‘What choice do we have?’
Magazine
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July 1, 2020
In this issue, we bear witness to the protesters in the #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations who have overflowed the streets of Los Angeles. We examine innovative alternatives to policing in Eugene, Oregon, where non-emergency EMS services are dispatched for de-escalation, mental health crises, substance abuse and other issues — all without police involvement. Scanning the data, we map the disproportionate police militarization and violence across the Western U.S. As the climate crisis worsens, we consider the adaptions forced on the Inupiaq people of the Arctic, as well as on the coastal cities of California. Our feature story follows the arduous efforts to save a vanishing species of catfish along the U.S.-Mexican border. And we describe the unexpected rise of labor organizing among fruit packers and ski patrollers alike. The issue also features an interview with a founder of #BlackBirdersWeek; an argument for full-time wildland firefighters; and a former insider’s warning of a compromised Bureau of Land Management.
Feature
The Yaqui catfish was going extinct. Then came the border wall.
Reportage
‘It’s not natural for them to cooperate.’
When Vail Resorts added Stevens Pass to its empire, ski patrollers feared becoming fungible parts in a corporate machine. So they organized.
A 31-year-old program in Eugene, Oregon, is a model in de-escalating situations that could end with law enforcement violence.
Ryan Bundy is allegedly building irrigation structures in Gold Butte National Monument.
Washington fruit packers seek lasting gains from pandemic strikes.
As laborers for the Big Four meatpackers fall ill, small slaughterhouses see unprecedented demand.
Editor's Note
‘Dominator culture’ and the injustices of climate change, COVID-19 and racism.
Facts & Figures
But who’s the enemy?
Conversation
‘The whole purpose is to highlight and showcase Black birders, and anybody can do that.’
Book Reviews
In Lauren Beukes’ ‘Afterland,’ only women survive. Can they rebuild?
Photo Essay
Portraits from Los Angeles’ Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
Perspective
Permanently investing in firefighters would improve the health of employees and the landscapes we protect.
A former state director argues narrow interests have dominated the agency’s direction.
Heard Around the West
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Dear Friends
HCN’s journalism continues, thanks to great supporters.
Letters
Featured stories
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