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Olympia News Network, Olympia, WA (2025)

03/26/2025

“Sign this petition now to call for the recall of Tumwater School District board members who voted against trans rights.” - Change.org petition

*Please consider following our page, Olympia News Network as we publish news that is generally unreported, or under reported, by other local news.

This publication is NOT an endorsement by Olympia News Network.

February 27th, 2025 the Tumwater School Board meeting where the board passed a resolution stating: "participation in the 'Girls Category’ is limited to students whose biological s*x is female” for sports in the Tumwater School District.

That same day “Jacob Petty” created a change.org petition to:
“Recall Tumwater School District Board Members for Voting against Trans Rights”

At the time this publication was prepared 876 signed the “petition”

https://www.change.org/p/recall-tumwater-school-district-board-members-for-voting-against-trans-rights

The Tumwater School Board is scheduled to meet again this evening at 6pm.

The Change.org “Recall”:

Recall Tumwater School District Board Members for Voting against Trans Rights

The Issue
As a long-standing resident and concerned parent living in the Tumwater School District, the decision made by our current board members- Casey Taylor, Darby Kaikkonen, Jill Adams, and Ty Kuehl hits close to home. It has come to my attention that they recently voted against essential trans rights in our local school district, creating an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for trans students.

Trans students, who are at a disproportionate risk of bullying and discrimination, require our immediate support, not further marginalization. In fact, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 75% of students who are transgender feel unsafe at school due to their gender identity. The repercussions of this are significant, with higher instances of missing school, educational underachievement, and mental health struggles.

By voting against trans rights, our Tumwater School District board members have shown a disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the trans students in our district. Their actions fly in the face of the values embraced by our city.

It's now more crucial than ever that we stand together for trans rights, fostering an education system that is inclusive, safe, and supportive for every student, regardless of their gender identity. Sign this petition now to call for the recall of Tumwater School District board members who voted against trans rights and to demand schools where all students feel respected and secure.
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That’s Not How Any of This Works

Signing a change.org petition is not how you initiate a recall of an elected official in Washington State, or any state, or anywhere, ever.

Below Olympia News Network is going to publish 3 sections of Washington State law in regards to recalls in Washington State.

The complete Washington State RCW on recalls is here:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.56

Three sections of actual recall procedure in Washington State:

RCW 29A.56.110

Initiating proceedings—Statement—Contents—Verification—Definitions

Whenever any legal voter of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, either individually or on behalf of an organization, desires to demand the recall and discharge of any elective public officer of the state or of such political subdivision, as the case may be, under the provisions of sections 33 and 34 of Article 1 of the Constitution, the voter shall prepare a typewritten charge, reciting that such officer, naming him or her and giving the title of the office, has committed an act or acts of malfeasance, or an act or acts of misfeasance while in office, or has violated the oath of office, or has been guilty of any two or more of the acts specified in the Constitution as grounds for recall.

The charge shall state the act or acts complained of in concise language, give a detailed description including the approximate date, location, and nature of each act complained of, be signed by the person or persons making the charge, give their respective post office addresses, and be verified under oath that the person or persons believe the charge or charges to be true and have knowledge of the alleged facts upon which the stated grounds for recall are based.

For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) "Misfeasance" or "malfeasance" in office means any wrongful conduct that affects, interrupts, or interferes with the performance of official duty;

(a) Additionally, "misfeasance" in office means the performance of a duty in an improper manner; and

(b) Additionally, "malfeasance" in office means the commission of an unlawful act;

(2) "Violation of the oath of office" means the neglect or knowing failure by an elective public officer to perform faithfully a duty imposed by law.
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Washington State Law – RCW 29A.56.120
Petition— Where filed.

Any person making a charge shall file it with the elections officer whose duty it is to receive and file a declaration of candidacy for the office concerning the incumbent of which the recall is to be demanded.

The officer with whom the charge is filed shall promptly

(1) serve a copy of the charge upon the officer whose recall is demanded, and

(2) certify and transmit the charge to the preparer of the ballot synopsis provided in RCW 29A.56.130.

