At the September 19th Natural Resources Committee Meeting during Constitution Week, Chair Joan Smith opened with a reading of the preamble to the Constitution. She then introduced Eliza Aronson to discuss her background and her work with the Everett Herald on local environmental issues. Also in attendance was guest Julie Titone, an experienced environmental reporter for the Everett Herald.
Although Eliza majored in Marine Biology with work in journalism, her first major school paper story investigated drug-related incidents at fraternity parties, which led to changes in safety protocols at the University of Oregon. While interning at Willamette Week in Portland, she covered city government restructuring. While covering a story on businesses of intimate lingerie, Eliza expanded into investigating illicit massage parlors in Portland. This led to her uncovering widespread sex trafficking of undocumented immigrant women. She discovered that illicit massage businesses, often operating under the guise of legitimate massage services, had tripled in number over five years. Her reporting resulted in a state representative introducing a bill that was signed into law in April, addressing the issue of sex trafficking in Oregon. Joan mentioned that the League had previously taken a strong stance against sex trafficking of minors in the state and worked with Olympia to improve laws and create task forces to combat the issue.
Eliza, at 24 years, is only in her first year of covering environmental and climate issues in the Pacific Northwest. She highlighted her recent experiences and the challenges she faces in pursuing investigative stories because of limited resources and time constraints at the Herald. Julie Titone encouraged Eliza to continue and suggested exploring support from broader organizations, like the Society of Environmental Journalists. The full meeting with Eliza Aronson is available on YouTube, Natural Resources at lwvsnoho.org.
REPORTS:
Transportation - Lael White discussed the need to locate Sound Transit's new Link station across the street from Everett's combined train and bus station to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and elderly people to provide greater equity. The discussion also covered the state's Commercial Aviation Work Group meeting, where Gary Wirt presented on rail options, and the revelation that pollution from short flights is now greater than from highway traffic.
Reasonable Forest Management – Kate Lunceford in writing – The Reasonable Forest Management Group meets the second Tuesday of each month and is crafting priorities and recommendations for forest management for Snohomish County. Urban Tree Canopy Policy implementation is under the management of the County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Kristin Kelly of Futurewise is working with them to help address questions.
Sierra Club – Nancy Johnson in writing – The Sierra Club is hosting “Protecting Our Public Lands,” Sept. 30, 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. by ZOOM, covering the future of the Roadless Rule, protecting Climate Commitment Act funds, and shaping policies to protect our local forests and trees. Also, at the NW Stream Center will be the film, “The Salmon are Back! The Story of the Klamath Dam Removals.”
Kicking Gas will focus on Lynnwood, Marysville, and Casino Road for grant proposals and community information.
Edmonds Marsh Advocates, Edmonds Alliance for the Environment (Marshians) – Marjie Fields – Grants to benefit marsh restoration have received positive review, as has collaboration efforts with the Port of Edmonds. She encouraged members to review the letter crafted by the consortium of Edmonds Environmental groups in support of Proposition 1, which would lift the levy lid to bolster income to help with the imbalance and deficits in the City budget. The League has been invited to support their effort.
BOOK SHELF: Joan closed the meeting by mentioning two books by Allegra Goodman -The Cookbook Collector and Isola. The first deals with the conflicts between tech growth and environmental preservation, while the second is based on an historical incident that showed a woman’s struggle in the 16th century for her rights and for her life.
NEXT MEETING: October 17th, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. by ZOOM. The LWVWA Environmental Lobby Team of Ann Murphy, Martin Gibbins, and Cynthia Steward from Transportation will relate our 2026 legislative priorities. Anita Rose of Climate Radar will join us.