Cheers: To cleaning up. City of Vancouver officials say they will close a problematic homeless encampment along West Mill Plain Boulevard. The camp abuts a sound wall near the Hough neighborhood and has generated numerous complaints from neighbors about noise and dangerous behavior. Frustration from local residents is understandable, but so is the city’s cautious approach to the issue. If the camp had been cleared with no available alternatives, homeless people would migrate into neighborhoods; now, city officials say that many people who were living at the site months ago have moved to a Safe Stay Community or are scheduled to do so. Once the area is cleaned up, city officials must take measures to keep it that way. Fixing problems only to allow their return would be a waste of time and money. Jeers: To picking a fight. Tensions between the United States and Canada are having an impact along Washington’s border. Crossings during the first week of February were down approximately 25 percent from the week before and from the same week the previous year — likely a result of rhetoric and actions by President Donald Trump. Trump has hinted at making Canada “the 51st state” and has imposed tariffs on goods from our neighbor to the north. That has created enmity that likely will damage trade and tourism on both sides of the border. A decline in crossings reflects not only fewer visitors, but fewer goods being transported between the countries. Picking a fight with your neighbor is simply bad for business.

Cheers: To looking ahead. Although a paper mill has been in Camas for nearly 150 years, city officials are wise to consider the future of the site. They have asked the state Department of Ecology to require that cleanup in the area make it safe for residential use or public amenities. For now, Georgia-Pacific continues to operate one production line at the mill; should that eventually close, it will be essential to repurpose the land. A resolution from the Camas City Council reads: “It is imperative to ensure the cleanup efforts are fully protective of human health and the environment and preserve future private and public redevelopment options.” Jeers: To financial mismanagement. Senate Bill 5392 would move the entirety of Washington’s rainy day fund — more than $1.6 billion — to the general fund in order to help make up for an expected revenue shortfall. The Budget Stabilization Account is essential to the state government’s financial security and to bond ratings that help keep interest payments low. Raiding the fund because of a temporary revenue glitch is an absurd idea that would create long-lasting financial problems. Instead of desperately trying to create ways to generate more revenue, Democrats in the Legislature should focus on ways to reduce spending.

Interesting: Unexploded ordnance. Three World War I-era mortars were uncovered this week near the Pearson Field runway during construction to upgrade the airstrip. Law enforcement responded, and the explosives were destroyed. The grounds at Pearson Field and the surrounding area have a long history of military use, but it still is unusual to find century-old ordnance in the area. Meanwhile, officials do not recommend searching for souvenirs. As Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said: “It is illegal and unwise, from a life safety standpoint, to metal detect or dig in Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve.”