Cheers: To safe driving. Judging by safety, economic environment and driving laws, Washington ranks as the fourth-best state for teen drivers, according to a Wallet-Hub study. While there are many ways to define what makes a state good for teen drivers, one factor stands out here.
In Washington, 16- and 17-year-olds may obtain a license if they have completed a driver training course; otherwise, they must wait until they are 18. Studies have shown that the rate of accidents and traffic fatalities is higher for 18-year-olds than for 16-year-old drivers in Washington, a fact that demonstrates the effectiveness of the law. As an analyst for WalletHub said: “The state excels in driving laws, as evidenced by its top ranking for its enforcement of red-light and speeding-camera laws, in addition to occupant-protection and impaired-driving regulations. This stringent legal framework promotes safer driving practices and enhances road safety for teens.”
Jeers: To forever chemicals. Camas officials and residents are questioning the source of PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — found last year in one of the city’s wells. The well has subsequently tested at permissible levels, but concern persists.
PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they are impervious to breakdown and accumulate in people and animals that ingest them. Their presence in municipal water supplies is a growing issue for many cities; last year, three Vancouver stations temporarily exceeded the state limit. Washington has strict restrictions on PFAS levels, and the danger posed by the chemicals is unclear. But they pose an ongoing issue for local governments.
Cheers: To an arts hub. The former Vancouver Community Library, at Mill Plain Boulevard and Fort Vancouver Way, is being put to good use as a space for artists, with two dance studios, practice areas for performers, and studio and gallery spaces.
It is part of a planned transformation into the Vancouver Arts Hub. The city’s renovation of the building will cost approximately $15 million; in the meantime, artists have been invited to rent space. “Many of them are not used to having their voices heard, and so we’re giving them a platform to really share what their needs are,” one city official said.
Jeers: To poor communication. Following a shooting threat last week at Mountain View High School, teachers and staff were not informed until after the school day had ended. Police arrested two non-students who approached the school; both were carrying loaded guns.
An Evergreen Public Schools spokesperson said staff were not informed while officials were assessing the situation. Indeed, that is preferable to sharing incorrect information. But it is understandable that some faculty members at Mountain View are dismayed about not being alerted. District officials should reassess their policies regarding the sharing of information with staff.
Cheers: To a new school board member. Jane Long has been sworn in to the Washougal School Board. While cheers are warranted for all public servants, Long is particularly notable; she was the only applicant after the seat was vacated in June.
Board members often are confronted with public anger these days. “I focus on not taking it personally and try to diffuse with facts,” Long said. “A lot of times, when people react strongly, it’s not that they’re a bad person or they’re attacking personally; (it’s) because there’s fear or concern about a decision that was made.” We wish more people were willing to serve their communities.