The manner of service shall be the same as for the commencement of a civil action in superior court.
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RCW 29A.56.160

Petition – Form.

Recall petitions must be printed on single sheets of paper of good writing quality (including but not limited to newsprint) not less than eleven inches in width and not less than fourteen inches in length. No petition may be circulated or signed prior to the first day of the one hundred eighty or two hundred seventy day period established by RCW 29A.56.150 for that recall petition. The petitions must be substantially in the following form:

The warning prescribed by RCW 29A.72.140; followed by:

Petition for the recall of (here insert the name of the office and of the person whose recall is petitioned for) to the Honorable (here insert the name and title of the officer with whom the charge is filed).

We, the undersigned citizens and legal voters of (the state of Washington or the political subdivision in which the recall is to be held), respectfully direct that a special election be called to determine whether or not (here insert the name of the person charged and the office which he or she holds) be recalled and discharged from his or her office, for and on account of (his or her having committed the act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or having violated his or her oath of office, as the case may be), in the following particulars: (here insert the synopsis of the charge); and each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a legal voter of the State of Washington in the precinct and city (or town) and county written after my name, and my residence address is correctly stated, and to my knowledge, have signed this petition only once.

The petition must include a place for each petitioner to sign and print his or her name, and the address, city, and county at which he or she is registered to vote.

03/25/2025

“President Trump is systematically dismantling 60 years of bipartisan efforts to strengthen our democracy, protect the most vulnerable, protect our environment, and celebrate the accomplishments of Americans from many different backgrounds.” - Clark Gilman, Olympia City Council member currently running unopposed for his council seat this election year.

*Please consider following our page: Olympia News Network as we publish news that is generally unreported, or under reported, by other local news*

Clark Gilman & President Trump Days 51 to 59

Olympia City Council member Clark Gilman has been sharing some of his thoughts since January 20th. Olympia News Network previously reported on Gilmans thoughts of days 1 to 50.

Some of Clark Gilmans thoughts between Days 51 to 59

Olympia City Council Member Clark Gilman:

On day 52 I'm pretty dang tired. At City Council we interviewed amazing candidates for boards and commissions until 11, it's been three late nights in a row.

I was inspired meeting so many people who want to join the 100 folks volunteering to govern and improve our City.

I'm tired but my spirits are buoyed by the actions of friends. This resistance is going to be a tag-team relay-race marathon!
I love the idea of going beyond ethical investing to affirmative, community building investments.

My life long friends Ruth and Edward gave eloquent testimony yesterday to the California Teachers Pension board urging total divestment from Tesla. Give it a listen, I think they both offered inspiring 3 minute public comments.
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All people are created equal.
July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

This ridiculous coup attempt by a very weak and incompetent would-be dictator is trying to gut the promise of the Declaration made 250 years ago.

We won’t run or hide.

We are from immigrant families, though both Marilyn and I have ancestors who were living in New England before the War of Independence.

We are descended from immigrants, Marilyn and I have ancestors who fled oppression in Ireland and expulsion by the conquest and dissolution of East Prussia.

We love and are proud of our LGBTQIA+ relatives and friends. We love friends of many skin tones, hair textures, and accents.

All people are created equal!
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Today, , is Rachel Corrie Foundation Day for me.

I remember her and the good work of defending families and their homes from demolition.
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We can simultaneously protest Trump and HOPETEST the good in American people.

No matter what the federal administration does we will continue to care for our neighbors, educate our youth, and be global citizens.
For St Patricks Day, America's day to celebrate immigrants, I'm enjoying a pint of non-alcoholic Self Care Ale from Three Magnets brewery in a glass celebrating The Parental Compass podcast while listening to Bobby Williams recent interview with Shelly Willis about ways to help children deal with anxiety when all the grown ups are obsessing over the daily news.

Balance your protest with hopetest!
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DAY 57:

Did you collect State quarters when they came out?

The showed something unique about each State bound together in one very special Union.

This is a special Union, right?

A friend asked me today to stay calm and watch as the checks and balances in our system of government temper the actions of President Trump and maintain our democracy.

