June 2022 (volume 31, issue 6)

Metered Parking in Fairhaven Frustrates Residents

by Tyler Brown Overheard in early May at the intersection of 11th and Mckenzie Avenue in Fairhaven: A white-haired couple steps out of their parked car to see a new sign posted on the street lamp reading, “Paid Parking Begins … Continue reading

Back to the Eastside

by Joe Meche A traditional spring routine for me has been to spend time on the Washington coast from mid- to late April to sample the spring shorebird migration. I’ve always found adequate camping facilities on both the north and … Continue reading

Whatcom County Council

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at April 12, 2022 Meeting Shall the council: 92. Authorize the executive to sign a ,000 contract (amendment #1) with Herrera Environmental Consultants of Seattle? The contract will expand the scope of work, timeline, … Continue reading

Bellingham City Council

Action Taken at April 11, 2022 Meeting The mayor reappointed Kendra Bradford to her second term on the Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors. The arboretum site is 175.5 acres; the city owns 137.5 acres and Western Washington University owns … Continue reading

Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at April 5, 2022 Meeting The meeting was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. Action Taken at April 19, 2022 Meeting Shall the commission: 37. Amend the budget to allow the installation of security cameras … Continue reading

Hedgerows, Reservoirs of Life

by Jean Carmean and Jayne Freudenberger Despite attempts to convince property owners that hedgerows have myriad benefits, such as water storage, noise and wind reduction, and wildlife protection, hedgerows have not yet made a major comeback, but, led by many … Continue reading

Alliance Provides Mental Health Help

by NAMI Whatcom Board Strategic Planning Committee Founded in 1984, NAMI Whatcom is an affiliate of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), which was started in 1979 when two mothers, each with a son with schizophrenia, met over lunch … Continue reading

Season Begins: Flowers, Vermiculture, HB 1799, Elderflower Cordial

by Elisabeth Marshall  This cold, wet spring has our nerves a bit frazzled. We have starts waiting in our greenhouse to go in the ground, and, finally, in early May, most of them will make it. We’ve already planted all … Continue reading

Parking Charge Goes To Volkswagen

PayByPhone app adds a flat fee of 25 cents per transaction  Editor’s Note: I thought this was a good companion piece to go with the front page article. It initially appeared on January 18, 2020 on the Northwest Citizien website.  … 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 Do … Continue reading

2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

by Jamie Ptacek and Futurewise Staff In the blink of an eye, the 2022 WA Legislative Session has come and gone. Despite the devastating, 11th hour death of HB1099, our bill with Rep. Davina Duerr to add climate change planning … Continue reading