All Point Bulletin - July issue

Whidbey Telecom grant raises more questions than answers

A June 21 press release from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office regarding a $11.7 million grant to Whidbey Telecom has some recipients scratching their heads.

According to the release, “The $11.7 million award will fund the construction, improvement, and acquisition of middle mile infrastructure for the residents of Point Roberts, Lummi Nation, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and surrounding areas.”

The release goes on to state: “Overall, the project includes 47.6 miles of new terrestrial underground fiber and 63.1 miles of undersea fiber, connecting all 80,000 Whidbey Island residents, 5,000 residents of Lummi Nation, 17,000 residents of San Juan County, 1,200 unserved residents of Point Roberts, and thousands more households in mainland Northwest Whatcom County.”

Continuing on, the release said the grant will help connect all 2,164 Blaine school district students and connect “11 anchor institutions, like schools, libraries, healthcare providers, community colleges, public media, public housing and other community organizations, six of which are currently unserved.”

The problem is, the release doesn’t say how this will be accomplished. According to Whidbey’s website, it only services Point Roberts and south Whidbey Island. Requests for clarification made by the All Point Bulletin to Senator Cantwell’s office and Whidbey Telecom received no response before going to press.

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen’s office released a similar press release on June 18. Asked to clarify whether the funding was a grant or a loan, Larsen aide Joseph Tutino confirmed June 29 that it was indeed a grant. He referred other questions to Whidbey Telecom.

The All Point Bulletin contacted Whidbey’s marketing and communication director Martha Ford on June 22 and received the following in response:

Asked what the “middle mile” program meant in relation to Point Roberts, Ford wrote, “The announcement from NTIA

County parks boards passes on off-leash dog run

Almost two years ago, Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) submitted a proposal to the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) to establish an off-leash dog enclosure at Lighthouse Marine Park. The proposal was denied in October 2021 based on opposition from county parks staff. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the commissioners were unable to visit the proposed site until recently.

Since the initial request was made, Bennett Knox was appointed as the new WCPR director in early September. Knox first visited Point Roberts for an introductory meeting in October and returned on June 15 for the WCPR commissioners’

monthly meeting, which took place at Lighthouse Marine Park. In addition to the meeting, a park tour was conducted and a public comment period was held.

Numerous community members and their dogs attended, expressing concerns about the absence of a discussion on the agenda regarding a new dog park. Knox emphasized the importance of community input in the decision-making process and mentioned the need to consider various proposals within the park’s overall context. “I’m big on planning and want to make sure when we make decisions we have a lot of community input,” said Knox. He continued, “We want to be able to examine proposals in the context of other things

(See County Parks, page 3)

s Over 100 people turned out for the 50th year of the creation of Lighthouse Marine Park on June 17. Above, from l., Point Roberts parks board chair Mitch Friedman, county parks director Bennett Knox, county executive Satpal Sidhu and former Point Roberts parks board chair and organizer of the celebration Bennett Blaustein. Photo by Erin Kelly

County parks ...

From page 1

that could happen here at the park. With Lighthouse Park, if we can develop a plan, and it has got significant community buyin, then that could put us on the path to implementing some of the things that have been expressed.”

Knox stated that due to project delays and a backlog of work, improvements to Lighthouse Marine Park will be delayed until 2025 when a master plan for the en-

Crossings >>>

Traffic into Point Roberts April and May 2023, with figures for 2022 following:

April: Personal vehicles 54,201 (40,491); commercial vehicles 534 (314); buses 40 (30); pedestrians 593 (581).

May: Personal vehicles 61,289 (49,943); commercial vehicles 621 (410); buses 46 (38); pedestrians 723 (736).

tire park can be developed. Possibilities include incorporating the dog park and boat launch.

The announcement did not sit well with local dog owners in attendance. “I’ll be dead by then,” a lady called out from the crowd. “The people of Point Roberts would like to see some investment in our parks,” said Allison Calder, chair of PRCAC, “It’s a very small investment when we are talking dollars. All it needs is fencing and a trashcan. Our request is for it to be on the agenda in the next 60 days. Because you are here today, you can see the proposed location.”

The group proceeded to the site, which would be a fenced half-acre area south of the park’s entrance, designed for privacy with a berm surrounding it. It was confirmed that there are no nesting eagles that would be disturbed by the presence of dogs.

Due to staffing shortages, county parks employees in Point Roberts are struggling to keep up with maintenance tasks, including regular clearing of the boat ramp, which they aim to do on the first Friday of each month. The parks are actively seeking seasonal help to address these challenges. Applications can be found on the Whatcom County website.

All Point Bulletin

The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. and is delivered to homes and businesses in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen. The opinion expressed by contributors is their own and is offered for the general interest of our readers.

Mail and classified ads should be addressed to:

All Point Bulletin P.O. Box 1451

Point Roberts

WA USA 98281

Publisher & Managing Editor

Patrick J. Grubb

Associate Publisher & Advertising Manager

Louise H. Mugar Reporter

Erin Kelly

Copy Editor

Aly McGee

Creative Services

Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser

Advertising Sales

Molly Ernst

Contributors In This Issue

Rhiannon Allen

Kristin Lomedico

Mark Swenson

Galen Wood

Administrative Services

Jeanie Luna

Founding Editor

Glennys Christie

Business & Editorial Office

Phone: 360/945-0413

Fax: 360/945-1613

Email: sales@allpointbulletin.com

Visit us online at: www.allpointbulletin.com

Printed in Canada • Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3

Letters Policy

The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste.

A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis.

Thank you letters should be limited to ten names.

Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email your letter to:

letters@allpointbulletin.com

P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281

Fax: 360/945-1613

Next issue: July 28

Ads due: July 21

Letters to the editor

The Editor, President Biden and Washington State elected officials: President Biden recently issued the statement that “Our economic recovery isn’t leaving anyone behind.” The one exception to that statement is the unique U.S. exclave of Point Roberts, Washington. Point Roberts has never recovered from the almost two-year Canada/U.S. Covid-driven border lockdown. Visitor border crossings are still down 50 percent. In April 2018 there were 134,000 border crossings; in April 2023, only 72,000 crossings.

Point Roberts’ local economy continues to struggle economically, and we are poised to lose our fourth summer season. The resident population has declined by 25 percent. We desperately require and deserve government acknowledgement of our situation and intervention or recovery will never happen.

Both U.S. and Canadian policies need to be seriously reviewed taking into account the geographical oddity of Point Roberts. Formerly, Point Roberts businesses were allowed to hire neighboring Canadians on a part-time basis to accommodate the increased service industry demands.

This program worked flawlessly for years but was arbitrarily removed without cause seriously impacting Point Roberts’ businesses. Without this option, Point Roberts has no pool from which to draw employees. The closest U.S. area to draw workers from is Blaine and requires a 25mile drive through Canada and crossing two international borders each way. This is not an economically viable option for prospective workers or for local business-

es. The program should be reinstated immediately.