It is possible that, like in Trump’s first term, the most egregious assaults on our Constitutional rights, vulnerable people and the environment will be blunted as Congress asserts itself and the judiciary demands that laws and processes be followed.

It’s also possible that we are already in a Constitutional crisis.

I believe we should prepare for that possibility.

Here are the indicators I’m tracking:

*Elon Musk, the richest person on the planet, has moved in to the White House unelected and unappointed and is leading dramatic reductions in the federal workforce without regard to employment law or government transparency laws.

*Professional journalists who represent long-standing news organizations have been removed from access to the Executive Branch, replaced by radically biased supporters of the President.

*The President has openly defied a Federal Judge’s orders to return immigrants who he accused, without any judicial process, of waging war on the United States.

He further called for impeaching the Judge who issued that order. Trump has similarly sought to use the office to gain retribution for anyone who dared challenge him.

*President Trump is systematically dismantling 60 years of bipartisan efforts to strengthen our democracy, protect the most vulnerable, protect our environment, and celebrate the accomplishments of Americans from many different backgrounds.

*And, perhaps most telling, President Trump is squashing public debate by detaining permanent legal residents who dare to criticize the President or his policy proposals.

I understand people hoping that the Government is such a strong institution that it will course correct on it’s own.

Even if that is true, it is still important and valuable to assist the process of course correction by protesting cruel actions, protecting our civil liberties, protecting people and the planet, and resisting any attempts to make us assist in harming people or undermining our democracy.
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Checking in on . How are you holding up?
Yesterday I rode with Olympia Firefighters for the day. Last night I met with Labor Leaders at Thurston Lewis Mason Central Labor Council. Today I testified at State Senate in favor of community representatives as voting member of transit authority boards. Tonight I met more candidates stepping up for local offices.

It’s reassuring to know people continue to do the good work of democratically leading our communities.

Tomorrow morning we will learn if we are in a Constitutional Crisis.
I’ll be up early obsessing on the news.

03/24/2025

“When people are massively sleep deprived it makes them more likely to do drugs, break into things, and otherwise engage in illicit behavior.” - From a Story by Whitney Bowerman

*Please consider following our page: Olympia News Network as we publish news that is generally unreported, or under reported, by other local news*

Whitney Bowerman & “The Saint” of Olympia Downtown Nightshift

Originally published March 21st, 2025 on Facebook by Whitney Bowerman:

Have you ever met someone that you think may be a saint walking among us?

I encountered one of those today.

Meet Perry.

Perry has run Olympia Downtown Nightshift for the past 12 years, and incorporated it as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit several years ago.

In the wee hours of the morning (think 2 or 3 am) Perry wanders the streets of downtown Olympia with a giant backpack filled to the brim with blankets and clothing, a coffee pot in one arm and cups filled with cream and sugar in the other.

He serves hot coffee and hands out clothing and blankets to the members of the street community who call downtown Olympia home, as they huddle into dark corners and store vestibules trying to stay warm though the dark hours of the night.

Perry has a theory - that if you can keep people warm, they might be able to sleep.

As he walks, he also talks to people.

They often share with him how little they sleep - barely a catnap here and there because they are cold, scared, and don’t feel safe.

Perry asserts that sleep deprivation is part of the problem with “bad behavior” in our community.

He feels that when people are massively sleep deprived it makes them more likely to do drugs, break into things, and otherwise engage in illicit behavior.

“I’d love to see a sleep center,” he says, “a place you could go that had little pods or cots where people could come in, stash their stuff in a secure locker, and just sleep, and as soon as they got up and were milling about then it’s time for them to move along.”

Olympia Downtown Nightshift is essentially a one man show.

Perry runs the operation on his own slim income and what minimal donations come in.

He has no time to apply for grants or work on publicity.

This is very much an under the radar operation.

To replenish his blanket and clothing stash, Perry relies on collecting used blankets and clothing, washing them, and re-using them.

He calls it “service through sustainability.”

This approach has the dual purpose of achieving cost savings for the non-profit and also helping the planet by reducing waste.

