Dear Neighbors,

This has been such a busy week. It’s going to be a busy summer. People are anxious to make up for lost time, but before I continue, you may be interested to learn where to find state directives. Our governor created 2 new directives yesterday, June 30. Click here and you can see the gubernatorial directives made back to March of 2013. Directives are issued by the governor, usually to a specific state agency or set of agencies, directing a certain action be taken.
 
Also at the state level, the AG’s office is hosting a statewide Organized Retail Crime Task Force meeting with the goal of improving coordination around the challenge of organized retail crime. You must RSVP today, July 1. I assume the cut-off is for in-person attendance, but there is a zoom available. You must RSVP to receive the link for the zoom and the link may not arrive immediately. The meeting is Thursday, July 7, 10 am – 2 pm.
 
Monday, I attended a symposium in Puyallup led by the Puyallup-Sumner Chamber of Commerce titled Combating Crime Symposium. The information was fresh and meaningful. Representative Kelly Chambers spoke about the law enforcement bills that did and did not pass and their effects. She noted a 10,000% increase in catalytic converter thefts and told of how criminals have their craft down to a science….at a storage business, thieves from one car run and cut the fence….thieves in a second car steal the merchandise and run it to a third car parked along the shoulder on the freeway. They’re gone in seconds. To top it off, we learned that Pierce County has had 70 armed robberies in 83 days.
 
We heard from the Pierce County Sheriff’s department. They shared a power point that I will send out if I can get a copy. Then, two business owners described their trials and tribulations. Puyallup Police Department noted that it is their job to bring justice to the victims. That comment struck a chord with me and everyone else, I’m sure. Puyallup’s Chief Engle said “there is no fear of accountability” and with the Blake Decision, drugs were basically legalized. Another synopsis of Blake is here. One other pertinent comment was that treatment and incarceration must co-exist.
 
The Washington Retail Association informed us of the retailer’s plight. $2.7 billion dollars was stolen from our retailers in Washington state last year, the second highest in the nation per capita. In addition to the theft, their number one concern is the public safety. From their website, you can get a pdf of their Guide to Navigating Public Safety & Retail Crime.
 
Also presenting was Veterans Security Operations, a veterans-based private security company. They provide training and contract with businesses, home-owner associations, events, etc. to provide an extra level of security. Their vision is for helping veterans and serving others.
 
Folks, I heard Rep. Chambers call this rampant crime a pandemic and she’s right…it is the real pandemic and it’s global and it’s personal. The Chamber is working on getting signatures to the governor to ask that he call for a special session to fix bad laws. When I learn more about that effort, I’ll let you know, along with sending a recording of the meeting if it is made available.
 
On Tuesday, the Graham-Kapowsin Community Council (GKCC) had their kick-off event for their newest endeavor, starting up a senior center to serve our seniors. The event was a hit! For years, this organization has been serving the community in so many ways and wanted to open a center for seniors. Working with Carol Wright and the GKCC team, we were able to coordinate a plan to realize that dream. They will be meeting twice weekly in the lodge at Frontier Park, with the exception of a few preplanned events, such as the Pierce County Fair. A suite of activities are planned and being planned. Christine from CrossFit Deluge stopped by to give us a 15 minute warm-up. Unfortunately, I had to leave after an hour, but I passed even more people coming in for lunch as I was on my way out. To read a copy of their newsletter, click here. I look forward to connecting with community members and learning from each other.
 
Wednesday evening, I attended the closing ceremony and banquet for the Military Order of World Wars—Puget Sound Chapter, NW Youth Leadership Conference. What a joy and an honor to have attended! In the room I was surrounded by an array of decorated military servants and youth whom we recognized and honored for their accomplishments during the 4 day program. Bethel, GK, and Spanaway Lake High Schools were well represented in the awards ceremony. I determined we are surrounded by an amazing military and youth dedicated to excellence and their country.
 
That’s a wrap-up of highlights for the week. The weather pattern keeps changing, but no matter what, seek the joy in the meaning of this holiday weekend. May the blessings of liberty forever shine on America!
 
Grateful for you!