special summer summer edition edition special
Western students offer advice to incoming Vikings, p. 6 Get to know some of the new 2014-2015 Associated Students Board of Directors, p. 9 Hidden spots: all the secret places around Bellingham you need to know about, p. 14 Vol.30 #1 Summer 2014
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A typical Bellingham Bay sunset at Boulevard Park. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
making your life better, one page at a time Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2014. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on under-represented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.
IN THIS ISSUE ADVICE
STUDENT LIFE
FEATURES
6 Western students
5 That’s soo Western
9 Get to know the AS
offer advice to new Vikings Transfer students, freshmen and seniors share their tips for thriving at Western
8 Tips for the sun deprived
Coming from somewhere a little sunnier? Here’s how to cope with the rain
A look at the quirks that make Western truly unique
14 Hidden spots Your guide to some of the hidden places around Bellingham that you’re going to want to explore
Board of Directors Meet the new 20142015 Associated Students Board of Directors
12 Explore the trails
of the Chuckanuts There are some new trails at one of the most popular hiking spots in Bellingham
We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
THE AS
REVIEW Abby Ramos Kelly Mason Trevor Grimm Isaac Martin Andrew Wise C Hayley Halstead Dominic D’Angelo Designer Keghouhi Bedoyan Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Photographer Writers
Can you spot the seven new 2014-2015 Associated Students Board of Directors? For more information on them, check out p. 9 Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
June 24, 2014 • 3
EVENTS Underbelly Music Festival June 13-15 // Varies // Beginning at Make.Shift at 306 Flora St. // $5 Listen to sweet music from local bands and bands from all over the West Coast at the first ever Underbelly Music First. This DIY festival starts off at Make.Shift and the locations of shows will be at different houses in Bellingham however in order to get the other locations you have to pick up a map the first night at Make.Shift.
Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema’s Summer Movies June 21 & 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26,
August 2, 9, 16 & 23 // 7 p.m. // Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema at 10th St. & Mill Ave // Free Enjoy movies and music at Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema every Saturday in June, July and August. Movies include classics like “The Goonies,” “Footloose,” “The Sandlot” and “The Princess Bride” and new movies like “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “The Lego Movie” and more. Pre-seating costs $5 and the free seats are available at dusk.
Downtown Sounds: Summer Concert Series Every Wednesday July 9 - August
8 // 5:30 p.m. // Downtown Bellingham // Free What’s more summer than an outdoor concert? Outdoor summer concerts every week in downtown Bellingham. These allages concerts offer music, dancing and food. This 10th annual event is hosted by The Downtown Bellingham Partnership.
Summer Noon Concerts Every Wednesday July 2 - // 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. // PAC Plaza // Free More free music for you to enjoy in between your summer classes. Listen to a variety different bands, hosted by AS Productions.
Left: Tangerine performs at Lawnstock on Sunday, June 1. Right: Animal Collective headlines Lawnstock. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
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Did you know...? Western fun facts array of more than 250 clubs on campus. Clubs like, Appreciate Beyonce Club, Raw Milk Club, the Ethnic Student Center Club and more, While the beautiful nature of Western’s campus charms the Westare all available for students to join. ern community and greater community alike, it’s filled with facts and Western doesn’t have a Greek system on campus. This is because evsecrets that aren’t known to all. Western Student Admissions Represen- ery four years students are able to vote through the Associated Students tative Sean Petersmark shares these fun facts with perspective students whether or not they want a Greek system on campus, but it’s continunearly every day. ally been shot down. For starters, Western wasn’t even called Western Washington UniThe only exception is the co-ed business fraternity on campus, versity until 1977. It was founded in 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal Alpha Kappa Psi, which is able to keep its title as a Greek organization School for teachers. because it’s classified as a club. During its first functional year, Western’s total enrollment was 220 There is a wide variety of interactive sculptures on campus as a part student in 1899. Today, there are nearly 15,000 students, but class sizes of the Western Gallery. Since the first piece was installed in 1960 the are still relatively low. Outdoor Sculpture collection has expanded to include over 30 pieces “The average class size at Western is 30 students. It gets smaller as around campus. One artistic piece is located on Hascal Plaza, located you get into upper level classes,” Petersmark said. “However, we