Mauriceville, Texas 10/29. A BNSF—Wynnewood, Oklahoma total comments. Sometimes com- crude oil, residents evacuated. 25 car train derails, leaking petro- 6/13. 11 cars derail, 2 of which ments make a difference. NS—Cleveland, Ohio 12/4. 10 train leum from 4 tankers, and a corro- leak hazardous materials. Nearby In Washington, railway unions residents are evacuated. work under a contract with BNSF UP—Sweetwater County, Wyoming that requires 2-person crews, 6/13. 30 cars derail, and 10 catch which the union says are essential fire. to operational and community safety. Union leaders were pleased NS—Linden, Virginia 5/29. 14 cars with the ruling, and continued to and 5 locomotives derail. assert that “having two sets of eyes and two people working in concert B&P—East Aurora, New York 5/18. together with any improvements 15 empty railcars, two loaded ones, in technology will be the best way and locomotives derail. to serve public safety…” UP—Campbell, Missouri 5/4. 25 cars derail. No spillage or injuries A “self-regulated” industry reported. The railroad industry is largely CSX—Tiffin, Ohio 3/12. One loco- “self-regulated” which means that motive and 8 cars derail. CN—Prince George, British Colum- bia 3/6. 27 cars go off the tracks and a small spillage occurs. An el- Judge Murphy (one of two judges Trial dates for the Red Lion 7 are ementary school nearby evacuates. Red Lion assigned to the Red Lion trials) coming but the City continues to set bail for Chris Guenzler at push things out. Some members CN—Toronto, Ontario 2/28. 30 cars From page 1 $50,000 for shooting into a crowd of City Council suggested that derail and crude oil spills.. First Degree Burglary in Washing- of protesters and attacking some- the people affected by the police one with his gun in a Dec 5 rally response should be let off without CSX—East Chicago, Indiana 2/26. ton is a Class A Felony that carries 18 tank cars derail, no oil is spilled. a lengthy prison sentence. In this at the Capitol. Thurston County charges. However they have done case it does not accurately describe declined to press charges against nothing to convince the Thurston CSX—Draffin, Kentucky 2/13. what happened during the event, Forest Machala, a King County County Superior Court judges Mudslide pushes many cars and 2 but instead serves as a political resident who traveled to Olympia James Dixon and Carol Murphy, to locomotives into a river. The cars deterrent. Everyone involved in for a Proud Boy-led rally on Dec 12. that effect. catch fire, and 2 people rescued the action entered the Inn legally, Machala shot a young counter-pro- from the river. tester and was jailed only briefly. Housing as a human right demonstrated only peaceful intent, NS—Columbia, South Carolina 2/8. There are a myriad of cities, Min- and exercised their right to possess Where do we go from here? 3 locomotives and 8 rail cars derail. survival tools as they would any neapolis, Austin, Philadelphia, Se- other belonging. The City claims that they lead the attle, and Vancouver BC, that have CP (Canadian Pacific Railway)— way on the response to homeless- adopted progressive measures to Guernsey, Saskatchewan 2/6. 34 The disproportionate response ness. This is contradicted by a dramatically increase housing for cars derail and catch fire, leaking to leftists, in contrast to right- census of the homeless population, people who did not want to live crude oil. wing violence conducted by Thurston County outside in camps. Led by nonprof- Public Health and Social Services its and activists (especially sup- NS—Petal, Mississippi 1/24. 18 cars At a City Council meeting, Mayor on the evening of January 21, 2021. porters in the Movement for Black derail, and ethanol leaks, causing Selby called the people involved in They compiled a list showing that Lives), there is a large movement the evacuation of nearby areas. the incident “domestic terrorists’’ half of the nearly 1,000 homeless for Housing as a Human Right. UP—Knapp, Wisconsin 1/12. 38 echoing previous comments she residents are unsheltered, and that has made about progressive social cars derail out of 192. No injuries since the 2019 survey, the number Daniel Mootz is a WIP contributor or spillages occur. activists. of unsheltered folks has increased and advocate for equity. Miguel Right-wing militia members shot from 49 percent to 54 percent. Louis is a journalist, writing for the CP—LeClaire, Iowa 1/3. 12 cars two antifascist community defend- Cooper Point Journal, an activist, derail, and a chemical leak is If City officials have any concern and student of political economy, detected. ers in December at anti-democracy for the homeless people involved “Stop the Steal” rallies. In January, based out of Olympia. They have in the incident, they would urge reported on protests and the Lucy Hemenway prepared this list a Trump-supporting mob broke the county to drop the charges from data collected by the Railroad through the gates protecting the Movement for Black Lives since the and focus on finding options and death of George Floyd. Workers’ United website.RWU is at Governor’s Mansion and no imme- partnerships to provide housing www.railroadworkersunited.org diate arrests were made. through FEMA funding.

