|
Independent, fact-based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties
|
|
News from the Salish Current August 25, 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—
Coverage this week includes news of the death of Sk’aliCh’elh’tenaut — the Southern Resident orca whale also known as Tokitae who performed in captivity for 53 years as Lolita — reported by Richard Arlin Walker; also Managing Editor Mike Sato comments on a Whatcom County candidates forum, and Wendy Feltham shares photos of gem-like fish eggs from the Salish Sea.
The independent, nonprofit news reporting world in which Salish Current operates was taken aback this week by news that the Texas Tribune, a leader in community-based journalism, reduced its news staff due to financial difficulties. Reporting out of Austin for 14 years, the Tribune is mostly funded by contributions from around 10,000 members, major donations, corporate sponsorships, and events like the annual Texas Tribune Festival.
It’s a journalism and business model the Current aspires to in a smaller but no less important community readership area and a model that we still believe we can grow into with our in-depth focus on news about climate, justice and culture.
One among a number of reasons given by the Tribune’s management for the retrenchment is the “growing phenomena of news avoidance.”
On the contrary, what we find encouraging is the growing number of readers who subscribe to the Current because they want the news we provide. You are a special community that engages with each other on ideas and issues and in civic discussion and decisions. You do not avoid the news but seek in-depth stories, curated news items and community essays.
We know that there are many others inside and outside our readership area who likewise seek out real news, solid journalism, independent reporting. Please share this newsletter and ask them 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 Aug. 25, 2023: Dog Day, Tokitae, GenZ climate, WA forests, Cowichan R, 'Aroma of Tacoma,' E.coli, Garbage Patch, Skeena last fish, the Blob.
|
|
Lummi Nation prepares for Sk'aliCh'elh'tenaut's return home
|
|
|
Captured at around four years old, the Southern Resident orca whale Sk'aliCh'elh'tenaut died earlier this month, still in captivity in a Florida amusement park, while efforts to return her home alive to the Salish Sea were underway. She died before that could happen. (Wikimedia image)
|
|
|
By Richard Arlin Walker
The remains of captive Southern Resident orca whale Sk'aliCh'elh'tenaut (Tokitae/Lolita) will be laid to rest in the waters where her orca pod still resides much of the year.
|
|
Editor’s Desk / Whatcom candidate forum was a study in styles
|
|
|
|
The urgent and looming reality of crowded and unsafe conditions in the Whatcom County jail, complicated by mental health issues and drug use on the streets, dominated candidate comments in a forum this week. (Whatcom County SAC video image)
|
|
By Mike Sato
Commentary: A Whatcom County candidates forum revealed differences in style if not policy.
|
|
|
|
Many people are familiar with fish eggs enjoyed by humans — caviar, sushi roe; and many fish eggs provide valuable nutrition for seabirds and marine invertebrates. Even experts can’t identify all fish eggs just from a photo, including this cluster of orange eggs nibbled on by two Sanderlings near Point Wilson. (Wendy Feltham photo)
|
|
By Wendy Feltham
A photographer provides an up-close and personal look at eggs found on beaches in or near Port Townsend.
|
|
• Supports County Sheriff candidate Tanksley
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.
|
|
|
Salish Current affirms its commitment to work for truth, justice, equality and healing for all people.
#SayTheirNames #BlackLivesMatter #NoJusticeNoPeace
|
|
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!)