Perry does not have a vehicle, nor a washer or a dryer.

On rare occasion he gets help from a friend, otherwise he packs up dirty clothes and blankets in his backpack, hauls them via bus from downtown Olympia up to Westside Laundry, washes them, and hauls them back downtown to the storage space that Stonewall Youth rents to him for a deal.

Last year he spent nearly $6,000 on laundry services.

Most of the time he collects the blankets and clothing from the streets of downtown.

On some occasions he collects these items from the wooded encampments, often before the City of Olympia goes in to do a big, expensive cleanup.

For some context, the City of Olympia spent $245,000 on just a single cleanup at The Jungle encampment in Fall 2024.

A wooded area is where I met Perry today.

This morning we met in Percival Canyon where we ultimately loaded a bunch of Hefty bags full of clothing and blankets into my truck to haul them to his storage space.

Perry had floated bags down Percival Creek from various encampment spots up the creek to the bottom of the creek where he hauled them out and put them on a cart he had fashioned to run along the railroad tracks down to where my truck could pull in to load the bags.

Aside from having my help to load the bags into the truck at the very end of the route, Perry had done all of this work by himself.

I was somewhat enthralled by the cart Perry had built to run on the tracks.

He had fashioned it all with found items, one of which was a barbell from a weight set that rolled perfectly along the tracks.

He explained to me how he had gone through several iterations of the cart to get it to work just right.

The City-funded contractors who were cleaning earlier in the week in Percival Canyon had zip lines and 4 wheelers, hauling items to the dump, and Perry had his self-made cart, hauling items to the wash.

When you talk with Perry you notice a couple of things.

First off, he is incredibly kind, and deeply non-judgmental.

He clearly lives close to the line himself, yet exudes absolutely no resentment about his situation.

He is thoughtful, innovative and creative.

He meets people where they are at and sees them for all that they can be.

In a world where so many people operate with very fixed mindsets, and constantly judge others around them, spending a morning with Perry was utterly refreshing.

Perry would love to have more help with his operation and also with funds and supplies.

Here are things Perry can use help with:

Funds for laundry - donate at www.olynightshift.org/donate

People who want to do laundry (either at home or at the laundromat)

Coffee creamer - he goes through 240 oz creamer monthly (cheapest is Walmart)

Sugar - he goes through 32 lbs of sugar monthly (cheapest is Walmart)

Coffee
Cups - he goes through 1000 cups monthly (8 oz white paper cups - cheapest is Webstaurant.com)

You can also reach out to Perry on text/phone and email if you would like to inquire about helping, donating, etc.

(360) 209-2039 (he is great on text, slow sometimes but thorough in his reply)
[email protected]
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The following is from https://www.olynightshift.org/

OLYMPIA DOWNTOWN NIGHTSHIFT

OUR STORY

SHOWING LOVE, CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED, ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS AND SUSTAINABLE
For the past 12 years, Olympia Downtown Nightshift has been serving the homeless community late at night, from 3am to 6am.

We provide blankets, clothing, coffee, food, and more to those in need.

During these hours, temperatures drop, and people of all ages are left stranded, often huddled in doorways or on the street, wet and freezing with only their damp clothes.
I’ve made it my mission to go out nightly to find and help these people, caring for their needs until the morning when other services open.

It starts with a simple cup of coffee, which not only warms them up but also opens the door to conversation, allowing me to understand their needs for the night-a blanket, sleeping bag, coat, hoodie, or warm meal, even first aid supplies.

It’s heartwarming to see people’s reactions to this service.

At first, they are cautious and suspicious of someone offering a free drink, but soon they look forward to the nightly arrival of hot coffee and hopefully a blanket or coat.

Keeping enough blankets and clothing for everyone on the street can be tough!

On average, I go through 10-15 blankets each night, and just as many coats and hoodies.

After years of struggling to keep up with demand, I realized constantly chasing donations wasn’t sustainable.
So, we found a better way: recycling.

People need new blankets every night because they get wet and dirty quickly.

Many discarded blankets end up in alleys or dumpsters, destined for landfills, while people are still freezing.