Visitors from Canada are routinely inspected at our border for citrus fruit yet we have no citrus fruit orchards here. Similarly, potted plants require federal inspection certificates – apparently to prevent mad cow disease, yet Point Roberts is without a single cow. Chickens and eggs are inspected, and we have no chicken hatchery.

Further, we have no connection to the U.S. mainland to spread these diseases. Any and all items sold in Point Roberts originating from the U.S. must travel through Canada to get here, yet getting them across the border into Canada by consumers is at best, difficult.

A serious threat assessment needs to be conducted by both Canada and the U.S. at the Point Roberts border and some or all of the unnecessary border impediments removed.

Brian Calder Point Roberts

The Editor:

My family has several reasons to be thankful to PeaceHealth St. Joe’s. Dr. James Douglas and Dr. Don McAfee are two of them.

My dad had congenital heart defects but that didn’t stop him from having a life well

lived. Eventually, however, he needed two emergency heart surgeries in a matter of three weeks, which Dr. Douglas skillfully performed.

Dr. McAfee, as my dad’s cardiologist, respected his decision to avoid any future heart surgeries. My parents referred to Dr. McAfee as providing “one-man palliative care.” It worked so well that he was never admitted to the hospital for his congestive heart failure, which is very unusual.

My mom, as a caregiver, delved into the benefits of palliative care. After my dad died, she went full-tilt to raise awareness about advance care planning and to encourage PeaceHealth to launch community-based palliative care.

She and many others in Whatcom County worked relentlessly to advocate for outpatient palliative care, successfully. Or so they thought.

I was shocked when she told me PeaceHealth management shut down its outpatient services on this compassionate care model effective May 26.

How can a hospital group – that claims to treat humans with patient-centric, personalized care – justify that decision?

When our dog, Panda, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my husband and I were fortunate that a palliative care veterinarian was available to help us. He came right to our home. Veterinarians even send cards of comfort and support when a pet dies.

I hope for all the human patients in Whatcom County, PeaceHealth management will have a change of heart.

Kristin Jackson Waynesville, North Carolina

s Trinity Community Choir presented Celtic Rhapsodies on June 9 at Trinity Church. Donations went to support the Church Preservation Fund.

Photo by Erin Kelly

to collect recycling more efficiently.

One way we can all contribute to recycling efficiency is to really reduce the size of the items we are recycling.

Plastics should be squashed down as much as possible, and caps replaced. If the plastic item cannot be squashed, please remove the cap. Milk jugs with caps left on take up as much space as 5 squashed milk jugs!

Aluminum cans can also be easily crushed to further save space. Our recycling depot has confirmed that crushed cans are preferred, so even if you recycle differently elsewhere, this is the best method for our resource outlets. Glass is the one exception, and should not be crushed or broken for recycling. Broken glass should be carefully wrapped and disposed of in the trash.

Cardboard must be cut down to 2’ x 3’ in size, and only piled 1’ deep. Bundled is best, to help keep it contained on windy days.

The Whatcom County Household Hazardous Waste FREE Event is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26th.

New Rule: No latex paint!

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 360-945-2636. We’d be happy to help!

“Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.”

- Peter Drucker

Summer is here, and we need your help

Thrive In Your Body

CBP explains May long weekend

The first major long weekend of the summer, the Canadian Queen Victoria Day weekend, saw hours-long lineups of cars entering Point Roberts. There were numerous reports of delays, regular long stops in vehicle processing and enhanced screenings by travelers using both the regular and NEXUS lanes. The All Point Bulletin reached out to CBP Public Information Officer Jason Givens for an explanation.

APB: Who authorized the apparent enhanced inspection regime at the Point Roberts port of entry and what was the reasoning behind its timing i.e. a Canadian holiday weekend and start of the summer travel season?

Margot Griffiths, M.Ed., C.L.C.

CBP: There was not an enhanced inspection “regime” or operation at the port that weekend. It is clear May 19 was considerably busier than expected. Staffing levels were increased for May 20-22 in anticipation of the heavy traffic volume. Discussions with officers who have worked at Point Roberts for many years said that Friday night was unlike any Victoria Day weekend they remembered in the past and would not have predicted the amount of traffic that was experienced. The Point Roberts port of entry will make every effort to increase future staffing levels to accommodate the return of pre-COVID travel volume on holiday weekends. For the weekend of May 19-22, officers at Point Roberts POE processed more than 8,700 vehicles and more than 13,000 passengers.

APB: People reported that all lanes of incoming traffic were halted for as long as 15 minutes at a time on multiple occasions.

Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com

CBP: Processing speed and time vary between officers and traffic can stall significantly during officer lane changes. A review of video footage did not show consistent 15-minute delays in processing at the booth, but it did show gaps in vehicle traffic. This could result in a longer delay at the end of the vehicle line up.

APB: Given that NEXUS cardholders go through a prior approval process and that many, if not most, of them are full-time residents in Point Roberts, why was the NEXUS traffic chosen for enhanced inspection?

CBP: Again, there was not an enhanced

inspection “regime” or operation at the port, however, any vehicle can be chosen for an enhanced inspection. It’s the same as at an airport, Global Entry members can be chosen for further inspection as can members of other trusted traveler programs.

APB: Given the number of officers visibly on duty inside the POE, why was there no effort to keep as many lanes open as possible?

CBP: Every effort was made to keep as many processing lanes open as possible. Lanes one and two are vehicle processing lanes and lane three is NEXUS only. Lane four is the cargo lane and cannot be used for vehicle processing. Just because a lane is empty does not indicate we are not operating at full capacity. Additionally, Point Roberts has a very small lobby. Opening multiple lanes on busy days creates an influx of travelers waiting in the lobby pending inspection. With three lanes running, it requires six officers to maintain those lanes. When referrals occur, the lobby reaches standing room only very quickly. We try to avoid overfilling the lobby as it creates unsafe conditions for the public, particularly for elderly travelers.

APB: Can the residents of Point Roberts anticipate further enhanced inspection regimes on an on-going basis?

CBP: Although no special operations were running over the long weekend, it is likely that Point Roberts will conduct operations over the summer in order to fulfill agency and mission requirements. When that occurs, every effort will be made to facilitate visitors and residents alike during enhanced operations.

Additionally, travelers are urged to plan ahead to help mitigate longer crossing times. We encourage travelers to cross during non-peak hours and to monitor wait times with CBP’s Border Wait Times website or app: bwt.cbp.gov. Travelers should have their documents ready to hand to the inspecting officer and should know the contents of their vehicle and be prepared to declare all items obtained from outside of the U.S. More information is available at CBP’s Know Before You Go website.

