Homeless Housing Hearing + Bag Ban Begins + Vashon Redistricting

Happy Friday, Gig Harbor!

I've got a few important local news items for you today. The first, is on the statewide ban on plastic bags, which went into effect this morning. While the bag ban impacts all Washingtonians, it's going to take a little adapting to in Gig Harbor. The city had already passed its own plastic bag ban, the "Bring Your Own Bag" Ordinance, which is now being overwritten by the new, statewide ban.

That means you'll probably need to get used to a few changes. For example, the new statewide ban imposes a flat 8 cent fee on all paper bags bought at grocery stores, while the City of Gig Harbor's ban made those fees optional for retailers, and limited the fees to the cost of the bag itself, which could be variable. There's more on how the new ban works in the digest below.

Also found in the listings below are two notices of public hearing from the City of Gig Harbor. The city recently passed two emergency ordinances, one that adopts interim zoning controls allowing emergency shelters, emergency housing, permanent supportive housing to combat the homelessness crisis, and another which puts a moratorium on new applications for short-term rentals for the next six months. Those decisions may prove controversial, and the city is setting up events to discuss the changes with the public and take in feedback.

So, without further ado, here is this Friday's digest:

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 61 Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in Gig Harbor today:

1. Washington's Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect Friday (Patch)
2. City Of Gig Harbor: Notice Of Public Hearing - Ordinance 1467 (Press Release Desk )
3. City Of Gig Harbor: Notice Of Public Hearing - Ordinance 1466 (Press Release Desk )
4. Surprise plan would move Vashon out of 34th legislative district | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber (Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber)
5. Letter from a Gig Harbor pediatrician: How he handled families who refused vaccinations (Tacoma News Tribune)

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Today in Gig Harbor:

Gig Harbor Patch Notebook

• Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One: "It's only balloons and unicorns from here on out! Congratulations on your final probationary days recruit class 2020-1! You've worked hard, and we are proud of you!! #Proby #GigHarborFire #FireService #GigHarbor #EMS #EMT #FireFighter"

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— Charles Woodman

About me: Charles started as Field Editor for Patch in May 2020, covering western Washington. He is based in Seattle. In the past, he has written for various TV news stations in Seattle, Reno, Nevada and Fairbanks, Alaska. He has also worked as a music critic, weatherman, and soccer referee.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Gig Harbor Daily? Reach out anytime to GigHarbor@Patch.com.