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★★★★★
Christie Schultz, Bremerton
Bremerton City Council
Working Session, October 22, 2025
A LOT got talked through during this meeting, but the real information was in their package for the night. I highly recommend reading it for enlightenment.
Utility final plan for the Gorst Watershed Plan
https://meetings.municode.com/d/f?u=https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/brem-pubu/MEET-Packet-c9d1f0a7dc6c40a796c76c7b02c5ad2f.pdf&n=AgendaPacket-Study Session-October 22, 2025 5.00 PM.pdf
Lots of excellent nuggets of information in this particular work packet.... the other packets also have good research.
Federal work comprises a significant portion of the economic activity in the county. Naval Base Kitsap (civilian and military combined) employs 39,440 people followed by St. Michael Medical Center 2,007 persons, Central Kitsap School District 1,532 persons, South Kitsap School District 1,372 persons, Kitsap County 1,366 persons
Of interest: the "Gorst Watershed" seems of serious concern to the Council for planning. Now the zoning is rural: the package was FULL of maps and regulations which will be of interest to those fighting for the PSP gun range. Tribal groups are able to harvest red cedar (their traditional building materials) and replanting harvested areas was of concern. No mention made of what was being replanted after the hard woods were removed. Timber harvesting brings in half million dollars per year. The packet also offers proof of the elusive marbled murrelet, which is endangered. Much of this is on page 317.
Budget was questioned by Ms. Mockler.
Common Street, Benedict House and other outreach programs for the homeless population are in the work package with budgets. As it gets colder, the homeless people are diffusing to other regions (i.e. camping in preserves and empty lots around the county). 29% of the monies (HUD?) for Kitsap goes to Bremerton for the homeless needs. [Bremerton has 50% of the homeless in Kitsap.] Doing the math from the stats in the packet, it looks like 1.8 people who are homeless find housing every day.
County is now coordinating with Bremerton on homelessness. The phrase "needs assessment" was used in the packet, which brings to mind the Marxist quote "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs".
In packet: Page 217 of packet shows the cash flow to NGOs for the homeless. Page 287-295 is input from a survey as to what people think is important to Bremerton. Page 296 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) report, beautiful slide show, lots of reports, no solid data or solutions.
Property taxes are outlined in the work packet, last section. Bremerton seems to be in denial about growth in town and affordable housing, there is only so much room in city limits. Revenue is raised by taxing dogs, cats and chickens, as well as park cabana rental. No mention of resolving the REALLY bad drivers, nor of raising revenue through ticketing those with burned out head-lights, bad driving skills, speeding. No mention of putting in traffic cameras as an investment in improving safety in town. No word on licenses for bicycle activists, although this group is a very vocal group and influencing a lot of road re-design.
Packet for October 22, 2025: https://meetings.municode.com/d/f?u=https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/brem-pubu/MEET-Packet-c9d1f0a7dc6c40a796c76c7b02c5ad2f.pdf&n=AgendaPacket-Study Session-October 22, 2025 5.00 PM.pdf
Regular Meeting, October 29, 2025
Property tax assessment discussed. Utility rates, rates for dog licenses, many "house-keeping" items discussed. See packet: this has a LOT of good information on the Gorst and Union Creek watershed with maps and forestry data,
Some citizens DID make commentary on the various resolutions, but it was all "on topic" no "open mike" citizen input tonight.
Regular Meeting, November 5, 2025
CDBG—Housing projects go onward, report by Sarah Lynam (see work package). Would take massive DOGE investigation to figure out where the money is being spent. Bremerton is an entitlement community and gets their money straight from HUD. With report of CK housing being re-roofed and new windows installed, it is apparently partially being used correctly. Individuals need to be proactive in requesting their own repair work. CDBG covers ALL housing from emergency to permanent housing and also covers Kitsap County rather than just Bremerton. Brem gets 29% of HUD for KC. [We are in a "down" cycle right now for emergency street people because many homeless ARE transient and migrate back south to California during the winter. I suspect in the Spring things will pick up again as to crisis and emergency housing needs.] Starts at page 117 in the work package for this day, many of the financial figures are included in this.
Packet for November 5 is here:
https://meetings.municode.com/d/f?u=https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/brem-pubu/MEET-Packet-cf804fef033942609d0913bc69e76535.pdf&n=AgendaPacket-City Council Meeting-November 5, 2025 5.00 PM.pdf
Plan due to HUD by November 15, 2025. Preservation of existing housing is built into the budget. There is considerable documentation prior to the slide show, much to track and understand, a fire house of information to sort out CDBG.
Regular Meeting, November 12, 2025
A woman in the position formerly known as DEI director spoke at length and made a very good report about outreach and public engagement to various organizations in the city. Dr. Janice Briggs’ (an industrial psychologist) presentation was very good. One council member asked about connections with police, first responders, and public works rather than community organizations.
The Hub was mentioned: https://www.bremertonwa.gov/1391/Diversity-and-CommUNITY-Engagement-Hub
The Mayor's report was similar to past reports, emphasis on art downtown. Installing porta potties for Gold Mt. Golf Course was discussed.
Discussed and more to be found in the work packet for this date: Revenue sources and liability insurance discussed. Draft of a five-year program for housing plan ... 50% of homeless in Kitsap are in Bremerton. Ms. Mocker dissented with the rest of the council over logging in the Union River watershed (and city utility corridor). We have yet to hear if there is any distinction of what TYPE of lumber is being logged out (cedar or pine?) and if the same woods are being replanted for a sustainable resource. [Cedar is a hard wood and more valuable, pine is cheaper and a soft wood, fast growing.]
There are two new council members. One is Christy Cammarata (District 3). New members to be invited to next meeting.
Bremerton School District Meetings
Regular Meeting, October 28, 2025
October 28 was a "hoax" call of a shooting at BHS. The phone call originated in Mason County and was referred to their sheriff for follow up. A calming letter was sent out to parents.
Bremerton's "Safe School" training has changed drastically when it comes to Title IX responsibilities. Gone are the phrases like: no teacher may deny a biological boy from using the girl's restroom and locker room. Title IX is a Federal law, as is the Executive Order referring to this, so "it is in flux" parents should stay in touch with their students’ teachers and principals for updates and make the staff earn their pay.
Board meeting minutes and agenda for October 16 is at:
https://bremertonschools.diligent.community/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=583
The public was excluded from this, as was the press.
Parents should remain aware of policies regarding sexual offenders refer to Policy #3144 (sex offenders and disclosure)
https://bremertonschools.diligent.community/document/a6e10421-6fdc-4c09-aec9-fc22da995a1d
Regular Meeting, November 13, 2025
Meeting started at 5:00 pm with a floor show by children from Viewridge Elementary, 60% of the room left with the children when this ended. Dr. Aaron Leavell (who has been around our district since he was ASB advisor at Brem Jr. High in the early 2000's) former district manager, got up and gave a pep talk for all attending.
Public input: The Chair read a lengthy legal statement defining this. First up was an older lady who commented on Bolton's past behavior and thought there should be consequences. The next up was a man I have seen working as staff around Bremerton SD, I don't know his name but he ALSO criticized Bolton's past "bullying" behavior. His words "were of steel".
The third public speaker praised a retiring member and sang. The last speaker was told he did not have his paperwork in order and things again escalated between the Chair and the Aggressor, who finally left. I stayed and continued to listen to the proceedings.
Student members of the Board (ex officio? they had a place at the table) gave reports, non-critical and sports-team oriented. Student involvement has a place. The students call their Advisory Board "Voices of Valor" [which hopefully isn't STOLEN valor] and seemed to be an outgrowth of ASB.
Members gave their reports, Bolton's was very budget oriented. It did not jive with a later report from accountants in that Bolton painted a "dire" picture of finance in the district.
Accounting did a budget report and the slideshow was well done. Her report showed the budget to be statistically balanced from what I could read, which was at odds with the report by Bolton.
Report made on construction at Viewridge and Arman Jahr; "all is on track" [report from someone who taught at AJ, the trailers are an improvement over the old site]. A website is being updated, not sure if this is the district website, but that does need doing. West Hills scores are reported to have improved for two years now.
A four-year levy will be put on the ballot for the Feb 2026 election. A coach (Mr. Judie) from BHS asked for Flag Football to be included as an official sport, because it was incredibly popular Bremerton Schools put out a newsletter on a weekly basis (if not more frequently) and if your family attends ANY Bremerton school it is an excellent way to keep up on the doings and events of that district. Contact them to be placed on the mailing list.
