Cover Story
Untangling the Wires Understanding Tech, Recognizing Fiber
by Leslie Shankman This article is based on an ongoing conversation with Jon Humphrey, who has been a Bellingham resident for 10 years. Jon built his first computer when he was 12, and has been deeply involved in technology ever … Continue reading
Cover Story
Fighting for Everyone’s Right to Carcinogen-Free Seafood
by Eleanor Hines and Ander Russell Environmental groups, regional tribes and fishing organizations defend community health and critical protections for the consumption of Puget Sound fish. On June 11, RE Sources alongside regional tribes, environmental groups, water quality advocates and … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
by Joe Meche One of Nature’s True Marvels As long as we’ve coexisted, humans have been fascinated by and even envious of birds and their ability to fly. We’ve been equally enthralled by their most prominent features … feathers. We’ve … Continue reading
Being Frank
by Lorraine Loomis The greatest obstacle to salmon recovery in western Washington is that we continue to lose salmon habitat faster than it can be fixed and protected. Until that changes, salmon populations will continue to decline. That’s why we … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at May 5, 2020 Meeting Shall the council: 70. Authorize the executive to accept two federal grants totaling 9,700 for county projects? One grant is for preliminary engineering, environmental permitting and right-of-way acquisition (federal … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Bill McCallum Votes at the April meeting were not available when the paper was sent to the printer. Vote #39 at the 4/3/2020 meeting and votes 33 throught 35 at the 4/14/2020 meetings were approved 3-0. Action Taken … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at May 4, 2020 Meeting Presentation: Bellingham Emergency Management update on Covid-19. Of the 954 city employees, 851 are working on-site or remotely. The I.T. Department has provided instruction, resources, and support to employees so they can work … Continue reading
Climate
Bellingham Moves Forward With Phase 1 of Climate Policy Approval Process
by Alec Howard On June 8, Bellingham’s Climate and Energy Manager, Seth Vidaña, presented 10 actions from the Climate Action Plan to research further and consider adopting as policy. This step was a part of “Phase 1” of the larger … Continue reading
Community Service Providers
Opportunity Council’s Housing Programs
by Sheri Emerson Editor’s Note: There are over 100 organizations in Whatcom County working to provide supportive services to those experiencing chronic poverty and its associated effects: addiction, homelessness, incarceration, mental illness, and unemployment. Whatcom Watch believes these organizations often … Continue reading
Journalism
Today’s Threats Against Journalists
Here is a sample of headlines from May 30 to June 1, 2020, illustrating the dangers journalists face, as reported by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. • “The Buffalo News (NY) crew hit by police pepper balls while covering protests.” … Continue reading
Journalism
Despite Threats, Student Journalists Head Into the Profession
by Jennifer Karchmer When I graduated from college in the early 1990s with a journalism major, there was no talk of reporter safety — where to get a gas mask to protect you from pepper spray or how to handle … Continue reading
poetrywatch
Boris Schleinkofer, poetrywatch editor “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Monarch Butterflies – Glass Cages and Biotech Corn
by Al Hanners Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been rerunning articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below article appeared in the July 2000 issue of Whatcom Watch. Monarchs, America’s beautiful, magnificent migratory butterflies, are in trouble. Their … Continue reading
Water
Five Solutions to Whatcom County Water Issues
by Eric Hirst At the February 2020 City Club meeting, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu asked us to offer five solutions to the problems we think are most significant for the county. Here are my suggestions to deal with our … Continue reading
Wildlife
Washington State Issues Another Wolf Pack Kill Order
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a new order on June 19 authorizing the killing of up to two members of the Togo wolf pack in Ferry County. This may leave the pack with just one or two … Continue reading
Wildlife
Statement on Executive Order Undermining Environmental Review
President Trump has issued an executive order invoking an emergency section of federal law allowing significant environmental harm to wildlife and habitat without the normal Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act requirements. These laws require public input, scientific … Continue reading
