Council effort
Ashley Mathews, chair of the Bainbridge Island Planning Commission, is running for City Council, Position 6.
She has lived on BI for 14 years, and with her husband has four adult children, three of whom graduated from Bainbridge High School. “My parents even recently relocated from their tree farm in Upstate New York. This island is truly our home, therefore, I am committed to ensuring that Bainbridge is a thriving community,” she said.
Her top priorities are affordable housing, marrying climate justice to equity, and a focus on kids and mental health. After just a few days of doing a soft launch of her campaign, she has received over 50 community endorsements. She has worked in marketing, public speaking and real estate. She is a lifetime member of the NAACP and volunteers at Wilkes Elementary School. In addition, she was a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility task force for Bloedel Reserve.
Campaign manager Erin Phillips said, “She is truly what this community needs right now.”
For details go to ElectAshleyMathews.com.
Earth Month
There will be activities for all ages for Earth Day and Arbor Day in April and beyond.
Sustainable Bainbridge, in partnership with many Bainbridge Island nonprofits, is hosting a variety of opportunities, including weed pulls and work parties, Earth Day celebrations, nature talks, free invasive weed disposal and nature walks.
For a list of local Earth Month events, go to SustainableBainbridge.org/programs/earth-month.
Recycling event
Kitsap County Solid Waste Division and DTG Recycle are holding a Styrofoam and Mattress Recycle Collection Event for households April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Events Center located at 1200 Fairgrounds Road NW, Bremerton, WA 98311.
Cooking demo
Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint in the kitchen by shifting your diet by adding healthier, plant-based ingredients to your meals.
Join the city of Bainbridge Island and islander Nancy Travis, vegan consultant, for a Climate Smart in the Kitchen cooking demonstration at the BARN Great Room April 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The event is free, and all attendees will receive a handout with information on easy food swaps and recipes. Space is limited, so sign up in advance.
Police/Court naming
Help name the new Police and Municipal Court Building by submitting your naming ideas online or in person at City Hall and share why the nomination should be chosen through April 7. Learn more here: cityofbainbridgeisland.civilspace.io/en.
Composting challenge
The city is calling on islanders to “Eat Green and Waste Less” as part of an effort in 2023 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Climate Smart Challenge which began in March.
Up to 30 percent of household waste can be composted. When food and other organic waste end up in the landfill, it creates the greenhouse gas, methane. Composting food scraps helps reduce pollution and creates a rich soil additive and keeps materials out of landfills.
You can help reduce climate pollution and earn points by completing the “Compost” action in the challenge. Whether you have a large backyard, a small patio, or live in an apartment, there is a composting option that can fit your lifestyle.
Everyone who earns at least 10,000 points in the challenge by the end of May will be entered to win one of five outdoor or indoor composting bins. Learn more about the challenge and upcoming community events by visiting the city’s website.
New director
The Bainbridge Island School District School Board appointed Evan Saint Clair to the District 4 director position March 23, following Christina Hulet’s recent resignation.
“We were very impressed with Evan’s passion for public education and his volunteer work,” BISD school board president Mark Emerson said. “We felt that Evan’s background and overall commitment to equity for all students made him the ideal choice.”
Seven candidates interviewed for the position.
Saint Clair graduated from George Washington University. When his family moved to Bainbridge Island, he became president of the Odyssey PTO — where both of his children attend. Saint Clair will serve the remainder of Hulet’s term through November.
BISD continues to accept applications for the open District 1 board position through noon April 6. Visit bisd303.org for details.
Police log
3-19: Theft from motor vehicles, NE Woodson Lane
3-20: Traffic accident, 12486 Highway 305 NE
3-21: Burglary, Ferncliff Avenue NE
3-21: Graffiti, Winslow Way East
3-21: Ordnance found, Vineyard Lane
3-22: Harassment neighbor dispute, High School Road NE
3-23: Fraud identity theft, Sunrise Place NE
3-23: Fraud criminal impersonation, Ferncliff Avenue NE
3-23: Traffic emphasis, Winslow Way E.
3-23: Identity theft criminal impersonation, Wyatt Way NW
3-23: Theft, Sportsman Club Road NE
3-24: Harassment, NE Bergman Road
3-24: Traffic accident, Coppertop Loop NE
3-25: Traffic accident, Highway 305 at NE Day Road E
