Independent, fact-based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties

News from the Salish Current August 11, 2023

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Dear Reader—
Take some time to read Matt Benoit’s story this week about the state of our local theater scene and Adam M. Soward’s story about what it measn to save Skagit agriculture. Stevan Harrell writes about opportunities to save Bellingham’s Samish Crest natural features. And, as usual, there’s a cureated selection of regional clippings to keep you apprised of what’s going on in our larger community.

We’re delighted to welcome Bellingham resident Shawn Kemp to our board of directors. Shawn is a strategist, engineer, designer, marketer, community organizer and leader — a serial entrepreneur and innovator who has helped launch dozens of products.

Salish Current believes that a healthy community thrives on information it can trust. Salish Current is an independent source of information about climate change, justice and culture for Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties; provided free of charge in order to help everyone understand what can be done as a community. One important way we can build that community is for you to share this newsletter with others and encourage others to subscribe — it’s free.

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. 11, 2023: Elephant Day, B.C. drought, Columbia salmon recovery failure, Washington carbon tax repeal, baby orcas, marine heat wave, TM pipe, Fairy Creek protest, refinery safety, Columbia River treaty.

Support Us

Pandemic’s passed but local theaters are (cautiously) optimistic

Improv performers interact with the audience at a recent Upfront Theatre show. The improv theater will begin its third season on Prospect Street next month, after reforming as a nonprofit during the pandemic. (Matt Benoit / Salish Current photo © 2023)

By Matt Benoit
Post-COVID theater attendance lags but new alignments and venues promise a brighter future.

Echoing a sign in The Saltbox Barn, Skagit County farmers large and small are looking for a happily-ever-after ending in regard to rules around event venues in the ag zone. The planning commission has extended the comment period until Aug. 17 on a proposal that would limit events. (Adam M. Sowards / Salish Current photo © 2023)

By Adam M. Sowards
A proposal that would constrain Skagit farms in operating as event venues has prompted discussion on the future of the area’s sense of place.

A development of "unique luxury homes" is proposed for atop Bellingham's Samish Hill — on a site with a view and recreational potential some say should be preserved for public use. (Dina Dickerson photo © 2023)

By Stevan Harrell
Commentary: The trails and views overlooking Bellingham toward the west can and should be saved for people.

Letters to the Editor

• Lembo: The fox situation
• Cole: Credit where it is due

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

News from around the region...

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Health and Safety

Jail funding. Questions, concerns and good intentions surround the implementation plan for the November vote on the proposed sales tax increase to fund a new jail and behavioral health services. (CDN/paywall)

Officer training. Despite a voter-approved measure in 2018, less than a third of Washington police are certified in new de-escalation and mental health training. (Washington State Standard)

Burn ban. San Juan County has modified its burn ban requirements to allow recreational and cooking fires, limited to three feet in diameter and two feet high, when safety precautions are followed. (San Juan County)

Education

Lynden budget. Lynden School District directors are to vote on a $50.1 million FY 2024 budget. The district expects revenue of approximately $58 million, estimates expenditures of $59.1 million, and will cover the shortfall from its reserve. (Lynden Tribune/paywall)

School fees. To ease budget shortfalls, the Anacortes School District is asking families to pay a little more in fees for extracurricular activities this coming school year. Fees affected would be for sports participation and sports equipment. (Anacortes American/paywall)

The Border & Beyond

B.C. pollution. B.C. officials confirmed that high levels of fecal bacteria are polluting the Nooksack River from multiple sources on the Canadian side of the border. (CBC)

Crossing upgrades. Share public comments at a virtual meeting about modernizing the border crossings in Lynden and Sumas on Aug. 23, 5 p.m. (KGMI)

Nature

By youth, for youth. A two-day environmental event organized by The Youth Advisory Council, a group of high school students, involved young people in invasive ivy removal and workshops in climate change science, political engagement and activism. (CDN/paywall)

Name battle. The battle in the Audubon Society over the group namesake’s ties to slavery has grown into a conflict over diversity. (NY Times/paywall) See: "Changing names to step out of a racist shadow" Salish Current, Sept. 29, 2022)

Oly oyster. Fidalgo Bay's Olympia oysters are flourishing, according to a volunteer survey of organizations and agencies. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)

Marine heat wave. Ocean temperatures have risen in waters off the Pacific coast to "extreme" levels, causing experts to worry about the health of marine life. (CBC)

Tufted puffins. Once common in northern waters, tufted puffin numbers have dropped by 90% since 1990 and a small breeding colony remains on tiny Smith Island. (Salish Sea Currents Magazine)

Business

Ferry fares. WSF fares will increase by 4.25% for vehicles and walk-on passengers on Oct. 1 and again by another 4.25% on Oct. 1, 2024. But a revenue forecast shows WSF still having a $8.7 million budget shortfall. (Washington State Standard)

Fat recovery. Canada-based West Coast Reductions in Skagit County is the first U.S. facility to test and mix used cooking oil and beef fat together, then send to a refinery at Cherry Point to be refined into low-carbon diesel fuel. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)

Worker safety. The state Department of Labor and Industries proposes updating safety guidelines for workers at the state's five oil refineries. (CDN/paywall)

Whale watch manners. Best practices for shoreside watching and boat adventures. (Seattle Times/paywall)

Luxury condos. In February 2022, the Port of Bellingham and Harcourt Developments began construction of three condominiums set to open this October. While the condos might look quite attractive to buyers, they could be an eyesore for current local businesses in the area. (The Front)

Community

Angry farmers. Why has a three-mile-long multi-use trail on San Juan Island built in parallel to a county road along farmland drawn the ire of local farmers? (Seattle Times/paywall)

Birch Bay survey. A second Birch Bay governance survey has been issued to include input from unincorporated residents just outside of the Birch Bay urban growth area. The survey deadline is Aug. 16. (The Northern Light)

Rage. The Bellingham City Club's July 26 program, "All the Rage: How American Politics Boiled Over," is available for viewing.

