Many of you don't know that when I left TV news, I took a job shooting videos for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It gave me the chance to build my independent media work in my personal time, which was not an option as a TV reporter given my contract in corporate news. When I was hired, I was encouraged to keep my social media presence. Recently, my bosses informed me that I was to stop all videos related to Covid safety, vaccines and mandates that “undermine” DNR's policies, as DNR is one of many state agencies with a vaccine mandate, though ours was enacted by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and separate from Gov. Inslee's order. My independent work was done on personal time with personal equipment and I never discussed my position at DNR. I also informed my bosses that I had a First Amendment right to continue, and that the policy of a state agency committed to science should align with robust discussion that includes a variety of viewpoints. They disagreed. I refused to comply and was terminated last week.
I am truly grateful for the many wildland fire fighters whose stories I’ve had the honor of telling, as well as the fuels crews fixing the forest health crisis driving historic fires. We nearly evacuated twice this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the work of DNR staff across the state saved our home and thousands of others.
While there are many unknowns for our family, not the least of which is finding a new health insurance plan (any suggestions?), we are absolutely unwavering that it was the right decision. How could I continue covering censorship and allow myself to be censored on one of the most important topics of my lifetime? There are a great many people taking grave risks right now - many of them you've seen in my videos - and those of us who stand up for free speech and informed choice right now will hopefully pave the way someday for others to do so without losing their jobs. I got into journalism to follow the truth wherever it leads, and I will continue. I am planning to record a video to discuss this publicly on YouTube. Would you please let me know what questions you'd like me to answer in it? In sum, our family is incredibly grateful for your support here. I have absolutely no regrets. I said once that free speech is the hill I would die on - but just to be clear, as I've said before, I did not commit suicide. 😉 Be brave. We are in this together.
The kids and I just finished a weekend of door knocking to get the word out about the proposed cell tower in our neighborhood. I know I have a background in talking to strangers professionally but I have to tell you, it’s exhausting. On the plus side, I’m getting to know a lot of my neighbors which has been very cool.
Don’t forget you can help by sending an email to our county telling them you oppose the tower. Just reference Blue Sky Towers Application # CU-2026-00003. Email [email protected] by 9/10.
What would you tell your neighbors if you were door knocking like me? I’d love some ideas!
Mommy Cow, our Angus, is back from the Love Palace where she had a bull-friend for 3 months. We are hoping she is pregnant and we will have a healthy calf come Spring. She evaded capture for a month so her return here is a little late but I guess she wanted to stay at summer camp a little longer.
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Blue Sky Towers has reactivated their application to put a cell tower on our neighbor’s property. The Planning & Development Commission will hear the case on October 1 and we are busy preparing for that meeting. Yours truly is leading the effort - learning to be a lawyer, an engineer, a petition writer, an organizer, and a land use manager. Oh, and a journalist! Well, at least I have some experience there.
We would appreciate your help, if you feel inclined, writing our county to let them know you oppose this tower too. If you’re interested, please send an email to Joanna Coutu by September 10. Her email is [email protected] - reference Blue Sky Towers Application No. CU-2026-00003 in Crystal River, Florida. Ms. Coutu will forward emails to the PDC members. Feel free to keep it short, but I do have some ideas below.
Because cell towers have federal protections, it does us no good to argue that they have a health or environmental impact. Governjng bodies cannot vote them ...