|
|
Health and Safety
Palliative care. PeaceHealth in Whatcom County said it is bringing back its outpatient palliative care program, but when and what the program will look like when it returns was not disclosed. (CDN/paywall)
Homeless health. Ground was broken in Bellingham last week for construction of The Way Station which will provide 24-7 medical relief, health care services, restrooms, showers and connections for people experiencing homelessness. (KGMI)
PFAS. Public water systems across the U.S. — including those in Washington — that have found “forever chemicals” in their drinking water are eligible for a piece of roughly $1.2 billion as part of a court settlement with chemical and manufacturing giants DuPont, Chemours and Corteva. (Seattle Times/paywall)
COVID mutant. A highly mutated variant of the virus behind COVID-19 has popped up in Israel, Denmark, U.S., U.K. but not yet in Canada. BA.2.86 was deemed a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on Aug. 17, but scientists aren't yet sure whether it will help fuel a fall wave of infections or simply fizzle out. (CBC)
Smoke protection. After the smoky summer of 2020, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries filed emergency rules requiring employers to monitor workers for potential symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and provide respirators for voluntary use. Washington will soon adopt a permanent rule regulating outdoor workers’ smoke exposure. (High County News)
Constitutional sheriffs. A right-wing national sheriffs group that claims the top law enforcers in American counties are not bound by federal law is gaining acceptance around the country. (ABC News) See also: "Right-wing sheriff candidates who believe their power exceeds the feds are on the ballot in WA" (Investigate West, Nov. 7, 2022)
|
|
Education
School board pledge. Defense of Democracy, a national nonpartisan group advocating for an inclusive public education system, has provided parents and voters with a pledge to send school board candidates to indicate candidates' support for an inclusive education system. (Defense of Democracy)
School rules. Bellingham Public Schools officials have adopted a crisis response program, following its successful implementation at Ferndale and Lynden school districts. The "I Love U Guys" program details five actions in a Standard Response Protocol — hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter — and outlines incidents that would trigger the needed response and what to do. (CDN/paywall)
|
|
Nature
Go crab. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife opened the area north of the San Juan Islands (Marine Area 7 North, Gulf of Georgia) on Sunday to recreational crab fishing, Thursday through Monday, until Sept. 30. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
No dig. Washington State Department of Health closed recreational shellfish harvesting in San Juan County on Aug. 22 due to unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poison. (San Juan County)
Mature forests. More than 200 people gathered for the Rally to Protect Mature Forests Tuesday at Bellingham's Maritime Heritage Park to pressure the Department of Natural Resources to stop logging and conserve “mature legacy forests” — forests that were last logged after 1945 and have naturally regenerated. (CDN/paywall)
|
|
Business
Ferry woes 1. Two and a half years after Washington state and Vigor Shipyards committed to building five new clean-running ferries by 2028, with the first rolling off the line by 2022, the partnership has fallen apart, casting the grand plans for a reborn fleet into a state of uncertainty at a time when new boats are needed more than ever. (Seattle Times/paywall)
Ferry woes 2. A naked woman ran aboard the 4:45 p.m. Anacortes to Friday Harbor ferry last Friday and injured an able-bodied seaman before being restrained. The injury to the crew member resulted in the sailing being cancelled because the ferry didn't have the required number of Coast Guard-approved crew. (San Juan Islander)
Ferry woes 3. The inter-island ferry Chelan on the San Juan Islands route hit the shoreline late Saturday night, disrupting inter-island service until Tuesday afternoon when the Chelan was removed from the Friday Harbor dock for repairs and replaced by the Samish. (Seattle Times/paywall)
Ferry survey. Washington State Ferries is looking for feedback on who travels across Puget Sound. Those who fill out the confidential passenger demographic survey by Aug. 31 will have a chance to win a $100 gift card. (WSF)
Go for gold. The Skagit Valley Food Co-op, community-owned by about 23,000 area households, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Aug. 9. "Co-ops aren’t just for hippies anymore,” said the Co-op's Nicole Vander Meulen. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
Noise complaints. Port of Anacortes commissioners listened for nearly three hours to more than 80 public complaints Aug. 17 about commercial maritime operations noise at the commercial ramp and Pier Two. (Anacortes American/paywall)
Tourism grants. Tax on hotel/motel bills collected by cities are providing grants to promote more tourism. Grant applications are open for Bellingham (Sept. 1 deadline). (Visit Bellingham/Whatcom County)
Tribal broadband. The Port of Skagit has received $600,000 from the state Broadband Office for its Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe broadband project to connect the tribal community with fiber optic infrastructure. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall)
Grocer merger. Washington state Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and six other state treasurers are urging federal regulators to oppose the acquisition by Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket chain, of Albertsons, the second largest, for $24.6 billion. (Washington State Standard)
Agritourism. Hundreds of public comments were received regarding Skagit County's proposed code regulating non-farming activities on farmland. The comments may be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Sept. 26 and discussed at its Oct. 10 meeting. (Skagit Valley Herald/paywall) See also: "Finding happily ever after in Skagit’s ag zone" (Salish Current, Aug. 11, 2023)
|
|
Community
Work less. The San Juan County Council voted unanimously this week to move union employees to a 32-hour work week with no reduction in pay. The move affects about 70% of the county’s labor force, which includes 142 nurses, environmental stewards, road-crew workers, park workers, clerks and other county employees. Sheriff’s office employees and managers are not affected. (Seattle Times/paywall)
Bring Tokitae home. Following Tokitae's sudden death, the Lummi Nation is now calling for the orca's remains to be returned to the region. Ruby de Luna reports. (KUOW) (See also “Lummi Nation prepares for Sk’aliCh’elh’tenaut’s return home,” Salish Current.)
