February 7 - 13, 2019
FREE
Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Conservation district election approaching, page 2
Self-defense class for women, teens, page 7
New Birch Bay traffic rules in effect, page 9
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Blaine police Arts & Jazz event raises funds for the fine arts chief abruptly resigns to return to LAPD By Stefanie Donahue
Photo by Shawn Robins
Summer camp dormitories vandalized in Birch Bay By Jami Makan An investigation is underway after three Lions Camp Horizon dormitory buildings in Birch Bay were vandalized on January 29. The vandal(s) forced entry into three of the four dormitory buildings, which are located in Whatcom County’s Bay Horizon Park, and discharged multiple dry-chemical fire extinguishers. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and collected fingerprints at the scene of the crime.
There are no known suspects at this time. Powder from the fire extinguishers spread throughout the buildings, causing extensive damage to carpets, walls, window coverings and beds. Cleaning up the chemical residue is expected to cost up to $15,000. However, this figure could easily grow if the fire detection and alarm panel equipment turns out to be damaged by the corrosive fire extinguisher powder. As a result of the attack, Lions Camp Horizon, which provides summer camp for
City council to consider B&O tax By Stefanie Donahue Wholesale and manufacturing businesses that gross $20,000 or more per year may soon be asked to pay a 0.2 percent Business and Occupation (B&O) tax to help pay for city services. Blaine City Council will decide whether or not to approve the B&O tax after two public hearings scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, February 11 and 25 at Blaine
City Hall, located at 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. In Washington, a B&O tax can be levied at a maximum 0.2 percent on the gross receipts of wholesale, manufacturing, retail and service businesses. Gross receipts are the total annual revenue of a business, without subtracting costs and expenses. Wholesale and manufacturing businesses – such as plants, factories and mills or businesses that arrange the purchase or
sale of goods to retail establishments – are being targeted because they don’t pay a sales tax, but still utilize city services. “The city has continued to see an increased demand for services and revenue is not keeping up,” according to a press release from the city. “Revenue to provide services is increasing at two percent per year, while costs independent of the city (See B&O tax, page 3)
about 250 teens and adults each summer, had to pay an insurance deductible, taking away money from its already lean budget. “Spending $2,500 as our deductible to get this mess cleaned up takes money directly away from assets that could be used for scholarships for those who cannot afford our camp fees, camper activities, facility improvements and maintenance,” Lions Camp Horizon Foundation president Don Webster wrote in an email. “It also (See Vandalism, page 3)
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight
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s Some of the money raised on February 2 from the Arts & Jazz auctions will go toward scholarships for students interested in the arts, while the rest will go toward funding field trips and equipment. Above, Ethan Robins performs on trumpet. See photos on page 8-9.
INSIDE
With just over 160 days of service at the Blaine Police Department under his belt, Allen Schubert abruptly resigned from his position as police chief. The announcement was made during a special meeting on February 4 in which Blaine City Council voted unanimously to approve approximately $28,000 in severance pay for Schubert. Councilmembers cast their vote after an executive session and did not explain why they approved severance pay or what prompted his resignation. In a statement provided to The Northern Light the next day, city manager Michael Jones confirmed, “Schubert has decided to return to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and resign from his position as the police chief for the city of Blaine.” Schubert was sworn in as chief last August. He previously worked for the LAPD as a lieutenant of the transit services division. “During his tenure with Blaine, he worked diligently on the recommendations outlined in the Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program and contributed to building a positive police/ community relationship,” Jones said. “We wish to thank him for that service and wish him the best.” When asked why Blaine City Council approved severance pay, despite Schubert not being terminated from his position, Jones replied, “No further comment.” According to the Open Public Meetings Act, “… discussion by a governing body of salaries, wages and other conditions of employment to be generally applied within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body
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The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Proposed legislation addresses definition of “milk” B y E m m a E p p e r ly , W NPA O ly m p i a N ew s Bureau Proposed legislation would make it illegal to sell milk products not produced by mammals. Almond, oat and other nondairy milks could not be referred to or marketed as milk under Senate Bill 5349. The bill’s prime and sole sponsor is District 42 senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale). “This is a product safety and consumer education bill,” said Ericksen at the agriculture, water, natural resources and parks committee public hearing. Non-dairy milk substitutes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Adrienne Renz is the general manager of the Downtown Bellingham Community Food Co-op and said the substitutes allow people to have options. While these substitutes may be selling more, they have not affected sales of dairy products at the Co-op. “We have no formal definition [of milk],” Renz said. “Our goal is to provide options to people to fit their dietary restrictions.” Renz also specified that while the Co-op does sell a large selection of non-dairy substitutes, it is ultimately manufacturers who
bear responsibility for labeling and naming their products. Edaleen Dairy has seen a decrease in milk sales over the past decade, general manager Mitch Moorlag said, but there’s no way to tell whether that can be directly connected to a rise in milk substitute popularity. “Having them there certainly doesn’t help,” Moorlag said. South Carolina recently passed legislation similar to Ericksen’s proposal, but with a provision that enforcement would not be required until neighboring states passed similar legislation. “People have the right to know what they’re putting in their bodies,” said Ericksen. “Really, people are being fooled by the imitation milks,” Northwest Dairy Association representative Dan Coins said, explaining why the association supports the bill. The bill touches on a national level with the Food and Drug Administration and milk producers. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, the FDA is not enforcing their own regulations on the definition of milk. The FDA defines milk as, “the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more
healthy cows.” Moorlag said Edaleen would support the proposed bill if it moves forward because they believe there needs to be a stricter definition of what is considered milk. “People need to be aware of the big nutritional differences between dairy milk and nondairy substitutes,” Moorlag said. “There is a particular concern about the differences in their levels of protein.” The Co-op said they will continue to sell non-dairy substitutes but will adhere to the laws of the state of Washington, should they change. They are confident their vendors will comply with any updates in federal and state regulations. Ericksen hopes passing this legislation will send a message to the FDA that Washington state wants federal milk definition regulations enforced. This is not an issue that is unique to dairy alone with Missouri passing legislation last year to regulate the term “meat.” Additional reporting by Gwen Roley
The Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce is Proud to Present
The 19th Annual
Bite of Blaine
Election approaching for conservation district supervisor By Jami Makan The deadline is approaching to request a mail-in ballot for the election of a Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) supervisor. Residents of Whatcom County have until 4 p.m. on February 8 to request a mail-in ballot for the election which takes place on Tuesday, March 26. Ballots can be requested in person at the WCD office, located at 6975 Hannegan Road in Lynden, or alternatively by filling out a request form online at whatcomcd.org. Residents who do not obtain a mail-in ballot can still vote in person at the district’s Lynden office on election day, when polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The election is for one seat on the WCD board of supervisors, which is made up of five supervisors who are all local residents. The term of office is three years. The current supervisors are Larry Davis, chair; Heather Christianson, vice chair; Suzzi Snydar, secretary-treasurer; Theresa Sygitowicz, supervisor; and Alan Chapman, supervisor. The election is for the position currently occupied by Sygitowicz, who is running for re-election. The other candidate in the election is Valeri Wade. According to her online bio on the district’s website, Sygitowicz is a lifelong county resident who was raised on dairy and beef farms. She “strives for open and transparent government that respects civil and individual rights,” and she “feels that
sound farming practices are a benefit to the environment.” Her opponent, Wade, is a U.S. army veteran and an environmental advocate who has lived in Whatcom County for 30 years. “The land-use choices we make today are our gift to future generations,” Wade said in her candidate statement. “We must honor this responsibility as we improve conservation practices.” The Whatcom Conservation District was formed in 1946, and its mission is to help land managers with their conservation choices. There are about 3,000 conservation districts nationwide and about 45 in Washington state, according to Aneka Sweeney, the district’s education and outreach coordinator. The district provides free and confidential services to landowners to help manage and protect their resources. This includes offering education, technical assistance and connection with financial services, to help people best steward their land. The district’s overall goal is “to protect soil, land, air and water,” according to Sweeney, who said that while most of their services are provided to rural landowners such as farmers, many services are provided to urban audiences as well. “For example, we work closely on the protection of the Lake Whatcom watershed for drinking water for Bellingham, and we work closely with Lynden on storm water education,” she said.
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Mon., Feb. 18 • Semiahmoo Resort No Host Social & Silent Auction 6 p.m. • Food Tasting 6:30 p.m. Fundraising Live Auction begins at 7:30 p.m.
Come sample the finest cuisine that Blaine has to offer! Taste food from these 13 different area businesses and enjoy an evening of great tastes and good company while supporting Blaine’s Fourth of July Fireworks!
• Barnyard Coffee Roasters • Big Al’s Diner • Blaine Senior Center • Boardwalk Restaurant • Chuckanut Bay Foods • Cost Cutter & MyShan Dairy • Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. Since 1891
• Edaleen Dairy • Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt • Paso del Norte • Semiahmoo Resort-Golf-Spa • Subway • The Vault Wine Bar
Tickets are $30 per person and are available at
Pacific Building Center and Blaine Welcome Center. Blaine Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
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360-332-2780 1733 H St - Ste 420 Blaine, WA 98230 teriyakisecret.com
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
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s The Lions Camp Horizon dormitory buildings in Birch Bay. Photo courtesy of Don Webster
s The discharge of fire extinguishers left residue on carpets and walls that require extensive cleanup. Photo courtesy of Don Webster
Vandalism ... From page 1
places additional tasks on our part-time staff and volunteers to organize the cleanup and related actions to deal with this senseless vandalism.” In addition to the insurance deductible, Lions Camp Horizon must now spend money on additional security measures, such as
B&O tax ...
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video surveillance and additional alarms. The organization is asking the public to consider making donations to assist with these measures. Donations can be made online at lionscamphorizon.org or by mail to Lions Camp Horizon, 7506 Gemini Street, Blaine, Washington 98230. Lions Camp Horizon, a non-profit organization that is now in its 45th year of providing
summer camp, has suffered previous attacks. In the spring of 2017, teenagers discharged fire extinguishers in the dining hall, prompting the organization to install an alarm in that building. There was a third attack shortly afterwards, in which a number of juveniles pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one year of probation. “It’s ultimately our campers who are hurt,” said Webster.
the B&O tax starting this year if approved by Blaine City Council. Businesses that gross $500,000 annually would have to pay $1,000. The B&O tax is expected to generate an estimated $200,000 per year and would be used to pay for additional police and administrative personnel, replacement of police vehicles, WhatComm 911 emergency dispatch
services and public park and building maintenance. The council will discuss the tax at a study session that begins at 5 p.m. on Monday, February• 11 U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization at Blaine City Hall. During the • Work / investor visas • Work / investor visas session, councilmembers cannot vote and the public cannot com• Denied entry waivers • Denied entry waivers ment. Removal hearings • Removal NEXUS appeals hearings • NEXUS appeals Read more about the B&O•tax by visiting bit.ly/2D8SpKc.
U.S. & Canadian Personal Tax Compliance & Consulting Services Emily Lo, CPA, CGA (Canada), CPA (Washington State) Tel: (604) 495-0075 (Vancouver, BC) Email: emily@visiontax.ca Website: www.visiontax.ca Emily Lo is a cross-border tax accountant with 10+ years of experience in providing U.S. & Canadian tax services. Our firm ensures timely filing of your tax & information returns & provides cross-border tax consultation & tax saving strategies. *denotes Professional Corporation
From page 1
are four percent on average.” City services are currently paid for through a 6 percent utility tax, 8.7 percent sales tax (of which the city retains 1.05 percent) and property tax. An estimated 30 to 50 wholesale and manufacturing businesses in Blaine would have to pay
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elects to take final action hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the public.” Jones wasn’t the only one who stayed mum about the announcement. During a brief phone interview with The Northern Light, Schubert said, “I’m just going back to the LAPD. I really haven’t retired from the department yet.” While working in Blaine, Schubert continued working for the LAPD. When asked if that factored into his decision to resign, he replied “No comment,” adding, “I enjoyed the job, it’s just my time to leave.” Schubert said he plans to move
We
back to LA with his family and resume his position at the LAPD as lieutenant of the transit services division. Looking ahead, Jones said the city will recruit the services of Prothman Company, a consulting firm based in Issaquah that specializes in executive recruitment. The city paid approximately $17,500 to the firm in 2018 to search for candidates for the police chief position. Jones said the contract includes a warranty if the position is vacated within 18 months of hire. “We’re proceeding with next steps and this agreement would be effective today based on your approval,” Jones said to Blaine City Council. “We’ll get started right away on rounding up another candidate, or candidates.”
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The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
The Northern L ght Community members join mayor for coffee The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
s Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon, r., and city manager Michael Jones, l., answered questions from Blaine residents at a coffee event at Peace Arch City Cafe on February 5. The two leaders plan to hold another session on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the same cafe.
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Photo by Jami Makan
Letters
Editor Stefanie Donahue stefanie@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Gwen Roley prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Adam Albert sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXIV, No 33 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Feb. 14 Ads due: Feb. 8
The Editor: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Blaine area ports of entry would like to extend their thanks to the local community on both sides of the border. The Blaine area ports received overwhelming support from Canada Border Services Agency, Blaine Elementary School, local businesses and numerous private citizens from both the United States and Canada during the recent partial government shutdown. “We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the support shown to our employees during our partial government shutdown,” said area port director Kenneth Williams. “Every day we safeguard America’s borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel. Your acknowledgement of our commitment to our mission statement truly shows we are a community that supports each other.” Renne Archer, public affairs liaison U.S. CBP
The Editor: I have lived in Semiahmoo for 15 years. We came here because of the beauty and community in our part of the city of Blaine. We have been pleased with the community’s effort to preserve the natural setting that borders Semiahmoo Parkway all the way to the spit. However, I am concerned that the planning commission staff has lost its way. Its recommendation for approval of the Woodberry development that The Northern Light wrote about in the January 31 edition, is a clear deviation from the city’s own guidelines and incompatible with contiguous neighborhoods of Blaine. Mr. Haugen made his original presentation to the Semiahmoo community regarding the Woodberry project in July of 2017. The development is across Semiahmoo Parkway from my home. It would have been difficult for him to be more arrogant and unconcerned about the interests of the community. I attended the planning council meetings on January 10 and 24. Mr. Haugen’s representative stated that Haugen believes he should be able to do what he wants with his property
because he is a “Libertarian”. I don’t see why his political views should have any place in his application for the Woodberry development. Then sitting on the property for several years, putting up fences (including chain link), destroying the buffer to the road, providing parking for commercial vehicles, motorhomes and boats represents a “compatible” development. That defies reality. In your article about the Woodberry development, the Haugens’ lawyer was quoted as saying the Haugens are going to clear the property whether or not the development moves forward. Suggesting that they may “farm” nine acres is a clear threat directed at the neighbors and the city of Blaine planning commission. We favor development and housing solutions that are consistent with community and environmental guidelines for Semiahmoo, where approximately a quarter of Blaine’s residents live. To begin a pattern of approving the destruction (Continued on next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.
Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: bbwarm.whatcom county.org.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber Office, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
The Editor: Thank you to the Blaine Food
The Editor: Let us forget about the possible (Woodberry) housing project, even the farming possibility of this property; the question is, “Where is the environmental impact report?” For such a major change in use, that is required or the local effect that would be caused by clear-cutting to neighboring properties as the attorney said would happen even if the house-building didn’t go through or the farming. I believe it is obvious on the man’s part to cause a ‘degrading’ of Semiahmoo community standing within the whole of the city of Blaine. George McKinney Blaine The Editor: I write to comment on the proposed Woodberry development and specifically the letter from the project’s lawyer as reported in The Northern Light in the January 31 issue. I was also quoted in the article as a speaker at the January 24 planning commission meeting. The lawyer’s letter states “The project has been thoroughly vetted by staff and met with their support.” Many of us at the meeting had serious questions about the thoroughness of the staff’s work and the number of exceptions
which were granted. Further, the lawyer states that the owner has held the property for several years. She ignores that when it was acquired it was part of the Semiahmoo Resort Master Plan (RSMP) which does not permit agriculture or logging. Nor does she acknowledge that agriculture and logging are not permitted in the Recreational Planned Residential zoning area (RPR) which currently covers this property. This is not farmland. But she states, regardless, “the property will be cleared.” The flagrant disregard for the community is appalling. Why and how was this parcel removed from the RSMP, which has guided the development of Semiahmoo’s many and varied neighborhoods? The city of Blaine has spent years working to improve the downtown, and added walking trails and parks to make Blaine an attractive city where people want to work, to live, to raise families. The west side of Semiahmoo Parkway is part of the city and it should be developed with the same dedication to working with the existing environment, and creating neighborhoods where people and animals can live in harmony. Helen Worley Blaine Clarification A letter by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce board of directors that was published in the January 31 edition of The Northern Light was intended to address Whatcom County public works maintenance and operations staff.
Blaine United Church of Christ "Where friendly people gather and become family"
Sunday Services 10:30 am
(360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public. Agendas can be found on the City’s website.
Monday, February 11 4:30 pm – Study Session – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) Interviews 5 pm – Study Session – Business and Occupation Tax (B&O Tax) Proposal 6 pm – Regular City Council Meeting Public Hearing: Proposed Business and Occupation Tax (B&O Tax)
I became a birder in Blaine I have the guidebook for Northwest birds. I have new Nikon binoculars from REI. I know the difference between a trumpeter swan and a tundra swan. I know that a loon never goes on land, that a male surf scoter has a white patch on the back of his head, that the spots on a fox sparrow are triangular in shape and other pieces of information I never thought I would care to know. I’ve gotten up before dawn to watch a flock of swans rise from Tennant Lake. I’m crazy for harlequin ducks and I belong to Western Washington Birders on Facebook. This is all because we live in a major birding area of the world. We moved to this city one year ago, but it didn’t take me long to realize birding looms large on these shores. Semiahmoo Spit and Drayton Harbor are mentioned in all the birding books. Bird habitat signs are everywhere. I’ve seen them line the shore at Blaine Marine Park and I’ve respectfully heeded their warnings. The Wings Over Water festival happens here annually. Where else is there a celebration of the winged inhabitants? I’m still learning what it means to be a birder. Because birds are everywhere, it’s easy to feed my new passion. I easily spotted the delightful orange lining of three flickers climbing a dead stump in the creek behind our home. On another day I watched them engage in their courtship dance for 20 minutes on our balcony railing.
We took the time to count 120 Canada geese when we were at Harrison Lake in B.C. We learned the stunning black and white ducks that we see here all winter are goldeneyes. My husband discovered he holds a magical connection to loons. I excitedly ask him, “Did you hear the owl last night?” We’ve been captivated listening to them execute a loving call-and-response ritual during their mating season. We joined North Cascades Audubon Society. We attended a lecture on the rehabilitation of local injured swans, capped off with the witness of three be(See Birder, page 13)
Advisory Committee
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The Editor: In The Northern Light’s article about the proposed Woodberry development, Rolf Haugen’s lawyer was quoted as saying, amongst other things, that the developer is considering alternatives for using the property including “residential development in keeping with the city zoning or clearing it to utilize for crop or animal uses. Regardless of whether the development proposal moves forward, the property will be cleared.” I had two reactions. Amazement and amusement. Amazement: Mr. Haugen’s apparent disdain for Blaine’s city code and legal due process. His attorney even states that the anticipated uses include some that are in keeping with the city zoning as well as other uses, presumably not permitted by zoning laws such as the keeping of farm animals. Puzzling? Yes. Total disdain for
The Editor: The governor of Virginia should resign and racism should be redefined as a crime. The right to speak and think as you like is part of the greatness of our democratic system and must be always protected. Prejudices of all kinds, including racial, are a part of this protection. Our laws govern behavior and actions. Racism is a pernicious prejudice which organizes these beliefs into action intended to harm other citizens, including verbally, around a principle of hatred. There may also be secondary benefits to those who are racist including economic but the primary first cause is the intention to harm. To bully this way must be a chargeable crime beyond hate crime status. There is no law against being stupid or ugly and there should not be as such can be avoided. There must be a law when this is organized into proposed demonstrable action because those results cannot be avoided and innocent citizens are to be protected under our laws. Sharon Robinson Blaine
Bank for opening your doors on January 26 to the furloughed government employees. The volunteers, donors and the community, you’re incredible! Kerry Mace Blaine
3rd St.
of what may be the most beautiful and scenic drive in Blaine is just plain wrong. Sue Berkman Blaine (Ed. Note: The Blaine Planning Commission did not vote to recommend Blaine City Council approve planned unit development or preliminary plat applications for the Woodberry project. The commission will continue discussing the project at a work session scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 at Blaine City Hall, located at 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000.)
legal requirements and Blaine city officials? Definitely. Amusement: Most of us are parents and grandparents. We know a temper tantrum when we see one. For young children, it is part of growing up. They grow out of it, mostly. Apparently not always. Buzz Abercrombie Blaine
Peace Portal Dr.