do have outside of Parks Hall near the Atrium. two classes that have a maximum of 450 students, which is Environ“Hascal Plaza is a representation of the San Juan islands,” Petersmental Science 101 and Psychology 101.” mark said. “All grassy mountains represent actual islands, red bricks With over 100 majors to choose from, you’re bound to find an area represent the deep water, yellow for currents and blue is shallow water.” of study you enjoy. Western even offers the flexibility of choosing your Next to Hascall Plaza is the Communications Facility building own major through the Fairhaven College and creating your own curwhich, according to Petersmark, was made out of the same material as riculum. the Statue of Liberty. In addition to classroom-related activities on campus, there is an “It will eventually become the same color as the Statue of Liberty as the Comm building ages,” Petersmark said. Nervous about moving into a city that has a reputation for frequent rainfall? Just keep in mind New York City, Portland and Miami all receive more rainfall than Bellingham. Located in the center of Red Square, Fisher Fountain, was named after president Charles H. Fisher. The fountain is controlled by a weather tower on top of Bond Hall. “The height of the fountain varies on how windy it is,” Petersmark said. “That’s why you see it go up and down.” If you examine the fountain closely, you’ll notice a crack in it. That’s because Western is built on a peat bog, which is essentially unstable ground. In fact, Fisher Fountain and buildings surrounding it are currently sinking, hence the uneven water level. It should be a well-known fact coming to Western that the band Death Cab for Cutie was founded here, but did you know that the creator of Pictionary, Robert Angel, is also an alumn? Other notable alumni include actress and musician Carrie Brownstein, “Twilight” actor Billy Burke and graphic designer Art Chantry. Students lounge around Fisher Fountain in Red Square blisfully unFor more information about the bounteous clubs, activities, aware of it sinking into the ground below them. Photo by Trevor programs and things to do while at Western, check out the upcoming Info Fair at the beginning of fall quarter. Grimm // AS Review By C Hayley Halstead
June 24, 2014 • 5
That’s soo Western: Eight quirks that reflect Western By Kelly Mason
Square or at Lawnstock hooping to the music.
ing pizza out of the trash cans by the dining hall.
Have you ever walked through Western’s campus, saw something eccentric and you thought to yourself: That’s sooooo Western? Probably. So, we’ve compiled a list of things that are sooooo Western.
Zombies For eight days during fall and spring quarter, Western is invaded by zombies. Just kidding, although Western’s HvZ club does host a Human versus Zombies game, there are no zombies on campus [except maybe during Dead Week].
Grazing in the grass Despite all that rain, Western still gets a lot of sunny days and students take advantage of these days by laying in the grass, tossing around a frizbee, chilling in a hammock and/or slack lining.
Puddles Puddles, everywhere, all the time. It rains a lot in Bellingham, according to Bestplaces.net Bellingham gets 36 inches of rain per year. So, be careful where you step because you never know if you’re about to step into a lake. Hula-hoopers It’s dark and cold, you’re walking through Red Square and you see glowing lights. Don’t panic, it’s just a bunch of hula-hoopers. Find them in Red
Stickers galore Stickers on laptops, stickers on cars, stickers on water bottles, stickers on stickers. Western kids love their stickers - and pins!
Birks & Socks Birkenstocks sandals are a classic choice of footwear for Western all year long. Students don’t let the cold stop them from wearing birks, they just add socks.
Wildlife Pups, squirrels, deer, oh my! Western has it’s own special wildlife. Folks love walking their pups through campus, deer love to eat grass outside your dormroom window and squirrels love steal-
Not-hipster hipsters Western is full of hipsters who refuse to call themselves hipsters. Maybe, it’s too mainstream to be hipster? Who knows, but it’s that paradoxical irony of it fuels them.
Top left: Puddles reflect faces of those walking by. Bottom left: Hula hoopers show off their moves in Red Square. Middle bottom: Western students love their Birkenstock sandals. Photos by Isaac Martin. Middle top: Isaac Martin is #blessed to “not be a hipster.” Top right: Students chill on the grass during a sunny day. Bottom right: Hannah Besso’s laptop displays all her favorite stickers. Photos by Trevor Grimm
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Western students offer advice to new Vikings Current freshmen to incoming freshmen By Abby Ramos The transition from high school to college can be a tough one and the AS Review cares about our little freshies. We asked current freshmen, Pollete Trana and Jordan Butler, for advice on some of the biggest concerns you’ll find yourself going through during your first year here at Western.
Any advice packing for college? PT: You accumulate a lot of junk, it’s certainly okay to do some spring cleaning. Pack light, you’ll probably go home a couple of times and bring some stuff every so often. JB: Don’t over pack, you’ll probably end up buying more things once you’re here anyways.