Now, 75-90% of what we distribute are recycled materials.

We collect discarded items, wash and dry them, and redistribute clean, warm, good-smelling blankets to those in need.

This method is both financially and environmentally responsible, giving what would have been trash a new life.

Together, we can continue to make a difference, one warm blanket at a time.

Let’s keep showing love, caring for those in need, and being mindful of our environment.
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Laundry Services Volunteer Sign Up:

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

For individuals experiencing homelessness, blankets are often used once and discarded.

Why?

After sleeping outdoors, a clean blanket quickly becomes wet and dirty.

Washing and drying it daily isn’t feasible, and carrying it around all day makes it unsuitable for reuse.

As a result, it ends up in the trash, with the hope of acquiring another by
This practice generates significant waste, contributing to the tons of garbage that landfills and pollute outdoor spaces each year.

As an organization focused on serving those who sleep outdoors at night, we find this wasteful cycle troubling.

Our solution was simple, yet innovative within the homeless outreach community.

We have a need for blankets and clothing daily, while these very items are being thrown away every day.

Therefore, we collect these items before the dumpsters take them away wash them, and redistribute them at night.

This provides us with a constant supply of the items we need while simutaneously helping to clean up the city and conserve valuable resources.

We invite you to partner with the Olympia Downtown Nightshift and be a part of our mission and we look forward to hearing from you.
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*The above publication is not an endorsement by Olympia News Network

03/23/2025

What is Pizza Klatch & Who is Tela Hogle?
“Pizza Klatch played an instrumental role when she began her transition in 2017.” - Pizza Klatch describing Tela Hogle

*Please consider following our page: Olympia News Network as we publish news that is generally unreported, or under reported, by other local news*

February 27th, 2025 Tela Hogle, Board Member of Pizza Klatch spoke during the public comment session before the Tumwater Schoolboard passed a resolution that "participation in the 'Girls Category’ is limited to students whose biological s*x is female” for sports in the Tumwater School District.

Tela Hogle public comment from February 27th:
“My name is Tela Hogle and my pronouns are She/Her.

It is a privilege and honor to serve on the board of Pizza Klatch and work in three schools throughout Thurston County.

And the reason we are in the schools is to counter the effects bullying has on LGBTQ youth and to keep them alive.

We know that su***de rates are higher among LGBTQ youth, and that is why we are in the schools.

And this is something the school recognizes and we really appreciate and I know the students appreciate us being there.

In regards, I was coming to discuss bullying, and I think we all know what bullying can do.

You know, just over a year ago, Nex Benedict had died after being beat up in the bathroom just for existing.

And, you know, here we just have a trans student in Shelton enjoying five minutes of trans joy.

And this is the kind of response it feels like is coming from the school district is to eliminate trans people, or trans girls, from girls sports.

And I don’t think segregation is the solution to an equity problem around this.

I know it’s hard to teach at a time when bathrooms are blocked in Congress and now a basketball court in Tumwater High School for a young girl.

I just have one question.

How many trans students her play on WIAA teams in Tumwater?

And is it worth creating an entire policy for that many?

I don’t think you’re protecting the safety of anyone by eliminating the right of a trans student to participate in sports.

Thank you.”
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Board President Tela Hogle as Described by Pizza Klatch:

“A local fixture in Olympia’s music scene since 1988, Tela launched her career as a music instructor and educator in 1998. Throughout her career she has taught hundreds of youth, inspiring joy and excellence in all of her students.

Pizza Klatch played an instrumental role when she began her transition in 2017.

After formally coming out in 2020, Pizza Klatch provided her the opportunity to support LGBTQ+ youth.

She began facilitating Klatches in 2022 and has dedicated her activism through local organizations to support LGBTQ+ youth ever since. Tela is the proud parent of two young adults.”

The above is from the Pizza Klatch website at: https://pizzaklatch.org/about-us/meet-the-board/
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From the About Us page on Pizza Klatch:

OUR MISSION
To foster resilience in LGBTQ+ youth and create a safe and positive school experience through support, education and empowerment.