April 2021 Works In Progress 11 ory and “national security”? Isn’t Can we heed the lessons of the past? it time to recognize that so long as nuclear weapons exist, humanity teeters on the brink of disaster? A new nuclear arms race is brewing And speaking of history, we need to learn the lessons of the past. We Leonard Eiger The announcement comes at a Looking into the future, both the have come close to the nuclear precarious time. A new nuclear US and UK are engaged in pro- precipice far too many times, On March 16 the United Kingdom arms race is brewing. The US and grams to build the next generation and the (Doomsday) clock is still that it will increase the limit on its Russia, the two largest nuclear of ballistic missile submarines to ticking. We can’t stop the Clock nuclear arsenal for the first time powers (with some 93 percent of replace their current fleets. New until we abolish nuclear weapons. in decades. Instead of maintain- global nuclear warheads) are fail- subs will incorporate the US- Empires come and empires go, yet ing a cap of 180 warheads (as it ing to lead the world away from built Common Missile Compart- humanity has only one chance. As had previously stated), the UK will reliance on nuclear weapons, and ment. There has been talk about for the US and UK, it is time for increase its stockpile cap to 260 other nations are following their a replacement missile for the D5. citizens of both nations to come warheads—a 40% increase. The lead. At a time when most nations A new warhead called the W93 is together to pressure our govern- UK will also broaden the role of are calling for an end to nuclear planned, and the British govern- ments to end the special nuclear nuclear weapons to include the weapons (UN Treaty on the Prohi- ment is engaged in extensive lob- relationship, and sign and ratify possible use of nuclear weapons to bition of Nuclear Weapons), rather bying for it. the Treaty on the Prohibition of address emerging technologies (cy- than setting a positive example and Nuclear Weapons, showing real ber attacks). This is shocking and supporting the treaty, the UK is Can we learn the lessons leadership towards a world free of unacceptable! Indeed, it seems the instead fanning the flames of pro- of the past? the threat of nuclear annihilation. British Empire is flexing its impe- liferation. It is getting loads of help Isn’t it time to end the special Leonard Eiger coordinates the rial muscles as it breaks away from along the way. UK-US nuclear relationship? Isn’t Puget Sound Nuclear Weapon Free the rest of Europe. it time to re-think “deterrence” the- Zone, among other things. This is an excerpt from his full article on US-UK nuclear collusion available here: www.gzcenter.org/2021/03/22/ Nuclear submarine end-us-uk-nuclear-collusion/ From page 1 times when America doubted itself, spending. He suggested that the onciliation on board to discuss the Washington at the Hanford nuclear but those times are past.” local economy suffered more from USS Olympia artifacts. The history site’s Trench 94. It would join over federal budget priorities like a $700 of the submarine in the commu- 100 defueled submarine reactor An emerging controversy million nuclear sub, than from the nity shows that its legacy is not a cores watched over by Russian Immediately, there was a discon- local optics of the Bread & Roses simple one. satellites --as we watch theirs, and soup kitchen. the Cold War continues. Historians nect between those who saw the Should the remains of the USS of the future will not heed silver USS Olympia and its crew as a Another Olympian, Melinda How- Olympia stand somewhere on the sets and stray rudders, but they business opportunity and a main- ard, pointed out that while she shoreline of Olympia? A moth- shall surely study Hanford to pon- stay of summer patriotic celebra- respected the men who served on balled navy fleet floated in Budd der the 20th century ancients who tions; and those who saw it as a the submarine, the whole concept Inlet for almost 30 years as a rem- conceived this solemn and toxic vexing community intersection of military honor and sacrifice was nant of World War II, but nobody monument to the breathtaking hu- with the global arms race. The lost when the push of a button took mourns its absence. man capacity for self-destruction. disconnect grew with each visit of away the soldier’s ability to make the submarine. Any display of military artifacts