What is one thing you would want freshmen to know? Pollete Trana: It’s okay to feel that there’s a lot of pressure on you. As long as you’re determined, don’t let the pressure get to you and you’ll do great. Jordan Butler: College is what you make it. If you choose not to interact with people or not to join clubs it’ll be a lot harder. Also, learn how to balance social time and academics. Academics always come first, that’s really why you’re here.
Activities at Western? PT: Go to the Ethnic Student Center! Go see the AS student run organizations, you’re paying for it go take advantage of it! You’ll definitely find a place for every identity. JB: There are so many things to do on campus. Look for the free events, go to things that have to do with people, it’s usually where you’ll make friendships. Get involved with clubs, don’t stay in your dorm the whole time.
What advice would you give freshmen about roommate situations? PT: Don’t feel afraid to move if you need to, don’t be afraid to seek different communities. JB: I got lucky with my roommate, but be open minded. Try not to jump to conclusions, but if it doesn’t work out try and get out as fast as you can.
Relationships? PT: Get to know yourself, get to know what you love. Treat yourself with the upmost respect first, that will usually attract the right person. JB: Try not to make relationships a priority. Worry about yourself before you worry about someone else. Don’t rush things. Always wear a condom.
Current transfer students to incoming transfer students So it’s not your first year going to college, but it’s your first time here at Western. For transfer students you’re, hopefully, at the point where you know how to balance school, social life and work, but receiving advice from other students who have also gone through what you’re about to endure never hurts. We asked juniors Francisco Sanchez from Washington State University Pullman and Xavier Miles from Bellevue College about their experiences as transfer students. What would you have wanted to know for your first year here at Western? Francisco Sanchez: I would’ve really liked to know that there were people similar to myself, there is no reason to feel alone. Xavier Miles: I didn’t realize I would meet so many people, be ready for that. I would also tell freshmen not to worry about their major or GURs, take classes that interest you, you have a long time.
What activities would you recommend to transfer students and freshmen? FS: It really depends on the person, it’s important to enhance the person you are. If you already have a talent or a passion work on that. College is all about opening doors. XM: Get involved in lots of clubs. What are some things you would’ve changed about your college career so far? FS: I would’ve really liked to have been involved not only in school work, but on-campus activities and the community earlier. Know your surroundings, I didn’t know there was a migrant community until I did research. It’s something I would’ve really liked to have known sooner. XM: I wouldn’t change anything, besides maybe focusing more on school. You can always join clubs, but always focus on school.
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Western students offer advice to new Vikings Current senior to incoming freshmen By C Hayley Halstead Looking back on the days when I was a freshman, I realized that college could have gone a lot smoother and it could have been more enjoyable if I had done the following:
Compete Think about how awesome it would be to write on your resume that you were a national champion. Think big. There are case competitions and contests throughout the year. Some competitions even offer scholarships to the winners. For example, Boeing has a case competition coming up mid-fall quarter. Competing helps develop critical thinking and teamwork, and it will give you real life skills in your practice.
great excuse to get the number of that cutie sitting next to you. During my freshmen year, I formed a study group for my calculus class. That same study group has been with me up until now. We sign up for all of the same classes and work together great as a team because we reached out to one another to form an informal group.
