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Independent, fact-based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties
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News from the Salish Current September 8, 2023
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Dear Reader—
Take some time to catch up with some news in this week's newsletter which features a story by Kai Uyehara on how county candidates propose to fix the water shortage in the Nooksack watershed, a story by Adam M. Sowards on what the new tsunami signs are trying to tell you, and a story by Dean Kahn on four Whatcom County writers nominated for this year's Washington State Book Awards.
We welcome to our board of directors Genevieve Iverson of San Juan Island, an island native, avid sailor and writer. We also welcome a first-time news report by Questen Inghram about this week's community pushback to ABC Recycling's planned metal shredding facility that will complement its recycled metal shipping from the downtown waterfront.
Questen's story for the Current answers an oft-asked a question about what’s the difference in our news reporting on a story like ABC from that of the Bellingham Herald and the Cascadia Daily News. Simple answer: You and anyone can read our stories without being stymied by a subscription pay-to-read paywall.
We sincerely appreciate your reading this newsletter and sharing our commitment to real news, solid journalism and independent reporting that is free to read and a public good. Help us grow our valuable community of readers by sharing this newsletter and asking others to subscribe and join our newsroom community. Thank you for your support.
—Amy Nelson, Publisher
Salish Current affirms its commitment to work for truth, justice,
equity and healing for all people.
#SayTheirNames #BlackLivesMatter #NoJusticeNoPeace
Want more environmental news? Salish Sea News and Weather is a weekday curated compilation of news from Salish Sea news sources. Free via email or on the web.
Salish Sea News Week in Review Sept. 8, 2023: Star Trek Friday, heat wave survival, Gulf Islands' water, Growlers, pumped storage hydro, WA cap-and-trade, BC old growth logging, ANWR drilling, Gitanyow celebration.
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Candidates talk water as Whatcom wells run dry
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Waterlines, sandbars and a substantial heap of muddy driftwood logs tell a story of much higher flows under the Main Street bridge in Ferndale than after this year's unusually dry summer. The issue of water rights in the Nooksack Basin is front and center for county candidates. (Amy Nelson / Salish Current photo © 2023)
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By Kai Uyehara
Nooksack watershed and Whatcom County leaders face lower streamflows, higher stream temperatures, less snow runoff and higher temperatures. What do candidates say?
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Noise, toxins, traffic concerns with proposed metal shredding
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A proposal to site a metal shredding facility on a 20-acre property along Marine Drive in North Bellingham [outlined in red] purchased by ABC Recycling in 2021 has raised concerns. (Google Earth image)
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By Questen Inghram
Residents are concerned about noise, toxic dust, fire hazards and increased truck traffic if a proposed metal shredding facility along Marine Drive is built.
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Signs of a hidden threat: preparing for the really big one
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In the event of a major earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone, a tsunami’s multiple waves would inundate many shoreline areas, including most of the land visible looking south from Samish Overlook in the Blanchard State Forest. (Adam M. Sowards / Salish Current photo © 2023)
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By Adam M. Sowards
New signs around the Salish Sea raise awareness in areas that might be inundated by tsunami.
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State book award finalists include four Whatcom authors
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Finalists from Whatcom County nominated for state book awards include authors of a book of poetry, two nonfiction books and an illustrated book for young people. (Courtesy image)
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By Dean Kahn
Rena Priest, Clyde Ford, Caitlin Scarano and Tom Crestodina have been named finalists from among 242 entries for Washington State Book Awards.
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• Fire history of San Juan Island
• Kudos
Our policy: Salish Current welcomes letters to the editor from our readers. Letters should be sent with the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number. Those accepted for publication will focus on issues addressed in news articles or commentaries in Salish Current and be factual. No snark or put-downs will be acceptable; general nastiness will be rejected. Letters should not exceed 300 words and may be edited for length and clarity. Letters represent the point of view of the writer. Publication by Salish Current does not represent endorsement. Salish Current will publish letters sent to the editor at its sole discretion.
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Salish Current affirms its commitment to work for truth, justice, equality and healing for all people.
#SayTheirNames #BlackLivesMatter #NoJusticeNoPeace
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News from around the region...
(The links found here may have limited access for those who don’t subscribe to the source publication. Sorry for any inconvenience!)
