Two registered sex offenders entered the William Shore Pool—the controversy about turning a family recreation center into a social services hub isn’t going away
The county commissioners did not respond to yesterday's email asking if they will take a stance on the transfer of our wildlife refuges or if they have asked for a town hall to be held with our federal leaders to discuss the topic. Here is today's email sent to all five Shore Aquatic Center board members:
Dear Commissioners Mike French and Randy Johnson, Port Angeles City Council Members Mark Hodgson and LaTrisha Suggs, and Community Member Greg Sheild,
After reviewing your Mission, Vision, and Core Values, I have a few questions.
Your mission emphasizes providing high-quality, safe, and accessible aquatic programs, services, and facilities that encourage health, wellness, learning, and fun. Your vision likewise focuses on excellence in aquatic recreation.
How do the shower voucher program and the pool's growing role as a social services provider fit within that mission?
More broadly, how do you balance expanding those services with your stated commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children and families? Does the Board believe this is the direction taxpayers expected when they supported a public aquatic center?
Finally, has the Board formally evaluated whether these programs advance—or potentially conflict with—the mission, vision, and core values adopted by the District?
I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.
In addition to the shower, the Pool Board Members should invite them to camp on their property instead of illegally camping along our streams, in our parks & on our streets. 😡
Thank you, Jeff, for the update. Very scary for anyone going to the pool. When a person has to constantly check the facility's surroundings from getting out of the car, to walking to the pool entrance, to surveying the interior, one has to ask if it's still worth using that facility. The Pool Board members need to ask that question and more. If the only people who feel safe in CC are the criminals and not the law abiding citizens, then we know how corrupt these publicly elected and unelected leaders are.
When you go to the YMCA pool in Sequim, you show your driver's license when you pay. When you attend the Port Angeles pool, you don't show your identification and just pay to get in.
An ID may be required. But how one wants to identify at the time is, shall we say, fluid. The Ys in PA, Sequim and Port Townsend (all managed by the Olympic Peninsula YMCA) all have open male and female locker rooms that afford little privacy while changing and showering. I used to be a member of the PA Y. Sequim and PT have pools. If a man says he feels like a woman on any given day, the policy of the local Y (and perhaps nationally) is to allow him to use the women's locker room.
Are trans people sex offenders? No. Is it appropriate for adult males to change and shower in front of women and little girls? No. Could sex offenders gain access to the women's locker room just by insisting they are women? Yes, and the policy of the Y will allow it, unless they are going to do extensive background checks on everybody who walks through their door. As today's article shows, the Shore Aquatic Center isn't doing any significant checking on who uses that facility until someone else brings it to their attention. I doubt the Y is either.
I used to be a member. When the event in Port Townsend happened I wrote to the Director of the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and asked her to clarify whether this was in fact their policy. She said it was and indicated that there were no plans to change it. Men in women's locker rooms don't directly affect me (a male) but I couldn't support a policy that says that the rights of <1% of the population outweigh the rights of 50% of the population to feel safe, so I quit. Our daughters are grown, out of the house and making lives for themselves. If I had small children, especially girls, at home I would not send them to the Y.
Public facilities, including the YMCA and Shore Pool, must comply with Washington Administrative Code (162-32-060):
"All covered entities shall allow individuals the use of gender-segregated facilities, such as restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and homeless or emergency shelters, that are consistent with that individual's gender expression or gender identity."
I guess it depends on the definition of "public facility". The Shore Pool is obviously a publicly funded facility. I am not clear as to the definition as it applies to the Y. It is a non-profit funded by membership fees. Not just anyone can walk in and use the Y. You have to be a member and pay the membership fee. Yes, it is also funded by donations from various sources. If some funding comes from government sources then that could definitely change its status.
Regardless of what the WA Code says, it doesn't mean I have to support the Y and accept their policies. At least not yet. Don't give Olympia any ideas.
The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is open to the public. Non-members may pay a day-use fee and use any of the three facilities. The Washington Administrative Code does apply.
It would definitely make parents feel better if at least the list of sex offenders would pop up after an identification card was scanned into the system if the information collided. But I'm probably just speaking crazy talk here.