These tips are not a panacea, but they may help alleviate wait times in many instances. We encourage travelers to remain patient and understanding, particularly as this was the first long weekend since the lifting of all restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. We will strive to anticipate higher traffic volumes and adjust staffing levels as needed.

s Screenshot of CBP’s border lineup app.

s Artist and former long-term resident Eddie Buendia was in Blaine to paint a new whale tail on Blaine Animal Hospital’s garage doors during the last week of June. Veterinarian Christine Carlson hired Buendia to paint the garage doors in 1995 that soon became a landmark on Blaine Road. Buendia, 69, earned his bachelor degree in arts and humanities from the University of Oxford and people across the world have purchased his work, he said. He started the Point Roberts Arts Foundation in 2000 and created T-shirts and posters for the Point Roberts Arts and Music Festival. Buendia now travels in a RV with his wife, Darlanne, spending much of their time on the East Coast where their grandchildren are located. Buendia said he and Darlanne hope to soon move back to Blaine or Birch Bay, where he would like to continue painting.

Erickson Bros. Garage

Local automotive services: all repairs, tire mounting/balancing, oil changes, vehicle inspections, transmissions and more.

Call the shop: 360-945-2807 or email ericksonbrothersgarage@gmail.com

1423 Gulf Road • Point Roberts

JULY 4TH EVENTS Point Roberts WA

8 - 11a.m. • Pancake Breakfast

Gulf Rd Community Center

Fundraiser for PREP (Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness)

11 a.m. • US and Canada Flag Raising Ceremony

Gulf Rd Community Center

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Breakfast and parade side viewing

Saltwater Cafe

Noon • Parade along Gulf Rd starting at Marine Drive

Noon - 6 p.m. • BBQ

Kiniski’s Reef

Noon - 7 p.m. • BBQ, Music and Games

Point Roberts Marina

“BYOBB” (bring your own beverage and blanket or chair)

Music featuring Jeffery Elvis as Elvis Tribute, DJ and local bands. Games for all ages - Point Roberts Volunteer Fire Department and Firetrucks

All donations go to the Volunteer Firefighters Charitable Society

PLUS July 1st and 2nd added events. Both days!

Pancake Breakfast at Kiniski’s Reef, 9-11am

BBQ, Music and Games at Point Roberts Marina, Noon-7pm

BYOBB (Bring your own beverage and blanket or chair) Music featuring Jeffery Elvis as Elvis Tribute, DJ and local bands. Games for all ages - Point Roberts Volunteer Fire Department and Firetrucks. All donations go to the Volunteer Firefighters Charitable Society.

As people are arriving back to Point Roberts, please keep these details in mind:

• Ensure that district employees have access to the water meter box. Customers are responsible for keeping the meter box free from brush, earth or other material/ conditions external to the meter which interferes with normal meter reading.

• Please visit this website for more information on this: https://pointrobertswater.com/images/resolutions/500_series/ resolution_538.pdf

• Customers will receive notices via mail and or email about any clearing that needs to happen and will have two weeks to respond or do the work themselves before the district does.

• We prefer to access the meter from the road and need a 5 foot radius around the box to read effectively.

• The district provides each customer one seasonal on/off service at no charge during normal business hours. We provide this service for your convenience and to ensure that liability for any damage to the meter stop does not fall on the homeowner. A separate shut off valve on the customer side of the meter is always preferable so you can turn the water off and on as needed.

• Please visit our website to view our Annual Water Quality Report; Pointrobertswater.com

Please call the office or email us directly with any questions or concerns: 360-945-4696 or PRWD@whidbey.com

Photo by Grace McCarthy

School layoffs to impact 50 employees

The Blaine school district plans to lay off 50 employees ahead of next school year, fewer than what was planned for in April, as it prepares for an expected drop in federal and state funding in 2023/24.

Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said that as of June 20 the district plans to eliminate 59.5 positions for the 2023/24 school year and that 50 employees would be laid off. Granger said the other positions were eliminated through employees who were retiring or otherwise leaving the district. The district is still reorganizing positions and staff members, and Granger said the number of employees impacted could change.

“Those are faces and people that we care about,” he said. “We wouldn’t have these positions if we didn’t think they were needed, which is why we advocate for funding that meets the needs of kids.”

The reductions in force come after the Blaine school board passed a “worstcase scenario” reduced education plan that would remove 65.2 positions for the

Whidbey ...

From page 1

‘middle mile’ means in terms of high-speed internet infrastructure investment.

“In very broad terms, the middle mile connects remote markets to major networks. It is not individual connectivity, it is the infrastructure that connects the rural or island markets to the national infrastructure so larger amounts of data can be transported over longer distances at higher speeds.

“Whidbey Telecom has expertise in connecting rural areas with submarine and terrestrial fiber. This loan will enable Whidbey Telecom to begin the process of engineering this very complex construction project that will have both land and sea fiber installation.

“We do not currently have a plan that we can publicly share and as with the grant programs we are in receipt of, for this loan

2023/24 school year during its April 24 regular meeting. Dozens of students led a walkout to demonstrate silent support for their teachers, while upset parents and community members packed the Performing Arts Center to show their disapproval and speak during public comment at the April meeting.

In July 2022, the district adopted a budget with a four-year forecast that accumulated a $14 million deficit by 2026. The forecast for the 2022/23 school year alone projected a nearly $5 million loss, with expenditures set at $45.3 million and revenue expected to be $40.5 million. The district expected a $6 million deficit in the 2023/24 school year, if no program adjustments were made.

Following the meeting, executive director of finance and operations Amber Porter told the All Point Bulletin in an email that the plan would reduce next school year’s budget deficit by $3.8 million for a total of $1.2 million.

While 50 staff members may not be re-

(See Schools, page 16)

there are very specific and detailed compliance particulars that have to be established by the agency providing the funding.

“We will have more information available soon. Suffice it to say, we are thrilled with the support that the county, state, and federal representatives have shown Whidbey Telecom. The confidence and trust that they and the Lummi Nation have placed in us is humbling and we are excited to start the next planning stage.”

The All Point Bulletin has reached out to Mark Vasconi, head of Washington state’s broadband office for details on this grant but had not heard back from him by time of going to press.

Vasconi spoke during a White House press conference on June 23 about the various broadband projects being initiated as a result of President Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed in 2021. Democratic politicians across the country have been loudly touting local projects recently.

s From l., four of the rangers who have worked at Lighthouse Marine Park from the beginning starting with current ranger Iver Jackson, with former rangers Ben VanBuskirk, George Scherer (first ranger 50 years ago), and Carl Prince.

