Cover Story
Expanding Shelters in Whatcom County
by Meghan Fenwick In a Whatcom County Council meeting on September 24, Human Services Manager Ann Beck updated the council on their progress in establishing a severe weather shelter between November 2024 and February 2025. Below freezing temperatures can pose … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Looking Forward in the New Year
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche Throughout the colder, wetter months I’ll admit to spending time thinking about warmer days and distant ports of call. My usual routine is to consider the east side of the mountains where spring birds … Continue reading
Being Frank
Today’s Youth Are Tomorrow’s Salmon Stewards
Being Frank by Ed Johnstone As tribal leaders, we are looking ahead to the next seven generations of environmental stewards to protect salmon, shellfish, wildlife and plant resources. It is our responsibility to provide young leaders with the tools to … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at December 9, 2024 Meeting Mayor’s report Mayor Lund highlighted her recent executive order expanding housing options in Bellingham. The executive order directs action in three broad areas: diversifying and expanding housing options in all neighborhoods through priority … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at December 17, 2024 Meeting Shall the commission: 109. Authorize the executive director to implement the port’s air service incentive program? The purpose of the plan is to encourage current or new airlines to schedule additional flights to … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at December 2, 2024 Special Meeting Shall the council: 340. Certify Whatcom County’s 2025 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing … Continue reading
Watching Government
Whatcom Watch has completed 26 years of reporting votes. We’re committed to continuing to report on votes; we feel they’re a valuable contribution to our community— and subscribers affirmed in a recent survey that the votes are valuable to them. … Continue reading
Bellingham Parks
City of Bellingham Acquires Largest Tract of Land to Date for Greenways Program
A Neighborhood Park and New Trail Will Be Created on the 116-acre Property. The Bellingham City Council recently voted to approve the purchase of more than 116 acres of state trust land using .19 million in Greenways levy funds. The … Continue reading
Climate
Articles You Might Have Missed
Climate Good News Around the world people are taking the initiative to mitigate climate change. Here are some good news briefs compiled by the Climate Issue group of the LWV of Bellingham/Whatcom. How a Middle Schooler Found a New Compound … Continue reading
Community Service Spotlight
Community Service Spotlight by Evan Mulligan Whatcom Clubhouse gives people living with serious mental illness opportunities for friendship, employment, housing, education and access to medical and psychiatric services in a single caring and safe environment. This social and economic inclusion … Continue reading
Incarceration
Whatcom County’s Behind the Scenes Reform
Part 2 Electronic Home Monitoring for a New Lease on Life by Ella Gage There’s a fine line between locking up offenders who pose a critical threat to public safety and creating alternate pathways for those who commit low-level crimes … Continue reading