August 2023 (volume 32, issue 8)

Conserving Galbraith Mountain

by Whatcom Land Trust Staff On Galbraith Mountain, conservation, recreation and working timberland coexist in harmony. Just a short walk from downtown Bellingham, Galbraith is a world-class destination for all types of recreation — including mountain biking, hiking and trail … Continue reading

Back to California

by Joe Meche Since we’re always ready for a good road trip, an invitation to my nephew’s 60th birthday celebration was an excellent excuse to pack our bags and roll! Our destination would once again be Dillon Beach, California. It’s … Continue reading

Tell the Truth, Trust the Science About Orca Recovery

by Ed Johnstone My mentor Billy Frank Jr. always said that it’s going to take all of us working together to recover salmon.  He also said, “Tell the truth.”  The truth is that sometimes we have to change our thinking … Continue reading

Whatcom County Council

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at June 6, 2023 Meeting Shall the council: 142. Adopt amendments to the county zoning code to regulate short-term vacation rentals? (Public hearing held.) Over the years, the county has received numerous complaints about … Continue reading

Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at June 5, 2023 Meeting Shall the council: 99. Authorize the mayor to sign a letter in support of the City of Berkeley’s petition for rehearing of the California Restaurant Association vs. City of Berkeley decision? The City … Continue reading

Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at June 6, 2023 Meeting Shall the commission: 49. Award 2023 small cities economical development grants totaling 0,000 to Sumas and Nooksack? The port started the small cities grant program in 2004. The city … Continue reading

Wireworms Pester New Farmers

Editor’s Note: Whatcom Watch has entered a cooperative agreement with Salish Current. When possible, we will share each other’s content. Salish Current, an online-only news organization, covers the North Sound area and Whatcom Watch mainly covers Whatcom County issues. This … Continue reading

Articles You Might Have Missed

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. Wind, Solar Help Texas Meet Record Power Demand During Heat Wave  … Continue reading

Looking for Local Fruit?

by Annika Sampson Dear Sasquatch, Now that it’s summer, all I want to eat is fruit! And, I also want to support local farmers. My question for you is — where can I find local fruit? What makes it unique? … Continue reading

poetrywatch

Quid pro mow by Tim Pilgrim Optical conclusion — lawn needs a trim, except the mounds of brown folded in grass by sheared stalks of columbine, camas, current, rose. Near tulips, also sampled, ripped, nibbled, stripped. A doe, in tall … Continue reading

How the City of Bellingham Abused Its Citizens and the Initiative Process

Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below article is from the January 2000 issue, more than 20 years ago. We are reprinting two articles because the managing editor and staff … Continue reading

Cooperative Action Dashed by Competitive Politics

Since January 2014, Whatcom Watch has been reprinting articles from issues printed 20 years ago. The below article is from the January 2000 issue, more than 20 years ago. We are reprinting two articles because the managing editor and staff … Continue reading