their own choice. She regretted the Helen Wheatley is a former college attitude of the head of the Cham- must acknowledge historical reali- In 1986, with its second appear- ties. What is the nature of the “long teacher with a Ph.D. in world ance in town, there was some ber of Commerce’s USS Olympia environmental history from Johns Committee, who “made light of” partnership” with the submarine outrage over the way the Chamber that Councilman Cooper seeks Hopkins University. She is a long- handled visits to the submarine. the crew and their solemn mission, time Port watcher and was a describing them as “nice and clean. to memorialize? Is it more than a “My family and I stood in the cold... name and a public relations oppor- candidate for Port Commissioner in four hours to get close enough to They’ll come in and spend their 2019. money and leave.” tunity? Does it have anything to do actually think we might get to go with Olympia’s ongoing argument aboard,” complained one Olympi- about American ways of war? an, only to see a line of privileged Briefly, a nuclear-free zone ‘ticket holders’” squeeze past the The USS Olympia became part If the rudder and anchor were patient public. of a debate starting in 2000 over displayed at a federal site it would whether Olympia should become be expected to incorporate and Protestors also showed up, focused a nuclear-free zone. The Olympia explain the object’s multiple mean- on the dangers of nuclear warfare Movement for Justice and Peace ings. For instance, our State is and the nuclear-fueled submarines. pressed the Port and other officials prepared at last to set aside Marcus Opponents, including Port Com- to bring an end to visits by the Whitman and celebrate the legacy missioner Sam Bradley, demanded warship, especially as it became of Billy Frank, Jr. a community forum. They sug- engaged in Iraq. “Olympia should gested the possibility of requesting It is hard to imagine a cast-off and not be celebrating a war machine,” that the City’s name be removed odd-looking anchor or mysteri- argued Lawrence Mosqueda. from the vessel. ous rudder piece exciting patriotic In 2005, the City Council agreed feeling, or inspiring the tourist Symbols to be proud of, or with this sentiment and declared magic of a real nuclear submarine tourists spending money the city a nuclear free zone. Three and an actual Navy crew. Once With the submarine’s third visit years later, new Councilmembers the 40,000 pounds of metal arrive, in 1994, protestors including local repealed the zone designation. possibly this month, Olympians peace activist Glen Anderson con- Visits by the USS Olympia’s crew will be forced to find meaning in it. tinued to organize. Librarian Becky had become enmeshed in the local They will argue about patriotism Liebman declared, “We need other culture of Lakefair, the Chamber of and imperialism once again. The symbols to be proud of…We need Commerce and the Olympia Yacht memory pieces will have a greater a symbol that shows us that we Club. and more lasting presence than can turn around the lack of hope the ships themselves ever did. Is a nuclear submarine part of that many people have about the A proper disposition of USS future.” Olympia’s “maritime history?” Commissioner Zita has recom- Olympia’s dismembered parts Bob Ziegler used the opportunity mended bringing Veterans for Meanwhile, a true resting place to draw a line between downtown Peace and the Fellowship of Rec- for the USS Olympia is in eastern vacancy problems and military

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12 Works In Progress April 2021 Projections from the University adopted higher floodplain of Washington Climate Impacts management standards, us- PERSPECTIVE Group confirm increased flood- ing FEMA flood maps that were This dam idea isn’t new ing on the Chehalis. The State developed in 2010. Relying on old Environmental Impact Statement and inaccurate flood maps has (SEIS) for the new dam projected a increased the flood risk for our 26 percent increase in flooding by community, all for short-term eco- Flooding in the 2080. More recent estimates show nomic gain. that this was conservative; flow increases may actually be as high Long-term solutions that Chehalis River Basin as 50 percent. benefit communities A recent letter to the Chronicle A dam is not the best option to limit flood damage. The only way 38,000 cfs. While these types of makes a blatantly false claim: Lee