Fossil Fuels

  February 2022

Refinery Communities Deserve a Transition Plan

by Zane Gustafson The long-term stability of Washington’s five oil refineries is in doubt. But that doesn’t mean the workers and local communities who support this industry have to share its fate. If local leaders start planning now, communities like … Continue reading

Comments Off on Refinery Communities Deserve a Transition Plan

  February 2022

Dealing With Extreme Weather

by Stevan Harrell Is Whatcom’s Harsh Weather Due to Climate Change? As we move on from 2021, we won’t soon forget what its weather did to us. In June, we had record high temperatures everywhere, reaching 99 degrees Fahrenheit in … Continue reading

Comments Off on Dealing With Extreme Weather

  February 2022

Birding Anacortes

by Joe Meche It’s been a while since we celebrated Cindy’s birthday with a getaway, so this year I decided to take her someplace she’s never been. For that matter, I had never been to the Fidalgo Bay Resort, either. … Continue reading

Comments Off on Birding Anacortes

  February 2022

A Republic, if Words Can Keep It

by Dan Klefstad Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, someone asked Ben Franklin what he and the other founders created. “A republic, if you can keep it” is his reputed reply. Two hundred thirty-five years later I … Continue reading

Comments Off on A Republic, if Words Can Keep It

  February 2022

Regional Resource Center Services

Grab and Go Help • Community flyers • Copies • Faxes • Masks and other health items • Courtesy Phone  • Little Free Library  • Clothing/household items • Job search and Resume help • Employment Hot Sheet with current local job openings • Starter Emergency Kit from PSE for Qualified … Continue reading

Comments Off on Regional Resource Center Services

  February 2022

We Watch For You

Whatcom Watch has been covering the meetings of local elected officials for 23 years. We began reporting Bellingham City Council and Whatcom County Council votes in 1999 and the Port of Bellingham Commissioner votes in 2000. We’re committed to continuing … Continue reading

Comments Off on We Watch For You

  February 2022

Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at December 6, 2021 Meeting Mayor’s Report The mayor provided an update regarding city employees’ vaccinations. At the end of summer, the mayor signed an order requiring all city employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 by 12/3/2020 as … Continue reading

Comments Off on Bellingham City Council

  February 2022

Whatcom County Council

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at December 2, 2021 Special Meeting Shall the council: 295. Certify amounts to be levied in 2022 by Whatcom County taxing districts? State law requires county level legislative authorities to certify the amount of … Continue reading

Comments Off on Whatcom County Council

  February 2022

Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at December 7, 2021 Meeting Shall the commission: 132. Authorize the sale of one vessel for the nonpayment of moorage fees? An auction was held on January 6 at the Squalicum Harbor office for … Continue reading

Comments Off on Port of Bellingham Commission