(Continued from previous page)
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Don’t wait! Call 360 332-9534 for your appointment today!
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The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Sports
Coloring for Good Health Coloring for adults is an easy way to calm the mind and occupy the hands.
All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like. Meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. whatcom county
library system
BLAINE LIBRARY
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Blaine wins first postseason wrestling tournament Alex Hall, Aidan Button and Jacob Westfall won their weight classes and led Blaine wrestlers to a first place team finish at the 2A Northwest Conference sub-regional tournament on February 1–2 in Sedro-Woolley. The Borderites edged out Burlington-Edison for the top spot by a score of 296 to 283.5. Thirteen Blaine wrestlers placed in the top four in their weight classes, qualifying them for the regional tournament on February 9 at Blaine High School. “I’m super proud of how we did,” said Blaine head coach Tom Hinz. “I think we fulfilled our mission. Everyone kept their heads up and even our young guys did really well.” Blaine will have wrestlers in 11 out of 14 weight classes at the regional tournament, putting the Borderites in position for another
strong team score. Hinz expected a lot of Borderites to qualify for regionals, he said, but he was pleased to beat higher-ranked Burlington-Edison in team score. “We just pinned everybody. We scored so many points pinning,” he said. “As the tournament went on, we were like, ‘Man, we have to be pretty close to winning this.’” At regionals, former state champion White River High School will be Blaine’s toughest competition. Blaine has the advantage of wrestling at home, something Hinz thinks will be a factor for the team. Blaine wrestlers have traveled a lot this year, sometimes waking up at 4:30 or 5 a.m. to make weekend tournaments, he said. “Being able to wake up and go
to our wrestling room and have our own spot to lay out and rest is going to be great for us,” he said. “There’s always a lot of sitting and waiting at tournaments and that can be stressful. Being home and having parents and friends there with snacks makes it so much better.” Blaine athletes who finished in the top four at sub-regionals were: Alex Hall, first place at 138 pounds; Aidan Button, first at 152; Jacob Westfall, first at 195; Alex Mercado, second at 126; George Cheatham, second at 152; Gavino Rodriguez, second at 195; Adam Macauley, third at 113; Ethan Deming, third at 145; Luke Westfall, third at 182; Jack Cheatham, fourth at 132; Colton Pederson, fourth at 170; Owen Hansen, fourth at 220 and Connor Ellis, fourth at 285.
Girls basketball team to face must-win Thursday night game
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Blaine girls basketball lost a couple of tough games to end the regular season, but the team’s record of 6–14 overall and 2–11 in conference games is enough to make the playoffs.
TIRES
The Borderites will play a must-win district tournament game at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 7. At press time, Blaine’s opponent hadn’t yet been determined. They’ll play at the oppo-
nent’s home court. If Blaine wins, it will go on to play Burlington-Edison at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at Burlington-Edison High School.
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s Ashley Dickerson wins the opening tip-off for Blaine against Mt. Baker on January 30 at Blaine High School. The Borderites lost 45-34.
Photo by Janell Kortlever
Much-improved boys basketball team is playoff-bound After a season of improvement and some hard-fought wins, the Blaine boys basketball team made the postseason, a significant accomplishment for the team after ending last season with a 2–18 record. “It’s good to reach a goal and now that we’re in [the postseason] our focus is on making the most of it,” said Blaine head coach Brett Farrar. “It’s great for the seniors to get to the district
tournament and they’re a big part of this rebuild. At the same time, it’s good for the younger guys to learn and understand what it takes to succeed in our league.” The Borderites play Burlington-Edison, one of the league’s top teams (15–5 overall) in the must-win round of the district tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 7. Blaine lost to Burlington-Edison 81–69 in a regular season game on December 18.
The winner of Thursday’s game plays Liberty High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 9 at Liberty. Farrar came into this season hoping to rebuild Blaine’s basketball program after two tough years for the Borderites. Blaine finished the regular season with a respectable 8–12 overall record. The team also snapped a multiyear, 27-game losing streak in conference games, winning three throughout the season.
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
7
Self-defense class for teens and women coming to Blaine By Gwen Roley USTA Martial Arts in Blaine will host a two-day comprehensive self-defense class for teens and women on Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. Robert Ellsworth of Trifecta Training & Consulting will teach the course, which will take place at the USTA studio, located at 1733 H Street, suite 330 in Blaine. “There’s not only going to be physical preparedness training, but a lot of mental preparedness training as well,” Ellsworth said. During the two-day course, Ellsworth will give instructional lectures on methods of self-defense and will teach participants
how to avoid situations where self-defense may be required. Following this, participants will get a chance to put the lessons into action on the studio floor. Physical participation in the practice portion will be optional, said Robert Mudgett, operator of the Blaine USTA studio. The Blaine USTA Martial Arts studio opened in 2017 and this will be the first self-defense class they have hosted. “I went to one of Robert’s classes and really liked what I saw, so I had no problem setting up an event with him at our studio,” Mudgett said. Ellsworth works for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office as a
master defensive tactics instructor who trains officers in self-defense skills and safe weapons practices. He has been training in martial arts since he was a child. The February 16 self-defense course is organized through his business, Trifecta Training & Consulting, which teaches classes all over the state. This self-defense course for teens and women is just one of the courses Trifecta provides. The business also offers classes on situation de-escalation and self-defense in business and domestic environments. Gina Freeman is an instructor at the Blaine USTA and has taken Ellsworth’s course once before. She said one of the best things
people will get out of the course will be a greater sense of their surroundings. “Smartphones have made us less aware about what’s going on around us,” she said. “People are going to walk away with a greater overall awareness.” Gina said another one of her favorite things about the course is how it educates people on the types of disguises attackers wear. Ellsworth hopes to decrease violent incidents by teaching people how to protect themselves and their friends. He views violence as a problem that can’t just be solved through learning self-defense tactics. He also emphasizes the need to view forms
of violence as an issue that affects everybody, not just teens and women. “We need to be teaching girls self-defense, but we also need to be teaching boys and young men how to be respectful,” Ellsworth said. “We’re all members of this community and care about the girls who live here and we want to make sure they know how to protect themselves,” Gina said. Participants for the course must register in advance. To register, contact Jen Freeman at jenfreeman@windermere.com or by calling 360/816-0803. The cost to participate is $65.