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Health and Safety
Overdose. Accidental overdoses are now the No. 1 cause of death for young people under 40 in 37 states, including Washington where the largest change in the cause of death for people under 40 was accidental overdoses, which increased by 599, or 141%. (Washington State Standard)
Growler. U.S. District Judge Richard Jones ruled that, while the Navy underreported the true amount of fuel emissions from flights, failed to take a hard look at species-specific impact on birds and failed to analyze impacts on childhood learning, stopping the flights would pose a risk to national security. He ordered the Navy to redo its environmental impact statement concerning the impacts of noise and emissions on the area. (Peninsula Daily News/paywall)
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Education
Quitter. Praying Bremerton football coach Joe Kennedy who won a Supreme Court decision reinstating him and allowing him to pray on the game field quit after one game and moved back to Florida. (Seattle Times/paywall) See: “Will Kennedy decision change the religious landscape in public schools?” (Salish Current, Aug. 17, 2022)
School construction. The Washington Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state is not required to fully cover school construction costs like funding basic education, rejecting Wahkiakum School District's argument that the state's duty to amply fund education extended to capital projects. (Washington State Standard) See: "Bond system, wealth inequity are targets of school-funding suit," (Salish Current, March 2, 2023)
College value. SmartAsset, a company that offers financial advice, rated state colleges using five metrics, including scholarships, median starting salary, tuition costs, living costs and student retention rates. In the top 10, Western Washington University ranked seventh overall with a median starting salary of $59,600, tuition of $9,589 and living costs of $18,822. (Bellingham Herald/paywall)
Schools in red. State education officials will monitor the finances of the La Conner and Mount Baker school districts which are beginning the school year without the balanced budget the state requires. They will file with the state budget reports and restore financial reserves to certain levels by a prescribed date. (Washington State Standard)
School trial. Jury selection begins on Dec. 11 for the trial of three Bellingham school administrators accused of failing to report a sexual assault. (KGMI)
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The Border and Beyond
B.C. Ferries. Despite financial uncertainties while it waits for a decision on increasing passenger fares for the next four years, B.C. Ferries plans to order four new electric-powered Island-class vessels under an accelerated schedule. (Times Colonist)
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Nature
Whatcom flooding. An interactive map created by the Coastal and Riverine Compound Flood Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project shows sea level rise scenarios for three flooding events (king tide, 20-year storm, 100-year storm) and reference layers including parcels and feeder bluffs. (Bellingham Herald/paywall)
CREP errors. Mapping errors identifying streamside habitat restoration properties have put local properties in jeopardy of losing Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program federal funding for salmon and habit restoration. (Lynden Tribune/paywall)
To the rescue. Watch an exclusive, free, one-time showing of “Wild Pacific Rescue,” a film about Dr. Marty Haulena, head veterinarian of the Vancouver, B.C., Aquarium, and his dedicated team rescue animals in the wild that have been harmed by human actions, especially plastic pollution. Sept. 23, Bellingham Unitarian Church. Register here. "Protection Life in the Salish Sea" is an ALL IN for Climate Action Week event hosted by League of Women Voters Bellingham/Whatcom County Climate Team, in partnership with media partner Salish Current.
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Business
Decarbonization. The renovation of Western Washington University’s heating system was one of the four major capital projects in the university’s 2023–25 budget. In April, the state approved a $10 million fund to complete phase one of this project. (The Front)
Border crossing. This summer's personal vehicle crossings into the U.S. at the Blaine border in July were 73,000 less than in July 2022. (The Northern Light)
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Community
Wear black and white. Two memorials are planned to remember Tokitae. On Sept. 9, share your memories from 4 to 6 p.m. at Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma. On Sept. 10, Coast Salish Elders will host the first in a series of salmon ceremonies to celebrate Tokitae in Coupeville from 5 to 7 p.m. on the shores of Penn Cove where she was captured. (KGMI)
Obit. Wendy Harris, a Blaine resident who championed environmental causes, fighting for clean water and increased wildlife and habitat protections, died on Aug. 31 at the age of 62. (CDN/paywall)
Ferry fare. Lummi Island ferry fare rates will go into effect in April instead of February after appointments are made to fill vacancies on the ferry advisory committee and more public involvement opportunities provided, according to a revised schedule adopted by the Whatcom County Council. (KGMI)
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Commentary
Democracy at risk. Heather Cox Richardson comments on the unprecedented announcement, prompted by the George W. Bush Institute and joined by U.S. presidential foundations and centers for 13 presidents since Herbert Hoover, expressing concern about the health of American democracy. The statement notes that while the diverse population of the United States means we have a range of backgrounds and beliefs, “democracy holds us together. We are a country rooted in the rule of law, where the protection of the rights of all people is paramount.” (Letters from an American)
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Arts & Leisure
Alan Magee. Friday Harbor Film Festival’s FREE Best of the Fest series will show "Alan Magee: art is not a solace" at the San Juan Island Library, Sept. 8, 7 p.m., and online. The artist, Alan Magee, and the director, David Berez, will appear by livestream following the film.
Dream film. "A Dream Takes Flight" is a film about Lopez Island-born John Norman who built the most authentically accurate replica of the "Spirit of St. Louis." A free, special screening of the film will be held Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m., Lopez Community Center. Info.
Doctober tickets. Get ready to celebrate the 16th year of ground-breaking nonfiction cinema in October at the Pickford Film Center. Look forward to seeing "Breaking the News" (Oct. 15, 21) and "Rather" (Oct. 13, 22). Tickets on sale for members Sept. 15; general ticket sale Sept. 22. Information.
Love Movement. Woman in the Woods Productions presents “Love Movement," an original musical dance production featuring Michela Marino Lerman at the highest levels of musicianship and hoofing. Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Orcas Center. $56 admission includes appetizers at 5 p.m. from the Orcas Hotel and music of the Oliver Groenewald and Steve Alboucq Quintet in the Madrona Room until the show begins at 7 p.m. Information.
