Pool Controversies, Pride Politics, Public Spaces, and More
A look at the stories, posts, events, and debates shaping conversations across the County this week
Social Media Saturday is back, and this week’s roundup touches on everything from pool safety and homelessness to Pride Month events, local politics, nonprofit salaries, and public accountability.
Pool Voucher Debate Takes Another Turn
Controversy continues over the William Shore Memorial Pool’s decision to reinstate free shower vouchers for homeless drug users, a program supported unanimously by Pool Board members County Commissioner Mike French, County Commissioner Randy Johnson, Port Angeles City Councilmembers Mark Hodgson and LaTrisha Suggs, and community representative Greg Shield.
During the board’s discussion, supporters argued there had been no documented incidents associated with the program. However, this week, a local mother reported that her child found a fentanyl patch in a family changing room at the facility.
Whether related or unrelated to the voucher program, the report is certain to add fuel to an already heated public debate.
A Snapshot of Downtown Reality
Last Sunday offered beautiful weather in Port Angeles, but one photograph taken between the Dream Playground and Civic Field captured a different reality: an individual sleeping on the sidewalk next to an overflowing shopping cart packed with personal belongings.
As discussions continue about homelessness, public safety, and the use of public spaces, scenes like this remain common throughout the city.
Indivisible Port Angeles Meeting Scheduled
Indivisible Port Angeles will hold a meeting Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Port Angeles Library, and the public is welcome. Interest appears to be growing, with four residents discussing attendance and at least one participant already confirmed.
Library Celebrates Pride Month
The North Olympic Library System is ramping up its Pride Month programming.
On Sunday, the NOLS Bookmobile will attend the SisterLand Farms Pride Picnic at B&B Family Farm Lavender Barn in Sequim. Event organizers describe the gathering as a call for community involvement, activism, volunteerism, mutual aid, and a chance to learn about harm reduction.
Promotional materials for the event include books such as Palestine: A Socialist Introduction, Boycott Divestment Sanctions, and Uncivil Rites.
With the library levy now approved and property taxes set to rise, the library can continue expanding essential programs and community partnerships such as these. Residents who wish to share feedback with the library may contact the Library Board, which is appointed by the county commissioners, at LibraryBoard@nols.org or Executive Director Noah Glaude at Director@nols.org.
New County Appointee Speaks Out
Rae Hesselbach, recently appointed to Clallam County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee, used social media this week to encourage support for LGBTQ individuals and to highlight concerns about discrimination.
Last month, Hesselbach stated that “the wealthiest white men are a greater threat to safety than the unhoused.”
Buckle up. June is just getting started, which means another month of diversity trainings, inclusion messaging, Pride celebrations, and reminders about who needs to be more accepting of whom.
Questions Continue in ‘Sun Drop Murderer’ Case
Community reaction continues following revelations that the alleged “Sun Drop Murderer” lived in Port Angeles for more than a decade despite hundreds of documented law enforcement contacts.
One social media commenter claimed that “Serenity House has been housing him for years,” adding to ongoing questions about homelessness services, public safety, and accountability.
Public Spaces and Tourism
Commissioner Mike French stated that reclaiming public spaces ultimately falls to the public itself. Commissioner Randy Johnson has pointed to tariffs and economic conditions as factors affecting tourism from Canada.
Others are asking a different question: Could visible homelessness, open-air drug use, and deteriorating public spaces also be affecting the visitor experience?
For many travelers arriving from Victoria, downtown Port Angeles serves as their first impression of Clallam County. Is it a good impression?
United Way Unveils New Headshots
The United Way of Clallam County recently released new staff photographs highlighting the organization’s leadership team.
According to publicly available nonprofit filings, executive compensation was reported at approximately $143,000.
The figure has sparked discussion among some residents who note it exceeds Clallam County’s median household income by more than double.
Calico Cat Club Announces Second Town Hall
Following a well-attended community forum, the Calico Cat Club has scheduled a second town hall focused on issues affecting residents west of Port Angeles.
Confirmed participants include Clallam County Prosecutor Mark Nichols and Sheriff Brian King.
Commissioner Mike French has cited a scheduling conflict. Commissioner Randy Johnson has not responded. Commissioner Mark Ozias has refused to participate in forums unless they are facilitated by the League of Women Voters or local chambers of commerce.
The event will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Dry Creek Grange, 3520 Edgewood Drive, Port Angeles.
From the Scanner
Barn Dance Next Weekend
Note: This is a kids-free event.
See You Today in Clallam Bay!
The commissioners did not reply to yesterday's email asking about the process they use to investigate requests by NGOs before issuing letters of support. Here is today's email sent to the board of the William Shore Memorial Pool:
Dear Pool Board Members Mike French, Randy Johnson, Mark Hodgson, LaTrisha Suggs, and Greg Shield,
When the shower voucher program was reinstated, board members stated that there had been no reported incidents associated with the program. Since then, a local parent has reported that their child picked up what appeared to be a fentanyl patch in a family changing area at the pool, raising concerns about safety in a facility used by families.
Can the Board explain what specific safety protocols are in place for voucher recipients, what training staff receive to identify and respond to potential drug-related hazards, and whether the Board has reconsidered the risks associated with continuing the program?
Thank you for your time.
Thank you to the Calico Cat Club for organizing this forum for the people of Clallam County. This is what community engagement looks like. It raises an important question: Who do our county commissioners represent? Their recent actions make the answer increasingly clear. When elected officials refuse to sit for a couple of hours to listen to their constituents and answer questions, it signals that the temperature has become “too hot in the kitchen.” They do not want to hear what we see every day. They do not want to acknowledge the decline occurring in this county.
It should trouble every one of us that human beings — many in severe mental distress from drug use — are sleeping on the ground in our parks, on our sidewalks, and in our neighborhoods. We are repeatedly told that we lack compassion. But ignoring suffering is not compassion. Allowing people to deteriorate in public is not compassion. Providing inpatient treatment, real recovery options, and meaningful pathways to stability — that is compassion.
Not everyone will choose sobriety, but many will if given a chance. This county should be investing in inpatient treatment centers, not doubling down on an endless cycle of grant-funded programs with little measurable outcome. The lure of grant money flowing to NGOs has become too great. Jobs are created, buzzwords are repeated, and the public is expected to nod along. Meanwhile, accountability is scarce, and the community continues to decline.
People are right to be frustrated. I am frustrated. And when election season arrives, we must remember what we see. Change happens one seat at a time. That begins with the next commissioner race by voting for Jake and continues the following year. Accountability is not partisan — it is the foundation of public service.
Today is also June 6, the anniversary of D Day. I know my next point may draw criticism, but this is my perspective. We dedicate an entire month to Pride celebrations, yet I would prefer to see more attention given to the men who fought and died for our freedoms. How many of the pride celebration attendees know what today is? Do these folks realize without the heroes who came before us and kept this nation free, that they would not be able to celebrate as they do? I have stood on the beaches of Normandy overwhelmed with emotion. I have walked the American cemetery there, bowing my head in reverence for husbands, sons, and brothers who never made it home. Their sacrifice is overwhelming. Too many veterans still suffer from PTSD, and their struggles are real, I have seen it.
So, this month, I will honor our veterans in my own way. I will remember the cost of freedom and the responsibility we have to safeguard our community, our values, and our future.