Sales Tax Rates
Change Today
The City and Borough of Sitka sales tax rate change from 6% to 5% begins today, Oct. 1, continuing through March 31 for all sales, services and short-term rentals, unless otherwise exempted.
The city said the sales tax rate remains at 5% year-round for long-term rental of real property, such as trailer space rent, and the transient room tax rate remains at 6% year-round.
Those with questions can contact the sales tax office at 747-1840.
Rotary Sets Litter
Cleanup Oct. 5
The Sitka Rotary Club’s annual fall litter cleanup will be 2:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, beginning at Totem Square, across from City Hall.
Community members are invited to join; some pickers, bags and gloves will be provided.
The cleanup will start at Totem Square, across from City Hall, and end at the city recycling center.
National Park
On Winter Hours
Sitka National Historical Park has transitioned to its winter season operations.
The Russian Bishop’s House will offer free tours by advance reservation as staffing allows. Call the visitor center for reservations at least 48 hours in advance.
The visitor center at the park is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Winter exhibits include a new display of baskets from the Doris Borhauer Collection in the visitor center lobby.
For further information, or to schedule a tour of the Russian Bishop’s House, call 747-0110.
Invasive Species
Workshop Slated
Registration is open for the Alaska Invasive Species Workshop, scheduled for Oct. 22-24 in Fairbanks.
More than 40 presentations and panels at the annual workshop will highlight invasive species science, management and planning, and will identify emerging issues statewide. The workshop will take place at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks.
To register and for more workshop information, go to www.uaf.edu/ces/invasives/conference. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service is coordinating the workshop with the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership, an informal group of agencies, organizations and individuals statewide that are concerned about invasive species. For information, contact workshop coordinator Gino Graziano at 907-786-6315 or gagraziano@alaska.edu, or go to www.uaf.edu/ces/invasives/conference
Group Calling Attention
To Domestic Violence
Today is the first day of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Sitkans Against Family Violence is offering insight on its impacts and tips on how to address domestic violence.
Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented, SAFV said in a press release today.
‘‘It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems – each whose “one thing” adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities,’’ the release said.
“What is the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence?” SAFV is asking Sitkans this month.
The state of Alaska is ranked third in the nation for the highest number of women who will experience domestic, or intimate partner, violence in their lifetime, which describes “both physical and sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former partner.”
Also, for the fourth year in a row, Alaska has had the nation’s highest rate of murders committed by men against women, and about 70% of those murders are committed by current or former intimate partners.
“From July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, SAFV alone has provided shelter for 54 women and 16 children for 2,499 bed nights and answered 422 crisis calls, as well as served 117 non-residential clients,” said SAFV Executive Director Natalie Wojcik. “That is why we need everyone – advocates, medical professionals, educators, survivors, researchers, policy makers, law enforcement officers, parents, families, men, and more, to do the ‘#1Thing’ to make Sitka a safer place.
Not long after I began working at SAFV in 2010, a victimization survey was conducted in the state of Alaska identifying that 59% of Alaskan women had experienced domestic violence, sexual violence or both in their lifetime. In 2015, the same survey was conducted and the percentage dropped to 50% in the state. Within the past decade, the state has been investing money to do prevention work to get at the root causes of violence. These statistics prove that prevention works and it is everyone’s responsibility to help end the violence.”
The #1Thing individuals can do to address domestic violence include:
–Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child;
–Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression;
–Create a culture of consent at home;
–Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma;
–Learn about harmful gender norms and how they impact both children and adults;
–Hold my loved ones accountable when they tell a racist/sexist joke; and
–Learn more about anti-violence policies and programs and local schools.
Throughout October, communities across the country will mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the progress that both victim advocates and prevention staff have made, and connect with one another through a united front to end domestic violence.
SAFV will show a flag display symbolizing the number and type of services provided during the last year, which will be posted on the Crescent Harbor lawn today through Oct. 8.
SAFV also will be hosting a #1Thing photo campaign where individuals can share their #1Thing. The template to use is available at: https://tinyurl.com/DVAM19) by posting it to social media and tagging SAFV, or by sending it to media@safv.org.
#1Thing unites individual voices while highlighting the power of collective action, which will be the driving force to end violence in the community, SAFV said.
Those in need of help may call SAFV at 747-3370, any time of the day or night.
Playgroup Canceled
The Teach Your Children Well Playgroup at Grace Harbor Church, 1904 Halibut Point Road, is canceled on Thursday, Oct. 3.
STA Cultural
Group to Meet
Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Cultural Resources Committee will meet Thursday, Oct. 3, at the SEACC (Career Center) building behind Pacific High School. Lunch will be served from 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. followed by the meeting, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Monthly meetings are resuming after breaking for the summer.
‘‘We continue to encourage participation from our Tribal elders, leaders and interested tribal citizens to participate in these important meetings,’’ a press release from STA said. ‘‘This committee gathers to discuss upcoming cultural events, handles requests from all organizations seeking cultural knowledge, historic preservation, clan history, at.oow, etc.’’
Those wanting to attend, or having questions, can contact Lillian Young at 966-1356. An RSVP is appreciated as lunch will be served.
Ice Cream Social
At Baranof School
Baranof Elementary School will hold its annual ice cream social 1:15-2:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Baranof, Ventures, Wooch.een and Imagination Library families are invited to the free event.
Ice cream bars, carnival games, and Drums Alive will be some of the activities. A group drone photograph is planned. Call Kari at 752-READ with any questions.
T’ai Chi Chih
Practice Saturday
T’ai Chi Chih Practice will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, behind Sitka Public Library.
Chamber to Meet
Raven Radio Executive Director Becky Meiers and postdoctoral scientist Annette Patton will speak at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon noon Wednesday at Westmark Sitka.
Patton, with the University of Oregon, Eugene, will give updates on the Landslide Warning System.
Meiers will talk about the future of Raven Radio.
The public is invited to attend.
Cycling Club
Group to Meet
The steering committee of the Sitka Cycling Club will meet noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Sitka Public Library.
All are invited to attend. For information or to sign up for the club go to https://sitkacycling.wordpress.com/.
