Cover Story
Bellingham’s Post Point Heron Colony on the Move
by Tori Lehman Near the northern edge of Bellingham, the recently completed Little Squalicum Estuary blooms with life. The estuary, completed in 2024 as part of the City of Bellingham’s efforts to rebuild historical wetland habitat, creates foraging ground and … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
Beaks and Bills by Joe Meche I don’t know if I had a period of prescience or just sheer luck, but we decided to forego a trip to eastern Washington this year and opted for the coast instead. I made … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at May 12, 2026 Meeting Shall the council: 114. Authorize the executive to sign a ,000 contract (amendment #3) with Cascadia Law Group of Seattle to provide legal consultation and representation services regarding State … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Take at the May 12, 2026 Meeting Shall the commission: 65. Formalize Tiffany DeSimone in the role of permanent executive director of the Port of Bellingham? At the 6/3/2025 meeting, vote #64, the commission voted (2-1, Bobby Briscoe opposed) … Continue reading
Watching Government
Action Taken at May 11, 2026 Meeting Shall the council: 75. Authorize the mayor to extend sewer service to 2863 Seaview Circle? The residence located at 2863 Seaview Circle was constructed in 1949. It is served with water from City … Continue reading
Book Review
New Book Recalls Skagit Experiment in Socialist Living
Rebels in the Wild The Equality Colony and the Taming of American Capitalism by Robert Burns (Author) and Libby Burns (Illustrator) RWBurns Publications, 2025 366 pages, paperback, .99 ISBN-13: 979-8994055809 Interview by Dean Kahn Author Robert Burns details the lives … 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 and summarized by Jayne Freudenberger, climate committee chair, League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County. Arizona and Nevada … Continue reading
Community Service Spotlight
Community First Whatcom Runs Ballot Initiative Campaigns
Community Service Spotlight by Selena Knoblauch Community First Whatcom, formerly People First Bellingham, is a 501(c)4 nonprofit based out of Whatcom County. We run ballot initiative campaigns to pass community-led legislation focused on economic justice. Since the group was founded … Continue reading
Housing
Bellingham’s Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program
by Liam Walsh The City of Bellingham’s Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program (RRSI) has been in effect since 2015. In that time, landlords and property management companies have had increased accountability, and Bellingham’s rental stock has improved. The program … Continue reading
Native Plant Neighbors
Native Plant Neighbors by Eric Worden We have all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We have all ignored that saying. There is another more pointed tale from the same vein: A man met another, who … Continue reading
Natural Biology
Where Do Our Local Plant Communities Get This Crucial Element? by Theodore Hoss Take a deep breath. Over 78 percent of the gas you just breathed in is nitrogen. Nitrogen is critical for life on earth, playing a role in … Continue reading
poetrywatch
“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.” — John F. Kennedy Boris … Continue reading
Talk to Us
Reader Comments on Sidewalk Inventory Request Dear Editor: An article in Whatcom Watch’s “Talk to Us” (April/May 2026) concerning neighborhood sidewalk inventories caught my interest. I was impressed with the substantial effort those involved had made. However, I’d like to … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Twenty Years Ago Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below Being Frank column appeared in the July 2006 issue of Whatcom Watch. by Billy Frank, Jr. What you don’t … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Critter-Friendly Shoreline for Bellingham
Twenty Years Ago Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. Editor’s note: The below article appeared on the front page of the July 2006 issue of Whatcom Watch. by Wendy Steffensen Fish … Continue reading