First to reduce long-term flood damage floods are severe, they are hardly “those downstream can be at ease is to work with communities to re- new. knowing the dam will help control Although I’ve lived and worked locate the highest-risk homes and in the Chehalis Basin for fifteen flooding in the whole Chehalis wa- Both Chehalis and Cowlitz his- businesses out of flood-prone areas years, I did not experience the 2007 tershed to Aberdeen.” Reductions tory speak of great floods in the and prevent future development and 2009 floods first hand. But in flood levels will have almost basin. The Indigenous names for from making the situation worse. I vividly remember the footage no effect downstream of Centra- many places—like the modern- If this approach were adopted it of catastrophic property damage: lia, much less Aberdeen. Accord- day Black River, which literally would result in massive economic dead cattle and images of people ing to the SEIS, even with a dam, means “becomes a lake”—indicate opportunities for our communities and their families devastated by more than 56 percent of structures the long history and understand- in a way that is sustainable given the floods. predicted changes in the climate. Many people in Western Washing- We can create a different future ton were affected by the cascading for ourselves—one that invests our impacts of those events. A decade tax dollars back in our communi- after the tragedy, we are still ties to reduce local flood risk and searching for a solution that will create high-paying local jobs. We make sure the same thing doesn’t can create new business districts happen again. and development opportunities Reduce flooding on high ground. Building in areas around the Twin Cities safe from flooding will provide long-term economic growth for our Talk of a new dam on the Chehalis communities. River has been around since the 1980s when it was proposed as a Today the best thing to do is way to control flooding and create acknowledge the problem and a recreational destination above plan for it by improving local Pe Ell. Since then it has taken defenses. This includes helping many forms but the general idea those prepared to move to high is always the same: hold back ground. It means discouraging water to reduce flooding around development in flood-prone areas. the Twin Cities. The idea is that Our kids and grandkids shouldn’t this would limit damage and be dealing with this issue in the increase opportunities for develop- future, short-sighted solutions that ment. Unfortunately, the newest benefit the few at the expense of dam proposal won’t produce these the many will make the situation results. ing of these natural flood events. inundated during major and cata- worse. Thinking holistically about Early settlers were warned by their strophic flooding events will still this issue will enable us to iden- There has been a lot of information tribal neighbors to build on the be inundated. ”Areas where the tify long-term basin solutions that published about the dam—most of hills outside of the lowland valleys, [dam] reduces flooding may still are resilient and adaptable. This it true and some of it not. This which they knew regularly filled be flooded in larger floods like the is what is needed to ensure the article is meant to lay out the facts from valley wall to valley wall. And 2007 flood.” long-term prosperity of our com- about the dam and its ability to early settlers heeded those warn- munities. reduce flood risk in our communi- ings, building on high ground and Misplaced development puts ties. Let’s begin with the first and also witnessing the frequent floods. families in danger Lee First lives in Grays Harbor most widely-reported claim: the In the book Centralia, The First Fifty County and is a Twin Harbors dam will provide substantial flood Other recent articles and stud- Waterkeeper. Years, 1845-1900 by H. Smith, one ies claim that the dam will reduce protection throughout the whole group of settlers described “a sea basin. flooding so significantly that of water – a mile to dry land in all new development can occur in directions” just south of Centralia. Not all flooding is alike previously flooded areas. This Chehalis: is perhaps the most danger- There are a few types of flooding A dam that targets the ous claim that has emerged. It is a A Watershed that happen along the Chehalis Centralia and Chehalis area pattern that has repeated itself for