The Y in PA does a good job checking ID too. As a sometimes nanny, I respect that they check my ID each time I enter the building to pick up before letting me go past the desk, even if they "recognize" me.
It just seems like a common sense procedure to ensure we are prioritizing public safety. They should know who is using the facility regardless of their housing situation
I'd love for Mike, Mark and Randy to view the registry and tell us which one of these fine citizens they will invite to swim and open locker room shower with their children/grandchildren. I dare them to pick just one.
It's best to periodically search by each Clallam city to see the photos and records. If you search by address the system gives a less complete listing. Keep in mind only level 2 and 3 (and 1 only if transient) are publicly listed. So there are many other S.O. in the county who are required to register with Sherrif , but not publicly listed on the registry search. That's how Frizalone went unknown to the general public until he harmed another person. In NY he is level 3 for life with strict rules about where he can live and go.
Also a separate search is needed for Makah nation, and many of those registered in Makah but not in US are regulalry roaming in PA (thanks free transit) like Marcos Dalos was before he did more crime and got sent back to prison.
same thing here search not just by address but also try different cities
Currently 11 listed in a town of population around 1100. That tells me they have found a loophole that helps them hide while they roam the county. ymmv
WA law is way too predator friendly IMO. If anyone knows of any efforts to change related policy at the state level, I would love to connect with you.
When I read all the protests and petitions to protect keeping access to the pool for convicted sexual predators, I can only assume those wanting to maintain the access have never endured childhood sexual abuse. As a survivor I will always prioritize the safety of children.
When does it stop! The bull shit that our county officials burden the tax payers with. The sheriff department needs money and the public needs our neighbor hoods cleaned up. With all the wasteful programs they want to and are sponsoring, someone or alot of people are making money. We the taxpayer pay..
On Terri’s public comment in the podcast: the opioid settlement was intended to remediate the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic by investing in evidence-based strategies that reduce addiction, expand treatment, support recovery, and prevent overdose.
On preventing overdoses — narcan doesn’t prevent overdoses, it prevents death from overdose. Narcan allows people to overdose. Commissioners and Dr. Berry can say preventing death is most important, and that is good, but they are not preventing overdoses by handing out paraphernalia that contributes to drug use, including narcan that lets addicts overdose without death. You know what prevents overdose? Not doing drugs.
What consideration has been given to the children’s programs that operate during the summer months concurrently with the shower voucher program?
For example, Spark the Pool’s all-day summer childcare program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. While participants have access to designated program rooms, they also utilize the broader pool facility, including common areas used before swim lessons and during open swim sessions. As a result, children enrolled in these programs regularly share the same spaces and amenities while the shower voucher program is operating.
Given this overlap in facility use, it would be helpful to understand how the safety, supervision, and overall experience of participating children are being considered and addressed.
"No one is suggesting every homeless person is dangerous. Nor does this week’s information demonstrate that the voucher program itself allowed these offenders into the building. What it does demonstrate is that the potential risks discussed throughout this debate are real—not hypothetical."
Our county has become a safe haven for all these perverts and drug dealers under the current leaders. That said how can they look us in the eye and say they give a darn about OUR wishes and safety. The WOKE leadership we have today cares more for the people that are freeloading vagrants than us taxpaying public. Servants they are but to who? Themselves!
When Chi-mo's become our neighbors and victims in the oppression Olympics nothing has to make sense. I can see now the boat haven wants to be more of a yacht club than a haven for Popeye and Brutus. I guess we can't have them use Port facilities now that they have upscaled to Lovie and Thurston..
Hi, John. I suggested the medical center because its facilities can accommodate various situations and medical needs. My concern is also for those who are truly homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and maybe need a safer place themselves. We need to explore and discuss all options so that our entire community benefits.
Consider Washington's drug enhancement law (RCW 69.50.435) that specifically targets a strict list of public locations explicitly chosen because they are places where children and families gather. How is it all of this heinous activity is allowed to occur so close to an area where children are present? When did we stop protecting children, and is this any different than allowing the pedos into facility?
