Climate Connection – Should Sitka Set Emission Reduction Targets?
We know that greenhouse gas emissions that warm the earth are growing unabatedly. Scientists are now telling us that the global temperature rise above pre-industrial levels may exceed 1.5 degrees Centigrade within the next 5 years. This was the target temperature rise that the 2015 Paris Accords sought to avoid by the end of this century and required greenhouse gas emissions to peak by 2025, be halved by 2030, and be net zero by 2050. We already have all the tools we needed to achieve these targets, but there has not been global or U.S. governmental political will to achieve them. The Yale Climate Opinion polls document that 65% of Americans are worried about climate change and support a revenue-neutral carbon tax, but their pressure on our government has been ineffective.
Many cities have set targets for emission reductions in response to the Paris Accords and have joined organizations to share best practices and receive technical expertise. Sitka has not. Although the Sitka Assembly declared a climate emergency in November 2020 and set up a Climate Action Task Force, no action target has been set and no current emissions inventory for the community is initiated. It is hard to manage what isn’t measured. The last emissions inventory was reported in 2008 based on 2003 and 2006 data, and did not include marine or aviation emissions. At that time, only 4% of community emissions were attributable to the city government, most from municipal and school buildings. These have been decreased by replacing fuel oil heat with electric boilers, leaving the city vehicle fleet as the major source of municipal emissions, likely only about 1% of community emissions. The Climate Action Task Force and Assembly liaisons have seen its scope as limited to recommendations about municipal (not community) emissions. It is taking action to support city government’s attempt to apply for bipartisan infrastructure bill monies for upgrading electrical transmission capabilities on Halibut Point Road to the ferry terminal. This is a worthwhile recommendation that might ultimately result in cruise ship dock electrification and electric vehicle charging infrastructure for tourist buses.
But do we want more from our elected officials in response to a declared emergency? Do we want a decarbonization effort for the community as a whole? Do we want policies that will enable buildings to be heated by heat pumps rather than fuel oil (e.g., in construction building codes and on-bill financing of energy efficiency measures)? Do we want decarbonization of public and tourist transportation by 2030? The apparent failures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions bring to the fore our challenge of adaptation to a less stable climate and geopolitical world without access to much of what cheap fossil fuels have made possible. We need more local food production, economic self-reliance, and use of our clean hydropower. Let’s tell our Assembly and those we will elect this fall what we need for adaptation, while we do our part to lower the community emission habits that contribute to much of the world becoming uninhabitable.
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Kay Kreiss, Transition Sitka
Family Day at
Playground Sat.
Families are invited to the event “Take Your Parents to the Playground Day” noon-1 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Sitka Community Playground.
The group will gather together for a drone shot at 1 p.m. to celebrate playgrounds.
‘Understanding
Peace’ Discussed
Robert Hattle will speak on “Understanding Peace from a Different Perspective” at Sunday’s meeting of the Sitka Unitarian Fellowship.
Over the past 15 years Hattle has traveled to Israel and Palestine four times, and will discuss his experiences there.
Gathering is at 10:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m., at the Fellowship Hall, 408 Marine Street. Soup and bread follow the program at noon.
Bike-to-Work
Week May 16-20
National Bike to Work Week is May 16-20 and Sitkans are being encouraged to participate and enter a prize raffle for gift certificates.
Stop by the Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop to enter one entry for each day a bike was ridden during the week. Bikers can stop by on Friday to enter for the whole week.
The Sitka Cycling Club will have its open monthly Zoom meeting from noon-1 p.m. Friday, May 20. The bike week winners will be selected on Saturday, May 21. For more information and to see the full bike month schedule go to: https://sitkacycling.wordpress.com/.
Fisherman’s Flea
Market Planned
The annual Fisherman’s Flea Market will be held 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 14, at the Mt. Edgecumbe/UAS Sitka Campus parking lots.
Those with marine-related items to sell can load up their vehicles and park in front of the MEHS gym prior to 9 a.m.
Buyers are being asked to park in the UAS parking lot. Those with questions can call Denise at 907-747-5012. The market is sponsored by SouthEast Alaska Women In Fisheries.
Mental Health,
Substance Misuse
Discussion Set
A public meeting on Mental Health and Substance Misuse will be 9 a.m. May 18-20 at the Westmark Sitka.
The Alaska Mental Health Board and Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse are meeting here to discuss statewide efforts related to behavioral health – mental health and substance misuse.
The public can attend in person or online.
Presentations will be given from Sitka-based agencies providing public safety and behavioral health services, agencies from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Mask wearing and COVID-19 vaccination are being encouraged but not required.
To receive a Zoom meeting login information, email amhb.abada@alaska.gov or call (907) 419-7222. The full agenda is available at http://dhss.alaska.gov/amhb/.
Public comment to express concerns related to mental health and substance misuse will be taken 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the Centennial Hall Silver Room.
