City webinar April 16

Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro, Mayor David Faber and Deputy Mayor Amy Howard will host a one-hour informative webinar for those interested in serving on city council or a city advisory board on April 16. The presentation, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., will cover the who, what and how of local government, policies and plans that guide council and staff, and the regulations ensuring public access to open government. Attendees will also be given time to ask questions about serving on council and advisory boards. The city will host the webinar on Zoom; registration is not required. A meeting link can be found on the city calendar on the city website. The meeting will be recorded for those unable to attend.

Wildfire prep, prevention

As the risk of wildfire increases here in Jefferson County, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) is scheduled to provide wildfire prevention information for local residents on Thursday, April 17 at the Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Avenue in Port Hadlock. 

Robert Wittenberg, Community Risk Manager for EJFR will talk about how wildfires move and grow and ways you can protect your home.  

Two opportunities to attend the presentation will be offered that day at 3:30PM and again at 5:30PM. The Library has requested people register for the time they are planning to attend at tinyurl.com/be-prepared-2025. 

Sims Way protest

Indivisible Port Townsend will host a protest against the Trump administration on April 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sims Way. The same group hosted the “Hands Off!” protest on April 5, with approximately 1,600 participants. 

Tyler Street repairs

The Tyler Street Overlay Project began on April 14 and over the next several weeks crews will be at work repairing the pavement on Tyler Street between Lawrence and Jefferson Street and installing new sidewalks and wheelchair ramps. Funding for the project, which is expected to improve access to businesses and the Farmers Market. comes from the voter-approved Transportation Benefit District and state grants. Pavement work will begin in May during the week so as not to disturb the weekly farmers market operations. Tyler Street will remain open, apart from a few paving days. Flaggers may be present. 

AAUW/UWF wins award

The Chimacum School District has announced that the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the University Women’s Foundation of Jefferson County will receive the 2025 WASA Regional Community Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the WASA annual awards dinner on April 21. The award recognizes non-WASA individuals or groups who demonstrate outstanding contributions to public education through leadership, service, and a lasting impact on students. In 2024, AAUW and UWF invested more than $40,000 in Chimacum School District programs and scholarships, including STEM awards, college scholarships, Tech Trek science camp sponsorships, preschool tuition support and a graduate scholarship. The group awarded $126,400 in scholarships across East Jefferson County last year. 

Waste collection events

Starting this week, Jefferson County Solid Waste will host several household hazardous waste collection events throughout the year. Residential customers are welcome to drop off hazardous waste from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19 at Chimacum High School, May 17 at Quilcene Roads Shop, Sept. 6 at Chimacum High School and Sept. 27 at the Jefferson Transit Haines Park and Ride. Accepted materials include aerosols, automotive products, gasoline and fuels, household cleaners, latex paint, marine and road flares, thermostats, oil paints, stains and solvents, pesticides, herbicides and pool and spa chemicals. Antifreeze, fluorescent lights, lithium, button, and rechargeable batteries and motor oils will not be accepted and should be dropped off at solid waste facilities during regular hours.