Cheers: To maskless options. Many local businesses were quick to rescind mask requirements for customers following a new directive last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC officials determined that vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19 and that people who have been fully vaccinated need no longer wear masks. Individual businesses, however, may still require masks, and people who are not vaccinated are urged to wear them.
That presents a conundrum for businesses and their employees. Most proprietors say they will rely on the honor system and not require proof of vaccination when an unmasked patron enters a store. While the maskless option will be a relief for many, common sense and courtesy must prevail. Wear a mask if you have not been vaccinated, and follow the guidelines of individual businesses.
Jeers: To fake vaccine cards. With restrictions easing for people who have been vaccinated, the market for fake vaccine cards has predictably increased. State attorneys general, including Washington’s Bob Ferguson, are attempting to crack down on the fraud, stating, “The false and deceptive marketing and sales of fake COVID vaccine cards threatens the health of our communities, slows progress in getting our residents protected from the virus, and are a violation of the laws of many states.”
The FBI office in Seattle notes: “This is actually a federal crime. It’s called misuse of a government seal. And it comes with potential prison time and or fines.” Frankly, it would be easier — and less risky — to simply get vaccinated.
Cheers: To public input. The Vancouver City Council has scheduled public hearings on a vast development in the Heights District. City officials are moving toward mixed-use construction on a site anchored by the former Tower Mall property, an area now owned by the city. With residential, retail and commercial structures, the development would transform the site — and impact surrounding neighborhoods.
That is where public hearings come in, with some local residents opposing aspects of the proposal. City staff will present the plans to the public on June 8, and an additional public hearing is expected to be scheduled. Input from a broad spectrum of interests will help create the best possible development for the city.
Jeers: To a lack of focus. Since beginning work in January, members of the Clark County Charter Review commission have had difficulty remaining on topic. Commissioners last week called for adjustments in their review of the charter, with Maureen Winningham saying: “We just think that, in some of the meetings, we’ve lost our way a bit. What we were hoping to do is just kind of reset.”
We hope the 15 commission members (who were elected in November) can focus on a handful of major issues, such as whether county council positions should be nonpartisan. The charter needs tweaking, not a vast overhaul.
Memories: A notable anniversary. We would be remiss to allow the anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption to pass without mention. On May 18, 1980, the mountain lost about 1,300 feet off its top when volcanic pressure exploded in one of the region’s most memorable events.
We mourn the 57 lives that were lost, including Columbian photographer Reid Blackburn. And we recall the magnitude of an event that thrust Southwest Washington into the global spotlight. But mostly, we marvel at nature’s regenerative powers. The devastation of the region and its revival over the past 41 years has provided a remarkable laboratory for researchers from around the world.
