Views from our recent round trip ferry ride.
Above: Leaving Port Townsend
Below: Point Wilson Light
Below:
Leaving Keystone
Birds are active:
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
In the news:
Dec. 8, 2024 The Seattle Times
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson’s early approach to fix WA $10B budget deficit
What Was Going On? – Back Around 2020
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we have been posting Re: WA State Ferries for years. A favorite story was the auto tollbooth upgrade at Mukilteo. Here is what we found on the web:
Photo source/credit: Washington State Ferries
Click image once or twice to show detail.
Dec 29, 2020 The Everett Herald
New Mukilteo ferry terminal makes a much anticipated debut
“The $187 million project, which opened Tuesday evening, replaces a 63-year-old terminal nearby.”
We grabbed a camera and headed over to the Keystone ferry terminal. We knew what we would find:
We asked:
If the style of tollbooth used at Port Townsend and Keystone gets the job done, why the upgrade at Mukilteo?
The stripped down design seems cost effective?
Original blog: Auto Tollbooth Upgrade At Mukilteo
Related:
Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security
Washington State Ferries – On The Rocks
Photo at top of page- Keystone ferry inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
The Homeless Industrial Complex
At 29:00 in the video below, Kevin Dahlgren from We Heart Seattle explains:
Measurable results are not required in exchange for public funding.
The US Dept. of Defense
Generals and high level DOD civilians are not good at wining wars. They get promoted anyway.
Elected officials tell us The Troops are in distant lands defending American rights and freedoms.
Watch for the NFL to go with this theme next month:
WWII costume reminds us of a time before decades of undeclared/unwon wars stacked up.
The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.
If DOD was an NFL team, sports talk radio would feature comments like:
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Uncle Sam is having a hell of a time finding people to sign up for the US Armed Forces. Pretending that decades of undeclared/unwon wars are linked in any way with American freedoms is the kind of dishonesty that will snuff out the energy American families once had for encouraging young people to enlist.
Good luck with your US Armed Forces recruiting crisis.
The US Dept. of Homeland Security
A $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security that creates no shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US. More than two decades of lessons learned since 911. What got better?
Press releases Re: Airport Security Screening
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” – Just a slogan?
Oct 17, 2024 FOX News
LAPD seizes $4M in fentanyl, enough dosage to potentially kill entire population of Los Angeles
“…more than 50 pounds of powdered fentanyl and nearly nine pounds of black tar heroin…” does not show up to be seized by LAPD if it is stopped by The US Dept. of Homeland Security at border crossings and ports of entry.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
Would the DEA be out of work if a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security was able to keep cartel product from showing up in all 50 states?
Always a press release.
Never newspeople asking:
Have opioid lawsuits played any role in improving the situation?
How do cartels react to opioid lawsuits?
Has a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security created any shortage of opioids anywhere in the US?
Cartels move product into all 50 states:
DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas:
“…HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states…”
Washington State Ferries
WSF is not new to Puget Sound. Lessons learned have been in place for decades. The HR director must be well paid, but, year after year there is a shortage of crew to operate the boats.
College football coaches are fired for poor play. Those coaches face the press and answer questions immediately after each game- win or lose. Those coaches do not have a Public Information Officer to answer for them.
No conspiracy theories – sports culture shows the way
May 31, 2024 Post Alley
By Mike Merritt
Ferry Tales: How the System Broke, Why It’s so Hard to Fix
“As the summer begins, however, ferry riders are bracing themselves for another season of sharply curtailed sailing schedules and long delays brought about by a shortage of vessels and trained crew.”
“The ferry system lost its main source of capital-construction with voter approval of Tim Eyman’s Initiative 695 in 1999, which promised a return to $30 car-license tabs by eliminating the state’s Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.”
