May 2016 (volume 25, issue 5)

State Water Resource Data Crucial For Best Management

by Eric Hirst The Washington State Department of Ecology, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is subject to strong — and opposing — political forces. Pro-market conservatives argue that Ecology’s regulations are too strict, raise costs to consumers and destroy … Continue reading

Is Growth Progress?

by Christine Westland “In the Heart of the Sea” is a thrilling movie — a true story and the impetus for the novel “Moby Dick.” The story is about whaling and takes place about 200 years ago. People had no … Continue reading

Semiahmoo: Four Seasons of Birds

by Joe Meche Throughout the year and for any number of reasons, I often find myself drawn to visiting one place in particular. I’ve probably voiced this opinion before but just for the record, whenever I’m asked about my favorite … Continue reading

Tough Times Mean Hard Decisions in Planning Fishing Seasons

by Lorraine Loomis Tough times call for hard decisions, and we are facing some of the most difficult times we’ve ever seen when it comes to this year’s expected coho returns to western Washington. After last year’s disastrous coho run, … Continue reading

Whatcom County Council

Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at March 8, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 42. Authorize the executive to sign a ,090 contract with Transportation Engineers Northwest of Bellevue for a Lakeway Drive crosswalk? At the 10/28/2014 meeting, vote #196, … Continue reading

Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Andrew S. McBride Action Taken at March 1, 2016 Meeting Shall the commission: 48. Authorize the executive director to sign a cost-sharing partnership with Whatcom County for licensed Pictometry Imagery and software? At the 9/3/2013 meeting, vote #133, … Continue reading

Bellingham City Council

Compiled by Boris Schleinkofer Action Taken at March 7, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 38. Authorize the mayor to sign a financing agreement with the Bellingham-Whatcom Public Facilities District? The city will issue limited tax general obligation bonds and then … Continue reading

Poetry Watch

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

Living in a Boom Town:

by Richard Navas For centuries, Americans held an unquestioned belief that growth is good. From the founding of Jamestown, VA, in 1607 to the sudden fortunes of Silicon Valley in California, this nation was raised on the legend of El … Continue reading

Do Convention Centers Live up to Their Touted Benefits?

by Lawrence Tabak Editor’s Note: In October 1994, the Bellingham City Council created the 17 member Convention Center Task Force. In December 1995, the task force recommended a 22-story complex be built in downtown Bellingham. The plan called for a … Continue reading

Juanita Jefferson: Lummi Elder and Activist

by Kathryn Fentress Juanita Jefferson is a retired 80-year­old Lummi Tribal Elder who has been an activist most of her adult life, working unceasingly for the well-being of her community. She has raised four sons and has 53 grandchildren. She … Continue reading

Protecting the Past

by Maria Matson Editor’s Note: This is an abridged version of an article that appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Klipsun magazine. For the full story go to: www.klipsunmagazine.com The boat speeds north, away from the reservation and cutting … Continue reading