Community News — Jan. 7, 2026

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Help sought for Voters’ Guide

The Board of Commissioners is seeking individuals to serve on “For” and “Against” committees to draft voters’ guide arguments for the 2026 General Election.

Clallam’s online guide and printed voter pamphlet includes information designed to help voters better understand the voting process and measures when casting their ballots.

Each measure appearing in the guide and pamphlet includes the official ballot title, explanatory statement, and the arguments “for” and “against” the measure.

The “For” and “Against” committees pertain to an amendment requiring printing of the full text of proposed Charter amendments in the local voters’ pamphlet.

Those interested in serving should contact the Board of Commissioners clerk by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9. Email loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov or call 360-417-2256. Include your full name, phone number and which committee you would like to serve on.

Information on “For” and “Against” committees can be found in the Elections Guide for Jurisdictions & Candidates at clallamcountywa.gov/164/Ballot-Measures or by contacting the Elections Department at 360-417-2221.

‘Tea to Die For’ events

Death Cafés “Tea to Die For,” sponsored by Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC), are set for Monday, Jan. 12, in Sequim and Wednesday, Jan. 28, in Port Angeles, both from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A third monthly gathering has been added on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Monday discussion will be held in the KSQM 91.5 FM Community Room, 609 W. Washington St., No. 17, in Sequim while the Wednesday talk will be held in VHOCC’s conference room, 829 E. Eighth St., and the Thursday gathering will be at Studio Bob, 118 ½ E. Front St., Port Angeles.

The groups are free and open to all and do not require prior registration.

Death Cafe is an international movement of hosting informal gatherings for the simple purpose of discussing death. Folks come together to share what is on their minds and hearts, without a particular theme or topic other than death.

Conversations are held every second Monday in Sequim and every fourth Wednesday and Thursday in Port Angeles.

For more information, phone VHOCC at 360-452-1511.

Garden plots available

The City of Sequim has announced that applications are open for new gardeners to apply for a plot at June Robinson Memorial Park’s community garden. Plot rental is $45 per year for either a raised bed or ground plot and is dependent on availability.

Apply online at https://portal.laserfiche.com/r7962/forms/survey/newgardenerapplication by Jan. 16.

City staff report that the availability of plots is fluid as last season’s gardeners make their final decisions on whether they will return for the 2026 season.

Those who fill out an application will be entered into a random lottery for the opportunity to rent a garden plot in 2026. Gardeners who are not drawn in the first round will be added to a waitlist and contacted in order of the draw in the event that someone decides to pass up the opportunity.

Contact Parks and Events Specialist Carrie Kann at ckann@sequimwa.gov or 360-582-2454 with questions.

CCFD3 to host ‘push-in’ event

Clallam County Fire District 3 invites the public to commemorate the arrival of its two new fire engines with traditional “push-in” ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10. One ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at Station 33, 70 Carlsborg Road, and the other ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at Station 34, 323 N. Fifth Ave.

The tradition of “push-in” ceremonies dates back to the 1800s, when fire departments used horse-drawn steam engines. Because horses couldn’t back the apparatus into the station, firefighters would manually push it in after returning from calls. The tradition continues today as a way to honor the history of fire service and to celebrate the arrival of a new apparatus.

Transit public hearing set

The Clallam Transit System Board will conduct a public hearing at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21 to obtain input regarding the proposed Major Service Change. The proposed changes can be found on the CTs website at clallamtransit.com/servicechanges.

The public hearing will be held virtually and at the Clallam Transit System Administration Building, 830 West Lauridsen Blvd. in Port Angeles. The public is welcome to participate either in person or by via phone by calling 253-215-8782, entering meeting ID no. 858 1027 6869. However, the Transit System encourages anyone interested in providing public comment to the CTS board to email their comments to boardclerk@clallamtransit.com or mail to Clallam Transit System, 830 West Lauridsen Blvd., 98363.

If accommodations are needed, please call 360-452-4511 two business days in advance for assistance.