Lawmakers move to prevent youth suicide in schools B y M a d e l i n e C o at s , WNPA O ly m p i a N e w s Bureau A bipartisan group of 22 representatives is working to improve crisis planning in Washington schools to prevent youth suicides. “I know for a fact I am not the only one who considers suicide every single day,” said Maverick Mendoza from Issaquah High School. The 17-year-old has suffered from major depressive disorder and severe anxiety for a number of years. His most-recent
suicide attempt was two weeks ago. House Bill 1221 aims to implement a two-year program for mental health promotion and suicide prevention in schools. The bill requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to select up to 12 high schools east of the Cascade mountains to participate in the pilot program. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy would report to the governor, the legislature and the state schools superintendent with an evaluation of the pro-
gram by January 2023 to compare those outcomes with information obtained from high schools west of the Cascades. Forefront Suicide Prevention, a social impact center at the University of Washington School of Social Work, is taking sustainable action toward preventing suicide. According to the bill, Forefront will work with the selected schools to provide best practices related to suicide prevention. Dr. Jennifer Stuber, director of Forefront suicide prevention, lost her husband to suicide in 2011. “I think about our snow day to-
day and the fact that we were all notified in the school about what to do immediately – it’s all systemized,” Stuber said. But, “We have virtually no investment in youth suicide in the state.” HB 1221 places emphasis on the need for school-based approaches to overcome the urgent health problem of youth suicide. Mental health issues are one of the strongest predictors among adolescents for engaging in selfharm and suicidal behavior, the bill states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the suicide rate among 10- to 17-year-olds increased by 70 percent between 2006 and 2016.
Check out
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE on pages 11-12.
Local students dress up as icons for “wax museum”
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WWW.SKITOSEA.COM s Lincoln Patterson, Averly Patterson and Connor Crews joined other students in Blaine Elementary School highly capable program’s “wax museum” on February 1.
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READY FOR AN EXTRA CHALLENGE? Attend a Car-free Division presentation February 27th at KONA Bikes from 6-8pm and take the challenge.
Ballet/Gymnastics Combo H • Hip Hop Toddler Dance H • Contemporary H • Ballet Gym Star Dance Studio is registering now for Spring Season!
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8
The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Arts & Jazz was a big hit The Arts & Jazz auction took place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 2 at Blaine Middle School. Hosted by the Blaine Fine Arts Association, the event included
two silent and a live auction with all proceeds going to fine arts programs offered at the Blaine school district. Photos courtesy of Shawn Robins.
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Local undergrads earn spot on honor roll
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Five Washington State University (WSU) students from Blaine have earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll for the 2018 spring semester. Daizy Dehnke, William Lemuel Gunter, Dalton Parker Hawley, Emily Rose Wadden and Emmie Woodell are listed on the WSU honor roll, which “recognizes students who stand above the rest with excellent academic performance,” according to a January 29 news release issued by WSU. To be eligible for the honor roll, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine graded hours in a single term at WSU, and must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75. Alternatively, they must earn a 3.50 cumulative GPA based on 15 cumulative hours of graded work.
READ IT ONLINE. THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
9
Traffic rules have changed for Birch Bay Drive By Jami Makan The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is reminding the public that traffic rules have changed for Birch Bay Drive in the wake of the destructive December 20 windstorm. The section of Birch Bay Drive from Harborview Road to Shintaffer Road was evaluated by county officials and determined to be unsafe for two-way traffic due to significant deterioration of the shoulder and, in some places, the asphalt roadway. An emergency ordinance was established to allow for one lane of northbound-only traffic, with a new 10 m.p.h. speed limit. As a result, southbound traffic from Birch Bay Village and Birch Point must take Shintaffer Road to Anderson Road or Lincoln Road for egress. Since the southbound lane of Birch Bay Drive is now closed in this area, persons driving south from Shintaffer Road to Harborview Road may be subject to a civil fine of $136 for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. This includes local residents, who are not exempt. Persons driving north who do
not obey the new 10 m.p.h. speed limit may also be fined anywhere from $125 to $166 depending on how many miles they are over the speed limit. “Please be patient and courteous of other drivers, as they follow the temporary speed re-
ductions and one-way roads,” the WCSO wrote in a Facebook post on January 31. “The sheriff’s office will continue to monitor Birch Bay Drive to ensure people are following the rules of the road (See Birch Bay, page 13)
9TH ANNUAL
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Gamache Vintners Winemaker Dinner
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&
Health &Wellness
10
The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Encouraging happy, healthy lives!
Vaccines: A healthy choice for all ages You probably hear this all the time: Kids need vaccines. That’s excellent advice – but children aren’t the only ones in the family who benefit from potentially life-saving shots. Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the quickest, easiest and best ways to help people of all ages protect their health. Q: Why should my whole family be immunized? A: Vaccinating infants protects them from 14 serious childhood diseases, including life-threatening ones, like diphtheria and whooping cough. Making sure preteens get the full series of HPV
shots can help lower their risk for certain cancers later in life. Older adults also need protection from illnesses like pneumonia and shingles. But vaccines don’t just keep your family from getting sick. They help protect the community too. Q: How does vaccinating my family protect the community? A: Immunizing enough people can break a disease’s chain of transmission. That means there’s less chance for unvaccinated people to get sick. It also helps protect those who are vulnerable, such as newborns before they re-
G
ceive all of their shots, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer. This group protection is sometimes called herd immunity – but we like the term community immunity. Q: What are some vaccines I might need as an adult? A: Your annual flu shot, for sure. Your doctor might also recommend shots for: -Hepatitis A and B -Pneumonia -Shingles -Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough If you’re going abroad, you may
need other shots. Check (CDC) the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov for specific country requirements and suggestions. Q: I’m hesitant to have my kids vaccinated. Are vaccines really safe? A: All vaccines are thoroughly tested. Their benefits – including saving lives – far outweigh what, for most people, are minimal risks. The CDC, at cdc.gov, lists recommended shots for children and adults. Courtesy of PeaceHealth Medical Group
Measles outbreak leads to more calls for immunization
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According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), there are 50 confirmed measles cases in Washington; 49 cases were reported in Clark County and one case was reported in King County. The virus, also called rubeola, spreads through the air and is the leading cause of death among children worldwide. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, coughing, runny nose, read and watery eyes and tiredness. “There are confirmed cases of measles in Washington every year,” read a statement from the DOH. “The best protection against measles is to get vaccinated.” The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for adults born after 1957 and babies and children in two doses, the first at age 12-15 months and the second at age 4-6. To learn more about measles and the MMR vaccine, visit bit. ly/2GlYPYo.
Blaine • Cordata • Lynden • Ferndale • Barkley
By Jami Makan Local residents can participate in affordable health screenings and learn more about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious conditions. The screenings will take place on Tuesday, March 5 at American Legion Peace Arch Post 86, located at 4580 Legion Drive, and are being conducted by Life Line Screening. The company is offering packages starting at $149, and consultants will be available to help participants create custom packages based on their age and risk factors. Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in arteries, related to risk for heart disease and stroke; HDL and LDL cholesterol levels; diabetes risk; bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis; kidney and thyroid function and more. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, call 877/237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com.
Brain-healthy habits to embrace Cognitive decline is a condition that is often associated with aging, but even middle-aged people can experience memory loss or cognition issues. The Alzheimer’s Association says that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. By 2050, that number could rise to as high as 16 million people. More than 747,000 Canadians are living with Alz-
heimer’s or another dementia, says the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association. Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes. Exercise Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce
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risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. The journal Neurology found that older people who vigorously exercise performed better on cognitive tests than others of the same age, placing them at the equivalent of 10 years younger. Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory. The Harvard Medical School says aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. Eat healthy foods Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Neurologists state that, while research on diet and cognitive function is limited, diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to a lower risk of cognitive issues.