Study abroad The real reason I didn’t study abroad was because I didn’t put enough effort into it. Yeah, studying abroad is expensive. But I Stay active could have done something to make it work. Let’s be real. All you can eat food is aweWestern has so some, especially when many resources to almost, kind of free while make this dream living in the dorms. Don’t “Take your time through school, note that school comes first, become a reality, and over eat, and balance it out but also have a ton of fun. You’re young, you’re free and you I never used those with exercise. resources. I had my freshman 15, totally deserive it.” Western even has or 20, because I ate all the -- C HAYLEY HALSTEAD a whole international time and didn’t exercise. I opportunities fair also allowed myself to be to inform students filled with junk food. about what the possibilities are. The next Befriend professors If you want an eating plan or a workout one will be on January 29, 2015, and while Professors don’t bite. They’re there to help. plan, Western has a free nutritionist available that is quite a ways away, go ahead and After your first week of class, take some time for consultation at Wade King Recreation investigate for yourself. Visit the WWU to stop by your professor’s office to introduce Center. A personal trainer will cost you, but if International Programs & Exchanges office yourself. you split the cost with a friend, it’s only $10/ in Miller Hall 208. Use them as a resource not only when hour. you’re having trouble in their class, but also Join clubs when your class is over! I’ve had professors Have fun and don’t rush After attending the giant information fair send out job openings and others will be able College is not a race. I definitely have right before school launched, I think I prob- to write a valid letter of recommendation. rushed through it and I’m finding myself ably signed up for every club there, which When you sit in the back of a classroom graduating a lot quicker than many of my I don’t think is a bad thing. If you have an without talking, you’re missing out on an oppeers. I will be entering “the real world” soon interest, there’s a club for you on Western’s portunity to create an excellent connection at such a young age and feel as though there campus. and resource. was a lot of potential that I missed. In the rare instance one isn’t present, be Take your time through school, note that the creator. Starting a club is super easy, and Form study groups school comes first, but also have a ton of utilizing the Club Hub in the AS Club ActiviBuilding a relationship with your profesfun. You’re young, you’re free and you toties Office VU 425. sor is important, but it’s equally important tally deserve it. College has been some of the Not only is joining a club, but the friendto create relationships with your classmates. best time of my life, and I wish I could have ships and networks you create are invaluable. Form study groups as soon as you can! It’s a stayed longer.
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Tips for the sun deprived
How to survive Bellingham’s rainy and cloudy days By Dominic D’Angelo Bellingham gets an average of 157 sunny days per year, according Bestplaces.net. But what do you do about the other 208 non-sunny days? For the sunshine-loving students, Bellingham’s cloudy and rainy weather becomes quite the challenge. “In San Jose, [California], it’s sunny almost all the time. So whenever we did get a rainy day, it was really special and I really enjoyed it. So I thought ‘Oh, I should go to school in the Pacific Northwest because it’s rainy all the time and I’ll love it,’” said freshman Katy Scheer. “But after about three months of rain in Bellingham, I began having thoughts that I’d never had before about the weather. And now, it’s changed, every occasional sunny day feels like the occasional rainy day from back home.” Scheer’s experience is similar to that of the many Californians and out-of-state students who have experienced a saturation of sunlight in their lives. Though the rain may be hard do deal with, we took the time to lay out some tips for the sun deprived below, to help those who might struggle during the winter darkness. Utilize the sun lamps in the student health center They are not a myth. A sun lamp is a device used to replicate the effects of the sun, including the production of vitamin D. If things are getting really bad consider visiting the health center, where you can bask for free, or investing in your own so that you may always have a piece of the sun with you.
Coffee Addiction is never good, so consider drinking coffee in moderation. Caffeine is a great way to get a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day and increase productivity at the same time. Go outside When I was young in California our teachers would forbid us from playing outside on rainy days. That logic doesn’t apply up in the northwest. If you are going to stay inside on every rainy day, you will never move. Instead, go outside, get into adventure hobbies and enjoy the great wilderness and environment Washington has to offer. Invest in a good raincoat Good advice just in general. An umbrella will mark you as an outsider, a good raincoat is important as your main water-proof fashion item. As it will often be worn a lot, try investing in something that’s stylish but incredibly practical.
Consider investing in Vitamin D capsules When experiencing sun-deprivation the main problem has to do with the lack of vitamin D your body is absorbing. Vitamin D doesn’t just come from the sun however, and can be purchased in pill form Talk about what’s bugging you Being nutritious is only half the battle however. Often times solar deprivation will lead to the uncovering of one’s own depression. Since bottling this up won’t help, know that others around you may be willing to share the burden and help you overcome the struggles made acute by the weather. Exercise The best way to feel happy or high without ever taking a drug. Exercise is a great way to create endorphins that will make you feel happy and look good at the same time.
