Cheers: To learning about Mount St. Helens. Forty years ago this month — on May 18, 1980 — Mount St. Helens blew its top, killing 57 people and spewing ash that carried over much of the Northwest. Even in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic, the anniversary of the eruption — dubbed the “eruptiversary” by Columbian reporter Scott Hewitt — will garner attention in the coming weeks.
Along those lines, the Mount St. Helens Institute is offering free educational and cultural programs about the mountain. The Virtual Volcano and Brews series continues at 6 p.m. Monday with author Eric Wagner discussing the resiliency of nature and his new book, “After the Blast: The Ecological Recovery of Mount St. Helens.” Discussions can be found at the Mount St. Helens Institute Facebook page, and you don’t need to have a Facebook account. It’s a good way to learn about an event that is a rich part of local history.
Jeers: To charlatans. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has warned a Seattle company to stop selling a coronavirus “vaccine.” The company’s owner has claimed on Facebook that he has developed a vaccine that has made him immune to COVID-19. And for just $400, you can become immune, too, he claims.
In case you need a reminder: There is not yet a vaccine for the coronavirus. Ferguson said: “Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers take advantage of fear and uncertainly to make you go against your better judgment.”
Cheers: To the Vancouver City Council. Council members have decided to end a moratorium on development along parts of Evergreen and Grand boulevards. City officials instituted a ban in November while formulating plans for a long-term rejuvenation of the area. The hope is to create a “20-minute neighborhood,” with a variety of amenities within walking distance for local residents.
With the coronavirus wreaking havoc on the economy, officials have decided to end the moratorium on May 4 rather than extend it. The decision is necessary, with the pandemic shifting priorities for city planners and local businesses. The important thing now is for officials to devise plans that can help retail outlets weather this storm and remain in business.
Jeers: To chaos at Western State Hospital. The latest controversy at Washington’s largest psychiatric facility — located near Tacoma — involves coronavirus testing of staff. Workers have reported being herded into a small building, with few people in the group wearing masks. Reports the Associated Press: “They were given test kits by people without gloves and told to swirl a swab inside their noses.”
During a pandemic, testing procedures will not be perfect; mistakes will be made in such a large undertaking. But the story out of Western State adds to a long list of management and safety failures at the facility. Last week, a majority of nurses at the hospital called for the ouster of five top administrators, citing unacceptable safety and staffing levels. The people of Washington deserve better from the state’s mental health system.
Cheers: To a crane capture. Officials at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle report that a white-naped crane has been returned to its exhibit space after briefly escaping. The crane traveled down a city street and entered a sunken garage, where it was captured.
“The crane was loud and vocal but unharmed,” a statement from the zoo said. In case it seems a little suspicious that a white-naped crane could escape, zoo officials tried to put any conspiracy theories to rest: “Fowl play is not suspected.”