River. Minor and moderate flood- The purpose of the proposed over a century across the county— Moment ing happens every winter, when dam is to reduce flooding dur- usually with devastating conse- streams and rivers fill to their This 60-minute documentary ing major or catastrophic quences. tells the story of how climate banks and sometimes spill over events on the main stem of the creating shallow pools and soggy Large infrastructure projects like change and a legacy of human Chehalis River around Chehalis impact is affecting Washington’s fields. This type of flooding is and Centralia—not the entire levees or dams are constructed important in sustaining fish and with hundreds of millions of tax- Chehalis River and the people basin. It does relatively little to living in the watershed. Told wildlife in the basin. reduce flood damage from moder- payer dollars. Flood risk is re- duced just long enough for people by the people grappling with Then there is major and cata- ate or large floods in the Chehalis, to move in and develop the flood- decisions that will affect the strophic flooding, which hap- and nothing to address floods of plain. Next, the infrastructure ei- fate of the river, its salmon and pens about every seven years or other streams and rivers such as ther fails or cannot keep up with a their communities, the film more when the main stem of the those that occurred in the Newau- changing environment--the people explores the intersection of Chehalis River exceeds 38,000 cu- kum and Skookumchuck in 2009. who moved in pay the price. Their social, cultural, economic and bic feet per second (cfs) at Grand Storms this January caused the families are in harm’s way. Insur- environmental values that are Mound. This is the type of flooding Chehalis River to crest at just over ance rates skyrocket while homes increasingly being defined by a that forces evacuations, can over- 30,000 cfs. A new dam would not and businesses lose value, making new climate reality. Available top roads, damage property and have reduced the damage or ero- it almost impossible to leave. on Amazon Prime. in the worst circumstances, result sion that occurred. in the loss of life. The most recent Heavier winter rains are becom- This is a common trend and events happened in 1990, 1996, ing more frequent, with four major one that is entirely prevent- 2007 and 2009 and were well over catastrophic floods in 20 years. able, yet Lewis County has not

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April 2021 Works In Progress 13 vision for more rapid rail service. It is expected that rail funding There’s a right track and a wrong track will increase under Joe Biden, an ardent Amtrak supporter and user. Some might argue, why set one for the future of Washington state rail pathway against another? Can’t we both improve the Amtrak Cascades Thomas White and Bill Moyer and move toward a dedicated three million is projected for both, begin planning UHSR implementa- UHSR line? If the UHSR vision Washington state has two poten- but the 110mph option would pro- tion. Unfortunately, the governor were not sucking oxygen and focus tial tracks toward a 21st century vide that at substantially lower costs and regional elites have been from the Amtrak Cascades plan, rail future, with starkly different and far sooner. Both offer down- seduced by the glamorous bullet they might have an argument. town-to-downtown service and are train vision. It is to be noted that outcomes. But the facts are that regions across highly competitive with air travel, one of Inslee’s advisors is a former the country will line up for federal One provides higher speed, cli- which requires trips to airports and WSP government affairs manager, mate-friendly passenger service dollars. California’s HSR line is far linking as many as 13 communi- short of the funding needed for ties on the Cascadia corridor, with completion, and it has a power- increased capacity for freight ful congressional delegation and trains. It has been in development a vice president. The Washing- since 1991 and some elements ton state UHSR is nowhere near have already been completed. It shovel-ready. In contrast, the would provide clean, electrified Amtrak Cascades long-range plan Amtrak Cascades passenger service provides multiple opportunities for at up to 110mph along existing funding, even in such a competi- lines. The phased effort would tive environment. It already drew rapidly create