Beautiful story but I suspect it's more about community than it is leadership. I still remember a few decades ago when we were given the option to fund various organizations out of our own paychecks. Our companies would have a list of various causes, and we determined where our money went to and there was even an option to name an 'unnamed' charity of choice. Charity begins at home was never truer...yet now it is overwhelmingly enforced through grants gained via the common place taxpayer. This country was founded on generosity of spirit and great ideas...not the ever-present need to separate truth from grift. I miss those days.
Good governance begins with gratitude—because not all civic work happens in the same lane.
Reflection:
Credit where it’s due. Jeff Tozzer and CC Watchdog consistently surface stories that would otherwise be missed. You can hear the heart in the podcast delivery, the care for this community, and the willingness to push on newsworthy moments when local outlets fall short. That matters.
This isn’t a zero-sum game. Civic health depends on many roles being played well. Some work happens in a single-lane rural road—storytelling, connection, immediacy, human scale. Other work happens on an eight-lane highway—governance, law, budgets, due process, accountability. Both are necessary. They just operate under different constraints.
Confusion—and sometimes frustration—arises when we assume all lanes should move at the same speed, carry the same load, or follow the same rules. Shared space can feel crowded when roles aren’t clearly defined.
Good governance doesn’t compete with community storytelling. It relies on it. And good storytelling doesn’t replace governance. It reminds us why the work matters.
This story stands on its own. Let it be good—without asking it to carry more than it was meant to.
IT’S REAL, WE ARE BUILDING BACK WHAT HAS BEEN LOST: A COMMUNITY
By coming together, people can share knowledge, support one another, and create growth opportunities. Individuals can find encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to pursue their dreams and goals, foster a sense of belonging and provide a safety net during challenging times.
Communities also provide a platform for collaboration and COLLECTIVE ACTION. By pooling resources, knowledge, and skills, communities can tackle problems, ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE, and make a positive impact in Clallam County. The power of a united community is boundless, and when individuals JOIN FORCES, they can create lasting change for themselves and future generations.
What a nice story to listen to. Austin certainly deserved a new bike! You, Jake, and Rich made it happen by being connected to a common good. It feels so much better than seeing what we are dealt with from the media and leadership in place.
Thank you so much for the hope for a bright future based on community. I feel blessed by knowing you all and doing what I can to get Jake in that commissioners chair!
I want to say something from the heart. CC Watchdog gets a lot of flack — people say it’s too critical, too blunt, too relentless with public records requests and digging into things most folks would rather ignore. But that’s exactly why this moment is even happening. Jeff Tozzer didn’t just report a story; he illuminated a truth that could have easily stayed hidden. Because he shined that light, Austin reached out. Because he shined that light, we learned about the stolen e‑bike. And because he shined that light, this entire community was able to show up for someone who deserved it. So for all the criticism he takes, for all the nights he spends chasing facts no one else will chase — Jeff, CC Watchdog — I thank you. Truly.
I had absolutely no idea that Austin had his "scoot" stolen and that SO many great folks had stepped up to help him~!!! How "funny", because I didn't see any mention of any of this in our so-called "local media"! HA! Typical~! A very special and warm welcome to Clallam County "Rick"~! California's loss is Washington States gain, and we hope that your new life here is enjoyable and rewarding~! This is a perfect example of folks getting together to do the right thing, but just as importantly, we ALL need to be reminded that in spite of the local governments record of failures it REALLY is the good folks of our community that have always made the positive difference here~! I am SO proud of ALL who helped Austin when he needed it~! Keep up the excellent work Jeff Tozzer, because our community deserves the chance to prove that "we" are better than would be assumed by these failed governments that do not represent us or our great folks here~!
Love this story!!! Thank you Jeff and Austin. Austin needs to apply for an operator position at Clallam Transit. He'd be a fantastic ambassador! The salary, benefits and retirement would elevate his future. Transit needs smart, loyal and trustworthy employees. Good advancement too.
Port Angeles used to fly a plane over Erickson, Lincoln Park and the High School and drop antennae balls with prizes on them. Rayonier and Crown Zee weren't all bad...and giving was what it was all about. At the Methodist church they set up tables with mason jars full of all kinds of stuff to eat.
Whoo hoo! I am amazed how the donations added up. Only one day to to get it done. Austin is a young man of real character and a good influence for our youth. Thank you Jeff and Jake for getting the story out and providing an opportunity for us to give back. Rick, welcome to your new home.
Fantastic Austin! Fantastic people DONATING to get a well deserving individual back to whole. No one was forced to give or pay for hardship. Wish I would have known but that does not matter….what is important our community saw the need of an honest brave productive member of society and didn’t let that person fail or fall…..that is admiration. Thank you everyone!
"It takes a village to raise a child" is a proverb that means that an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment"
This is real love in action, unlike all the virtue signaling (where nothing gets accomplished) that is so prevalent these days. Congratulations Austin! You deserve this and more for your act of courage and compassion!
Thank you for showing us what courageous leadership looks like, Austin!
Beautiful story but I suspect it's more about community than it is leadership. I still remember a few decades ago when we were given the option to fund various organizations out of our own paychecks. Our companies would have a list of various causes, and we determined where our money went to and there was even an option to name an 'unnamed' charity of choice. Charity begins at home was never truer...yet now it is overwhelmingly enforced through grants gained via the common place taxpayer. This country was founded on generosity of spirit and great ideas...not the ever-present need to separate truth from grift. I miss those days.