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
11
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In the Superior Court of the State of Washington In and for the County of Snohomish, In the Matter of the Estate of: LORA LEE KIER, Deceased. NO. 19-4-00172-31, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The ADMINISTRATRIX named below Driver - CDL Class B appointed as Administratrix of has been with hazmatthis estate. Any person having a claim Salary DOEagainst the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any Driver - CDL Class B with hazmat otherwise applicable statute of limitaSalary $21/hr. Email: 1stpropaneofwhatcom@gmail.com tions, present the claim in the manner as or stop by 2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving Email: 1stpropaneofwhatcom@gmail.com on or mailing to the Administratrix or the or stop by 2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine Administratrix’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty (30) days after the Administratrix served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four (4) months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 7, 2019. ROBIN M. WOELZ Administratrix Attorneys for Personal Representative/ Address for mailing or service: Mark A. Jelsing, WSBA #46398 JELSING TRI WEST & ANDRUS PLLC 2926 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
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SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY Estate of DEBRA ANN WOOD, Deceased NO. 18-4-02047-31 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 07, 2019. Personal Representative: Nicholas D. Fisher, WSBA 40716 The Law Offices of Nicholas Fisher 1812 Hewitt Ave, Ste 101, Everett, WA 98201
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12
Real Estate
The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. • I-5 Exit 270, Blaine 360.371.5100
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
SEMIAHMOO SHORE OPEN HOUSES OPEN 9432 Turnstone Ln. #33 DAILY 12 - 5 $795,000
OPEN DAILY 12 - 5
9436 Turnstone Ln. #35 $825,000
Semiahmoo Shore’s most affordable Sunrise Home, 2025 Square feet with luxurious Owners suite on main floor & 2-BR & full bath upstairs. 14’ Vaulted great room. Finished in “Driftwood” design scheme including Linear fireplace, quartz countertops & all appliances included. Wide Plank White Oak Hardwood flooring. MLS# 1201035 Attached double garage. Miles of beaches & walking trails with 4-Star Hotel, Marina, Health Club & Spa within walking distance. Minutes to U.S./Canada Border; under 2-hr drive to Seattle.
Semiahmoo Shore 2187 sq. ft. “Sunrise” home with soaring 12’10” ceilings in great room & large windows taking full advantage of views over the open space meadow & Drayton Harbor. Wide Plank Flooring, linear FP, quartz countertops, stainless appliance MLS# 1201008 package, double garage with expoxy floor & covered patio. Miles of beaches & walking trails connect with this exclusive gated enclave of homes. Minutes to US/Canada border.
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
Mike Kent 360-527-8901
DIRECTIONS TO SEMIAHMOO SHORE: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left. For more information visit www.SemiahmooShore.com
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SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES OPEN SAT. 12- 2
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New single story home at Semiahmoo! 3-BD, 2-BA, 3 car garage. Mid-century modern style with spacious design. MLS #1366552
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy. #B301 $868,000
Fabulous waterfront Top Floor Luxury residence newest “Marin” Building. Incomparable Inland Pacific Sunsets & City Lights. Private waterfront balconies with elevator service to rare double storage areas in secured garage. Next to Washington’s #1 destination Resort & Spa. Golfing, Marina, miles of pristine beaches to explore. Minutes from US/Canada Border & under 2.5 hr drive from Seattle. Exquisite craftsmanship & design with magazine quality finishes including Chef’s kitchen. Too many features to list.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.
For Blaine, Birch Bay & Bellingham Real Estate
Hugh Brawford
Call Hugh -360.371.5800
Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838
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High Density - Multi-Family Property
4235 Sweet Rd. • Blaine $415,000 Private circular driveway takes you through 85 year old cedar forest to this solid cedar sided home. • Includes 2nd lot ready for new construction • 3 Beds, 1.75 Baths, 2 Wood Fireplaces • Pond with access to Spooner Creek
2290 Douglas • Ferndale $625,000
Recently upgraded home w/main level living. New furnace. ONE ACRE, short plat for < 31 UNITS. Next door lot also for sale possible up to 53 units if combined. Water sewer hook ups +/-$10,000 per unit +one meter for 16unit building. Level dry land. Next door available- up to 53 units possible if combined.
1339 Wilson Ave.
$320,000
NEW ON MARKET.
Great newer home, open floor plan, sky lights. Fully fenced and private, yet near town. MLS #1393882
21 ACRES On Kickerville at Headwaters on Terrell Creek $200,000
Some residential zoning, currently in open space, also in CREPS program. Earning roughly $3,000 per year. Owner contract is possible at 20% down, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Wet lands credit transfer? Recreational? May be eligible for 503 use. WATER SHARE AVAILABLE.
www.CallHugh.com
Sam Freeman
360-201-2428 360-332-6400
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 4,000 SF Available 1790 Boblett Street, Blaine Office Loading Dock 3 Large Truck Doors 3-Phase Electricity Fenced & Paved Yard Don Nelson 360-332-2743 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
Rentals - Rooms FURNISHED ROOMS Historic home. Incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly, $550/mo. + deposit, references required, 360-3323449.
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
All estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to Allreal real estate/rentals advertisthe Housing Actisofsubject 1968 as amended, which makes ingFederal in thisFair newspaper ittoillegal advertiseFair anyHousing preference,Act limitation or discrimination the to Federal based on race, color,makes religion, itsex,illegal handicap familial status or naof 1968 as amended, which origin, any or anpreference, intention to make any suchorpreference, totional advertise limitation dis- limitation or discrimination. This newspaper willrace, not knowingly accept any advertisement for real crimination based on color, religion, estate which is infamilial violationstatus of the law. readersoriare hereby informed that all sex, handicap, or Our national dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity gin, or an intention to make any such prefbasis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246. erence, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
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February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
Birch Bay ... From page 9
with varying enforcement times and locations.” To allow for the extra traffic being diverted to Anderson Road, the intersection of Harborview
Birder ... From page 5
ing released onto Lake Terrell – an exhilarating sight! I learned swans need a runway for takeoff, skimming the water’s surface a sufficient distance to get their hefty bodies airborne. The sight of a wildlife officer, casually holding one of those sleek white beasts under his arm, head and neck winding out from under him in a mesmerizing photographic stance, still brings a smile to my heart. There’s the monthly bird walk starting at Semiahmoo Park, every first Saturday, led by the immensely knowledgeable Paul Woodcook. The black oystercatcher, with its stunningly long Mexican red beak, was my first highlight. I aim to learn one bird on each outing. Last month it was the northern pintail, with its characteristic tail extending from behind in a graceful upswing. Coupled with its cinnamon-colored head, it’s a very pretty bird. I’ve learned the difference between a surf scoter, a white wing scoter and a black scoter. I’ve learned to say “double-crested,”
and Anderson roads has been switched to a four-way stop. This section of Anderson Road is a residential area with winding roads and is posted as a 25 m.p.h. roadway. In the Facebook post, the WCSO also advised pedestrians and bicyclists to use extreme cau-
tion in this area. Pedestrians on the roadway should walk against traffic and move clear of the roadway when cars are approaching. Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic and have proper lighting and visibility during the hours of darkness.