Mike mentioned yesterday he spent a night at Serenity, he failed to mention that was before remodel and upgrades and before the shelter was a 24/7 facility
I’d give them more credit if they went in disguise and did an undercover investigation. Does any elected official really think they aren’t treated differently when people know who they are going into those places? If so, that only shows how delusional they are.
He's a good photographer too. He was out in PA during snowmagedon taking photos. (I had told my husband before we moved here that it didn't snow much, then boom snowmagedon 2 winters in a row.) One of my favorite pics ever of my husband, Jesse took of my husband when he was shoveling our car out of the huge pile of snow the plow had pushed on top of it for the 3rd time that week so I could get to work. I got copies in a print and on a mug. I drink from that mug whenever I feel unmotivated and want to remember how hard my husband works to keep us going.
The county commissioners did not respond to yesterday's email asking if they will take a stance on the transfer of our wildlife refuges or if they have asked for a town hall to be held with our federal leaders to discuss the topic. Here is today's email sent to all five Shore Aquatic Center board members:
Dear Commissioners Mike French and Randy Johnson, Port Angeles City Council Members Mark Hodgson and LaTrisha Suggs, and Community Member Greg Sheild,
After reviewing your Mission, Vision, and Core Values, I have a few questions.
Your mission emphasizes providing high-quality, safe, and accessible aquatic programs, services, and facilities that encourage health, wellness, learning, and fun. Your vision likewise focuses on excellence in aquatic recreation.
How do the shower voucher program and the pool's growing role as a social services provider fit within that mission?
More broadly, how do you balance expanding those services with your stated commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children and families? Does the Board believe this is the direction taxpayers expected when they supported a public aquatic center?
Finally, has the Board formally evaluated whether these programs advance—or potentially conflict with—the mission, vision, and core values adopted by the District?
I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.
I have a great idea. Go and rent portable shower units ( simple Google search) park them in every board members front yard. Enjoy!
Why even pay for that, they could just let them come in and use theirs.
I think what the PA city Council was telling us is our kids need to learn to become accustomed to sexual predators.
Disgusting, but starting to be true.
100% agreed! I would add, I think it's also the whole USA. There has been a shift in society.
Crying!
Let's add single person tents and bucket toilets to that, too!
In addition to the shower, the Pool Board Members should invite them to camp on their property instead of illegally camping along our streams, in our parks & on our streets. 😡
Thank you, Jeff, for the update. Very scary for anyone going to the pool. When a person has to constantly check the facility's surroundings from getting out of the car, to walking to the pool entrance, to surveying the interior, one has to ask if it's still worth using that facility. The Pool Board members need to ask that question and more. If the only people who feel safe in CC are the criminals and not the law abiding citizens, then we know how corrupt these publicly elected and unelected leaders are.
Yes
When you go to the YMCA pool in Sequim, you show your driver's license when you pay. When you attend the Port Angeles pool, you don't show your identification and just pay to get in.
An ID may be required. But how one wants to identify at the time is, shall we say, fluid. The Ys in PA, Sequim and Port Townsend (all managed by the Olympic Peninsula YMCA) all have open male and female locker rooms that afford little privacy while changing and showering. I used to be a member of the PA Y. Sequim and PT have pools. If a man says he feels like a woman on any given day, the policy of the local Y (and perhaps nationally) is to allow him to use the women's locker room.
What could possibly go wrong? Ask Julie Jaman what happens if a woman isn't comfortable with the result. https://komonews.com/amp/news/local/ymca-bans-grandma-after-she-demanded-transgender-staff-member-leave-womens-locker-room-julie-jaman-port-townsend-washington
Are trans people sex offenders? No. Is it appropriate for adult males to change and shower in front of women and little girls? No. Could sex offenders gain access to the women's locker room just by insisting they are women? Yes, and the policy of the Y will allow it, unless they are going to do extensive background checks on everybody who walks through their door. As today's article shows, the Shore Aquatic Center isn't doing any significant checking on who uses that facility until someone else brings it to their attention. I doubt the Y is either.