Good Governance Proverb of the Day
Good governance begins with gratitude—because not all civic work happens in the same lane.
Reflection:
Credit where it’s due. Jeff Tozzer and CC Watchdog consistently surface stories that would otherwise be missed. You can hear the heart in the podcast delivery, the care for this community, and the willingness to push on newsworthy moments when local outlets fall short. That matters.
This isn’t a zero-sum game. Civic health depends on many roles being played well. Some work happens in a single-lane rural road—storytelling, connection, immediacy, human scale. Other work happens on an eight-lane highway—governance, law, budgets, due process, accountability. Both are necessary. They just operate under different constraints.
Confusion—and sometimes frustration—arises when we assume all lanes should move at the same speed, carry the same load, or follow the same rules. Shared space can feel crowded when roles aren’t clearly defined.
Good governance doesn’t compete with community storytelling. It relies on it. And good storytelling doesn’t replace governance. It reminds us why the work matters.
This story stands on its own. Let it be good—without asking it to carry more than it was meant to.
Just enjoy the sunshine.
IT’S REAL, WE ARE BUILDING BACK WHAT HAS BEEN LOST: A COMMUNITY
By coming together, people can share knowledge, support one another, and create growth opportunities. Individuals can find encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to pursue their dreams and goals, foster a sense of belonging and provide a safety net during challenging times.
Communities also provide a platform for collaboration and COLLECTIVE ACTION. By pooling resources, knowledge, and skills, communities can tackle problems, ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE, and make a positive impact in Clallam County. The power of a united community is boundless, and when individuals JOIN FORCES, they can create lasting change for themselves and future generations.
THIS is what small-town living - and giving - is all about!
Good morning Jeff,
What a nice story to listen to. Austin certainly deserved a new bike! You, Jake, and Rich made it happen by being connected to a common good. It feels so much better than seeing what we are dealt with from the media and leadership in place.
Thank you so much for the hope for a bright future based on community. I feel blessed by knowing you all and doing what I can to get Jake in that commissioners chair!
Have a great day !
I want to say something from the heart. CC Watchdog gets a lot of flack — people say it’s too critical, too blunt, too relentless with public records requests and digging into things most folks would rather ignore. But that’s exactly why this moment is even happening. Jeff Tozzer didn’t just report a story; he illuminated a truth that could have easily stayed hidden. Because he shined that light, Austin reached out. Because he shined that light, we learned about the stolen e‑bike. And because he shined that light, this entire community was able to show up for someone who deserved it. So for all the criticism he takes, for all the nights he spends chasing facts no one else will chase — Jeff, CC Watchdog — I thank you. Truly.
YES!
And this is what a proclamation is. I am thankful to be part of this community.
AWESOME~!!!
Thank you SO much Jeff Tozzer~!
I had absolutely no idea that Austin had his "scoot" stolen and that SO many great folks had stepped up to help him~!!! How "funny", because I didn't see any mention of any of this in our so-called "local media"! HA! Typical~! A very special and warm welcome to Clallam County "Rick"~! California's loss is Washington States gain, and we hope that your new life here is enjoyable and rewarding~! This is a perfect example of folks getting together to do the right thing, but just as importantly, we ALL need to be reminded that in spite of the local governments record of failures it REALLY is the good folks of our community that have always made the positive difference here~! I am SO proud of ALL who helped Austin when he needed it~! Keep up the excellent work Jeff Tozzer, because our community deserves the chance to prove that "we" are better than would be assumed by these failed governments that do not represent us or our great folks here~!
Very Sincerely, Mike
Love this story!!! Thank you Jeff and Austin. Austin needs to apply for an operator position at Clallam Transit. He'd be a fantastic ambassador! The salary, benefits and retirement would elevate his future. Transit needs smart, loyal and trustworthy employees. Good advancement too.
The only person (jokingly) sad about the bike was the bus operator because, she said, she won't be seeing Austin as much :)
Port Angeles used to fly a plane over Erickson, Lincoln Park and the High School and drop antennae balls with prizes on them. Rayonier and Crown Zee weren't all bad...and giving was what it was all about. At the Methodist church they set up tables with mason jars full of all kinds of stuff to eat.
Whoo hoo! I am amazed how the donations added up. Only one day to to get it done. Austin is a young man of real character and a good influence for our youth. Thank you Jeff and Jake for getting the story out and providing an opportunity for us to give back. Rick, welcome to your new home.
Thank you for this heartwarming story. It’s only one more reason to love our community.
I know of a job opening in PA with opportunities for a guy like Austin wit medical
and 401k matching. Have someone who knows him contact me. Good company and
opportunity to further one’s self up the ladder
I'm impressed with your post Jed in recognizing the potential of Austin as someone you'd want working for you.
What a truly heartwarming story to start my day. THIS is community at its best. Love it!
Fantastic Austin! Fantastic people DONATING to get a well deserving individual back to whole. No one was forced to give or pay for hardship. Wish I would have known but that does not matter….what is important our community saw the need of an honest brave productive member of society and didn’t let that person fail or fall…..that is admiration. Thank you everyone!
It happened SO fast!
Even better! Fast is so good for things such as this…..thank you
It takes a village
"It takes a village to raise a child" is a proverb that means that an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment"
This is real love in action, unlike all the virtue signaling (where nothing gets accomplished) that is so prevalent these days. Congratulations Austin! You deserve this and more for your act of courage and compassion!