The Student Health Center here on campus comes fully equipped with sun lamps for when you’re feeling the blues. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
June 24, 2014 • 9
Associated Student Board of Directors Welcomes you to Western Meet your 2014-2015 AS Board of Directors AS President Annika Wolters as.president@wwu.edu VU 504D // 360-650-3265 ASVP for Academic Affairs Jaleesa Smiley asvp.academics@wwu.edu ASVP for Business and Operations Chelsea Ghant asvp.busops@wwu.edu VU 504E // 360-650-2941 ASVP for Activities Giselle Alcantar Soto asvp.activities@wwu.edu ASVP for Diversity Cristina Rodríguez asvp.diversity@wwu.edu VU 504B // 360-650-3463 ASVP for Governmental Affairs Sarah Kohout asvp.gov@wwu.edu ASVP for Student Life Zach Dugovich asvp.life@wwu.edu VU 504C // 360-650-3736
By Abby Ramos Our new elected board is already preparing for the year to come! We’ve asked four of the seven members on the AS Board of Directors a couple of questions to help incoming students get to know them. What are you are looking forward to next year? Giselle Alcantar: I’m excited to see what I can change and what I can contribute to the campus. I’m looking forward to working with some amazing people and I want to see what our board’s legacy will be. Zach Dugovich: I’m looking forward to making the campus even more sustainable by working with the Students for Sustainable Water. I’m also very excited to work with the
From left to right: Rodríguez, Dugovich, Ghant, Wolters, Alcantar Soto, Smiley and Kohout welcome you to the 2014-2015 school year. Photo by Isaac Martin // AS Review new board to work on making the AS more transparent and inclusive. Jaleesa Smiley: Everything! I’m new to the AS and this position so I’m excited to work with staff and students to learn about it all. I’m excited for students to talk to me and to visit me at my office hours. I’m also looking forward to the talks about giving the Ethnic Student Center a bigger space. Do you have anything planned for your position for the upcoming year? Cristina Rodríguez: We are forming a committee for the expansion of the Ethnic Student Center. I also want to bring to light the issues students feel have not been talked about, I want all students to be heard. My goal is to engage our community through awareness and action related to diversity and
inclusion. GA: I plan on solidifying the relationship with the athletics director. I want to make a connection with Residence Life. We want the students to come out and get involved on campus. What advice would you give to new students? JS: Get involved! Find something you like to do and get into it as early as you can. Joining a club will make you feel a lot more welcomed and it will also get you away from being in your dorm all day. Also, seek advising when needed. CR: I advise all students to go out and look for a community you feel comfortable. Also, start to learn about the ESC, about the clubs on campus, and about the AS.
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Roommates: Gotta love them By C Hayley Halstead One small room, two twin beds and another person to share that space with. Welcome to the dorm life. If you have never met your roommate before you might find yourself Facebook stalking them and trying to find out as much as possible about them. Sophomore Joseph Sulc spent his first year at Western in Highland Hall with a roommate whom he clashed with. “It was a really new situation because when I lived at home, I didn’t have to share a room,” Sulc said. “I think the weirdest thing was having to live with someone for the first time.” Sulc was first introduced to his roommate at Summer Start, and he and his roommate were initially very accepting and considerate of one another. “When you first meet someone, you both are really careful and sensitive about each other because you want a healthy start to your roommate situation,” Sulc said. However, as time went on, Sulc and his roommate reverted back to their original lifestyles without the consideration and understanding of one another, which sparked conflict. “It is almost like a honey moon phase where you’re both accepting but later when you settle down with each other, you have to overcome your obstacles,” Sulc said. One resource to assist with addressing roommate conflicts is your resident advisor. While living in the dorms, you will be assigned a RA, a peer who will help lead and facilitate those living in the dorms. The following year, Sulc switched it up and lived in Buchannan Towers and ended rooming with an international student. “It’s completely different having an international roommate because at first we were
Having good communication with your roommate will help when the going gets tough. Photo illustration by Isaac Martin and Trevor Grimm // AS Review extra careful to make sure we respect each other’s cultures,” said Sulc. Not all rooming situations have to be difficult if effective communication with one another takes place. One Western freshman Robert Sojak had a positive experience with his roommate because he sought to connect with the people he was living with. Learning how to adjust to sharing a very small space is an experience all freshmen have to endure. “Having my own space and then switching over to a space with seven other people at a time is definitely something you have to get used to,” Sojak said. Sojak had requested to live with his best friend and was also grouped with six other males in a stack. A stack is designed with four
rooms and a bathroom in the middle as a connecting corridor. While Sojak didn’t have to sleep in the same room with his suitemates, with one shower in the suite, it did take slight coordination and effective communication to ensure living together moved smoothly. At first, Sojak recalled that meeting his suitemates was slightly awkward. Breaking that ice was being able to connect with them. “Just getting to know the other suitemates, finding similar interests and connecting over that was really helpful,” Sojak said. While initially, it may seem a bit uncomfortable to meet your roommates, suitemates or hall mates, the Residence Hall Council and RA’s will host events for the purpose of familiarizing yourself with one another and building solid friendships and bonds.