A New Direction For Whatcom, TOGETHER

• Safer communities and expanded mental health resources

• Productive economy and jobs that help working families afford housing and basic needs

• Productive economy and jobs that help working families afford housing and basic needs

• Collaborative water rights negotiations and settlement

s The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new directors, Laura Swan and Wayne Lyle. Swan is working on a membership drive as well as planning business mixers this summer. If a Point Roberts business is interested in attending the Delta Chamber of Commerce’s After 5 Event at Diefenbaker Park on July 5, please email info@ pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com by July 2 to get on the list. From l., Laura Swan, Brian Calder, Tamra Hansen, Louise Mugar, Wayne Lyle, and Linda Hughes. Not pictured, Ali Hayton. Chamber president Calder has been very busy making the case to President Biden, elected officials and media to reinstitute the part-time work visa program allowing Canadians to work in Point Roberts. Calder and Ali Hayton, owner of the Point Roberts Marketplace, have been meeting with staff from Senator Patty Murray’s office concerning the need for workers in Point Roberts. Photo by Patti Monaghan-Hacker

• Collaborative water rights negotiations and settlement

• Ensure fiscal responsibility and effective budget appropriations

• Ensure fiscal responsibility and effective budget appropriations

PAID

PAID FOR BY ELECT GILL FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE PO BOX 2372 BLAINE WA 98231

Annual General Meeting

Thursday, July 18, 2019 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Outside Patio (weather permitting) 1334 Gulf Road, Point Roberts

Appetizers and soft beverages provided by the Association Cash bar insid e the Reef

H

Keynote Speaker: Tim Ballew II

Past Chairman, Lummi Indian Business Council

“The Importance of Point Roberts to the Lummi Nation, Past and Present”

There will be a Q&A period following the keynote speaker's prepared remarks.

PLEASE JOIN YOUR TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

or full time residents. Only dues-paid Members may vote, but non-members are also welcome at our Annual General Meeting.

PRTA Box 158,

Point Roberts, WA 98281 Contact: Mark Robbins, President, (360) 945-1357

Photo by Erin Kelly

s A crowd around 100 people attended festivities marking the 50th anniversary of Lighthouse Marine Park. Photo by Erin Kelly

We’re not the highest but we’re close

As of June 28, Washington state has the highest gas prices in the U.S. with an average price of regular gas running at $4.987 per gallon, mid-grade at $5.191 and premium at $5.399. The two next costliest states to buy gas are Hawaii and California where prices run 19-25¢ per gallon cheaper than Washington’s. These figures are calculated daily by the AAA and can, and do change on a daily basis.

Locally, the cheapest place to gas up is at Costco where gas is costing $4.49 per gallon for regular and $4.89 for premium. If you’re a Costco member, that’s even cheaper than at the Lummi Nation’s fuel stop where prices are running $4.55 for regular and $5.05 for premium.

In Blaine, gas prices ranged from $4.879 for regular at Speedway to $4.999 at the D Street Chevron (not all gas stations are listed on the Gas Buddy), the user-reported source for local prices. Premium ranged from $5.279 at Speedway to $5.799 at the Chevron on Peace Portal Drive. The D Street Exxon fell between the two outliers. How do these prices compare with what it costs to gas up in Point Roberts? The average price for regular gas here is running $5.17 for regular, $5.07 for mid-grade and $5.98 for premium. The price ranges from a low of $4.80 at Speedway to $5.33 at Chevron for regular, mid-grade from $5.44 at Point Pantry to $5.71 at Chevron, premium from $5.71 at Can Am and Point Pantry to $6.31 at Speedway.

Hard to believe, prices in Whatcom County are lower than most other counties in the state as a look at the graphic shows. As for the difference in prices between here and the rest of the county, local gas

station owners have in the past attributed that to the extra distance the fuel trucks have to travel.

At least we have better prices than our neighbors to the north. According to the CAA, the average price in Vancouver for regular gas is $5.85 US.

According to AAA Washington’s public affairs manager Mellani McAleenan, there are a number of factors explaining why our state prices are so high. One is geography. States east of the Rockies have supply lines running every which way. In Washington, supply lines are constricted to north-south directions. Two, supply and demand. More people are traveling now that summer is here. That coincides with the maintenance closure of British Petroleum’s Olympic Pipeline which transports gas, diesel and jet fuel from Blaine to Portland, Oregon. Finally, Washington has the third highest gas tax in America at 49¢ per gallon.

So, congratulations Point Roberts! You lucky sods are paying less for gas than most places in Washington state. Course it would be nice to be buying gas in Mississippi where regular gas is going for $2.978.

for REAL news READ LOCAL

Happily Ever After Begins at the Reef

Zach Conard and Sarah Sawatzky embarked on their journey of eternal love on June 10th, 2023, at the world famous Kiniski's Reef. Zach, the son of Point Roberts residents Steve and Liz Conard, found his soulmate in Sarah, the beloved daughter of John and Carol Sawatzky from Chilliwack, British Columbia.

The families would like to extend their deepest gratitude and offer a resounding round of applause to Nick, Allison, and the entire Reef staff for graciously hosting this momentous occasion.

Despite the early rain and a fleeting power outage, the couple stood strong and fulfilled their dream of exchanging vows on the beach front lawn, accompanied by a mesmerizing million-dollar view. From the processional to the tender kiss, every aspect of the wedding was handled with meticulous care, surpassing all expectations. This marked the joyous beginning of their happily ever after.

Moreover, a sincere heartfelt appreciation goes to Kathleen from Ollie Otter Bakery for masterfully crafting a delectable wedding cake, a groom's cake, and an assortment of delightful treats that added an extra touch of bliss to the festivities.

Borderite Report THE

What a great end to the 2022/2023 school year! We continued to learn and to explore our world up until the very last day of the school year!

Our students welcomed their families into the school for a Spring Celebration where our students shared creative and informative writing and showcased a dance they had been working on. Even the adults kicked up their heels and joined in when given the opportunity!

The wind came just in time on another June afternoon when our students ran with their kites flying high in Baker Field.

We took our classroom to the beach where our students picnicked, went on a nature walk, did crafts, played on the playground and explored the beach.

On the last day of school our students experimented with tie dye, painted canvases, participated in a giant obstacle course and ended the day with our local fire department creating sprinklers with the fire truck and hoses. A special thank you to our fire department who comes every year to continue this special tradition on the last day of school.

s Two local teams participated in the 50th Anniversary of the Ski to Sea race from Mt. Baker to Fairhaven on May 28. Above, Tsawwassen and Point Roberts were represented by the Jackson family, who won 1st place in the Family Division. From l., Joren Jackson, Yvette and Jonathon Jackson from Tsawwassen, Carmen Jackson with her youngest son, Iver, both from Point Roberts, Tavin Jackson and his girlfriend Mackenzie, Tsawwassen. Iver is currently park ranger for Point Roberts.

To our students who are moving onto other educational opportunities next year, thank you for being a special part of our school family! You will be missed and we wish you well!

