Cheers: To public art. The city of Vancouver is reviving its Arts, Culture & Heritage Commission for the first time in 14 years. The program will annually put $400,000 toward cultural grants and the installation or maintenance of public art. The commission will be a legal entity created by the city council, able to solicit funds, issue bonds or enter into contracts. It will be funded by the city for two years, and then through new taxes and fees under a proposed program known as A Stronger Vancouver.
Public art and cultural programs enhance the economic health of a community and strengthen social bonds. Sociologists have found that such investment boosts interaction in public spaces and broadens participation in the civic agenda. Plus, it can be a good conversation starter. Promoting public art is a wise step for a city that continues to grow and forge its identity.
Jeers: To sewer dwellers. Surveillance video from outside a Portland business last week revealed three people climbing out of a sewer through a manhole cover. A check of previous videos found five people climbing out on June 2.
We’re guessing that is not very sanitary. In fact, officials say it is dangerous, as sewers have low oxygen levels and people can be exposed to bacteria from untreated sewage. Even when professionals are sent down there, oxygen levels are first checked and a supply of fresh oxygen is provided. We could surmise that the episode proves society is going down the drain; instead, we’ll just say the whole thing stinks.
Cheers: To the summer solstice. Actually, Friday, not today, was the longest day of the year. Well, all days are 24 hours, but June 21 is the one with the longest stretch of sunlight — the summer solstice. Technically, the solstice arrived at exactly 8:54 a.m. Friday, when the sun was directly over the Tropic of Cancer — 23.5 degrees north latitude.
In Vancouver today, sunrise is 5:21 a.m. and sunset is 9:03 p.m. Those are the same times as Friday, but science tells us that daylight hours are three seconds shorter today. Get used to it, daylight times will shrink a little each day from now until Dec. 22 — the winter solstice. In the meantime, the days are bright and long. So get outside and enjoy the official start of summer.
Jeers: To scammers. You need to keep on your toes to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Vancouver police say they have received reports of scammers posing as company executives and targeting local businesses.
A caller says an employee is being investigated for criminal activity, and the store could close if the manager doesn’t pay. The scammers direct the manager to empty the store of cash, put the money on a prepaid credit card and give the scammers the card number. “This is one we have not seen before so business managers and employees need to be aware this is a new scam,” a police spokeswoman said.
Cheers: To Pearson Field. Vancouver is celebrating one of its signature moments today by honoring the first flight to cross the North Pole. On June 20, 1937, Russian pilot Valery Chkalov landed at Pearson Field at the conclusion of an historic journey from Moscow.
A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at a memorial next to Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St. The program will include music from the Vancouver Community Concert Band, a few remarks, and light refreshments. “This signature aviation event was an incredible achievement that brought fame to Vancouver’s Pearson Field,” museum manager Bob Cromwell said.
