Stop the Checkpoints to mark third anniversary

PORT ANGELES — Stop the Checkpoints plans “A Rousing Summer Recap!” and an anniversary celebration Saturday.

The meeting will be from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

The meeting will mark the third anniversary of the formation of the group Sept. 6, 2008, said Lois Danks, coordinator of the group.

“We’ll briefly review the many actions and events of the summer of 2011 — from the courageous whistle-­blowing by Border Patrol Agent Sanchez to the tragic death of Benjamin Salinas,” Danks said in an email.

Sanchez told the not-for-profit Sunlight Foundation Advisory Group on Transparency in Washington, D.C., on July 29 that he never intended to become a whistle-blower but decided to speak out publicly after he felt his complaints about the Port Angeles station’s “lack of mission” were being brushed aside by supervisors.

Video footage

Video footage of Sanchez’s testimony is to be shown at the Saturday meeting, and a copy of his full written testimony will be available, Danks said.

Benjamin Roldan Salinas, a 43-year-old forest worker who was in the country illegally, eluded Border Patrol agents by jumping into the Sol Duc River on May 14 and drowned.

After Forks residents mounted a massive three-week search for him, his body was discovered June 4 four miles downriver from where he jumped in during the traffic stop.

The group also hopes to show CNN correspondent Patrick Oppmann’s report, which was nationally broadcast and posted on Labor Day, about the Border Patrol’s impact on the North Olympic Peninsula.

A display of photos and media coverage of protests from Port Townsend to Forks will be on display, Danks said.

For more information, visit www.stopthecheckpoints.com.

More in News

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint