Open letter we are sending to the following:
Dear Okanagan County Sheriff, County
Commissioners, Okanagan Road Department, and Gebbers Farms,
As concerned members of the OmakRepublic news staff, we felt compelled to address a pressing issue that has been causing frustration and concern among Okanagan County residents. It pertains to the alarming practices employed by Gebbers Farms, specifically
regarding the placement of orchards right up to public county roads and the
subsequent parking of worker buses, personal cars, and farm equipment on both
sides of the road, and at times even obstructing the middle.
The dangers posed by these actions
cannot be ignored. Numerous instances have been reported where drivers
attempting to pass through have been subjected to workers yelling at them to
slow down, as if the inconvenience caused by dust on precious boxes of fruit
outweighs public safety. Additionally, the irrigation systems used in the
orchards often spray water onto the dirt roads, resulting in dangerous mud
sinkholes that further jeopardize the well-being of motorists and pedestrians.
It is crucial that we all know our
rights as residents and take action to address these issues. We invite readers
to document and report every instance they witness to the Okanagan Road
Department and County Sheriff’s office. In cases where pickers are parked on
the roads for more than 10 minutes with buses or other obstructive objects, we
urge individuals to call 911. By gathering this information, we can pursue
public records requests to determine whether the enforcement of the law by the
sheriff’s department and the Okanagan Road Department is fair and equitable.
We want to remind everyone of the
existing laws in Washington state that govern farming practices and the use of
county roads for parking worker buses and machinery. RCW 36.70.100 explicitly
prohibits blocking a public road with any vehicle, including farm equipment, emphasizing
that blocking traffic is unacceptable. However, RCW 46.61.035 allows farmers to
park their farm equipment on a county road for up to 24 hours with a permit
from the county. Similarly, RCW 46.61.037 stipulates that parking a worker bus
on a county road for more than 10 minutes is prohibited, except during
passenger loading or unloading.
Violations of these laws can result
in fines. Blocking a public road carries a fine of up to $500, while parking a
worker bus on a county road for more than 10 minutes can lead to a fine of up
to $100. It is crucial for all individuals to park their equipment and buses in
a safe and legal manner, avoiding hazards and not obstructing traffic flow. Overnight parking is prohibited, and any debris left on the road after parking
must be promptly removed.
Furthermore, the fine for having a
sprinkler water a public road in Okanagan County, Washington, is up to $100, as
stated in Chapter 12.18 IRRIGATORS AND WATER ON COUNTY ROADS of the Okanogan
County Code. This violation is considered a misdemeanor, with penalties
including fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances.
In the pursuit of justice and
fairness, we remind everyone that the application of these laws should be
consistent and unbiased. Any other citizen or competing orchard/farm engaging
in similar practices should be held to the same standards as Gebbers Farms.
Equally enforcing the current state and county laws not only serves as a
deterrent but also brings in necessary funds to repair the roads damaged by
these activities.
We also want to shed light on the
potential for whistle-blowing regarding Gebbers Farms. If employees possess
incriminating documents or evidence that can aid in enforcing the law, they may
be eligible for whistle-blower rewards. By stepping forward and providing
valuable information, employees can contribute to rectifying these dangerous
practices and potentially share in the recovery of significant fines.
In conclusion, we implore the
Okanagan County Sheriff, County Commissioners, and Okanagan Road Department to
take immediate action in addressing these issues. The safety of our community
should be the utmost priority, and the enforcement of existing laws is crucial
to achieving this. Additionally, we call upon Gebbers Farms to reevaluate their
practices and take responsible actions that prioritize public safety.
We firmly believe that the only way
to induce change in unlawful behavior is to hit the bottom line hard. By
consistently and fairly enforcing state and county laws, we can both hold
accountable those who disregard public safety and generate the necessary funds
to repair our roads. Together, let us work towards a safer and more responsible
community for all.
Sincerely,
Julian Penwright & Omak Republic
News Staff
From the Editor:
We are committed to our role as a trusted source of information and an advocate for our community. It is with a heavy heart that we bring you this update on Gebbers Farms and their questionable practices. Our dedication to transparency and justice led us to uncover a shocking revelation.
During a session of privileged communication at a local church, one of our writers was approached by an anonymous individual who shared confidential paperwork regarding Gebbers Farms. This act of trust and confidence underscores the gravity of the situation. The documents exposed the stark contrast between the costs of complying with regulations, implementing necessary safety measures, providing adequate parking and sanitary facilities, and adhering to immigration guidelines through programs like e-verify, versus the alternative approach of simply paying fines.
As an organization deeply committed to the truth, we recognize the sensitive nature of this disclosure and will handle it with utmost care. We are resolute in our mission to hold Gebbers Farms accountable and seek justice for our community.
Omak Republic 