You never got your $30 car tabs. Ferry funding was cut anyway:
“Although the initiative was struck down by the courts, the Legislature and then-Gov. Gary Locke did agree to eliminate the unpopular MVET, which represented a loss of more than $1 billion in tax revenue in the first two years. In one stroke, the ferry system lost dedicated funding for its capital-construction program and operating subsidies.”
“The combination of too few boats and crew shortages forced the system to reduce sailings on its routes…”
Port Angeles CBP – Zero questions from newspeople:
Unlike many cities of its size, Port Angeles, WA maintains a significant Homeland Security/CBP/Border Patrol presence.
Are newspeople forbidden to ask questions related to Port Angeles Homeland Security funding and performance?
Newspeople have a long history of not asking questions in this area.
New Port Angeles USBP Station opened more than a decade ago. Has the new station been able to prevent cartel drugs from entering the Olympic Peninsula?
Newspeople remain silent.
After a Port Angeles CBP buildup that took place more than a decade ago, is there any follow up made by the press to inform the public on whatever results have been achieved?
If you run a government operation-these are the reporters you want to see on interview day:
In the news – Port Angeles/Clallam County:
Massing US Border Patrol agents at the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca fails to keep more than 80 grams of fentanyl and 110 grams of meth, from arriving in Port Angeles:
Oct 8, 2024 KIRO 7 News
Suspected drug dealer arrested in Port Angeles after ‘nodding off’ behind the wheel
“Deputies say they could see drug paraphernalia inside the car.”
“When they searched it, they found more than 80 grams of fentanyl, over 110 grams of meth, digital scales, and plastic baggies.”
Aug 22, 2024 KONP
CLALLAM COUNTY HAS THIRD HIGHEST OVERDOSE RATE IN WASHINGTON
“PORT ANGELES — Clallam County ranks among the top three counties in Washington state with the highest overdose death rates, recording 59.3 deaths per 100,000 residents from June 2023 to June 2024. This rate places Clallam just behind King County, with 62.2 deaths per 100,000, and Grays Harbor, which leads with 77.6.”
“Clallam County Prosecutor and Coroner Mark Nichols says the data highlights the significant impact of the opioid crisis in Clallam County.”
Zero questions from newspeople:
When is the last time Port Angeles CBP made an arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
When is the last time Port Angeles CBP prevented cartel product from entering Port Angeles/Clallam County?
Over in Island County
Has the Island County Homeland Security-funded patrol boat been involved in any arrest or seizure related in any way to the US/Canada border?
Newspeople remain silent.
Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent
Possibly of interest:
Years ago, I lived in several different small town areas. Places like Kingston, Port Hadlock and north of Penn Cove.
These areas had small, local newspapers and those papers featured active, online comment sections. Paying for a newspaper subscription was OK with me. There were basic rules for commenting, but it did not seem to matter what name people went by. I never cared.
I used to love the comment sections.
Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Suppressing comments, getting away from asking questions related to public policy and telling us they need more support from subscription and advertising sales.
Got it.
Related-
Personal blog:
Sound Publishing And Black Press Media
Port Angeles CBP
More Homeland Security – More Puget Sound Drugs?
Port Angeles Homeland Security & CBP
Port Angeles – Homeland Security/Drug War Scam 2011- 2024
WA Fentanyl Scam – What Got Better?
Port Angeles CBP – Cartel Product and Seattle Overdose Trends
Port Angeles Drug War – Fentanyl
Port Angeles – High Seas Drug Patrols
Drug addicts camping on the sidewalk
Sequim – Ongoing Breakdown of Society Update – Try This At A State Park & See What Happen
Closed – WA Interstate 5 Rest Areas
US Dept. of Homeland Security
Whidbey Homeland Security Grant Money- Newspeople Remain Silent
US Dept. of Defense
The country struggles with:
US Troops To Iraq and Afghanistan – Never Forget
Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries – On The Rocks
Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security
Auto Tollbooth Upgrade At Mukilteo
Any Security at Washington State Ferry Terminals?