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Jump in!
Take a walk. Adam Sowards takes a walk up "Oyster Dome on the Shoulder Season."
Chum run. Whatcom Water Week kicks off with the "Run with the Chums" on Sept. 9. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m., the smolt obstacle sprint (10 and under) starts at 9:45 a.m. and the 5K race starts at 10 a.m. BP Highlands, 6898 Point Whitehorn Road. (The Northern Light)
Kidney donation. Learn about living kidney donation and transplantation from a panel of kidney donors, recipients and medical experts. Sept. 10, Noon–2 p.m., Squalicum Boathouse. Sponsored by the Mount Baker Foundation. (The Northern Light)
Repair and tools. Join the community talk Zoom forum on "Repair Economy for the San Juans" on Sept. 12, 11 a.m., to learn about models for Repair Cafés and Tool Libraries around Washington and share ideas for increasing repair tool and skill access. Event details and registration.
Adjudication. Prepare for the Whatcom County water rights adjudication process at a workshop on Sept. 13, 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale. A Whatcom Water Weeks Event. Information.
Climate Action. Learn about impactful climate solutions at the local, state and federal levels at in-person and zoom talks sponsored by The Madrona Institute and the Friday Harbor Labs. 5:30 p.m., Sept. 14: Climate Solutions at the State Level; Sept. 28: Climate Adaptation, Mitigation, and Resilience; Oct 12: San Juan County's Climate Action Plan; and Oct. 26: Networking Sessions with Local Climate Groups. Info and RSVP here.
Samish Miles. Help control invasive holly, laurel and blackberry on the private Samish Miles Conservation Area. Sept. 15,10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration required. Skagit Land Trust.
Farm tour. Twelve Whatcom County farms will open their (barn) doors for visitors to get a free, self-guided, behind-the-scenes look at how food gets from the farm to their plates. Sept. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sustainable Connections.
Salmon sightings. Watch pink salmon return at the Thompson Creek Bridge, until Sept. 17, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association staff. (From Bellingham: take Hwy. 542 east through the town of Glacier and turn right on Glacier Creek Rd.) NSEA.
Parent leaders. Learn leadership, communication and public-speaking skills at the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)'s free, 12-week, online course that teaches parents to identify community challenges and work toward solutions by understanding local and state governments and the public education system. Begins Sept. 16. Information and registration.
Marine stewardship. Join the Northwest Straits Foundation for a one-hour volunteer project followed by a picnic lunch and short presentation about ongoing care for Bowman Bay, Cornet Bay and Hoypus Point. Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowman Bay, Deception Pass State Park. Register.
Sing Me a Song. A free ukulele concert in memory of Joan Airoldi, ukulele enthusiast and champion of Whatcom County libraries. Deming Library, Sept. 24, 3–4:15 p.m. Info.
Hummers. Environmental sciences instructor and noted ecologist Gregory A. Green speaks on "Our Wintering Hummingbird" at the monthly meeting of the North Cascades Audubon Society, Sept. 26, 7 p.m., Old City Hall Museum, Bellingham. Read more.
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Government
For the people
San Juan County
The council will meet on Lopez Island on Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m., Lopez Community Center.
City of Bellingham
The council will meet on Sept. 11. Agenda items include:
Community and Economic Development Committee:
• Interlocal Agreement Between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to Provide Behavioral Health Outreach Services at Bellingham Central Library. Staff memo.
• Consideration of Second Amendment to a Lease Agreement for 1530 Cornwall Avenue/Base Camp by and between the City and JMC1, LLC. Staff memo.
Committee of the Whole
• Presentation and Discussion on Food Waste: Closing Down the Road From Grown to Gone. Presentation.
• An Ordinance Adopting State Firearm Regulations by Reference, Prohibiting the Possession of Firearms at City Operated Stadiums and Convention Centers, and Prohibiting the Possession of Firearms at City Hall. Ordinance.
The council will meet again on Sept. 25.
Whatcom County
The council will meet on Sept. 12. Agenda items include:
Other items:
• Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Washington State Military Department in the amount of $1,480,000 to support the county's efforts following the November 2021 flood event. Memo.
• Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Commerce, in the amount of $1,879,999, to support the county's recovery efforts following the November 2021 flood event. Memo.
• Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Commerce to maintain current levels of homeless subsidies and emergency housing services, in the amount of $2,890,020. Memo.
• Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a project reimbursement agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State County Road Administration Board in the amount of $10,000,000. Memo.
Committee of the Whole
• Discussion and approval of a joint Council/Executive letter to the Port of Bellingham regarding broadband investments. Draft letter.
The council will meet again on Sept. 26.
Port of Bellingham
The commission will meet on Sept. 19.
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Salish Current is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, online local news organization serving Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit Counties. Salish Current exists to protect and improve democratic governance by reporting and curating local news with independence and strict journalistic integrity.
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