That's one reason why I am not a member of the Y
I used to be a member. When the event in Port Townsend happened I wrote to the Director of the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and asked her to clarify whether this was in fact their policy. She said it was and indicated that there were no plans to change it. Men in women's locker rooms don't directly affect me (a male) but I couldn't support a policy that says that the rights of <1% of the population outweigh the rights of 50% of the population to feel safe, so I quit. Our daughters are grown, out of the house and making lives for themselves. If I had small children, especially girls, at home I would not send them to the Y.
Public facilities, including the YMCA and Shore Pool, must comply with Washington Administrative Code (162-32-060):
"All covered entities shall allow individuals the use of gender-segregated facilities, such as restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and homeless or emergency shelters, that are consistent with that individual's gender expression or gender identity."
I guess it depends on the definition of "public facility". The Shore Pool is obviously a publicly funded facility. I am not clear as to the definition as it applies to the Y. It is a non-profit funded by membership fees. Not just anyone can walk in and use the Y. You have to be a member and pay the membership fee. Yes, it is also funded by donations from various sources. If some funding comes from government sources then that could definitely change its status.
Regardless of what the WA Code says, it doesn't mean I have to support the Y and accept their policies. At least not yet. Don't give Olympia any ideas.
The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is open to the public. Non-members may pay a day-use fee and use any of the three facilities. The Washington Administrative Code does apply.
Me, too. I don't like that policy, plus the COVID lockdown mask and vaccination policies. I have no desire to join or contribute to the Y.
It would definitely make parents feel better if at least the list of sex offenders would pop up after an identification card was scanned into the system if the information collided. But I'm probably just speaking crazy talk here.
The Y in PA does a good job checking ID too. As a sometimes nanny, I respect that they check my ID each time I enter the building to pick up before letting me go past the desk, even if they "recognize" me.
It just seems like a common sense procedure to ensure we are prioritizing public safety. They should know who is using the facility regardless of their housing situation
Proving again that common sense is not so common.
One of my favorite phrases!
I'd love for Mike, Mark and Randy to view the registry and tell us which one of these fine citizens they will invite to swim and open locker room shower with their children/grandchildren. I dare them to pick just one.
https://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=54528&disc=
It's best to periodically search by each Clallam city to see the photos and records. If you search by address the system gives a less complete listing. Keep in mind only level 2 and 3 (and 1 only if transient) are publicly listed. So there are many other S.O. in the county who are required to register with Sherrif , but not publicly listed on the registry search. That's how Frizalone went unknown to the general public until he harmed another person. In NY he is level 3 for life with strict rules about where he can live and go.
https://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=54528&disc=
Also a separate search is needed for Makah nation, and many of those registered in Makah but not in US are regulalry roaming in PA (thanks free transit) like Marcos Dalos was before he did more crime and got sent back to prison.
same thing here search not just by address but also try different cities
https://makah.nsopw.gov/Search/Results
Currently 11 listed in a town of population around 1100. That tells me they have found a loophole that helps them hide while they roam the county. ymmv
WA law is way too predator friendly IMO. If anyone knows of any efforts to change related policy at the state level, I would love to connect with you.
When I read all the protests and petitions to protect keeping access to the pool for convicted sexual predators, I can only assume those wanting to maintain the access have never endured childhood sexual abuse. As a survivor I will always prioritize the safety of children.
When does it stop! The bull shit that our county officials burden the tax payers with. The sheriff department needs money and the public needs our neighbor hoods cleaned up. With all the wasteful programs they want to and are sponsoring, someone or alot of people are making money. We the taxpayer pay..
On Terri’s public comment in the podcast: the opioid settlement was intended to remediate the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic by investing in evidence-based strategies that reduce addiction, expand treatment, support recovery, and prevent overdose.
On preventing overdoses — narcan doesn’t prevent overdoses, it prevents death from overdose. Narcan allows people to overdose. Commissioners and Dr. Berry can say preventing death is most important, and that is good, but they are not preventing overdoses by handing out paraphernalia that contributes to drug use, including narcan that lets addicts overdose without death. You know what prevents overdose? Not doing drugs.