Photo-
A symbol of newspeople not asking questions-even during a giant election season.
In the news:
Dec 16, 2023 Everett Herald
Longtime state ferry commuters: ‘This is the worst it’s been’
“Suzanne Woodard couldn’t rely on the ferries to get her from Clinton to Mukilteo on time for work.
So in February, she resigned from her job at Providence’s hospital in Everett.
No matter how hard Woodard tried, she said, she couldn’t meet her employer’s expectations.
“It’s been a snowballing problem for commuters and tourists alike. Upgrading the fleet will take decades.”
Some may be asking: If it takes decades to upgrade, what action was taken 20 years ago to prepare for the current situation?
“Carl Krieger, of Kingston, reclined in his seat, scrolling through his phone after a long work day. He commutes to Everett five days a week.”
January, 2024 KOMO News
Washington State Ferries plans for reduced service amid lack of vessels and crew
“WSF faces severe staff shortages that are unprecedented in its 70-year history.”
Seems like 70 years would be enough time to act on all lessons learned Re: maintenance, budget, staffing/hiring/HR, planning for upgrades, etc.
Credit to KOMO for allowing reader comments.
From comments:
“Wow…who knew that requiring new ferries to be carbon neutral would cause such a problem? Everybody…”
Seattle Times Jan 4, 2024
WA ferry system scraps timeline for resuming normal service
“After several years of trying to predict when normal ferry service might return, Washington State Ferries is now acknowledging what most regular riders likely already suspected: Until new boats come online four to five years from now, normal service is not possible.”
Welcome Home Troops
“WSF is launching a recruitment campaign next week.”
Many comments are posted with the above article.
More than three years back:
June 30, 2020 at 5:43 pm PDT
By Ryan Simms, KIRO 7 News video:
Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages
“This is not a normal year. … I think we can all agree on that, and people shouldn’t expect this to be normal ferry service,” noted Ian Sterling, Washington State Ferries.
“Ahead of the Fourth of July period, ferry workers are already warning passengers the wait this weekend could exceed four hours.”
Love to see newspeople ask:
How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges?
How have various industries and public agencies handled this?
Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? local fire dept?
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we have been posting Re: WA State Ferries for years. A favorite story was the auto tollbooth upgrade at Mukilteo. Here is what we found on the web:
Photo source/credit: Washington State Ferries
Click image once or twice to show detail.
Dec 29, 2020 The Everett Herald
New Mukilteo ferry terminal makes a much anticipated debut
“The $187 million project, which opened Tuesday evening, replaces a 63-year-old terminal nearby.”
We grabbed a camera and headed over to the Keystone ferry terminal. We knew what we would find:
We asked:
If the style of tollbooth used at Port Townsend and Keystone gets the job done, why the upgrade at Mukilteo?
The stripped down design seems cost effective?
Original blog: Auto Tollbooth Upgrade At Mukilteo
Related:
Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security
Photo at top of page- Keystone ferry inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Sept. 19, 2023 The Spokesman-Review
Another WA ferry out for at least a month, forcing fleet shuffle
“The ferry Walla Walla, which had been sailing between Seattle and Bremerton, will be out of service for at least four weeks as crews repair a propeller that broke near Rich Passage last week.”
“Meantime, the state has begun converting its largest Jumbo Mark II boats to hybrid-electric. When the Wenatchee returns in fall of 2024, the Tacoma will be pulled from service followed by the Puyallup in 2025.”
Hybrid-electric?
The companies with fleets of merchant ships serving the ports of Seattle and Tacoma are moving cargo all over the world every day. Are they converting to hybrid-electric?
How about the companies that move cargo on an ongoing basis from Seattle to Alaska. Are they converting to hybrid-electric? How about the trucking companies that move shipments of cargo from the port of Tacoma to Denver. Are they converting to hybrid-electric?
Love to see the press interview the owners of these companies to learn more.
