Cheers and Jeers: To Mount St. Helens. We confess to having mixed feelings about this one, but feel compelled to acknowledge the 39th anniversary of the mountain’s catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980. On one hand, it was an awe-inspiring demonstration of nature’s power; the explosion and the environmental rejuvenation that continues today have provided a remarkable laboratory for scientists and observers from throughout the world.
On the other hand, the eruption and the landslide that accompanied it killed at least 57 people, including Columbian photographer Reid Blackburn. It also resulted in an estimated $1 billion in damage, transforming lives and the landscape. The eruption reduced the mountain’s height by about 1,300 feet, a fact that helps place its impact into context. The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens remains one of the most remarkable events in the history of Southwest Washington, one that triggers both respect for nature and sorrow for what was lost.
Jeers: To measles. Although the Clark County outbreak of the disease has been declared over, measles remains a concern. Four cases — two in King County, one each in Pierce and Snohomish counties — were confirmed this week among people who spent time at Sea-Tac Airport.
Earlier this year, an outbreak led to more than 70 confirmed cases in Clark County, making the region the center of a national revival of the disease. Less than 20 years ago, measles was considered eliminated in the United States. Once again, we offer a reminder that every person who is physically able to receive a vaccination should do so.
Cheers: To Mr. Hudson’s Bay. Michael Little, who was a senior at Hudson’s Bay High School when he died of cancer in October, has been named the winner of the school’s annual mock beauty pageant. His family raised $21,518 for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, the bulk of the fundraiser’s $37,386 total.
The Mr. and Ms. Hudson’s Bay pageant was started 26 years ago in honor of T.J. Moen, a student who had died of a heart condition. Since then, it has raised more than $1 million for Doernbecher. “Hopefully it will help other families who are going through the same thing,” said Lauren Little, Michael’s sister.
Jeers: To privatizing the electrical grid. The Trump administration continues its misguided efforts to sell off part of the publicly owned Bonneville Power Administration, which provides electricity for customers throughout the Northwest.
Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, is leading efforts in Congress to oppose the proposal, and recently sent a letter to the House Committee on the Budget. “The privatization … would create uncertainty and lead to higher electricity bills for millions of families across the United States, especially in rural areas,” the letter reads. The plan, which also has been opposed by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, is an absurd idea that should be ignored by Congress.
Cheers: To pandas. No, not the black-and-white giant pandas, although they deserve cheers, as well. We’re talking about a smaller red panda — Mei Mei, a 3-year-old female who is the newest addition at the Oregon Zoo.
Red pandas look more like raccoons than giant pandas, with reddish, white and black markings that serve as camouflage in their native Asian habitat. “Red pandas are known for their climbing ability, and Mei Mei is no exception,” said one zoo official. “If you visit her at the zoo and don’t spot her right away, be sure to look up — she can often be found lounging in the trees.”