Thank you! the audacity to call it prevention is laughable.
What consideration has been given to the children’s programs that operate during the summer months concurrently with the shower voucher program?
For example, Spark the Pool’s all-day summer childcare program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. While participants have access to designated program rooms, they also utilize the broader pool facility, including common areas used before swim lessons and during open swim sessions. As a result, children enrolled in these programs regularly share the same spaces and amenities while the shower voucher program is operating.
Given this overlap in facility use, it would be helpful to understand how the safety, supervision, and overall experience of participating children are being considered and addressed.
"No one is suggesting every homeless person is dangerous. Nor does this week’s information demonstrate that the voucher program itself allowed these offenders into the building. What it does demonstrate is that the potential risks discussed throughout this debate are real—not hypothetical."
👏LOUDER👏FOR👏THE👏PEOPLE👏IN👏THE👏BACK👏
Our county has become a safe haven for all these perverts and drug dealers under the current leaders. That said how can they look us in the eye and say they give a darn about OUR wishes and safety. The WOKE leadership we have today cares more for the people that are freeloading vagrants than us taxpaying public. Servants they are but to who? Themselves!
They can't look you in the eye. They k iw they're wrong, but do it anyway.
When Chi-mo's become our neighbors and victims in the oppression Olympics nothing has to make sense. I can see now the boat haven wants to be more of a yacht club than a haven for Popeye and Brutus. I guess we can't have them use Port facilities now that they have upscaled to Lovie and Thurston..
Hi, John. I suggested the medical center because its facilities can accommodate various situations and medical needs. My concern is also for those who are truly homeless due to circumstances beyond their control and maybe need a safer place themselves. We need to explore and discuss all options so that our entire community benefits.
Did you know there is a medical respite program at Serenity?
No, thank you, Susie. It's always good to share information. I'm trying to view Serenity House online, but I'm being blocked by an "Error".
Me too, Denise. It must be a problem on their end.
Off topic, but some enterprising resident in Seattle has come up with a great idea. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
https://seattlered.com/seattle-red/jason-rantz-opinion/rantz-seattles-hot-new-bistro-is-a-rent-free-homeless-tent-at-6th-and-blanchard/4119171
And the Seattle Mayor and her sycophants still claim Seattle is as vibrant and thriving as ever.
I think a little of both. Loved the writers writing.
The lack of respect. So I don’t care any more if I am respectful back. They get what they give.
This one is really tough!
One thing I never expected in my life time was local pols who were willing to knowingly jeopardize the lives of small children.
French "I didn't know" now knows and still not a fricking peep. Another being former law enforcement yet with that background accepts the program.
All of you are quickly headed to a very hot place.
Consider Washington's drug enhancement law (RCW 69.50.435) that specifically targets a strict list of public locations explicitly chosen because they are places where children and families gather. How is it all of this heinous activity is allowed to occur so close to an area where children are present? When did we stop protecting children, and is this any different than allowing the pedos into facility?
Mike mentioned yesterday he spent a night at Serenity, he failed to mention that was before remodel and upgrades and before the shelter was a 24/7 facility
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/2020/12/31/serenity-house-shelter-expansion-gets-permit/
FWIW, here is the PDN article re night at Serenity Source: Peninsula Daily News https://share.google/59jWfd2gi5J4445Jm
I’d give them more credit if they went in disguise and did an undercover investigation. Does any elected official really think they aren’t treated differently when people know who they are going into those places? If so, that only shows how delusional they are.
The 2018 article was written by Jesse Majors, who now works in the County's Records office at the court house. Good job, Jesse.
He's a good photographer too. He was out in PA during snowmagedon taking photos. (I had told my husband before we moved here that it didn't snow much, then boom snowmagedon 2 winters in a row.) One of my favorite pics ever of my husband, Jesse took of my husband when he was shoveling our car out of the huge pile of snow the plow had pushed on top of it for the 3rd time that week so I could get to work. I got copies in a print and on a mug. I drink from that mug whenever I feel unmotivated and want to remember how hard my husband works to keep us going.
A very sweet post, Susie. It's a nice way to be motivated.