Jessie Hettinga M.S.Ed Principal

- Point Roberts Primary

Kindergarten registration is open for the 2023-24 school year! All children who are 5 by Sept. 1, 2023 are eligible.

Please visit our district website at Blainesd.org and click on the Parents and Students tab. Next click on the New Student Online Enrollment link to begin your registration form. If you have questions about our school please contact Jessie Hettinga at jhettinga@blainesd.org.

Check out our district website! www.blainesd.org

s Mount Baker Experience magazine (sister publication to All Point Bulletin) was thrilled to sponsor a team for the 50th Ski to Sea Race from the top of Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay on May 28. The eight legs were represented by Alex Hartley (cross-country ski), Andrew Grubb (downhill ski), Shayla Maupin (running), Ian Haupt (road bike), Elliott Smith and Sebastian Smith (canoe), Linda Finch (cyclocross) and Sarah Sophia Donohoe (kayak). The team came in 12th in the corporate category. A special shoutout to Ian Haupt (Mount Baker Experience editor and reporter for The Northern Light) for placing 53rd overall in the road bike amongst the 474 participating teams. Above, the team at the finish line along with supporters from Point Roberts.

in the garden

One of my childhood memories is of falling into a pond at Bodnant Garden in North Wales. Yes, I come from a family that made sure public botanical gardens were on the must-see list for free days. I still love going to display gardens and I suspect that I am in good company.

We are fortunate to live in an area with so many such gardens. They are great for both getting ideas for your own garden and simply enjoying gardens where somebody else does the weeding. If you appreciate them as much as I do, take this little journey to some of the notable ones that are just a day trip from the Point.

I’ll start next door at the Earthwise Society display garden in the Southlands district of Tsawwassen. It’s astounding what Earthwise has created in just over 15 years cultivating this site. The site has gone through a number of transformations over the years. It’s worth a repeat visit if you haven’t been lately. This compact, delightful garden demonstrates ecological landscape practices for different types of Pacific Northwest gardens.

Not far from Earthwise, the tiny Secret Garden is equally delightful. It’s hard to believe that this tranquil treasure was constructed and maintained not by a dedicated team of volunteers but by a single person providing a calming place of refuge from the stresses of life. If you visit in summer, just check local parking restrictions or park at Southlands and walk over.

A little farther afield, Surrey, B.C. has a number of display gardens, but my favorite is Darts Hill Garden on 16th Avenue. Open on weekend mid-days, it is more than worth the short drive to wander the expansive, well-designed grounds and garden rooms dominated by mature trees and fleshed out with shrubs and perennials from all over the world. My favorite spot is the alpine rock garden, possibly a great inspiration for gardeners who have a hot, sunny spot.

If you fancy an educationally-inclined garden, I’d recommend the University of British Colombia (UBC) Botanical Garden on South West Marine Drive in the West Point Grey area of Vancouver. This rambling garden features a forest canopy walk,

ample forests, an Asian woodland, a potager garden, and a truly impressive and expansive geographically-themed rock garden. It’s easy to spend almost a full day exploring this garden in its entirety, although you might want to save some energy for the nearby Nitobe Memorial Garden. Nitobe Garden is also located on the UBC campus. This compact Japanese garden has been a favorite of the Vancouver community for decades. It shines at all times of the year, and is ever so lovely after a snowfall that sets off the stone lanterns, the koi pond, and carefully selected evergreens. Check opening days and times before you go.

The city of Vancouver proper has a number of botanical and display gardens worth the visit. The largest is Van Dusen Botanical Garden, one of Canada’s destination gardens. In July, stroll the meadow and perennial gardens; expect to see waterlilies, summer bulbs, fuchsias, roses, and lilies blooming. It’s a full day venture and ramble, and you’ll probably want to sit on a park bench or enjoy a meal at the in-grounds Shaughnessy Restaurant to revive your energy enough to wander the remaining half of the garden’s 55 acres of plantings.

A more manageable yet equally enjoyable garden is the quarry garden walk at Queen Elizabeth Park. In many ways, it reminds me of the famed Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island, and yet it is almost at our doorstep. It’s also smaller, but it offers delightful views of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. And if you are up for more or the day is drizzly, you can step into the tropical indoor garden of the Bloedel Conservatory. The two don’t make an exhausting day unless you go off for a ramble around the entire park. But if you need a break, the Seasons in the Park restaurant beckons you.

The last notable display garden on my short list is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in the Chinatown District of Vancouver. A classic scholar’s garden, the emphasis is on design and stonework, but there’s still plenty for a gardener to enjoy. There are a number of bonsai pieces and the overall sense is one of peace and decorum. As with the other smaller gardens, check opening times before you go in or-

der to avoid disappointment. And for this garden in particular, check the availability of special events like tours, concerts and exhibitions. As lovely as your own garden might be, it is a true delight to visit gardens designed and maintained by others with a deep love of gardening. Out there, beyond Point Roberts, are many wonderful ways to get out in the garden.

s Sun Yet-San Garden in Chinatown.

Photo by Rhiannon Allen

About a third of a century ago, one phone provider kicked out another in Point Roberts and as a result, everybody’s phone number switched to a new area code and phone book. Although the idea of controlling a landline phone system and determining which calls were billed as

long-distance sound like ancient history today, it was a big deal back in the mid1980s. Headlines across the front page of the All Point Bulletin in February 1987 blared, “High Stakes Phone Game Now Underway.”

Although residential phone service began as late as 1955, B.C. Tel had provided business phone services in Point Roberts for a half-century before that, initially to the canneries. In the summer of 1985 a small phone company from the southern tip of Whidbey Island noticed that while B.C. Tel was franchised in Whatcom County, they had never filed regulatory papers at the state level with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. B.C. Tel countered that they had grandfather rights to Point Roberts due to their long history on the Point. The state rejected this in June 1986, found B.C. Tel to have no legal grounds to provide service here, and declared Point Roberts an “unassigned telephone territory,” an action without precedent in Washington history.

As three companies submitted bids to the state for the right to provide the Point’s phone system, the number one issue among local residents was the continuation of free calling to all of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. This hope

was dashed as B.C. Tel indicated the arrangement would not continue. Bids were submitted by what was then known as Whidbey Telephone Company, Inter-Island and a group of local residents known as Point Roberts Telecom who wanted to establish a local phone system as a cooperative venture, with Whidbey prevailing in a June 1987 decision.

This is the 35th anniversary of the change-over, which happened June 4, 1988. Everybody in Point Roberts moved from British Columbia’s 604 area code to what was western Washington’s area code at the time, 206. The ability to call any number in the Lower Mainland for free ended, and thereafter only calls within Point Roberts were free local calls. The Point’s phone book listings moved from the Vancouver phone book to an appendix at the back of the southern Whidbey Island phone book. Residents were shocked when the cost of a residential line increased as much as 40 percent, while rates for business lines dropped significantly.