· Bremerton School District: communications@bremertonschools.org
· Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
· Phone: 360-473-1000
· Follow us on Facebook, and Instagram!
Written input can be given to both the Bremerton City Council and to the Bremerton School Board. I think many of those who get up to speak are simply wanting to be on camera, but ALL voices should be heard, that is our system. We await the decision for both groups to be made to allow public speech again, we cannot block out the citizens’ voices just because there are a few chronic whiners and disruptors.
★★★★★
Rosemary Schuessler, Central Kitsap
SPOTLIGHT #1: Be the Change you want to see if Kitsap County!
Volunteerism Is at a Low—But You Can Help Change That
Political volunteerism tends to follow a cycle. During high-profile races—presidential and gubernatorial—many people step forward, driven by fear, frustration, or hope. They give what they can, hoping for quick results. But when the election ends, many return home, disillusioned that their short-term effort didn’t yield lasting change. The truth is: real political change takes time. It takes consistency. And it takes all of us.
What Kitsap County Republican Party Needs
The Kitsap County Republican Party doesn’t need volunteers to give 100% of their time. We need many people to give just a few hours a month. That alone would be a game-changer. Even small contributions—an hour here, a phone call there—build momentum. They create community. They make a difference.
The Volunteer Cycle: Creative, But Sometimes Chaotic
New waves of volunteers often bring fresh energy and ideas. That’s a gift. But when they arrive in large numbers, priorities can clash. Strategies can diverge. And sometimes, divisions deepen—especially around candidates. Last year was a painful example. We lost good people on both sides. But the mission remains: Kitsap County and Washington State need us. We must stay focused on what unites us. We must agree to disagree and move on. It is time to put the past behind us!
The Stakes Are High
How soon until the next state or federal mandate? How long before Washington becomes unaffordable for working families? How long before parental rights are eroded—or children are subjected to ideological indoctrination in public schools? These are realistic hypotheticals. Some of these things are happening now. And they demand action.
What You Can Do
You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to show up. Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a difference. Together, our efforts create real impact.
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Volunteer in a way that fits you: Your time and talents matter—whether you pitch in once a week, once a month, or from the comfort of home. We offer a range of roles tailored to your strengths, interests, and schedule.
Some tasks, like making phone calls, can be done from anywhere. We provide easy-to-follow scripts, and with each call, your confidence grows—and so does our impact. No matter how you choose to help, you’ll be part of something bigger. We’ll support you every step of the way.
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Become a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO): Help shape the future of your neighborhood. You won’t be doing door-to-door outreach alone—we’ll pair you with a seasoned PCO so you can learn as you go.
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Support as a donor: Every dollar helps us reach more voters, protect more freedoms, and strengthen our local efforts.
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Step up as a candidate: There are entry-level positions where you can build skills, serve your community, and make your voice heard.
- No Experience? No Problem!
Many people tell me, “I don’t have the skills you need.” I respectfully disagree. If you want to help, we promise you, you have skills that we can use. Give us a chance to help you help us. You’ll be surprised how quickly you grow—and how much your presence matters.
Central Kitsap Community Council:
About:
Central Kitsap School Board Meetings
About:
Home Schooling
Group Links:
Volunteers Opportunities:
- Volunteer positions available for the Website & Social Media Committee. Please contact me.
★★★★★
Linda Popp, North Kitsap
I spent time helping in South Kitsap’s 26th LD and joined in the efforts to get Michelle Caldier elected. There was a lot of door knocking, and phone calls made on Michelle’s behalf.
The Eggs & Issues forum put on by the Greater Kitsap Chambers (John Morrissey is the Board Chair of the Chambers) was informative, as usual, and got to watch the interaction between Michelle and her opponent. I guess that wasn’t enough, and I talked Rose Schuessler into going to another forum that same evening at the Roxy. One thing I can say about Michelle Caldier—she’s a fighter!
Our 23rdLD meeting is held the third Thursday of each month at our Chair’s home. If you’re in the 23rd, please see me and I can get you the address to attend. Our meetings are always informative, and cozy.