June 24, 2014 • 11
Parents: What to do with them By C Hayley Halstead Even though you’re new to town, your parents probably think you’re an expert at everything involving Bellingham because you’re now living here. When they visit, they will probably expect your professional opinion with recommendations for places to visit, things to do and where to eat. Here’s a list of some of the best places Bellingham has to offer. Impress your parents by knowing exactly where to go during their visit. Boundary Bay Brewery
Located on Railroad Avenue, Boundary Brewery Bay is the go-to restaurant in the Bellingham community. Throughout the year, you’ll probably see them on campus at events. In fact, they have their own Beer Garden where they will host BBQs as well as outdoor concerts in the warmer weather. Your parents will love this place because not only is the food local, but they also craft their own beer. If beer isn’t your parent’s thing, don’t you worry. Boundary Bay has a menu filled with a variety of fresh foods ranging from grilled salmon or chicken breast to enchiladas.
Mallard Ice Cream
For dessert, hit up Mallard Ice Cream with your folks. Keep in mind that it’s cash only, but there is an ATM located inside. This shop makes fresh hand-crafted ice cream and emphasizes organic and local ice cream but
also has unique flavors you may not find elsewhere including tomato, avocado and whiskey flavors.
Admission is $8 with a student I.D. If you take your parents on a Monday or Tuesday-Friday before 5 p.m. or a weekend before 3:30 p.m., it’s only $8.50 for admission, compared to the $10.50 general admission price point.
Whatcom Falls
Enjoy waterfalls? At Whatcom falls, you have the option of parking and walking up to the beautiful waterfall that drains Lake Whatcom into Bellingham Bay and just stopping there or taking advantage of the paths that run through the Whatcom creek area. Pack a lunch to go and chill with your family in this scenic space nestled in Bellingham.
Boulevard Park
Hands down, you have to go to Boulevard Park. Find a parking spot, grab a drink from Woods Coffee and walk the boardwalk. Seriously, this is the place to be and your parents will love it because it has such an amazing view. It tends to be pretty packed during the afternoon, so try to visit later at night so you can catch the sunset.
Pickford Film Festival
PFC is the only 365-day independent cinema between Seattle and Vancouver B.C.
Fairhaven Historic District
First off, have your parents head into town via Chuckanut Drive. The road is pretty windy, but the view is much better than what I-5 has to offer. Even better, have your parents pick you up and then head to Chuckanut Drive as a group. At the end of Chuckanut Drive, head into town through Fairhaven Historic District. Fairhaven feels like a completely different town. It has that small-town feel with small shops, restaurants and parks. You can literally spend all day in Fairhaven with all the places to visit.
Oyster Dome
If you and your family are hikers, head out to Oyster dome. It’s a 6.5 mile round trip hike with a 1,900 foot elevation gain. There’s a great view of the Puget Sound. When the sun is out, this place will be packed. The earlier you begin, the better. You will need a Discover Pass for your car if you plan on parking there. Don’t forget to pack water bottles because the hike is a pretty nice workout.
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Explore the new trails of the Chuckanuts By Andrew Wise If Western had a nickel for every time one of its students bragged about the natural beauty of Bellingham, we might be able to afford to build a chairlift from campus to the top of Oyster Dome. But that’s a wild fantasy, so the best option is to lace up your shoes and walk or run the trails branching and looping through those big green things to the south that we call the Chuckanuts. The trail system within those mountains is extensive, offering almost endless hikes and trail runs with dramatic viewpoints and hidden lakes. There is something up there for everyone of every fitness level. Good hikes up there are well known and have been written about extensively. The best options are up for debate, though the trek up to Pine and Cedar Lakes offers an incredible view, as does the Chuckanut Ridge trail. Lost Lake is like a giant mirror at the bottom of the forest perfectly reflecting the trees that line it and the sky above it. For those who are new to Bellingham, those three are definitely worth checking out on a sunny afternoon. Oyster Dome is another hike that has to be done before graduation But again, those have all been written about. The most exciting thing, for everyone new to Western and everyone who has been here for a couple of years, is that there are new trails in the Chuckanuts, both on Whatcom County land and in Larabee. The new trail in Larabee runs from the top of Cleator Road, which is at the far end of Chuckanut Ridge and offers a dramatic view of the bay and the San Juan Islands in the distance, down the south side of the ridge to Lost Lake. The trail loses a lot of elevation really fast to get from the top of Cleator down to Lost Lake in just a little over two miles, and because of that there are a lot
of stairs involved. They’re not exactly easy going up or down, so be prepared to work the quads a little bit, but the rock formations along the side of the trail are worth the work. The massive sandstone cliffs are honeycombed with mini-caves and pockets. The trail is actually called the Rock Trail because of these formations. The forest is also a lot less dense on this side of the ridge, making it easy to see Baker and the Twin Sisters on a good day. One good option is to take the trail down from Cleator Road to Lost Lake, continue on the Lost Lake trail until the turn up toward Chuckanut Ridge, and then take the ridge back to the top of Cleator. The trail up to the ridge isn’t easy, but it’s a little more manageable than those stairs. Be warned though, that route is a solid nine miles or so, probably more suited to a trail run than a day hike.