The mainstream press provides news coverage that favors government agencies, departments and policies.
The press release style of news reporting means that a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Love to see the mainstream press get out and interview people on various sides of any issue.
Nice example here –
0:41 in the video below:
If ethanol made a lot of sense we wouldn’t have to subsidize it or mandate its consumption:
I want to know what various people are thinking on various issues.
Here at Oak Bay Starfish, we have been posting Re: WA State Ferries for years. A favorite story was the auto tollbooth upgrade at Mukilteo. Here is what we found on the web:
Photo source/credit: Washington State Ferries
Click image once or twice to show detail.
Dec 29, 2020 The Everett Herald
New Mukilteo ferry terminal makes a much anticipated debut
“The $187 million project, which opened Tuesday evening, replaces a 63-year-old terminal nearby.”
We grabbed a camera and headed over to the Keystone ferry terminal. We knew what we would find:
We asked:
If the style of tollbooth used at Port Townsend and Keystone gets the job done, why the upgrade at Mukilteo?
The stripped down design seems cost effective?
Original blog: Auto Tollbooth Upgrade At Mukilteo
Related:
Newspeople Avoid Questions – WSF Security
Information Suppression – The Press is Weak
Photo- Keystone ferry inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
In the news:
August 3, 2023 Peninsula Daily News
Training exercise
“A multi-agency police force walks up the ramp after conducting a high-risk, low-frequency training exercise on board the M/V Kennewick on Wednesday. High risk refers to the level of danger to people and property, i.e., a hostage situation, and low frequency refers to the chance of it actually happening, but the agencies want to be prepared by training.”
“The force was made up with personnel from the Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Sequim police departments and both the Clallam and Jefferson county sheriff’s departments as well as from customs enforcement. The 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. ferries from Port Townsend were cancelled due to low tides, so travel was not impacted during the exercise.”
Trying to make sense of ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages. Love to see more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Looks like no WSF security staff present at:
Mukilteo or Clinton for inbound/outbound DUI driver. Two fatalities.
Gunfire on Bremerton ferry during Puget Sound crossing.
Security breach on the Bremerton ferry
Fatality – Guemes ferry dock
Winslow ferry dock – Belligerent motorist blows past toll booth and onto ferry.
Credit to the press for asking questions on the Winslow incident. Excellent reporting here.
Fatality – Southworth ferry dock
Fatality – Anacortes ferry dock
Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.
Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.
I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.
On occasion, the press will do a story about a ferry security drill.
If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry-how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?
Has anyone ever seen any member of the press asking questions related to WSF security?
The Press
Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency was involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Alternative media/bloggers
People who take no public funds, private donations or advertising dollars are free to ask questions at any time. Why not the press?
I’d be more interested in paying (again) for a local paper subscription if there was more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
Local papers have stripped away all comments from past articles, and removed the opportunity to post comments to new articles.
Various newspapers in the Puget Sound area have gone with this trend.
Elimination of reader comments works against the idea of paying for an online subscription.
Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections
JFK speaks about the role of the press in a free society:
More here:
Any Security at Washington State Ferry Terminals?
Washington State Ferries Security
Jan, 2015-
No security personnel here, here, or here.
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Update – Newspeople Not Asking Questions
Possibly of interest:
Below, are some random thoughts and questions newspeople will not ask. Our questions appear in bold type.
Photo- Keystone ferry inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
June 15, 2006 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Ferry incident exposes security weaknesses
“This week’s incident in which an angry 51-year-old man prompted a two-hour shutdown of the Seattle ferry dock exposed security weaknesses in the state ferry system, identified earlier by federal officials as the country’s No. 1 target for marine terrorism.”
“We’d like the patrol to be everywhere, all the time, but they don’t have the staff or the money,” said ferry spokeswoman Susan Harris-Huether. “If they’d have been (at Bainbridge), none of this would have happened.”