The Point Roberts History Center has information on the fierce historical battles to provide utilities on the Point. Stop by Fridays (11 a.m.- 2 p.m.) or Saturdays (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) or call our landline at 360/945-7477.

A mid-year view into Circle of Care

It is July; half the year has evaporated with the rain. Circle of Care is growing and expanding. We have a new board member, new volunteers and new “proud members” who will be taking a more active role in helping us expand our services and guide our direction. We are proud to be of service to all the residents of our community as we continually work to improve what and how we provide our services.

Our mission is, “Connecting residents with volunteers and professional services so they can stay in their homes and community.”

The Circle of Care bus is back in service on Thursdays for medical appointments in Bellingham and area. Please make your appointments between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., if possible. Call 360/945-5222 for Thursday pickup at your home. We have medical durable equipment to lend. Please call 360/945-5222 for any requests.

Our volunteer services are numerous. Let us know how we can help you. Our upcoming events will include the Fourth of July Parade with the bus; blackberry pie sale in late July; a reception and silent auction for a concert in early August (date TBD); and the sponsoring of Apple Harvest Fest in late September/early October (when the apples are ready).

We would like to hear about what more you would like to see us do. How can we serve you in new ways? How can we communicate with you more effectively? Would you like transportation to and from Wednesday and Friday lunches at the community center?

What would you like to know about us?

For those of you who do not know, our board of trustees includes Galen Wood, president, Louise Cassidy, treasurer, Robbi Nielson, secretary, Barbara Bradstock, Isobel Brophy, Virginia Lester, Shive Marshall, Bill Zidel and Annelle Norman, executive director.

If you have questions or thoughts to share, feel free to ask any board member. Or call Galen 303/378-5393 or Annelle 303/945-5222.

s A young doe standing on Bayview Drive enjoying the view of Maple Beach.

Photo by Stephen Fowler

Coming up ...

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events

Fill the Boot Campaign: Saturdays from July 8 through September 2, 9 a.m. to noon, Point Roberts Marketplace. Benefiting the Point Roberts Food Bank. Sponsored by the Point Roberts Volunteer Firefighters Charitable Society.

Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary Care: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., appointment needed. Urgent Care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Hours subject to change. Flu shots available. Info: 360/945-2580.

PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1-7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Library express hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.

Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m., coffee to follow at 9 a.m., Thursdays at the community center, Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays location varies and can be found at prwalkers. wordpress.com.

PR Food Bank: Every Wednesday 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Gulf Road Community Center. Info: prfoodbank. org.

Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, dine-in or park and come inside the community center to pick up your lunches available from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., PR community center. All ages welcome. More info: prseniors@whidbey.com or 360/945-5424.

Your Local Small Market: Saturdays, July 1 and 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., PR community center, 1437 Gulf Road. Come out and shop locally!

Summer reading kick-off: Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., PR Library. Come to the library to sign up for Summer Pleasure Reading and get a brand-new free book. Our theme this summer is trees, and you’ll be able to add leaves to our PR Library tree all summer long. For Kids and Teens.

PR Amateur Radio Club: Monday, July 3, 7 p.m., via Zoom.

PR Beekeepers Association: Monday, July 3, 7–8:30 p.m., community center. Info: thelittlegoldenharp@ gmail.com.

PREP Pancake Breakfast: Tuesday, July 4, 8-11 a.m., community center. Support Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness at this annual fundraiser. Pull up a seat and grab your syrup!

U.S. and Canada Flag Raising: Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m., community center.

4th of July Parade: Tuesday, July 4, noon. Parade follows Gulf Road, beginning at Marine Drive.

BBQ: Tuesday, July 4, noon - 6 p.m., Kiniski’s Reef.

BBQ, Music and Games: July 1, 2 and 4, noon to 7 p.m., Point Roberts Marina. BYOBB (bring your own beverage and blanket or chair). Featuring Jeffery Elvis as Elvis Tribute, DJ and local bands. Games for all ages, PR Volunteer Fire Department and Firetrucks. Donations will benefit Volunteer Firefighters Charitable Society.

BBQ: Tuesday, July 4, noon - 6 p.m., Kiniski’s Reef.

Make it – Sun Catchers: Wednesday, July 5, 1–2 p.m., PR Library. Adorn the branches of your favorite tree with a sun catcher poised to bounce and reflect those brilliant summer rays. All supplies provided. Grades K-5.

Plant-Based Potluck Club: Thursday, July 6, 6 p.m., Lighthouse Marine Park. Meets first Thursday of the month. Bring a dish to share (no meat, eggs or dairy) and your own plates/silverware/drinks. All are welcome. Friends of the Point Roberts Library AGM: Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m. in the Point Roberts Library. Presentation and discussion: Libraries as Community Services. Public Welcome. Refreshments will be served. info: foprl1@ gmail.com.

Point Roberts Kids Camp: Mondays through Fridays, July 10–28, morning session is 9 a.m. – noon, afternoon session is 1–4 p.m. Brought to you by the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District. Early registration available now. Info: prparkandrec.org.

PR Park and Recreation: Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org.

Water District: Tuesday, July 11, 5 p.m., via Zoom.

Fire District 5: Wednesday, July 12, at 4 p.m., via Zoom. Info: WCFD5.com.

PR Hospital District: Wednesday, July 12, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: pointrobertsclinic.com.

PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3OBb1rn. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net.

Make It: Birdhouses: Saturday, July 15, 1-2 p.m., PR Library. Customize your very own birdhouse to hang in a tree. All supplies provided. For grades K-5.

PR Historical Society: Wednesday, July 19, 7 p.m., in the History Center.

PR Taxpayers Association AGM: Thursday, July 20, 5 to 7 p.m., Kiniski’s Reef. Keynote speaker: Senator Sharon Shewmake. Appetizers provided, cash bar available. Non-members welcome.

PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, July 20, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail. com.

Your Local Small Market: Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maple Beach. Come out and shop locally!

Teen Art Camp: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, July 26, 28 and 29, 2:30-4 p.m., Library. Each day features a different project designed to stretch creative muscles and help us see the world in new ways. Grades six to 12.

Joke Telling Contest: Saturday, August 19, 7 p.m., community center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for silent auctions. Fundraiser for Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness, donations appreciated. Sponsored by PREP. Fun clean jokes, no cussing. Traditional pretzels, root beer and seltzer will be served. The winner’s name will be inscribed on the famous Ha-Ha Cup. Music by Savilla and Shaune Ann.

Annual “Every Dog’s a Winner” dog show: Saturday, August 26, Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and judging begins at noon. Event sponsored by PAWS. A cash prize raffle will be held, tickets are three for $5. Come show off your best friend! And remember, you don’t need to own a dog to join enjoy this popular Point Roberts event!

History Center: Extended summer hours: Fridays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gulf Road community center.

Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30–11 a.m., PR library. Through July. For ages 2-6. An open program that includes stories, rhymes and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation.

Chess: Every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m., Point Roberts library. Beginners are welcome. Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.

Friday Community Market: Fridays, 4–7 p.m., west side of J dock at the Point Roberts Marina. Make it, grow it, bake it, take it (free table). A collection of local farmers and vendors. Come see what we have to offer.

turning at the end of August, Granger said some of the reductions were not full-time positions. Six recess supervision positions were considered as a whole number in the overall count, although they worked 2.5 hours per day and were supported through federal funds issued to elementary and secondary schools, or ESSER. Granger said district administration is working on staffing issues daily. Statewide

School districts across Washington state are resorting to similar cost-cutting measures amid budget crises.

Seattle Public Schools – Washington’s largest school district – is facing a $131 million projected budget shortfall next school year, where it is expected to layoff more than 60 employees.

According to MyNorthwest, the Everett school district board has approved a plan

to eliminate as many as 142 positions to account for a $28 million deficit, and Bellevue district may fold three elementary schools due to drops in enrollment.

The budget shortfalls for all districts are the result of declining enrollment, rising labor costs and heightened student needs following the pandemic. Funding issues

Over the past months in Blaine school board meetings, board members and Granger have called for parents and community members to reach out to local representatives to advocate for a reevaluation of the McCleary decision. The Washington Supreme Court’s McCleary decision requires the state to pay for all basic education costs – in attempt at equal opportunity between districts with high and low property values.

Granger said after the June 20 school board meeting that the McCleary decision restricts a property-rich district like Blaine by setting a cap on its levy collections. The district’s levy funding is then dependent

on its enrollment.

“I think it was well intended to level the playing field, but I don’t think that that’s been the result across the state,” Granger said.

The district will cut certificated staff, para-educators and district office staff, among others due to the lack of funding and around a 50-student drop in enrollment. Twenty-five percent of layoffs will be in the district office while 22 percent are Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members, 17 percent are administration and 14 percent Blaine Education Association members, according to the reduction plan.

Most board members previously spoke on the issue during the May 22 regular meeting. Board president Dougal Thomas said during the meeting that the district only has so much money and has to maintain a fund balance, but posed a question as to where concerned community members could focus their efforts.

Board member Kimberly Akre said to go

straight to the source – the state legislature. Board member Erika Creydt said the board should also hold Granger accountable so that finances are being prioritized in the best interest of the students.

“I think that our superintendent is doing an excellent job in doing just that,” board member Charles Gibson said. “He’s been working on this since October.”

Board member Don Leu said the funding issues are not merely a result of the pandemic, but a sustained lack of funding of public schools across the nation.

“There’s just a slow strangulation of local school districts that’s taking place because of inadequate federal and state attention to the public education system, which has always been the way to move oneself up,” Leu said.

On June 20, Granger said students have significant needs and the district needs a system that gives it the resources to adequately address those needs. He said making these decisions isn’t easy is an understatement.

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Announcements

MASSAGE THERAPY Bryan Langsdale, LMT. 10+ years experience. Myofacscial - Deep Tissue - Craniosacral. Pain relief & relaxation. Located in Maple Beach. Contact pointrobertswellness@ gmail.com

SUNSHINE CARPET and upholstery steam cleaning, reasonable rates. 360-945-0411 or lawson_brad@yahoo.com.

HANDYMAN Carpentry

Remodeling • Fencing

• Decks • Painting • Pressure washing • Gutters • Hauling. 360-945-0521.

YARD MAINTENANCE Lawns • Pruning • Hedge/ shrub trimming • Gutters • Pressure Washing • 24 years experience. 360-945-1957.

1 BD, 1 BA, 800 SF, top floor of house available for rent. Open concept, newly renovated, close to South Beach. N/P. Open for short term or long term. Call 604-782-7876 or email for pictures cheri.cogman@gmail.com.

B y i an H au P t

Blaine school board extended superintendent Christopher Granger’s contract to June 30, 2026 in a 4-1 vote during its June 20 regular meeting. Board member Erika Creydt voted against the motion.

Granger will receive an annual base salary of $208,273, according to the contract. His salary, however, is subject to an increase January 1, 2024 that reflects the mean salary of other local superintendents. He also receives a $5,000 stipend under the contract for having a doctorate degree, as do all employees with the same degree.

In November 2022, the board passed Granger’s annual performance evaluation as “more than” satisfactory and instructed board president Dougal Thomas and vice president Charles Gibson to bring a final contract recommendation to the board for consideration no later than May 22.

Gibson said it’s standard protocol to retroactively increase the salary based on multiple other local districts’ superintendent salaries. The benchmark districts include Anacortes, Lakewood, Granite Falls, Mount Baker, Sultan and Lynden.

Granger’s last contract, which was passed also in a 4-1 vote during a May 23, 2022 meeting, applied the same adjustment. His salary in that contract prior to the adjustment was $201,230, making his

new contract nearly a 3.4 percent raise.

However, according to Washington state data, Granger was paid $227,413 for the 2021/22 school year. He was paid $211,672 the year before.

Board member Don Leu said Granger’s salary increase over the last three years has been less than the raises of other district employees.

“Frankly, in my time on the board, Dr. Granger has done that consistently for numerous reasons,” Thomas said, adding the district’s budget issues are the current reason.

“We’re really fortunate to have someone of your expertise at this salary,” Leu said. “I know superintendents and I know salaries … I think you’re underpaid.”

Food bank needs space

The Point Roberts Food Bank urgently needs new temporary storage as the property where they currently store food in a shipping container has been put up for sale. The food bank has been utilizing this space for over 20 years, as well as a refrigerated space donated by the Marketplace to distribute food to those in need. Distribution of food takes place at the community center on Gulf Road on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Parks district volunteer presents initial survey results

B y E rin K E lly

During their regular monthly meeting on June 12, the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District discussed preliminary results from the recent survey that was conducted to gather feedback from the community. The purpose of the survey was to identify the most utilized amenities by the public and gather suggestions for future improvements.

At the time of the meeting, a total of 268 individuals had completed the survey online, with an additional 30 participants opting for the paper version. Grace Wilkowski, a volunteer who has been managing the survey, described the response as impressive, given the population of Point

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts

MAY 2023

DESCRIPTION

HIGHER END HOUSES: $800,000 & ABOVE: Condo with 2,203 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 464 attached garage, 180 patio, built in 2016/17, waterfront; marine and territorial views.

1- story house with 2,400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 925 attached garage, 294 deck, built in 2018, .44 acres land.

1-story house with 1,329 square feet, 1,323 basement, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 483 detached garage, 654 patio, 1,016 balcony, built in 1976; marine and territorial views, .28 acres land.