Email amhb.abada@alaska.gov for the Zoom lin or call in by phone toll-free: 1-833-548-0276, meeting ID: 907 465 8920. Enter *6 to mute and unmute and *9 to raise hand.
Trail Works Hike
Listed on Saturday
The public can join Sitka Trail Works volunteer board members for a family hike on the Starrigavan Estuary and Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg trail Saturday, May 14.
Meet at the Starrigavan boat launch parking lot at 9 a.m. for a casual stroll, the organization said. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Birthday Marked
With Quilt Show
A ‘‘70 for 70’’ quilt show in honor of Charlotte Candelaria’s 70th birthday will be offered May 19-22 at Whitmore Hall on the SJ Campus.
Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 19, 5-8 p.m. May 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 21 and 22.
National Park Celebrates
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day will be observed 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Sitka National Historical Park, outside of the visitor center.
The park has teamed up with the Alaska Raptor Center to invite the community to join the celebration of the “fair weather feathered friends” with bird-themed activities.
“Birding for beginners” information, self-guided activities and “make and take” crafts will be offered.
Participants can borrow binoculars and see what birds they can identify, and earn bird stickers, buttons and a Jr. Birder patch (while supplies last) for participating.
An award-winning documentary about migratory birds will be offered in the park theater at 3 p.m.
‘‘You may drop in for a portion of the 90-minute film or stay for the whole thing,’’ organizers said.
‘‘Many thanks to the Alaska Raptor Center for their participation,’’ the national park said. ‘‘We look forward to celebrating World Migratory Bird Day with our community, friends and families.’’
Pansy Pickup
May 13 and 14
Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool pansy fundraiser pickup and sale has been moved to May 13-14.
Pickup times are 9-6 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 14.
The preschool apologizes for the delay in the scheduled arrival time.
Rock-Painting
Event Saturday
REACH Homeschool invites families to a free rock painting event 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Crescent Harbor shelter.
Kindness Rocks is a community event to inspire, uplift and share kindness, organizers said. Sitkans can join the activity to paint rocks, hide them and create a chain of kindness.
‘‘Come out and help us show some kindness in our community, one painted rock at a time,’’ REACH Homeschool said.
Trail Works Hike
Listed on Saturday
The public can join Sitka Trail Works volunteer board members for a family hike on the Starrigavan Estuary and Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg trail Saturday, May 14.
Meet at the Starrigavan boat launch parking lot at 9 a.m. for a casual stroll, the organization said. All ages and abilities are welcome.
‘Administrator
Coffee’ on Tap
The public can attend ‘‘Coffee with the Administrator’’ 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Centennial Hall Room 3.
Join Municipal Administrator John Leach for a cup of coffee in a casual atmosphere to ask questions, engage in conversation, and be heard.
Contact the City and Borough of Sitka Administration Department with any questions at 907-747- 1812.
Boys on the Run
Event Saturday
The public is invited to cheer on participants of Boys Run I toowú klatseen as they complete the program’s seventh annual 5K fun run following a season of hard work and learning about healthy relationships and lifestyle skills.
The outer space-themed event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Centennial Hall. Registration beginning at 9:15 a.m.
‘‘Community is a primary pillar of the Boys Run program, so please come show these third to fifth grade boys that they have the support of the community as they strive to accomplish their goals,’’ Sitkans Against Family Violence, sponsors of the event, said.
Volunteers are needed to take food or help out in the event by setting up, cleaning up, being a running buddy or cheerleader. Contact Tristan at tparker@safv.org to sign up. Boys Run I toowú klatseen is also sponsored by the Pathways Coalition.
Life Celebration for
Pauline Fredrickson
The family of Pauline Fredrickson invites the public to her celebration of life 1 p.m. Friday, May 20, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow 2-4 p.m. in the See House.
Pauline passed away July 4, 2021, at the age of 91.
A Zoom link is available on request at stpetersbytheseak@gmail.com.
New Show Dates
For SHS Play
Sitka High School theater department’s play presentation of ‘‘She Kills Monsters’’ has been rescheduled to May 17, 18 and 19 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center.
It is directed by Christian Litten and written by Qui Nguyen. Fight choreography is by Ira Snelling.
The play is rated PG-13 for strong adult language and mature content.
Boys on the Run
Event Saturday
The public is invited to cheer on participants of Boys Run I toowú klatseen as they complete the program’s seventh annual 5K fun run following a season of hard work and learning about healthy relationships and lifestyle skills.
The outer space-themed event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Centennial Hall. Registration beginning at 9:15 a.m.
‘‘Community is a primary pillar of the Boys Run program, so please come show these third to fifth grade boys that they have the support of the community as they strive to accomplish their goals,’’ Sitkans Against Family Violence, sponsors of the event, said.
Volunteers are needed to take food or help out in the event by setting up, cleaning up, being a running buddy or cheerleader. Contact Tristan at tparker@safv.org to sign up. Boys Run I toowú klatseen is also sponsored by the Pathways Coalition.