OUR VISION
LGBTQ+ youth will be empowered to self-advocate, build community, develop confidence, and easily access resources as they explore and develop their identities. School will be a positive and supportive space where LGBTQ+ youth are accepted and celebrated – free to learn without violence, harassment, discrimination, suicidal ideation or self-harm.

OUR CORE VALUES

Safety
We value everyone’s right to physical and emotional safety and strive to reflect this in all Pizza Klatch programming and administration.

Youth Leadership
We value youth as key contributors by providing meaningful opportunities for leadership and decision-making throughout our organization.

Inclusiveness
We value inclusivity and are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, accepting and supportive environment for all.

Continuing Communication
We value current and continued education for youth participants, volunteers, staff and board members.

Community Building
We value the development of authentic, supportive communities that foster healing and promote resilience.

When it comes to the positive benefits of attending klatch, don’t just take our word for it! Here are some thoughts and comments directly from students:

**Comments are taken from our annual student surveys. Posted here with students’ permission, but presented anonymously with no identifiers in order to protect our participants**

“Pizza Klatch makes a difference in my week—someone is always there to listen.”

“Sometimes we have fun, sometimes we talk about stuff that’s hard to talk to other people about.”

“I can be who I am here.”

“Pizza Klatch has introduced me to problems at school that need to be fixed.”

“Pizza Klatch brings a positive image & hope for the future.”

“I love getting a chance to hang out with my friends in a space where I know we won’t be judged for who we are.”

“It gives me support and it’s a great time to talk about stuff.”

“I now know people who are in the same place as I am.”

“I can talk about family problems.”

“I can get different opinions from different people I barely know.”

“I am more acceptable of LGBTQ.”

“It is a great place to get to know people and get support in tough things.”

“I am starting to understand more about being LGBTQ.”

“Pizza Klatch really helped me to feel happy.”

“It gives me a safe & fun place to be myself.”

“Pizza Klatch strengthened my decision to be an ally.”

“I can talk to new people and feel like I’m not hiding anything.”

“Pizza Klatch has helped me an enormous amount to find more people I can relate to.”

“Sometimes Pizza Klatch is the only reason I go to school.”

“It is the most consistently positive thing in my life right now. Thank you!”

03/22/2025

“50 Points - T90 Gas and Food - 319 WICHMAN ST S”

Thurston County Food Safety Inspections March 12th to 19th

Please consider following our page as we publish food safety inspections every week along with other news that is generally unreported, or under reported, by other local news.
Establishments Inspected by Thurston County:

50 Points - T90 Gas and Food - 319 WICHMAN ST S

40 Points - Denny's #7873 - 108 College Street SE

35 Points - Olympia Film Society - 206 E 5th

30 Points - El Portal LLC - 404 FIRST ST SE

25 Points - McDonald's #10827 - 5601 CAPITOL BLVD SW

10 Points - Perkins Family Farms LLC - 8624 LIBBY RD NE

10 Points - Jack in the Box #8336 - 1001 Yelm Avenue E

5 Points - Mother's Roots Kitchen - 700 CAPITOL WAY N

5 Points - Fyre House - 411 College St NE Room 108

5 Points - El Portal - El Portal MFU

0 Points - Season's Teriyaki - 1401 Marvin Road NE

0 Points - Rocket #5497 - 102 COLLEGE ST SE

0 Points - O.G.'s Smokehouse BBQ - 111 TUMWATER BLVD SE (Commissary)

0 Points - Menchie's - Capital Mall

0 Points - LeVoyeur Cooperative - 404 E 4TH AVE

0 Points - Burger King #7782 - 5252 S CAPITAL BLVD

0 Points - Bite Me Catering - 625 Black Lake Blvd Suite 560

0 Points - Aunt Kate's Chocolates - 296 SUSSEX AVE W

*View photos for full results
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Points Violations Detail from Thurston County:

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services conducts routine kitchen inspections for all retail food establishments in the county.

If you are interested in inspection reports from previous years, please contact Thurston County Public Health & Social Services with the name and address of the establishment.

Read on to learn more about what our inspection reports mean.