2-story house with 1,970 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 594 and 192 enclosed porch, 976 deck, 488 patio, 864 shop, 416 and 192 carport, 976 and 160 deck, built in 1910, 5.10 acres land.

1-story house with 2,904 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 564 attached garage, 201 patio, built in 2019, .21 acres land.

1-story house with 1,948 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 517 attached garage, 324 deck, built in 1986, .34 acres land.

Unit 31, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9428 Turnstone Lane, Blaine

5546 Peregrine Way, Blaine

8018 Chinook Way, Blaine

101 Goodman Road, Point Roberts

8778 Clubhouse Point Drive, Blaine

9085 Chickadee Way, Blaine

Roberts. She told commissioners that the survey will remain open until Wednesday, July 5.

The compiled data will be presented at the park district’s meeting scheduled for August 14. Commissioner Michael Cressy expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully this survey will give the community a bit of a voice and will give us some direction as we are going forward and making decisions.”

The parks district encourages any remaining community members – including seasonal residents – to complete the survey if they have not already done so. The survey can be found online at bit. ly/3pNSyh3, and paper copies are available at the community center.

obituary

Leamington District Secondary School in 1971, and shortly thereafter moved to Vancouver, British Columbia.

He was a “Jack of all trades.” Gary worked construction by day as it was the family trade, and he bounced at bars in the evenings. Somewhere in his story he found Point Roberts, Washington.

He met Linda, the love of his life at the Reef Tavern where he was a bouncer and bar manager; he hired her to be a waitress.

s Gary Krahn.

Gerhard (Gary) Krahn II

July 20, 1952 – June 8, 2023

Gerhard (Gary) Krahn II, age 70, of Point Roberts, Washington passed away suddenly on June 8, joining his beloved wife Linda Krahn for their eternity together in Heaven.

Our father was one of six children to Gerhard Krahn and Maria Rempel. He was born July 20, 1952, in Volendam, Paraguay. From there, the family immigrated to Ontario, Canada. He graduated from

Together they had Sasha, Gerhard (JR), and Christion Kendall who he accepted as his son. Gary’s children gifted him with the lights of his life, his grandchildren Jade, Layla, Connor, and Zander. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and all who knew him knew the special place they held in his heart.

Our father was a local contractor who built many homes, and remodeled anything into a work of art. Everyone who met him has a story of how he touched their life. Everyone remembers his smile and wave through town, and his brief chats at the local stores and senior center.

A celebration of our father’s life will be held July 23 – location to be determined.

1-story house with 1,943 square feet, 1,338 basement, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 948 built-in garage, 1,503 deck, 448 patio, built in 2005; marine and territorial views, .34 acres land.

1-story house with 2,770 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, patio, built in 2023; marine view. .23 acres land.

1-and a half story house with 2,406 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, 816 attached garage, 562 balcony, 798 patio, built in 2001,; partial marine and territorial view, .90 acres land.

2-story house with 2,925 square feet, 754 basement, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 600 detached garage, 444 deck, 823 patio, 180 carport, built in 1994; marine and territorial views, .61 acres land.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

Store with 9,270 square feet, 840 mezzanine storage, 423 balcony, built in 1966, parking (built in 1990), .40 acres land.

Office with 7,633 square feet, parking, built in 2007, .30 acres land.

LAND:

.17 acres residential land.

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

3 lots, .20 acres residential land

.39 acres residential lot; marine view.

.11 acres residential lot.

5668 Nakat Way, Blaine

5423 Lonicera Drive, Blaine

589 South Beach Road, Point Roberts

2110 Whalen Drive, Point Roberts

$1,150,000 $896,000 $830,000 $900,000 $1,035,000 $1,030, 000 $1,530,000 $992,975 $879,000

648 Peace Portal Drive and G Street, Blaine

279 C Street, Blaine

627 E Street, Blaine

Sweet Gum Drive, Blaine

Cedar View Way, Blaine

Harbor Hills Parkway, Blaine

2151 Bayview Drive, Blaine

Whalen Drive, Point Roberts

Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service

sheriff’s report

June 4, 2:30 p.m.: Watch for on Gulf Road.

June 6, 5:04 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Benson Road.

June 6, 6:46 p.m.: Welfare check on Simundson Drive.

June 7, 5:13 p.m.: Suspicious person on Diane Circle.

June 7, 6:20 p.m.: Suspicious person on Diane Circle.

June 7, 9:42 p.m.: Watch for on Columbia Circle.

June 8, 5:21 p.m.: Death investigation on Rex Street.

June 9, 2:06 p.m.: Serve papers on Pelican Place.

June 9, 3:34 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on S Beach Road.

June 12, 2:17 p.m.: Death investigation on Victoria Way.

June 13, 12:36 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Simundson Drive.

June 15, 9:46 p.m.: Burglary on Nelson Road.

July Tides

June 15, 10:40 p.m.: Assist agency on Tyee Drive.

June 16, 12:39 p.m.: Assist agency on Edwards Drive.

June 16, 4:52 p.m.: Assault simple cold call on Simundson Drive.

June 18, 1:42 p.m.: Hot rod cold call on Bells Grove and APA Road.

June 19, 8:03 p.m.: Request for law enforcement on Pauls Road and Seabright Loop.

June 23, 10:38 a.m.: Disorderly conduct cold call on Tyee Drive and Benson Road.

June 24, 11:49 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Tyee Drive and Roosevelt Way.

June 26, 8:39 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on James Road.

June 26, 9:27 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute Cold call on James Road.

LoCaL stats >>>

Fire Incidents for May 2023

Total calls (38); EMS calls (16), resulting in the following transports: St. Josephs Hospital (6), County medic (1), Airlift Northwest (3), North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (1); Fire classification (11) resulting in outdoor burns – permit (2), outdoor burns – illegal (2), smoke investigation (1), false alarm (2), power lines down (1), animal rescue (1), gas leak (2); Public service (5).

Point Roberts health clinic numbers for May 2023

Clinic numbers for May 2023 were not received by the All Point Bulletin in time for publication. These will be published in a future issue if received.

Library piCks

Resurrection Walk John Connelly

None of This Is True Lisa Jewell

Sun House David James Duncan

Movies:

Avatar: The Way of Water Zoe Saldana

Blackberry Jay Baruchel

Sisu Jorma Tommila

Beau Is Afraid Joaquin Phoenix

Music:

72 Seasons Metallica

Aguilera Christina Aguilera

Atum Smashing Pumpkins

Celebrants Nickel Creek

Teens:

This Indian Kid Eddy Chuculate

The Brothers Hawthorne Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Solitaire Alice Oseman

Kids:

The Sun and the Star Rick Riordan

The One & Only Ruby

Katherine Applegate

The Truth About Max Alice Provensen

Summer Hours:

Tuesdays 1-7 p.m.

Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Express hours: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. wcls.org