“sometimes we have troopers and sometimes we don’t. It’s a random kind of thing.”
I was researching old news links after I posted a blog on WSF security. I found the above example of excellent news reporting. There have been several incidents at ferry terminals over the years. Instead of asking any questions, newspeople will often post a press release from agencies handling the situation.
Homeland Security is a scam
I remember when this story came out:
September 1, 2007 Peninsula Daily News
Harpist on Port Townsend-Keystone ferry silenced after 17 years
“Washington State Ferries officials had received two complaints from passengers, saying that they had to abide by security measures while Michael did not.”
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
My reaction at the time: What security?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
My interest in WSF security comes up now because it looks like there was no security staff present at:
Mukilteo or Clinton for an inbound/outbound DUI driver. Two fatalities.
If You See Something, Say Something
November 18, 2022 Everett Herald
Lawsuit: Ferry staff could have prevented crash that killed 2 from Everett
Inbound:
“On Dec. 18, 2021, Cruz was driving her Ford Explorer toward the Mukilteo ferry terminal, according to court papers. Witnesses reported she drove erratically, as she stopped at a green light, swerved across lanes and drove over a curb. Once she got a ferry ticket to Clinton, she rear-ended another car in her ferry lane, police reported.”
Outbound:
“When the ferry arrived in Clinton, everyone got off the ship, except Cruz. She had reportedly fallen asleep over her steering wheel.”
“Ferry staff tried to rouse her, but were unsuccessful. Finally, with the help of more employees, they were able to wake Cruz up. The lawsuit alleges the state Department of Transportation destroyed surveillance video showing this.”
“At this point, WSF staff had already observed Cruz strike another vehicle in the ferry lineup, they had received passenger reports of Cruz’s intoxication, they called to request assistance from Washington State Patrol, they required the assistance of multiple crewmembers to wake her up from her unconscious state,” the lawsuit reads. “Despite being informed that Cruz was impaired, the Vessel’s crew directed Cruz to drive her vehicle off the ferry.”
Recommendation:
Be honest. Report the facts. Eliminate ongoing war on terror/security theater mixed messages. Insist on more in the way of newspeople asking questions.
If the GWOT is bogus, just say so.
Forget about the War on Terror and The US Dept. of Homeland Security and ask yourself:
When motorists at a local ferry terminal witness erratic driving/driving over a curb and the rear-ending of another car in the ferry lane, should they be ignored when they report it? Should WSF terminal staff & boat crews be placed in a situation where they make it up as they go along because no impaired driving response protocols are in place on the job?
Background
Looks like no security staff present at several incidents:
Mukilteo or Clinton for inbound/outbound DUI driver. Two fatalities.
Gunfire on Bremerton ferry during Puget Sound crossing.
Security breach on the Bremerton ferry
Fatality – Guemes ferry dock
Winslow ferry dock – Belligerent motorist blows past toll booth and onto ferry.
Credit to the press for asking questions on the Winslow incident. Excellent reporting here.
Fatality – Southworth ferry dock
Fatality – Anacortes ferry dock
Washington State ferry passengers are advised via PA system not to leave backpacks or packages unattended during ferry crossings.
Meanwhile-on the car deck-cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, etc. are left unattended during ferry crossings.
I have made dozens of round trip ferry crossings over the past 20 years. In many cases, there has been no security screening at either terminal.
On occasion, the press will do a story about a ferry security drill.
If the Oklahoma City bomber rolls onto the ferry-how does the SWAT team help out an hour later?
This state-run media video shows US Coast Guard gun boats escorting the ferries. K-9 teams are on site to detect explosives:
A state-run media report from June, 2012-
This video tells us that security personal are on site every day-at 2:56
Maybe security personnel are present at some specific terminal each day. Dozens of round trip crossings from various terminals indicate that in many cases-no security screening takes place prior to boarding ferries.