Points Violation Detail

There are 50 food safety violations in two types: red or blue.

Red violations are high risk factors that contribute directly to foodborne illness.

Blue violations are low risk factors defined as good retail practices. Violations worth higher numbers of points are more likely to lead to foodborne illness.

Examples of red violations include:

• Food found not hot enough must be reconditioned.

• A refrigerator that is not cold enough must have its thermostat adjusted or be emptied and fixed before being used again, depending on its temperature.

• A hand wash sink that is full of dishes, or is out of soap or paper towels, must be cleared or restocked.

Examples of blue violations include:

• Damaged floor that needs to be replaced because it is hard to keep clean and may need to be repaired within six months.

• Grease and food accumulation on the floor underneath the cook line needs to be cleaned up within seven days.

Abbreviations and Terms

3-comp - Three compartment sink; used to wash/rinse/sanitize dishes

BHC - Bare hand contact

CH - Cold hold (i.e., refrigeration)

Commissary - an approved commercial kitchen used to prepare and store food, usually for food trucks or caterers.

FW - Food workers or employees of the food establishment

FWC – Food worker card; all food establishment employees must have a valid food worker card.

HH - Hot hold

HW - Hand wash

PIC - Person in charge

PPM - Parts per million; measurement of concentration

RTE - Ready-to-eat; food that will not be further cooked before serving.

TCS - Time/temperature control for safety (food) (previously PHF); food that requires time or temperature control for safety to limit pathogenic growth or toxin formation. These foods must be kept hot above 135˚F, cold below 41˚F, or thrown away 4 hours after leaving temperature control.

Refrigerators

Commercial refrigerators are designed and built to survive the constant opening and closing that happens in a restaurant kitchen. Their compressors are built to keep food below 41˚F and their doors, gaskets, shelves are also built to be easily cleanable.

• Merchandiser – These refrigerators are designed for unopened cans and bottles of beverages or other unopened single-serve products. They are not designed to be working refrigerators used in commercial kitchens. They are not easily cleanable or designed to withstand frequent opening and closing.

• Home-style – These refrigerators are not acceptable at food establishments. Although much less expensive than commercial units, they tend not to last too long and are not reliable for keeping cold temperatures under normal commercial conditions.

• Prep-cooler, prep-table, prep-case – These are terms for under-counter refrigerators that also have a refrigerated top with bins and a cover to keep cold ingredients handy for making salads, sandwiches, and the like.

Sinks

Restaurants need to have at least three different types of sinks. They each have specific purposes and should not be used for other tasks.

• Hand wash sink: The most important sink for food safety is a hand wash sink. A hand wash sink should be within 25 feet of any food preparation area. If the kitchen is larger, more than one may be needed. Hand wash sinks must always be available to be used and supplied with warm water, soap, and disposable towels.

• Three-compartment sink: The three-compartment sink has three basins for the washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes and utensils. Restaurants may also have commercial dishwashers to make washing easier, but the three-compartment sink is required.

• Produce sink/prep sink: The produce or "prep" sink is used to rinse fruits or produce and to thaw or rinse raw meats. This sink must be kept clean and sanitized between uses so that raw meat juice does not end up on the lettuce or other RTE foods.

• Mop sink: The mop sink can look like a utility sink or be on the floor with a raised sill around it. The mop sink can be used for mop bucket dumping, mop head rinsing, etc.

What We Do with Inspection Information

Re-Inspections

If the violation point total exceeds either 45 red points or 65 total points, a re-inspection will occur. A re-inspection incurs an additional fee and when the inspector returns, they confirm that any remaining red point violations have been corrected. Notes made during the re-inspection are shown next to the original inspection.

Solving Problems

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services aims to correct violations through education and to work with the food operator to make sure they have the proper resources to serve safe food.

Violations are fixed more quickly, and solutions stay in place longer if the person in charge understands the reasons behind the regulations.

If violations are not fixed, further enforcement action may include additional visits (and more fees), an administrative hearing, or being closed until the problem is fixed.

Olympia News Network

03/26/2025

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