Cheers: To improved forest management. Decades of mismanagement have contributed to the intensity of wildfires in recent years, and Congress apparently is poised to finally do something about it. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray of Washington are part of a bipartisan group supporting a bill that would authorize more than $100 million to help communities prevent wildfires and cut down trees in fire-prone areas.
In recent years, funding for wildfire prevention has instead been needed to fight fires. This has led to conditions that exacerbate wildfires the following year and contributes to a devastating and growing cycle. Changes are needed in how the federal government addresses wildfires, and kudos go to senators who recognize this need.
Jeers: To ID confusion. Washington is among 17 states that have been granted another waiver in order to avoid the federal REAL ID law. Until October 2018, a standard Washington driver’s license will be adequate for residents to board airplanes or enter federal buildings.
That is good news for Washingtonians, but the convoluted nature of the REAL ID Act remains a reason to jeer. The law was passed in 2005 in an effort to improve homeland security, and since then this state and others have been granted a series of waivers absolving them from enforcement. In other words, federal officials have effectively said, “We have a law, but you can ignore it.” Meanwhile, legislators have passed a state law that allows citizens to obtain enhanced driver’s licenses that require proof of citizenship and adhere to the REAL ID Act. It is time for that law to be enforced or for the act to be overturned by Congress.
Cheers: To Centralia. With a national debate regarding statues and how we acknowledge the past taking place, the city about 80 miles north of Vancouver is honoring a black man. George Washington founded Centralia in 1875, and the city is spending this year recognizing his 200th birthday.
The celebration includes the creation of a bronze statue of Washington and his wife, Mary Jane, which will be placed in a city park named for him. As somebody who worked to build up the United States and create something lasting, Washington deserves to be remembered in history.
Jeers: To gridiron disappointment. Both the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars went down to defeat last week, ending hopes of undefeated seasons. The Huskies had risen to a No. 5 ranking in the national polls by winning their first six games before losing 13-7 at Arizona State. Washington State was ranked No. 8 and undefeated before losing 37-3 at California.
Although hopes for an Apple Cup matchup between teams with perfect records were scuttled, some perspective is required. It wasn’t that long ago — 2008, in fact — that Washington and Washington State combined for a 2-23 record over the course of the season. Both teams still have hopes of outstanding seasons and remain in the running for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Cheers: To homecomings. A runaway pony who led authorities on a chase near the Vancouver Mall area has been reunited with its family. It is unclear how the animal got loose, but that must be, um, one tricky pony.
County animal control manager Paul Scarpelli said, “We’ve had cows get on the freeway, and a couple of years ago we had a couple of horses that were loose out by the Costco, but typically that happens in more rural locations.” The pony appeared to be in good health, and the next day the owners stepped up to retrieve it. It’s not clear whether the owners needed to, er, pony up to claim the animal.