If you haven’t been to a Puget Sound Patriots meeting, you should give them a try. Their meetings are generally the third Monday of the month. This last month they had William (Bill) Kirk, who is an attorney at law, from Washington Gun Law as their guest speaker. His bio states: William Kirk, President of Washington Gun Law, is one of the nation's leading Second Amendment advocates and has been educating citizens nationwide about their rights and obligations related to the inalienable right of self-preservation.
He gave us a rundown on our rights if we’re ever in a situation with our guns. Very informative! You can learn more at: Washington Gun Law (https://www.washingtongunlaw.com/home)
On October 30th, I attended the Puget Sound Regional Council, where we discussed the transportation needs in our county and state. There was a really large number of us there! I think there were conservatives at all the tables!! We managed to show the PSRC that the bulk of us DID NOT want any additional taxes levied on us through their mismanagement of the funds they already have.
I spent a few days observing ballot processing at our county facility out by the airport. The final turnout for the elections was 43%. But if you look at the Kitsap Auditor’s site (Kitsap County Elections), you’ll see that the bulk of the school board elections and port commissioners had a turnout in the upper 30%. BUT you’ll notice who IS VOTING, and that’s on Bainbridge Island where they voted 59.95% of the races!! You wonder why we can’t break through the democrat hold? It’s because Republicans aren’t voting!
We tell you every time—observing the ballot processing in Kitsap is such a wonderful thing to watch, as it gives you an understanding of the whole process. It gives you peace knowing that the auditor’s office is actually doing a very good job. Their processes are great. There are some very nice caring people working there. Supervisors who will explain all the processes to you. Please make an effort to get out there at least once during an election.
There are some exciting things happening in our county right now. If you’re on Facebook, please follow the “Friends of Turning Point USA Washington State” page. It will give you HOPE! So many people, not just in our state, but IN OUR COUNTY who are on there!! Maybe we can bring some of them over to KCRP and our LD Groups. There are more meetups being planned in other areas of the county, so stay tuned!
I shared at our monthly meeting how powerful your words and thoughts are and asked everyone there to use their words and imagination to “see” the Republican candidates being successful.
I want to share a Bible verse with you from Psalm 27:13-14, that King David wrote:
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
So, this season of Thanksgiving, I’m asking you to pray for our country. Praise the Lord for his mercy on us in our state and county. Believe it! See it in your imagination/in your mind! Declare the success of this coming year for conservatives. We need to change our mindsets. We can’t enter into this new year with despair, or a vision of further oppression. We must have hope, we must SEE the engagement of all conservatives to right this current state of affairs in our state.
1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
★★★★★
South Kitsap
South Kitsap School District
2nd grade is assessing for "Gifted" so be aware of this at this age level. They also assess dyslexia at the same age. This is the test they will be using: https://naglierigiftedtests.com
4th/5th grade (and up) for sexual education, or "Human Growth and development" is taught in the following manner: Coed subjects (taught with both boys and girls in the room) will be 1) Talking about sensitive issues with a trusted adult; 2) Good hygiene and feeling good about the way you look; 3) Growing up with a healthy attitude; and 4) HIV, Enemy of the Immune system.
Taught separately depending on identity at birth: 1) Hormones and your body; 2) Growing up male and female; and 3) hygiene for biological males OR 3) hygiene for biological females.
It is important all SK staff follow the scripted lesson. These materials are approved by the School Board and have been previewed by parents. Alterations or additions to these lessons are NOT approved. Optional lessons/sections in other units of study that include any sexual health CANNOT be used.
Be sure to only assign sexual health and HIV/AIDS lessons on a digital platform for students who participate. Opt-out students should not be included.
Any student questions that are not within the content of the approved lessons, acknowledge that is a good question to talk with a trusted adult about.
Students in grade 4 have one lesson covering gender expression about gender stereotypes. In fifth grade, this content is reviewed during the Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude lesson that includes bullying.
Sexual orientation is not taught until grade 7. Sexual Health in grade 5 explores puberty as well as HIV/AIDS Great Body Shop: About Blood and Disease Pamphlet. Grade 6 will explore reproduction. Grade 8 discusses abstinence and forms of birth control.
Parents can request and pick up a pamphlet, students should not take pamphlets home because younger children and those who opt out may see them. If questions, contact your student's teachers and principal.
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