Cheers: To hope. James Kasper has big plans for a long-derelict motel off Interstate 5 at 78th Street — turning it into a 60-room recovery house. “It’ll be a beautiful place,” Kasper told The Columbian. “This place has never seen what I’m bringing to it. It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m the guy to do it.”
For years, the Value Motel, with its large sign advertising rooms for $39 a night, has had a notorious reputation for all sorts of nefarious activity. Kasper, who says he has been sober for 18 years, used to frequent it to buy, sell, use or sleep off drugs. He already has established one recovery center in the Orchards area, and now plans to bring the same inspiration to Hazel Dell. As one observer noted: A place that had been left for dead is being transformed, just like many people who have gone through recovery.
Jeers: To rising coronavirus rates. Data released Tuesday show that COVID-19 infections are increasing in Clark County. The county’s public health officials said the number of new infections over the previous two weeks was 76.15 per 100,000 residents, continuing a gradual increase throughout September. The new numbers place Clark County into the “high” range for coronavirus transmission.
To stem that trend and allow for a full reopening of schools and businesses, we reiterate the recommendations of experts: Wear a mask when in public; frequently wash hands with soap and water; and practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet from others. Some carriers of the infection might be asymptomatic but still able to spread it. We all must work together to get past the pandemic.
Cheers: To good economic news. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc with many businesses and displaced workers, the state has received some good economic news. An updated projection predicts that state government revenue through mid-2023 will be $4.6 billion less than originally budgeted; a projection in June predicted a $9 billion shortfall.
Of course, “good” is a relative term. Lawmakers still face a difficult task in trying to determine budget cuts and/or revenue boosts. And the state is still in the throes of the pandemic rather than moving toward a full recovery. But a shortfall of $4.6 billion is preferable to the previous projection.
Jeers: To an irresponsible gun owner. An Oregon man shot himself in the groin while in the checkout line of a market in Lincoln City. The 29-year-old showed off his Glock 9mm to a friend and accidentally pulled the trigger while stuffing the piece back into his pants. A bullet tore through his groin and exited his thigh.
The gunslinger was airlifted to a hospital in Portland, where he reportedly is recovering. He did not have a concealed handgun license and could face criminal charges. Most gun owners are responsible; the others are a danger to themselves and the community.
Cheers: To a free press. The Seattle Police Department has dropped an effort to obtain unpublished photos and videos from media outlets relating to a protest that turned violent in May. A previous court order to turn over the material had been held up pending additional court action.
The police department’s decision to end its quest is a victory for an independent press. In order to effectively do their job and retain the trust of the public, media members must not be seen as working in conjunction with police or prosecutors. Police should not expect reporters and photo journalists to help them do their jobs.
