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Independent, fact-based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties
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News from the Salish Current August 18, 2023
(Was this email forwarded to you? To receive this newsletter in your in-box every Friday, email salishcurrent@gmail.com —your name and email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
Dear Reader—
Have you sat in traffic this summer due to road construction, ferry cancellations or delays? Take a deep breath, exhale slowly and read Matt Benoit’s story about how drivers and businesses are coping with summer road construction.
Summer’s winding down and it feels like the heat is easing up and we can go on with our activities. No outdoor fires, please. And keep the election campaign cool. We’ll keep track of that.
We’ve been encouraging readers to share the weekly newsletter with family, friends and associates and encouraging others to subscribe if they find our reporting, curated articles and essays worth reading. It’s our way of working to build a healthy community based on both trustworthy information and people engaged in that community’s climate, justice and culture issues.
Thank you for engaging and for supporting local news.
—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 Aug. 18, 2023: Helium, eelgrass wasting, Montana climate youth, avian flu, PFAS, carbon auction. saving salmon and steelhead.
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Detour? Delay? Drivers and businesses cope with summer road construction
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Signs of summer, signs of frustration: Drivers have at times ignored or moved road closure signs on Van Wyk Road during this summer’s roadwork on the Mount Baker Highway— and signs were found smashed and broken at the side of the road a few weeks ago. The project is about half finished, officials report. (Matt Benoit / Salish Current photo © 2023)
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By Matt Benoit
Road construction projects throughout Whatcom County are creating challenges now — for benefits later.
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• Turning nature into real estate
• Palliative care is essential to Death with Dignity legislation
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
‘Forever Chemicals.’ PFAS lurk in so much of what we eat, drink and use. Scientists are only beginning to understand how they’re impacting our health — and what to do about them. (NY Times)
Fire closure. A new fire a few miles southwest of Washington Pass has closed SR 20 from milepost 120 in Newhalem to milepost 171 at the Silver Star gate, about 22 miles west of Winthrop. (KGMI)
Burn ban. San Juan County reinstated a ban on all recreational fires effective Aug.14.(San Juan County)
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Education
Budget increase. The Anacortes School Board had authorized expenses of $45,674,600 for the 2022–23 school year but has been hit by an unexpected increase in expenditures of over $2 million more. (Anacortes American/paywall)
Big ocean. Watch six short videos to educate, entertain and make you insufferable at parties. (Hakai Institute)
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The Border & Beyond
Bad poop. Water contaminated with fecal matter continues to cross into the U.S. after a problem identified at least a decade ago. (Vancouver Sun)
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Nature
Eelgrass. Researchers are studying Labyrinthula zosterae, the pathogen that causes eelgrass wasting disease in Padilla Bay. Eelgrass wasting disease shows up as dark lesions with white centers on eelgrass blades. The white centers are dead tissue. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
Bad catch. Scientists are concerned rules to protect bottom-dwelling rockfish aren’t always followed, leaving these long-living homebodies at risk of further declines. (The Narwhal)
No crabs. Recreational crab fishing in Marine Area 7 North (Gulf of Georgia) will remain closed until further notice to allow additional time for crab shell conditions to improve. Fish and Wildlife will announce additional days of crabbing. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
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Business
Electric bus. WSDOT and Amtrak unveiled new electric buses that will operate between Seattle and Bellingham, and Seattle and Portland. The EV can make the nearly 200-mile round trip on one single charge. (KGMI)
WTA riders. Continued decline in Whatcom Transit ridership is forcing WTA to consider expanding into the area of providing affordable housing. (CDN/paywall)
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Community
Canoe race. The annual Swinomish Days featured canoe races started in 1997 at Snee-Oosh honoring the birthday of Chester Cayou, Sr. Fifteen canoe clubs competed last weekend in the races. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
The Plover. The restoration of the historic Plover passenger ferry which transports passengers from Semiahmoo Spit to Blaine will have to wait until Sept. 11 for a decision regarding a $5,000 request for repairs before the Blaine City Council. (The Northern Light)
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Commentary
GOP head. New chairman of the Washington State Republican Party Jim Walsh [R-19] is a state legislator, culture warrior and anti-vaxxer who once pinned a Star of David on his shirt in protest of COVID-19 vaccine regulations, likening government’s efforts to protect people from the pandemic with Jews’ identity requirements in the Third Reich. (Post Alley)
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Arts & Leisure
Noisy Waters. Paper Whale presents the Noisy Waters Mural Festival, taking place at Bellingham’s waterfront Aug. 18–20, featuring more than 25 artists from across North America doing live mural painting with a goal to activate a wider diversity of artistic representation in the community. (Whatcom Talk)
"The Princess and the Frog" on the Fairhaven Green, Aug. 19, with Guitars and Gratitude. Movies start at dusk and entertainment about 2 hours prior to the movie. Ticketing Prices: $7 per person cash, $8 per person credit card; kids 4 and under are FREE. Concession tickets available for $3 each (popcorn, soda/water and candy available). Info.
Library jazz. Whatcom County Library System and Blaine Friends of the Library present the final Summer Jazz program. Young people session on Aug. 18; all ages on Aug. 19. (The Northern Light)
“Nature’s Kingdom.” Allied Arts of Whatcom County's August gallery show features an exploration of the abundant forms, colors and materials of the natural world in the works of Bluejay Blackburn, Lori Hill, Michael Colahan, Rachel Simpson, Sacha Bliese, Scott Ward and Vikki Jackson. Through Aug. 26, Tues.–Sat., 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Information.
Park music. Bellingham's Elizabeth Park summer concerts are presented every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 24. Donations welcomed. Program information.
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Jump in!
Sheriff, Executive and Council. The Bellingham City Club's Aug. 23 forum features candidates for the office of sheriff, county executive and county council at-large positions. Register no later than Sunday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m.Click here to register.
Bay day. The Skagit Marine Resources Committee holds its Fidalgo Bay Day, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fidalgo Bay Resort. Information.
Salmon sightings. Watch pink salmon return at the Thompson Creek Bridge, Aug. 25–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.
Barney Lake. Help remove blackberry along a fence line protecting a planting area with native trees and shrubs at the Barney Lake Conservation Area. Sept. 2, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration required. Skagit Land Trust.
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.
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Government
San Juan County.
The council will meet on Aug. 22. Agenda and media link.
Agenda includes:
• Discussion/Action: Review the SJI Destination Management Plan (Draft) and Public Process.
SJI League of Women Voters Observer Corps report:
•Friday Harbor Town Council Aug. 17, 2023
• SJI Fire District Aug. 8, 2023
City of Bellingham.
The council met on Aug. 14. Agenda items included:
Mayor's Report:
• The City is field testing climate tools, including assisting homeowners convert to electric appliances.
The council will meet again on Sept. 11.
Whatcom County.
The council will meet next on Sept. 12.
Port of Bellingham.
The commission will meet next 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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