The other new trail is perhaps a bit less exciting, but really cool for those of us who spend a lot of time in the ‘nuts. It leads from the Hemlock trail on the Bellingham side of the Chuckanuts, straight up and over to the viewpoint off of the Pine and Cedar Lakes trail. The trail is just barely completed, so it’s in really good shape and offers a stiff climb through some really dense parts of the forest. It also really shortens the trip to that particular viewpoint, which is one of the more dramatic ones in the entire range. There are plenty more incredible spots in these mountains that aren’t mentioned here that are just waiting to be stumbled upon by some ambitious observant hiker or runner. So go check it out. More than once. You won’t be disappointed. For more information on trails in the Chuckanuts, check out the Washington Trails Association website: http://www.wta.org
The Rotary Trailhead is a part of the Interurban Trail that begins at Fairhaven Park and ends at Larrabee State Park. Photo by Isaac Martin // AS Review
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A year through the lens: Our photographers show you the highlights of the 2013-2014 school year
Top left: STRFKR rocked the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on April 27. Top right: #BHANGRA brings modern hip-hop to traditional Indian dance at the Ethnic Student Center’s Culture Shock on May 7. Photos by Trevor Grimm. Bottom left: Ricardo Maxwell slams during the dunk contest at Viking Jam on October 30. Photo by Isaac Martin. Center row, left: Students fill Red Square and during a sunny day in spring quarter. Photo by Isaac Martin. Center row, right: Babeland came to Western to hold the informative and inclusive workshop “The Sex Ed You Wish You Had” on January 14. Photo by Isaac Martin. Bottom right: Rice paper, covered with tracings of Bosch paintings and molded into body parts, suspended freely in the Viking Union Gallery for an exhibit called “Dissolve” in April. Photo by Trevor Grimm.
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Hidden spots: All the secret places around Bellingham you need to know about By Dominic D’Angelo Locust Beach Where: On the side of Locust Avenue Bellingham, Washington. What: A sandy beach on the Northern end of Bellingham Bay, this is a great place for hangouts, kickbacks and bonfires. Skim boarding and kiteboarding are also extremely popular if you have the gear. Or if you just want to relax there are always the rope hammocks and high nets to chill in on the nearby trees. Tip: Be aware of parking tickets.
Free Movies and Shows at the Library Where: Wilson Library What: You may have used the library for studying or gather materials, but did you know that you can use it like a free Blockbuster Movie Rental. Many shows and movies such as Twin Peaks are available for free within the library. Free Condoms at the AS Sexual Awareness Center Where: Viking Union 518 What: Nobody can dislike a free condom. Free male and female rubbers, along with small packets of lube, are available outside the Associated Students Sexual Awareness Center
in a small box near the mail slot. Teddy Bear Cove Where: Located in the Chuckanuts, to get there you have to start at the the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead. You should then hike 0.2 miles up Hemlock Trail to the Interurban Trail, then head south for about 0.5 miles to a spur across Chuckanut Drive to the Teddy Bear Cove trail. It is 0.2 more miles down to the beach. What: A secluded beach with beautiful views of crystal clear water. Hike down and chill on the rocks. Nooksack Falls Where: Along highway 542 to Wells Creek Road # 33. 2/3 of a mile down this road you should find parking area on the left. A trailhead to the viewing area should be nearby. What: One of the most popular waterfalls in the northwest, this 170 foot drop is a sight that all Northwesterners should see. Racehorse Falls Where: Off highway 542, one mile on Mosquito Road, four and a half miles down North Fork Road. What: 139 ft. waterfall with a beautiful punchbowl underneath.