Newspeople play along by not asking questions:
May 23, 2017 KIRO 7 News
Ferry drill: Police train how to respond to security threats aboard a ferry in Puget Sound
Puget Sound Ferry Ride
GWOT/security theater mixed messages:
Does a routine ferry ride require a gunboat escort?
Dec 22, 2014 Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Coast Guard Station Seattle conducts ferry escort
What is the point in having gunboats escorting ferries if terrorists are free to put their boat on a trailer and drive it onto the ferry?
More here:
Any Security at Washington State Ferry Terminals?
Washington State Ferries Security – Looking for Clarification
Mixed Messages On Transportation Security/Firing Gun From the Ferry Update
Washington State Ferries Security
Photo-
Extinct ferry at Kingston
The crew shortage story is now more than 15 months old:
June 30, 2020 at 5:43 pm PDT
By Ryan Simms, KIRO 7 News video:
Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages
Today:
Oct 11, 2021 KOMO News
Washington State Ferries near full staffing by end of weekend, but delays still possible
“More than 150 sailings were canceled from the San Juans Islands to the Central Sound Friday in an unprecedent day.”
“WSF said they are experiencing a severe staffing shortage due to an aging workforce, recruiting challenges, while feeling the impact of the global pandemic and now a vaccine mandate for state workers.”
The Puget Sound area includes several military bases. Has the US Navy delayed or canceled sailings because of crewing issues? Any chance that TV newspeople could go and do some interviews and ask these sorts of questions?
I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.
I am OK with the Washington State Ferries workforce protesting COVID mandates.
TV News
Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various sides of an issue?
Much of what we get today is sort of a press release style of news reporting where a statement is prepared by whatever agency is involved in the latest policy update, drug bust/federal grant money award, etc.
Newspeople post this statement as is.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Random thoughts and questions newspeople seem to avoid:
Within WSF, what incentives are in place to keep customers happy?
Does the WSF HR Director get paid more to keep the system running smoothly?
Are crew member incentives in place for perfect attendance?
Extra pay, promotions, extra vacation days, earlier retirement?
15 months of poor play would be enough to get an NFL or college football coach fired.
Is there pressure on the WSF HR Director to do better?
Would TV newspeople be willing to interview people from various industries and public agencies on how they have handled the impacts of COVID?
HR policy away from WA government:
UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’
Love to see TV newspeople ask: How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges? How have various industries and public agencies handled this? Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? Costco? Local fire dept?
Related:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Photo above-
Potlatch State Park – Hood Canal
More from Washington State Parks:
Shut Off The TV And Get Outside For A Bit
Port Townsend – Trip Report
We spent some time today waiting on the Keystone Ferry. Ferry waits can be a little longer now, due to one boat service.
Port Townsend is a good walking town. We have visited many times to take a look around, go shopping, drink a couple beers, enjoy a local restaurant or pub, meet friends and family, etc.
Today we had to wait for the ferry and it was time for lunch. Several restaurants are within an easy walk of the ferry dock. Over the years, these restaurants must have done a significant business serving people waiting for the ferry or showing up in town just to visit.
We quickly realized that the county we were in would not let people enter to dine in a restaurant without proof of vaccination.
One of the restaurants closest to the ferry was clearly open, but the parking lot was completely empty.
The outdoor dining area was completely empty. There was no sign of life.
Like many other locations, they are looking to add staff.
The lunch rush appears to be dead. If the customers are gone, how will new hires serve customers?
Snohomish County – Trip Report
Later in this same trip, we visited a traditional Mexican restaurant.
A very active dining and cantina scene here. Customers and staff seem happy. Masks required to enter. We have been here several times over the years. Recommended for anyone who still wants to get out to a Mexican restaurant. It looks like the large cantina has a bit of a sports bar vibe too.
Visiting/Shopping at more than one Puget Sound area military installation
Installation number one:
Saw a Got Freedom? t-shirt. The concept behind this could be discussed for hours.
