Fish Waste Disposal
Dear Editor: About a month ago my son and I went coho fishing with Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. As we passed the cleaning float outside of Sealing Cove, I mentioned the fact that the City of Sitka was no longer allowed to dispose of the totes of fish carcasses at sea and that they ended up in the waste stream being sent by barge to somewhere in Eastern Washington. Jonathan was understandably in disbelief and immediately wanted to identify what misguided regulation or interpretation was responsible for this absurd situation.
Before we had crossed Eastern Channel, Jonathan had identified the responsible regulatory agency and formulated a plan, quipping “I’m a glutton for punishment.”
On the next working day, Jonathan contacted the head of the Alaska State Department of Environmental Conservation and inquired as to how this situation could be corrected. Within two weeks Harbormaster Stan Eliason was contacted by the DEC saying Sitka would be allowed to take the fish waste out to sea, saving the city thousands of dollars, and allowing thousands and thousands of pounds of fish carcasses to go back to where they came – out in the ocean – rather than be shipped to some landfill in Washington State.
I know that this is a relatively small thing, but it gives me hope to know that when our Representative sees a problem, his immediate instinct is to tackle it, and that he takes the time to follow through and fix things, be they big or in this case more “small” things.
Randy Hughey, Sitka
DV Awareness
Dear Editor: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is present in Sitka though we do not often hear or read about it.
There is one exception: the Police Blotter. This regular feature gives us a glimpse into what goes on behind closed doors. In the year ending June 30, 2020, the Sitka Police Department recorded 119 domestic violence related calls or delivered orders of protection. We know that most acts of domestic violence are not reported to authorities. According to a 2012 survey nearly every other woman in Sitka stated they had experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or both in their lifetime.
Sitkans Against Family Violence invites all men, particularly those in positions of leadership, to change this situation. Whether you are an Assembly member or city employee, business owner, teacher, member of the clergy, medical provider, law enforcement officer, firefighter, U.S. Coast Guard member, or leader in any other professional or volunteer function, you have an obligation to act.
Violence is costly – absences from work, forced relocation, repeated hospital stays, disrupted lives, and repeated incarceration contribute to raising costs for businesses and communities. Your actions matter. What can you do? Model respectful relationships with women of all ages and remind other men that women and girls deserve respect. You have the obligation to do what is right.
Preventing violence in homes has a huge cost-saving potential. Prevention is cheaper than detention. Please acknowledge that we have a problem and dedicate attention and funding to create a more healthy, non-violent community.
Sitka men, you have the power and opportunity to create a safer community by supporting domestic violence prevention. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call SAFV at 747-3370 or email director@safv.org.
Board and Staff of
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Fundraiser Thanks
Dear Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who supported and helped with the fundraising event for Yoga Union that was held at the Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. on Alaska Day.
A big thank you to Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. for their generous spirit and helpfulness. It was a big success due to the volunteers and those who came and ate good food and enjoyed a beautiful Alaska Day.
Thank you all for being a support bridge as we try and keep our local studio space going, which is located on the beautiful Sitka Fine Arts campus. Your support also helps the SFA campus during this time. Thank you.
And a huge thank you to my family for always being there to serve and help. With much gratitude to them and our community.
Kari Fish, Sitka