Maritime heritage. Check out the newly established Maritime Washington National Heritage Area website celebrating Washington’s seaside culture. (The Northern Light)

Arts & Leisure

FHFF double-bill. "The Ramba Effect" and "Let There Be Drums" are presented Aug. 11 at free in-person screenings at the San Juan Island Grange and online at the Friday Harbor Film Festival site. "The Ramba Effect" (4:30–6 p.m.) is local filmmaker Claire Sanberg's “sneak peek” at a film about an elephant sanctuary. And "Let There Be Drums" (7–9 p.m.) is, not surprisingly, about drums, drumming and drummers. FHFF information.

“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.

"Mad Max: Fury Road." The Pickford's rooftop cinema series, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. party, film at dusk, always free. Atop Bellingham's downtown Parkade on Commercial. Info.

"Field of Dreams." Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema. Entertainment: Cardova. Aug. 12. Movies start at dusk and entertainment about 2 hours prior to the movie. $7 per person cash, $8 per person credit card; kids 4 and under are FREE. Information.

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)

Library jazz. Whatcom County Library System presents Friends of the Library Summer Jazz in various locations on Aug. 19. Free. Information and registration.

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.

Jump in!

“The Least of Us.” Bellingham Library's Community Conversations Aug. 14 and Aug. 17 feature a facilitated discussion of the book by Sam Quinones, "The Least of Us." Pre-register for the Aug. 14 program and for the Aug. 17 program.

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.

Government

Elections.
Primary election certification Aug. 15, 2023.

San Juan County.
The council met on Aug. 8. Here's the link to agenda and video

SJ LWV Observer Corps:
• SJ County Council August 8

The council will meet again on Aug. 22. Agenda and media link.

City of Bellingham.
The council met on Aug. 7. Agenda items included:

Public Works and Natural Resources Committee:
• Post Point Resource Recovery Plant Update.
Construction and update costs for the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant are estimated by staff to be $541 million. (CDN/paywall)

The council amended the city's budget to allocate $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to fund services in Bellingham for homeless individuals, low-income housing projects and the local food bank. (CDN/paywall)

The council will meet on Aug. 14. Agenda items include:
Planning Committee:
• Discussion of Legislative Review of a Proposed Amendment to Fairhaven Urban Village Standards. Staff memo.

Community and Economic Development Committee:
• 2023 Point in Time (PIT) Report. Presentation.

Committee of the Whole:
• Recreational Vehicle Parking. Draft Ordinance.

The council will meet again on Sept. 11.

Whatcom County.
The council met on Aug. 8. Agenda items included:

Consent agenda:
• The council authorized by consent the County Executive to enter into an Interlocal Agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for construction of a crosswalk at Samish Way and Galbraith Lane, in the amount of $17,000 (amount revised to $22,100).

• The council authorized (6-1, Elenbaas nay) the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to administer the Housing and Essential Needs program in the amount of $5,106,192 for a total amended contract amount of $7,917,456. Staff memo.

Other Items:
• The council authorized (5-2, Elenbaas and Byrd nays) the County Executive to enter into a contract between Chuckanut Health Foundation and Whatcom County for administration services in support of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission in the amount of $235,592. Staff memo.

Public Works and Health Committee:
• The council approved (6-1, Elenbaas nay) a substitute resolution affirming that affordable housing and homelessness are a public health crisis and requesting updates on county actions. Substitute resolution.

Committee of the Whole:
• Sending a joint Council/Executive letter to the Port of Bellingham regarding broadband investments was referred to committee. Draft letter.

Resolution considered separately:
• The council tabled (4-2-1, Donovan and Frazer nays, Galloway abstain) a proposing resolution amendmending the Whatcom County Charter to define the Sheriff as an appointed rather than elected position. Proposed resolution.

The council will meet next on Sept. 12.

Port of Bellingham.
The commission met on Aug. 8. Video link. Agenda items included:

Consent Agenda:
• The commission unanimously approved its consent agenda.

Presentation:
• Q2 Financials & 2022 Audit Report and 2022 Audit Report, Tamara Sobjack. [Video 6;22-28:33]

Action Items:
• The commission unanimously authorized the Executive Director to execute an Authorization to Proceed for the BoardMill Group LLC’s proposed BoardMill Block project within the Waterfront District. [Brian Gouran. Video 29:09-56:00]

• The commission unanimously approved a motion authorizing the Executive Director to execute an Agreed Order to perform remedial design at the Westman Marine cleanup Site. [Ben Howard. Video 54:18-1:10]

• The commission unanimously approved a motion authorizing the Executive Director to execute the Second Amendment to the Whatcom Waterway Consent Decree. [Brian Gouran. Video 1:11:10-1:38:02]

Other business:
• Port staff and commission discussed metal recycling noise issue, possible resolutions, ongoing projects to mitigate conflicts. [Video 1:48:39-1:58]

The commission will meet next on Sept. 19.