IOSA. The Island’s Oil Spill Association, the islands’ oil spill volunteer first responders since 1985, is building its new headquarters in partnership with the Port of Friday Harbor. (San Juan Journal/paywall)
|
|
Commentary
Maui tourism. For those on the Hawaiian island whose jobs depend on tourism, a period of mourning and recovery has also brought fear for their livelihoods. (The New Yorker)
|
|
Arts & Leisure
Summit to Sea. Take an epic adventure following snowmelt from the peak of Mount Baker to the water of Bellingham Bay. (Powder Magazine)
"The Princess Bride" on the Fairhaven Green, Aug. 26, with Birdhouse. Movies start at dusk and entertainment about 2 hours prior to the movie. Ticket 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.
“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.
|
|
Jump in!
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.
Metal shredder. Public meeting about ABC Recycling's plans to build an industrial metal shredder northwest of Birchwood in the county at the city limits of Bellingham. Sept. 6, 6–8 p.m., Alderwood Elementary School. Save the Bellingham Waterfront.
Watmough addition. The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Commission will meet to hear public comments regarding future plans for the Watmough Bay Preserve Addition (formerly the Higgins property), Sept. 8, 10:15 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center and via Zoom. Information.
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.
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. "To the Rescue: Protecting 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.
|
|
Government
For the people
San Juan County
The council met on Aug. 22. Agenda and media link.
SJI League of Women Voters Observer Corps report:
• County Council Meeting, 8/22/23.
City of Bellingham
The council will meet on Sept. 11.
Whatcom County
The council will meet on Sept. 12.
Port of Bellingham
The commission will meet on Sept. 19.
Elections
Certification of the Primary election was completed on Aug. 15, 2023.
Candidates for the General election are listed at:
Whatcom County
Skagit County
San Juan County
Public Disclosure Commission report 8/25/23
Whatcom County
Executive
Satpal Sidhu: Raised $88,472.00; Spent $70,341.01; Debt $33,042.86; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Dan Purdy: Raised $16,362.64; Spent $30,615.64; Debt $2,265; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Council District 4
Mark Stremler: Raised $27,267.18; Spent $20,548.45; Debt $480.00; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Kathy Kershner: Raised $78,309.73; Spent $28,781.05; Debt $0; Outside for $415.74 Outside against $0
Council District 5
Ben Elenbaas: Raised $21,072.34; Spent $7,251.15; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Jackie Dexter: Raised $7,363.33; Spent $5,178.81; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
At-Large Position B
Jon Scanlon: Raised $47,624.19; Spent $41,348.79; Debt $12,839; Outside for $415.74; Outside against 0
Hannah Ordos: Raised $17,612.33; Spent $7,826.00; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Sheriff
Donnell “Tank” Tanksley: Raised $55,356.22; Spent $16,782.17; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Doug Chadwick: Raised $44,519.49; Spent $22,077.58; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
City of Bellingham
Mayor
Seth Fleetwood: Raised $31,749.50; Spent $30,036.97; Debt $16,300.00; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Kim Lund: Raised $59,187.09; Spent $15,450.68; Debt $0; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Council Ward 1
Hannah Stone: Raised $2,455.03; Spent $688.90; Debt $0; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Eamonn Collins: Raised $7,761.67; Spent $9,786.91; Debt $0; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Council Ward 3
Liz Darrow: Raised $17,242.83; Spent $11,982.15; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Daniel Hammill: Raised $14,487.95; Spent $4,188.05; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
Council At-Large
Jace Cotton: Raised $14,913.97; Spent $13,374.25; Debt $0; Outside for $415.74; Outside against $0
Russ Whidbee: Raised $12,187.02; Spent $10,715.70; Debt $0; Outside for $0; Outside against $0
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