jobs, upgrade service $800 million into the region under and cut carbon pollution. It could the 2009 stimulus. be completed in a decade. The state and the region should set Tragically, this shovel-ready plan is aside the bright shiny object that being ignored while another flashy is UHSR for now, and prioritize a vision grabs the spotlight. That is the practical proposal to move forward “ultra-high-speed rail” (UHSR) project with the Amtrak Cascades long- proposed by Washington State Gover- range plan. It will create jobs, pro- nor Jay Inslee’s administration and vide improved service and reduce developed by WSP, a giant engineer- climate pollution far faster. ing firm. It offers a maximum of five Thomas White is a veteran rail stops along the route. industry consultant. Bill Moyer o facilitate speeds up to 220mph, is executive director of Backbone it would require an entirely new Campaign, co-author of Solutionary passenger-only corridor acquired Rail, See www.solutionaryrail.org through costly land acquisitions and www.climaterailalliance.or and the controversial use of emi- nent domain, with many environ- This article appeared in Medium mental challenges. While science and is reprinted here by permission tells us we need to dramatically of the author. cut carbon pollution this decade, UHSR would take many years before the first track is put on the ground and decades more to completion — if it happens at all. security checks. Arguably, because which may have contributed to the The Washington State Long-Range more stops would be served, the advancement of this deeply flawed Plan for Amtrak Cascades is a 110mph option would displace more vision. highway traffic, by far the greater careful and detailed study done by Because of the many difficulties and source of climate pollution. the state beginning in 1991 and up- high costs that will almost certainly dated through 2006. Set out in six Much of the additional cost and lon- befall it, the UHSR project is des- phases, the plan’s climate, service ger timeframe of UHSR come from tined to squander public enthusiasm and job creation benefits would the need to acquire and build an for rail, instead of building confi- begin to be realized in the first few entirely new right of way with the dence for rail as a climate solution. years. Thomas White, one of the straight lines and minimal curves UHSR is already well on its way authors of this essay, played a key required to run trains at up to toward making rail another wedge role in the studies. Based on the 220mph. This entails many uncer- issue to be framed as “by metropoli- plan, the current cost of upgrades tainties, and as the California expe- tan elites, for metropolitan elites.” would be $8.4 billion. While the rience has demonstrated, substan- plan did not include line electri- tial legal costs to defend eminent This would be a tragic outcome, fication, we estimate that would domain acquisitions from unwilling when rail-based solutions that uti- add another $800 million for a total private landowners. Those alone lize our most energy-and-cost-effi- cost of $9.2 billion. would likely range in the billions. cient form of ground transportation offer the opportunity to transcend The UHSR line would cost an esti- An additional complication would be the need to do extensive environ- partisanship and solve problems mated at $24-$42 billion according together. Improved freight service to the 2019 study by WSP jointly mental review along the new right of way. Putting a new line through and more stops in smaller com- supported by the state and Mi- munities are attractive in ways crosoft, Ultra-High-Speed Ground Western Washington landscapes would require extensive wetlands that a bullet train serving primarily Transportation Business Case metropolitan passengers is not. Analysis. The WSP study projects mitigation. Legal and environmen- a 20-year path to completion. But tal challenges would consume years In any event, the region will need the experience of California UHSR before construction could begin. federal dollars to accomplish any should give pause. An original es- An advantage of improving the ex- timate of $33 billion has ballooned isting rail corridor over building a to $80 billion and will likely rise new one is that freight can also run higher. California began serious on these lines, whereas a UHSR planning for its UHSR around 1990, line must be dedicated to the around where