Pick up free condoms at Viking Union 518 courtesy of the AS Sexual Awareness Center. Photo by Isaac Martin // AS Review
Onyx Coffee Bar Where: 1015 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 What: If sources are correct, this could be one of the best coffee shops in Bellingham. They are only open on Saturdays, and they only serve pour-over coffee. Despite the Spartan nature of the place, the experience is unforgettable.
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Raptor Ridge Where: Begin at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead in the Chuckanuts and follow the signs for 6.1 miles until you reach the Raptor Ridge Trail. What: Part of the Chuckanuts and a great hike. Although the initial climb can be difficult, the ending view of Bellingham bay and the San Juan islands - rain or shine - can definitely be a standout memory in any Western students mind. “Bay View Station,” 1987 Where: Below the Performing Arts Plaza What: Not exactly a very good secret, but this place definitely deserves more people than it usually gets. With a beautiful view of Bellingham bay accented slightly by the nostalgic architecture and foliage scheme situated on Cedar Street, this is the perfect place to enjoy a subway sandwich or just chill on a sunny day.
“Bay View Station” is a great place to chill and enjoy a view of Bellingham Bay in between classes. Photo by Isaac Martin // AS Review
Can you guess the three different spots that are located around Bellingham? Design By Keghouhi Bedoyan // AS Review
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Jack White takes on solo album Andrew Wise takes on Jack White
and reached instead for a loud, heavily electric sound, digging deep into his classic blues roots. It’s worth comparing “Lazaretto” to the Black Keys’ latest effort, At this point in his musical career, Jack White has built up enough critical and popular acclaim to be fearlessly experimental and bold “Turn Blue.” White accused the Black Keys of ripping off his sound, with his projects. In many ways, his fearless experimentation is what a debate that won’t be settled here. But what’s for certain is that with has led to the incredible career he’s had thus far. His second solo effort, “Turn Blue,” the Black Keys drifted pretty far from their original blues sound, headed toward a softer, dreamier aesthetic. Some people might “Lazaretto,” has the calculated yet visceral sound that defined White’s call it a mature album, but White has been around longer and he’s just first album under his own name, “Blunderbuss” [2012]. His wicked blues guitar and slashing straining voice were present getting more edgy, more experimental. “Turn Blue” is playing it safe. “Lazaretto” is making a statement. throughout his time as a part of The White Stripes and The RaconAs a part of the build up to the album release, White staged an teurs, but his shift to solo work has given him room to expand his event through his own label, Third Man Records, where he recorded sound and explore it in a lot of different directions. and immediately cut the fastest vinyl records in the history of the mu“High Ball Stepper,” the fourth track on the album, was released sic industry. The singles had the title track on the A-side and “Power last month to give a taste of what is to come on the full length. It’s a of My Love” on the B-side. They were then sold out of his studio in track without lyrics, but White plays with the tools at his disposal in this one, dubbing vocal sounds over his guitar to achieve a wild, unnat- Nashville. You have to respect the guy for making such an honest effort to keep the vinyl album alive. ural, awesome chorus. White has proved himself as a master of using Jack White has done an impressive job of maintaining his integrity some complex techniques to create an evermore raw, emotive sound. as an artist considering the amount of money he’s made doing what he With “Lazaretto,” White seems to have gotten away from some of does. Like “Blunderbuss,” “Lazaretto” isn’t conforming to any sort of the honkey-tonk riffs that were a big part of the “Blunderbuss” sound formulaic pattern. Every song is sonically and lyrically unique, pulling and pushing in a bunch of different directions and doing so with confidence. It’s an album that gets into your head but not in the way that you’re humming it when you’re in the shower. It tugs on your thoughts and makes you flex odd muscles without knowing why. That’s what a good blues guitarist should be able to do. And Jack White has in many ways moved beyond being a blues guitarist to being a blues conductor, with a talented orchestra and particular sort of mind. Whether the Black Keys ripped off Jack White or not, they certainly haven’t done enough to match him. By Andrew Wise
What albums are we looking forward to this summer?
“Lazaretto,” Jack White’s second solo album goes on sale June 10.
“X” by Ed Sheernan on June 23 Abby Ramos
Against on July 15 - Trevor Grimm
“Tha Carter V” by Lil Wayne on TBD - Isaac Martin
“Neon Future” by Steve Aoki on Aug. 12 - C Hayley Halstead
“This is All Yours” by alt-J on Sept. 23 - Kelly Mason
“I’m listening to Khmer psychedelic rock right from the 1950s, I’m not into new stuff.” - Dominic D’Angelo
“The Black Market” by Rise