Disaster training
The city of Bainbridge Island, along with Bainbridge Prepares and the BI Fire Department, will participate in Cascadia Rising June 13-15.
The multi-state exercise occurs every few years with the goal of helping communities prepare for a potential massive earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which runs from Northern California to British Columbia. It can produce earthquakes as large as a 9.0 magnitude. In such an event, BI would likely be cut off from the mainland, and ferry service would be discontinued. The community would need to rely on its own emergency capabilities for days to weeks.
As part of this year’s exercise, the city will activate its Emergency Operations Center June 13, its Emergency Flotilla June 14 and one of its disaster hubs June 15 to practice its response and identify areas for improvement.
Car part thefts
Last week thieves targeted catalytic converters on seven vehicles in Winslow, with five being the Toyota Prius model.
It takes as little as three minutes for a thief to slide under a car and cut a converter out with a reciprocating saw. The stolen parts are sold for scrap due to the valuable metals inside.
To reduce opportunities for theft, park your car in a secure or well-lit area. Consider installing an anti-theft device around the converter. The cost for a protective shield can be up to $400. The average cost of a replacement catalytic converter is $1,500.
In the recent thefts, residents reported seeing an older, mid-sized Cadillac with no plates and a smaller brown SUV with the plates covered. If you have any information contact BIPD at 206-842-5211.
Garbage hikes
Kitsap County is implementing disposal fee increases at Kitsap County’s Olympic View Transfer Station and the Hansville, Silverdale and Olalla Recycling and Garbage Facilities June 1.
“These fee increases are driven by increased transportation and disposal costs, but there is also a need to invest in the system to keep it up to the demands and expectations of residents,” said Chris Piercy, senior program manager of the county’s Solid Waste Division.
The Olympic View Transfer Station – Kitsap’s primary intermediate handling facility for solid waste – celebrates its 20-year anniversary in June. With that also comes the expiry of the original contract with Waste Management to design, build and operate the facility, as well as transport and dispose of waste by rail to Waste Management’s Columbia Ridge Landfill. With the new agreement, the county’s costs increase overnight,” Piercy said.
Because of increased use over the 20 years, a second compactor is needed, along with other updates. An expansion to the Silverdale facility and a second Household Hazardous Waste Facility in the new North Kitsap Service Center also are planned.
For details go to: kcowa.us/project.
$820K for Ukraine
Dale Perry of Bainbridge Island said last week that the Foundation for Equity and Justice raised over $820,000 to help the people of war-torn Ukraine.
He said about half came from the “very generous” people on BI. About 1,700 people nationwide donated over the past two months.
“We closed our fundraising and delivery of assistance several weeks ago. Due to statutory requirements regarding non-profits, our foundation work could only be done on a short-term basis.”
“Every dollar made a significant impact to those in need in Ukraine. Unfortunately, the need continues, but we do see large donor organizations making an impact now in Ukraine.”
BARN director
Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, a non-profit artisan center on BI, has picked Grae Drake as its new executive director.
Sallie Maron, BARN board president, said: “He brings a wealth of business management, nonprofit board and legal experience, in addition to a deep knowledge of BARN gained as a member and volunteer.”
Drake added: “I’ve been in love with BARN since my first class here. The craft, the space,and most importantly the community of inspiring people are a joy to be around.
He said he wants to “bring in new members who’ve had trouble accessing BARN in the past, and expand the role of creativity and craftsmanship in Kitsap and beyond.”
‘Pawty’ planned
PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap will host a “Beach PAWty” fundraiser June 4.
In-person at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is from 5:30-9 p.m. Virtual is from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 each in person, $75 virtual at pawsbink.org/paws-gala/
The live event will feature entertainment, dinner, dessert dash, a live auction and games to fund PAWSBINK services, which include adoption, veterinary financial aid and spay/neuter assistance. Those attending virtually will enjoy the live show and auction.
A raffle; games like cornhole and spin the wheel; auction for trips to Mexico, Maui and Sedona and more are planned to help the organization that has been around for 47 years.
For details go to www.pawsbink.org.
Event childcare
There’s a new childcare option available on the first Friday of the month, taking place during Art Walks. Summer dates are June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5.
BI Child Care Centers, a nonprofit that’s been providing childcare for over 40 years, is offering evening childcare at its High School Road facility. From 5:30-8 p.m. childcare is $25 per child, ages 4-12. Pre-registration at www.biccc.org/first-fridays is required.
Youth employment
The BI Chamber of Commerce and Bainbridge Youth Services are creating an eight-week summer employment and workforce certification program connecting local youth (ages 16-24) with employers and the local business/nonprofit community.
There are 10 slots available. Applications are open through the end of May for employers and employees. For more go to bainbridgechamber.com
Beware of fraud
A resident reported he sold his car about two weeks ago for $6,500.
He later learned the money order was forged and had no value. Based on a description of the suspect who had a distinctive tattoo, officers identified a similar incident in Kitsap County.
Charges are pending formal identification by the victim. The vehicle may have been re-sold by the suspect and is reported to be in Pierce County but has yet to be located or recovered.
2 place first
Ryder Mortensen and Alden Lemon of the Gear Grinders team on Bainbridge both finished first in their divisions at a mountain bike race in Roslyn that attracted 385 racers.
Meet mayor
Mayor Joe Deets is having open office hours May 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at CUPS Espresso on 123 Bjune Drive SE in Winslow. Everyone is welcome to talk to him about city business.
Wedding
Shannon Cosgrove and Jacob Whitener are getting married June 4 at Elliston Vineyards near San Francisco. Cosgrove grew up on Bainbridge Island. Her father will officiate the wedding. They plan a honeymoon in Greece.
BI police log
May 1, burglary theft, Washington Avenue NE.
May 1, traffic accident, High School Road.
May 3, theft of a motor vehicle, Madison Avenue N.
May 4, theft from a motor vehicle, Wood Avenue SW.
May 4, traffic accident, Madison Avenue N at Highway 305.
May 5, theft, Ovell Avenue NW.
May 5, theft from a vehicle, Madrona Way NE.
May 5, theft from a vehicle, Bjune Drive SE.
May 5, theft, Wood Avenue SW.
May 7, reckless driving, includes racing, Fletcher Bay Road NE at NE Foster Road.