Installation number two:
On Oct 2nd, 2021, plastic bags are still readily available and in use. No extra fees/questions, etc.
Having/wanting a choice on plastic bags does not indicate a disregard for the planet.
Related:
COVID Restrictions Are Like Wearing A Seatbelt?
Sports Writers and Alternative Media – Still Free To Ask Questions
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
JFK – Voices of dissent and misinformation
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
I do not speak out against vaccines or anyone who takes them. Ditto for mask wearing indoors or out.
WA State Ferries
In the news:
Sep 12, 2021 KING 5 News video
“This comes after weeks of rumors of WSF employees staging a “sick-out” to protest the governor’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.”
I am OK with the Washington State Ferries workforce protesting COVID mandates.
WSF COVID crewing challenges have been in the news for well over 12 months now.
HR policy away from WA government:
UPS aims to hire 100K ahead of ‘record peak holiday season’
Love to see KING 5 ask: How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges? How have various industries and public agencies handled this? Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? local fire dept?
Blogged about it back in May:
WSF COVID Crewing Challenges – Now 10 Months In
Dining Out
Took a guest and went out to a place we enjoyed several weeks ago.
Small waiting line to get in.
Masks must be worn to enter.
So far, so good. Just like last time.
Seated at table when new format and protocols kick in:
Entire order will be taken all at the same time and will be paid for in advance.
Can we order a beer to start? No, entire order will be taken all at the same time.
Bar is open, several beers are on tap. No beer list at the table to let us know what is available.
When you are ready to order-slide menus over the edge of the table.
We saw a ketchup bottle on the table recently at another place. Works for us.
Last night, ketchup comes in tiny cups. Water comes in a bottle.
The place we went last night appeared to be fully staffed with good people. Not here to complain about restaurant staff.
Here to ask:
How much of the new dining format (not masks) is forced by the state and how much is made up by the local business?
Is there any medical advantage that comes with the new format?
If it is the choice of the business, what are they trying to achieve?
I will wait on the sidelines if dining out features unpredictable new protocols. The whole idea of returning to a place you like is to duplicate the experience you had before.
Possibly of interest:
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Extinct ferry at Kingston
May 5, 2021 Port Townsend Leader
Two-boat summer service pushed back again on Port Townsend-Coupeville route
“still facing vessel crewing challenges due to COVID quarantines and vaccination-related time off for vessel employees.”
Look for a vibrant and robust comment section in the local paper here.
Not enough time for a hiring blitz?
It’s been 10 months:
June 30, 2020 at 5:43 pm PDT
By Ryan Simms, KIRO 7 News video:
Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages
Love to see newspeople ask:
How has the greater maritime industry dealt with COVID crewing challenges?
How have various industries and public agencies handled this?
Airlines? US Navy? FedEx? UPS? local fire dept?
Related:
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Washington State Ferries Staff Shortage
Occasionally looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Auto Tollbooth Upgrade At Mukilteo
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
June 30, 2020 KIRO 7 News video
Ferry wait times spike following staff shortages
“Currently, the number of passengers is going back up, but more than 150 employees are off the job due to the pandemic.”
“Some (employees) are in that high-risk category, either by age, or whether by underlying health conditions, or both, so we want to keep them safe,” Sterling told KIRO 7 News.
“Ahead of the Fourth of July period, ferry workers are already warning passengers the wait this weekend could exceed four hours.”
Nine Months Later
Did any sort of hiring blitz take place? Many people are ready for good jobs in this economy.
Response from WSF:
April 16, 2021 1:42pm Whidbey News-Times
Coupeville ferry short crew; some reservations canceled
The High-Risk Category
Would it make sense to have age/physical standards requirements in hiring? The US Armed Forces are one example of where these requirements are in place.
Related/previous blog:
Central Planning and Essential Travel
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
If the style of tollbooth used at Port Townsend and Keystone gets the job done, why the upgrade at Mukilteo?
