Letters to the editor for Jan. 2

Bill would offer a fresh start for youth

As science progresses and society’s morality evolves, our laws eventually must come to reflect those changes.

We now understand much more regarding the development of children’s and emerging adults’ brains. We know that the portion of the brain that moderates impulsivity and allows for better long-term decision-making does not fully develop until a person is nearly 25 years old.

But despite these changes in what we know to be true, our state laws continue to reflect outdated science and fear-driven sentencing that most of the country has forcefully rejected.

House Bill 1413 would eliminate the use of juvenile adjudications to lengthen an adult’s prison sentence, bringing Washington’s sentencing laws into better alignment with neuroscience and national norms.

Washington already considers juvenile adjudications legally distinct from adult criminal convictions. This is not only because of crucial distinctions between the brain development, sophistication and culpability of children and that of adults, but also because of significant procedural differences. Jury trials, for example, are not allowed in juvenile court.

And yet, juvenile adjudications continue to be used against adult defendants as part of their criminal history, increasing the prison sentences they receive. Sentences can be doubled or tripled as a result. This injustice is compounded by the fact that juvenile court prosecutions are brought disproportionately against poor children and children of color.

HB 1413 is a small bill taking a small step forward, but it would lead us to a more just and equitable criminal legal system.

Noreen Light, Olympia

Long-term facility doesn’t follow mask guidelines

I’m writing this letter over concern about COVID and mask regulations or mandates for long-term care facilities. I live in an adult family home (AFH) where residents were told about the mandates or guidelines to wear masks but some residents are not wearing a mask when they’re out. I tried to call the state and ombudsman regarding my concern. The only thing they said was the facility is supposed to monitor their health by taking temperatures and telling them to clean their hands, etc. In my home they are not washing their hands every time they eat or when they enter the premises.

I wrote numerous letters to the owner of the facility and staff members. I also wrote to the caseworker for DSHS, his supervisor, and ombudsman, they are just blowing it off, telling me about civil liberties and not protecting our health, in my opinion. I need to know if other long-term facilities are practicing COVID guidelines and, if so, how can I make this facility and DSHS realize the importance of this disease and make this household follow proper guidelines in our house>

Mitchell Chong, Lacey

Make a New Year’s resolution to go vegan

With Christmas and Hanukkah behind us, we look forward to the new year and New Year’s resolutions: to step away from social media, lose some weight, and, perhaps, to go vegan. Yes, that.

A third of consumers report reducing consumption of animal foods. Hundreds of college campuses, schools, hospitals. and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday. Even fast-food chains such as Chipotle, Burger King, Subway, and Taco Bell have rolled out plant-based options. Now McDonald’s is hinting at a plant-based burger in 2022.

New plant-based companies, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are creating healthy, eco-friendly, delicious plant-based meats, while meat industry giants Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods have invested heavily in plant-based meat development.

According to the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 27% in the past year to $7 billion. Sales of plant-based cheeses, butter, yogurts, and ice creams are exploding at a 50% growth rate and plant-based milks now account for 35% of the milk market.

A vegan New Year’s resolution requires no sweat or deprivation — just delicious, healthier options that are better for your health, the planet, and the animals.

Andrew Petuchov, Olympia