not “double-breasted.” Paul will find the most interesting sight on the bay, set his telescope upon it and invite anyone in for a close-up. I can listen to Paul all morning. He’s a continual feed of information, tidbits of knowledge that flow freely from his lips. It’s not just the birds. It’s the camaraderie of an interesting flock of intelligent folks all passionate about the same thing. We spend endless amounts of time observing, photographing and reveling in the presence of those we recognize or those we have yet to identify. Helen gives me a peek in her scope and the highlight of my morning becomes a long-tailed duck. Gayle loans me her spare binoculars out of sheer kindness and sympathy. And the sky opens up! My friends, the harlequin ducks, are my first sight. Pauline counsels me to “buy 8 x 42 binoculars” (which I did). Robert advises me “the passion for birding grows exponentially out of having good binoculars.” (They were all so concerned for my previous pitiful pair.) Carol proposes we carpool to the monthly Audubon meetings. And Pam gives us newbies a mini-tutorial on the
geography of the area. “This land was once miles under ice.” On our own, my husband and I have spotted 22 herons on the beach at Birch Bay, spot we’ve since coined “22 Heron Beach.” With two eagles on the side. I’d never seen eagles on the ground before. Or that picturesque lineup of eight herons we stumbled upon, during an early morning walk. Or watching another heron methodically devour a bit-toolarge fish, with a crafty seagull stalking on the side. And how could I forget the tree filled with eagles in Drayton Harbor? These are the scenes that now fill my life. I’m devouring research debunking the previous notion of a “bird brain” with stories of birds making and using tools, methodically teaching their young, feigning injury to lure prey away from their nests and other impressive cognitive feats. I’ve learned that bald eagles mate for life; that pileated woodpeckers are shy and will hide behind a stump if you look at them; and there’s a word for being phobic that ducks are watching you: anatidaephobia. Amazing. I became a birder in Blaine.
Wanted man apprehended at Pacific Highway border crossing B y S te fa n i e D on a h u e A man with an arrest warrant out of Maricopa County, Arizona was apprehended at the Pacific Highway port of entry on January 27. According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the man alleged-
ly failed to comply with release conditions stemming from a manslaughter and endangerment conviction. The man was taken to Whatcom County Jail by a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputy. “Our officers’ vigilance ensures we apprehend felons and wanted
individuals encountered at the border,” said area port director Kenneth Williams. “The work we do is vital to protecting our communities and those within them.” CBP officers utilized a database called the National Crime Information Center to reveal the warrant.
What should you include in your emergency kit? Whether it’s a power outage or wind storm your dealing with, it’s always good to have an emergency kit on hand. Here are a few items to consider adding to your emergency kit: 1. Water for 7-10 days. 2. Non-perishable food for 7-10 days. 3. Cash. 4. Flashlights.
5. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. 6. Extra batteries. 7. First aid kit. 8. Whistle to signal for help. 9. Sturdy shoes, gloves. 10. Shelter items (tent, tarp, rope). 11. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air (cot ton t-shirts can work).
12. Wrench to turn off utili- ties, such as natural gas or water. 13. Moist towelettes, gar- bage bags and plastic ties for sanitation. 14. Manual can opener. 15. Multipurpose fire extin- guisher. 16. Unique family needs.
13
O B I T U A RY Katherine Ann Graves
12/10/1924 – 01/27/2019 Katherine Ann (Davison) Graves, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 27, 2019, at her home at Emerald Heights Retirement Community in Redmond, WA. Kathy was born Dec. 10, 1924 in Seattle to William Henry Davison and Eva Louise Anderson Davison. Some of her best childhood memories were of taking art classes and swimming in Greenlake. She attended Lincoln High school, and the University of Washington where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It was at the University of Washington where she met the handsome naval officer, Jack Graves on a blind date. They were married March 8, 1946 and headed to their first Navy post as a couple in Philadelphia. Twenty years in the Navy took them to many interesting places from Rhode Island to California, Hawaii and Florida and allowed them to make many great friends. Their family grew with the addition of five children, each born at a different base. Kathy always joined each new community and created a beautiful home and garden for her family. When Jack retired from the Navy and went to the Boeing company, they moved back to their home city of Seattle. With children in school, Kathy was able pursue her love of painting and teaching art classes for children and adults. A talented artist, she continued to paint and study with many outstanding artists including the well-known Russian American painter Sergei Bongart. She was a signature member of the Northwest Pastel Society and her paintings were shown throughout the Seattle area, including the Frye Museum. When her last child graduated from college, Kathy decided she also would like to complete her college degree. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in creative writing and illustration. Kathy and Jack were dedicated to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They supported their educations attending every graduation from high school, college, and graduate school. Kathy opened her studio, prepared tea parties, built forts and told stories to them. Her later paintings were primarily of her grandchildren and great -grandchildren at Birch Bay. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Jack, of 70 years, and her beloved sons, Jack Jr. and Gary Richard Graves. She is survived by her daughters, Sally Machlis of Coeur d’ Alene, ID, Susan Sullivan (Steve) of Carnation, WA, Barbie Bond of Seattle; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Graves; nine grandchildren, Sarah Pierce, Allison Meyer, Brian Kearns, Jennifer Graves, Gwendolyn Santamaria, Maggee Bond, Natalie Reisinger, Simon Bond, and Katelyn Kearns; stepsons, Dane Sullivan and Reid Sullivan; and great-grandchildren, Hailey, Julia, and Jack Pierce; Henry and Robbie Meyer; Eva Kearns; Nicolas and Clara Artes-Graves; Addison and Raegan Santamaria; and Leo Baugher-Bond. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at Emerald Heights in Redmond. Please share your memories of Kathy at www.molesfarewelltributes.com
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14
The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Coming up
Coloring for Good Health (for adults): Friday, February 8, 3–4:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Enjoy quiet contemplation or casual chit-chat with other coloring enthusiasts. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like. Meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Info: 360/305-3637. Winter Gardening & Soil Basics: Saturday, February 9, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Discover what can be “wintered over” in your garden and how to get a jump on the growing season with passive protection. Presented by the Blaine Community Orchards for Resources and Education (CORE). Info: 360/305-3637. The Great Love A-Fair Vendor, Artisan, Craft Event: Saturday, February 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Blaine Pavilion. 635 8th Street. Vendor, artisan and craft booths, raffles and fun. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Backstage @ the Border presents: The Sweet Goodbyes: Saturday, February 9, 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30), 382 Boblett Street. $7 donation at the door (proceeds after expenses go to Loads of Love). Amber Darland and Lisa Harmon wear their hearts on their sleeves and together their voices blend flawlessly. Live music at The Lounge: Saturday, February 9, 9 p.m.–1 a.m., The Lounge at Silver Reef Casino. Featuring DJ Clint Westwood. Visions and Voices: Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m., Mt. Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial Street. Sampling short films from “Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers.” Featuring Red Kimona (1925). Directed by Dorothy Davenport (billed as Mrs. Wallace Reid) and starring Priscilla Bonner. Tickets $10 or $5 with student ID. Medicare4All Barnstorm Blitz: Monday, February 11, 6:30–8:00 p.m., St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, room A, 3333 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham. Hosted by United for National Health Care and other Bellingham groups. Contact Donna Starr at 360/332-8934
Tides
Let’s Make Valentines: Wednesday, February 13, 3:15–4:15 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Make one-of-akind valentines for family and friends. For grades K–5. Info: 360/305-3637.
