Zac Eckstein

08/18/2026

At the BOCC meeting this morning, commissioners voted 2-1 (Brummer voted no) to allow retail cannabis in the UGA area of Packwood. This was amended from a proposal to allow it in all unincorporated areas of the county.

I'll have a bigger write-up out soon about what this decision means!

08/18/2026

Come to Centralia on Saturday to talk about our local libraries!

08/16/2026

First up today, we’ll take a look at the ongoing issues surrounding the detention center in Tacoma, and explain why the federal government might be about the buy it.

Then we’ll dive into some politics borne out of the Spokane fires, and how even terrible personal situations can lead to bouts of political theatre.

After that I’ll tell you why Grays Harbor County was just fined $70,000 for a public records request violation, and how the auditor’s election interference came back to bite him.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at Trump’s order on childhood vaccines and what it means, and doesn’t mean, for the health of children here in Washington.

And finally, we’ll end in Centralia where yet another bit of controversial growth management is sparking some questions about timing and motivation.

Detention Attention, Graham Demand, Auditor Interference, Vax Order, 101 Septics

08/15/2026

"A lot has happened since the January 2026 budget shortfall announcement, layoffs, and leadership turnover. In the past six months, we have completely rebuilt the leadership team, reviewed administrative salary structures, and worked closely with the Board of Trustees and the public to improve financial transparency.

To date, we have made budget adjustments of approximately $3.69 million by reducing our collection expenditures, leaving vacant positions unfilled, utilizing voluntary and involuntary layoffs, completing an administrative structure review and salary adjustment, and implementing furlough days for non-represented staff. You can check out our financial outlook on our Funding and Budget webpage.

However, the lesson from the budget crisis this year is that we must make public participation in the budget process at the ballot box a regular part of our financial planning. This fall, we take the first step in implementing this vision."

Since becoming interim executive director in May 2026, Andrea Heisel has focused on strengthening Timberland Regional Library’s [TRL] financial future, increasing transparency, and ensuring the …

08/13/2026

Love your library? Click through below and let Yes4Libraries know why!

Link in comments.

08/13/2026

FYI Centralia re: warehouse development along the river.
8/22, 1-3pm

We want a good quality of life in this region not just for us but for the watershed and the salmon habitat. On Tuesday, July 21st, the Centralia City Council lifted the moratorium on building warehouses over 250,000 sq ft. We are deeply concerned that the environmental degradation and flooding impac...

08/10/2026

Since I suddenly have the next few months free, I've decided I'll be focusing my efforts on saving our local library system. I've signed on to the Steering Committee for the new "Yes For Libraries" PAC which will be working to pass the levy lid lift this November.

Because we've been given so little time, we need resources fast to start reaching voters in all five counties before voting starts in just over two months.

Please give below if you can (link in comments)!

08/09/2026

I hear I'm being called a "carpetbagger" for stepping up and running for office in the community where I've lived, worked, and owned property for years.

Never mind my myriad ideas for the county, based on many, many conversations with the community. I guess if you're not born somewhere you just have to let the good ole' boys club run things forever, because that's worked for us so well, right?

08/09/2026

We’ll start with the fires in Spokane, which are now the most destructive in state history, and the funding decisions that made them worse.

Then we’ll head down the road to the Port of Centralia, which just banned immigrant detention centers on port property, and I’ll walk you through what that actually does and where it stops.

After that, the Post Office announced another two and a half billion dollar loss, and I want to talk about the trap we built for it, and what it has to do with the ballot you just turned in.

Then to D.C., where in one week the Senate voted to prosecute Anthony Fauci and confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General.

And we’ll close with a proposed rule that quietly deletes 80% of the Head Start rulebook, and what you can do about it before October.

Listen now | Burnt Spokane, Port Politics, USPS Cliff, Fauci/Blanche, Holding Back Head Start