Washington is today, bullet train alone. Freight trains and because of many delays will could generally run faster with not complete its LA-Bay Area line better roadbeds and more sidings until at least 2033, and probably for slower trains. Rail is already later, a 40-year-plus stretch. at least three times more efficient UHSR suffers from the law of di- than truck transportation, so tak- minishing returns. All those extra ing freight from highways to rail is billions and decades would buy an vital for reducing carbon pollution. hour or less in legs between major Since trucks cause by far the most cities. The 110mph option would damage to highways, moving to link Seattle to the other two cities in rail also saves road maintenance around 2–1/2 hours. The 220mph dollars, not to mention improving option would move from Seattle air and water quality. Electrified to Portland in 1–1/2 hours and to freight would amplify the climate Vancouver in 1–3/4 hours. Though benefits, allowing use of low-car- UHSR top speeds are double, they bon renewable energy. can only be achieved on part of the Gov. Inslee has asked the Wa State line. Annual ridership of around Legislature for $3.25 million to

14 Works In Progress April 2021 Community Spotlight

WA Poor Peoples’ Purple Martin Solarize Thurston - warm your Campaign Open House Monitoring Training home with the sun (even in the PNW)

Monday, April 5, 7 - 8 pm. Wednesday, April 14, 5 pm Workshop dates: April 3 at 11 am and 6 pm. April 14 at 6 pm. May 15 at 11 am and 6 pm. Attend this monthly gathering to receive Might you be interested in tracking the nesting statewide and national Poor People’s habits of the beautiful purple martin? Stream Now through September 1, Thurston County Campaign updates, as well as make your Team is looking for volunteers residents and businesses can access solar at voice heard! https://www.facebook.com/ to monitor the nest boxes at prices more than 25% below market rates, events/274070820532301/?event_time_ East Bay in downtown Olym- thanks to the solar group-purchasing program, id=274070830532300 pia from April to September. Solarize Thurston. Attend a short online train- ing on monitoring basics and This partnership of Olympia Community Solar Lacey South Sound Chamber bird identification. Register at and CapStone Solar will support 50 Thurston https://streamteam.info/ County homes and businesses to install clean energy via Military Affairs Meeting a group Healing destructive divisions; purchasing Tuesday, April 6, 8:00 am model saves Hawks Prairie Restaurant local install- respecting differences; ers time and We work to enhance communications and finding common ground energy, and business opportunities between the Thurston allows them County business community and local military to purchase equipment in bulk. Limited time installations and units. Representatives from Western WA 23rd Annual Spring Assembly reduced financing rates are also available. By various units on JBLM, the National Guard and participating in the program, you also contrib- Reserve Forces provide an update on their ongo- Saturday, April 17, 9 am-1:30 pm, videoconference ute to low-income solar access: for every 50 ing activities and current events. An opportu- Throughout our country, many experience kilowatts installed we donate solar capacity to nity to develop relationships with our local mili- sharp divisions and frequent disrespect from low-income families. tary individuals and be aware of their activities. and toward people of differing perspectives and Call for a free site assessment; get a group pur- backgrounds, from political leaders to everyday chasing discount; save money every month on South Sound Food System folks. What can people steeped in the nonvio- your electric bill; reduce pollution; qualify for lent tradition, and deeply concerned about this a 26% federal tax rebate. Contact SolarizeThur- Network (SSFSN) schism, do to help ston.org and sign up for a free public workshop bridge the communica- or site assessment. tion gap and find some Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am common ground? Please join us as we SSFSN is an amalgam of three coalitions – Thur- focus on successful Working with Local ston Asset Building Coalition Food Hub, Thur- strategies and models ston Thrive Food Action Team and Thurston of what we as individ- Government Food System Council – that formed to promote uals, and within our groups can learn. Things slightly different causes within the food system, that might provide us additional competence Wednesday, April 28, 6:30 pm, but that, when combined, can develop the most and confidence to move toward this communal League of Women Voters effective mutually beneficial collaborative yet. healing. Western Washington FOR - www.for.org/ The SSFSN is a voluntary calendar for more info and Zoom contact. How can you effectively voice your opinion coalition of organizations about Thurston County’s handling of new drug and individuals. No formal possession rules, Lacey’s response to its drink- membership application Weekly Peace Vigils - ing water shortage, Tumwater’s conversion of required. More info: Thur- woodlands to warehouses, Olympia’s plans for ston Asset Building Coali- Olympia & Centralia giant shoreline developments or other home- tion Food Hub http://thur- town issues? The League of Women Voters is stonabc.org/hubs/food/. offering the opportunity for you to hear directly Fridays: Percival Landing, 4:30 - 6 pm, Olympia from your representatives as they respond to questions about local planning, policies, and Inter-Gay-lactic night Meet at NW Corner of 4th and Water Streets, effective advocacy. Save-the-Date and watch for downtown. Please join Olympia FOR for what- more information about this virtual event. ever length of time you can. We provide plenty of fun and frivolity of signs. Wear a facemask and stand at least 6 feet apart. [email protected] Saturday, April 10, 7 - 8 pm, Pre-show at 6:30 Saturdays: Washington Park, Noon-1pm, Centralia Pizza Klatch Annual Gayla and fundraiser Meet at Locust & Pearl in Centralia. Lewis gone virtual County “Fire Mountain” FOR chapter. Info: Thurston Conservation District With Gayle Evans, local Larry Kerschner: [email protected] astronomer with their own comedy alien abduction One way that Thurston CD serves the commu- tale. Also music with guests The Olympia Free Clinic nity is to offset the high costs of some equip- Be Steadwell, SassyBlack ment with a rental program. They rent out and the Queen of Bounce Trans and Nonbinary specific equipment not available from another herself, Big Freedia. Pizza source in the community. For example, you Klatch is a nonprofit organi- Gender Health Clinic can rent a shoulder-mounted light weight seed zation whose mission is to spreader suitable for lawns. The Weed Wrench is an easy-to-use tool for removing unwanted “foster resilience in LGBTQ+ First Monday of every month, from 5 – 8 pm. youth and create a safe and positive school woody plants on your property. There are more experience through support, education and At the Gender Health Clinic, you will find a useful items for a reasonable fee, rented on a empowerment.” Tickets to this year’s A Slice comfortable environment where you can get one-week basis. Learn more and see what’s for of the Good Life: The 7th Annual Pizza Klatch connected with all kinds of trans- and non- rent: Leah Kellog, Admin Asst. tcdadmin@thur- Gayla are available now at https://app.mobile- binary-friendly health and social services. At stoncd.com or call (360) 754-3588 ext. 100 cause.com/form/cHWKIQ?vid=hpq1g. They have your appointment you can connect with medi- several ticket options, including ones that come cal providers specialized in trans and non-binary with a party pack delivered to your door! More health. Some services are available online and details at Thurston Talk. Photo courtesy of Pizza without an appointment! During each month’s Subscribe to Klatch Gender Health Clinic you can connect virtually with various practitioners including for legal help. https://zoom.us/j/96837287143 Works in Progress The Olympia Coalition to https://www.facebook.com/ Support local journalism! events/1652566801572178/?event_time_ Abolish Nuclear Weapons id=1652566838238841. Medical & Mental Health $35 / year. Doorstep delivery. Services are by appointment only. To make Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. an appointment, call 360-890-4074 x3 or email Olywip.org [email protected] 5:00 pm through Zoom. Contact Glen Anderson Checks to: Works in Progress (360) 491-9093 [email protected] in advance for the zoom link and the agenda PO Box 295, Oly WA 98507

April 2021 Works In Progress 15 April 2021 Works In Progress 15 Free, take one! ¡Gratis, toma uno! Works in Progress Advocating for social justice since 1990

This issue: The First Amendment

Volume 31 April 2021 Issue No. 8