Cheers: To a more sensible drug policy. Possession of drugs such as heroin and cocaine is once again a crime in Oregon. Statewide voters approved decriminalization in 2020, making possession punishable by a maximum $100 fine. The experiment did not work, and the Legislature approved a change that went into effect last week. The new law makes it easier for law enforcement to crack down on the public use of drugs and restores the possibility of jail for possession.
Oregon’s failure should be a lesson for jurisdictions throughout Washington. While there is a need for expanded treatment options, punishment also is necessary to stem the scourge of illegal drugs. Keeping communities safe and habitable requires sensible drug policy.
Jeers: To smog. The Southwest Clean Air Agency issued an air quality advisory last week, urging sensitive people to avoid outdoor activity. Advisories also were issued in Oregon along the Willamette Valley. Elevated levels of ozone pollution occur when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollutants, particularly from vehicles.
Officials recommend limiting driving and avoiding unnecessary idling. One interesting tip is to refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours; hot temperatures allow more emissions to escape. Fortunately, Clark County has not been hit with serious wildfire smoke so far this year. But residents should be mindful of the impact from polluted air.
Cheers … or jeers: To a fireworks ban. The Camas City Council has voted 4-3 to ban the sale, purchase and discharge of aerial fireworks that have reloadable tubes commonly referred to as mortars. The prohibition will take effect in one year; it does not include a ban on other aerial fireworks such as cakes or Roman candles.
Personal fireworks have been a source of contentious debates throughout Clark County, resulting in laws that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. “The legislation this evening is an attempt to compromise and maybe tone it down a bit,” one council member said. “This ordinance will only be as good as everyone in the community believes it to be.” One safe bet: Some will cheer the decision while others will jeer.
Jeers: To a wayward emu. It should be hard to miss — standing 5-foot-5 with a black head, big eyes and very large beak. Yet an emu in the Puyallup area had been missing for nearly a week as of Friday.
The family returned home to find their fence open and two emus missing. One of the giant, flightless birds was found nearby, while the other was on the lam. “It’s not like a dog that you can, ‘come on, rover,’ ” the owner said. “You can’t just call them in.” We’re not sure why somebody in Western Washington would have two emus, but we hope the bird is safe.
Cheers: To swift landings. Dee Gove has had some unexpected visitors lately, with hundreds of swifts — small birds — taking up residence in the chimney of her Hazel Dell home. The birds arrive at dusk and leave in the morning.
“I’m not terribly upset about it,” Gove told The Columbian. “They’re just darling little birds. I hope we’re able to protect them.”
Experts say the behavior is typical of swifts as they prepare for a fall migration to Central America — probably in two to three weeks. And Gove thinks their choice of her chimney might be a sign from her late husband, who liked to feed birds.
“They’re beautiful birds,” she said. “I’m hoping that somehow it’s a good luck sign.”