The stripped down design seems cost effective?
Image above: Keystone Ferry Terminal 1/4/21
Dec 29, 2020 The Everett Herald
New Mukilteo ferry terminal makes a much anticipated debut
“The $187 million project, which opened Tuesday evening, replaces a 63-year-old terminal nearby.”
In other WA State Ferries news:
Jan 2, 2021 Skagit Valley Herald
Study examines privatizing Anacortes-to-Sidney ferry route
Oct 7, 2020 Port Townsend Leader
“Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation have been considering cutbacks to bridge a revenue shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“WSDOT officials have been reviewing potential expenditure adjustments for months, and preliminary talks in the department’s Ferries Division have focused on making more than $63 million in cuts.”
“Shutting down the route completely is estimated to cut costs by $13.9 million.”
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – Inbound
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Mixed messages running strong.
Island County
June 9, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
County may ask to move to Phase 3 next week
“Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman told commissioners at a meeting last week that the county can make the request as early as June 13.”
“Under Phase 3, restrictions meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be further loosened. Gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, restaurants can move to 75 percent capacity, bars can open at 25 percent and movie theaters can open at 50 percent capacity.”
I went to the US Post Office in Oak Harbor earlier today to take care of some business inside at the customer service desk. Only 7 people are allowed in that part of the building, so the waiting line begins out in the area adjacent to where the PO boxes are located. When it was my turn to go in, I was asked if I had a mask. I said I did not have one. A nice lady in line ahead of me gave me one.
Never saw anything in our local paper about masks being required at the post office. Did I miss it?
Jefferson County
Over in Jefferson County, they got the word out:
May 29, 2020 Port Townsend Leader
“Public Health Officer Tom Locke issued a masking directive May 28 requiring all individuals in Jefferson County to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when they are at indoor and outdoor public locations and cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from others.”
Thank you Port Townsend Leader, for keeping your comment section open.
Island County
June 5, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
Commissioner says governor’s new mask rule defies basic science, logic
“…beginning June 8, nearly all employees in the state will be required to wear a cloth facial covering or face mask, except when working alone in an office, vehicle or job site.”
Jefferson County
June 10, 2020 Port Townsend Leader
Ferry schedules on reduced service until further notice
My understanding is that the Port Townsend Keystone route runs only one boat in the winter and two in the summer.
Island county is now headed towards Phase 3?
How does it help anyone or any situation to stay on a winter/one boat schedule?
Related:
Whidbey Island
Over at the State Park: Shut Off The TV And Get Outside For A Bit
Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.
Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.
Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions.
Concealed Carry Processing Suspended
Mixed Messages On What Is An Emergency
Looks like Sound Publishing has removed all old comments and shut down the opportunity to post new comments on all of their newspaper web editions?
Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections
Recommendations to bring in more subscribers:
Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island
I feel like a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.
Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.
We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.
Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Stay-at-home, except when purchasing liquor up until 9 p.m.
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo-
Keystone Ferry – Inbound
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Possibly of interest:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
After weeks of storms, we walked on the ferry and spent a few sunny hours on Saturday with family in historic Port Townsend.
This may be one of the most scenic ferry routes in the lower 48.
Possibly of interest:
Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry
Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
“Keystone terminal gives way to ‘Coupeville’ ferry”
“The name change will help eliminate confusion visitors may find when they research ways to travel to Whidbey Island.”
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
Don’t book a bed and breakfast stay in Coupeville and plan to walk from the ferry terminal to your accommodations.
Photo below- Keystone ferry inbound.
More here:
Looking for the Coupeville ferry
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt
Photo at top of page:
Traffic leaving ferry advised to take a fuel-efficient double the distance route to get to downtown Coupeville.
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
More here: Proper Geographic Names
Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island- no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.
More here: Proper Geographic Names
Photo- Fog clears at Coupeville Wharf
Mount Constance– upper right.