Bite of Blaine: Monday, February 18, no-host social at 6 p.m., tasting at 6:30 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort ballroom, 9565 Semiahmoo Let’s Glow Crazy Mother and Son Parkway. This annual fundraiser for Blaine’s Game Night: Wednesday, February 13, Old Fashioned 4th of July features fares from 6–8 p.m., Blaine Elementary School, 836 13 local restaurants plus silent and live aucMitchell Street. Blaine Elementary School tions. Tickets: $30/available at Pacific Building boys and moms play games including Center and Blaine Welcome Center. Info: blacklight bingo, corn hole competition, dice race, checkers and chess, crafts, photo blainechamber.com. booth and more. Prizes for best glow duo Loads of Love: Monday, February 18, 5:30– costume. Tickets $10 per person, must 7:30 p.m. The Washhouse, 715 3rd. Street. be purchased in advance at buytickets. Laundry costs covered. at/blaineelementarypto/228330 or at the school February 6 and 7 from 3–4 p.m. Winter Wednesday Trivia Night: Wednesday, February 20, 6 p.m., Palmer Room at Semiahmoo Women’s Club Luncheon: Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Put Thursday Feb 14, 11:15 a.m., Palmer Room, Semiahmoo Golf Course clubhouse. together a team or compete on your own during trivia night at Semiahmoo Golf & $25 buffet lunch plus free draw. Speaker Country Club, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. $3 is Jessica Stone, award-winning author of cash per person to participate, $2 will be paid The Last Outrageous Woman. “Queen of Hearts GALentine’s” theme. Women from out to nightly winners, $1 will be saved for end of winter season winners. all communities welcome to join the club – check us out at semiahmoowomensclub. Pasta and Lights: Friday, February 22, 5:30 org. RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, February p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Deli11 to B.J. Windrum at 817/600-4192 or cious spaghetti dinner with garlic rolls, dessert, young.drum@hotmail.com. beverage and live music. Tickets $12 adults, $6 kids 9 and under. All proceeds benefit the Valentine’s Concert, Love is the Blaine Senior Center. Info: 360/332-8040. Answer: Thursday, February 14, 7:30 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort ballroom, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Featuring world-re- Riedel Wine Glass Event: Sunday, February 24, 4 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. nowned musicians Nick Biello, Charlie Learn the proper shape and bowl of glassPorter and Dave Marriott. Cheesecake ware and how it makes a different in your dessert and no-host bar. Tickets: $30 at wine experience. $60 includes set of three draytonharbormusic.org or Blaine WelRiedel wine glasses, tastings and appetizers. come Center. Benefits Drayton Harbor Reservations required 360/392-0955. Music Festival. Teen Murder Mystery: Friday, February Toastmasters Meeting: Tuesday nights, 6:30 15, 6:15–8:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Visitors encouraged. 610 3rd Street. Play a part in a murder mystery and discover clues to unmask the murderer! Pizza and munchies included. For grades 6–12. Space is limited; registration required. Info: 360/305-3637. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, February 16, 8 a.m.–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G street. Choice of pancakes, French
Crossword ACROSS
1.Public broadcaster 4. The media 9. Manila hemp 14. Not just “play” 15. Trailblazing German historian 16. Type of puzzle 17. Plant in the daisy family 18. Not young 20. Dennis is one 22. Revealed 23. But goodie 24. Absurd 28. Commercials 29. University of Dayton 30. Expression of annoyance 31. Stories
33. More critical 37. Of I 38. Time units (abbr.) 39. Arousing intense feeling 41. High schoolers’ test 42. Trauma center 43. Astronomical period 44. Fights 46. Italian Lake 49. Rhenium 50. Baseball stat 51. State of consciousness 55. Some is dietary 58. Stringed instrument 59. __ Kidman, actress 60. Orator 64. Ottoman military commander
toast or waffles, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Adults $6, kids $4. Info: 36/332-8040.
calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
February 8-14 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 8
1:03 am
0.8
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9.4
2:10 pm
4.9
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7.2
Sa 9
1:33 am
1.6
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2:50 pm
4.3
7:58 pm
6.8
Su 10 2:05 am
2.6
8:57 am
9.1
3.7
9:04 pm
6.6
3:34 pm
Mo 11 2:39 am
3.6
9:21 am
9.0
3.0
10:24 pm
6.5
9:49 am
8.89
4:18 pm
Tu 12
3:19 am
4.7
5:10 pm
2.2
We 13 12:02 am
6.7
4:13 am
5.7
8.9
6:04 pm
1.4
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Th 14 1:44 am
7.3
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7:02 pm
0.4
11:03 am
Weather Precipitation: During the period of January 28 to February 3, 0.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2019 year-to-date precipitation is 5.2 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 56°F on January 29 with a low of 18°F on February 3. Average high was 48°F and average low was 33°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Police Reports 10. Observed something remarkable 11. One who obeys 12. __ de sac 13. Sign language 19. Predecessor to Protestantism 21. Right-hand man 24. __ anglicus: sweating DOWN sickness 1. The upper part of a 25. People who proof duet 26. Israeli Defence Forces 2. Carpenter’s tool sergeant 3. Outrageous events 27. Remains as is 4. Procedures 31. Receptacle 5. Type of party 32. Archers’ tool 6. Between northeast 34. Gets up and east 35. Unit of energy 7. Sanskrit (abbr.) 36. Explains again 8. NJ college __ Hall 9. Sharp mountain ridge 40. Pa’s partner 41. Region bordering the sea 45. Type of acid 47. Lesotho capital 48. Gave a speech 52. Irregular as though nibbled away 53. Neither 54. Copyreads 56. Edward __, British composer 57. Prepared 59. Launched Apollo 60. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.) 61. Protects from weather 62. Feline 63. Equal 65. Makes known 66. Type of font 67. Cool! 68. Short musical composition 69. Porticos 70. Not wet
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January 23, 11:23 a.m.: An individual called police to report a package he shipped to a mail facility in Blaine showed delivered but never arrived. Officers advised the individual his missing package is a civil matter between himself and the package facility. Officers provided the individual with a case number for his insurance claim and cleared with no further incident. January 23, 12:47 p.m.: Dispatch advised a student ran away from the school while at recess. Elementary principle advised he located the student at his home. Officers cleared without law enforcement action. January 23, 1:08 p.m.: Officers responded to Lincoln Park for a complaint of a transient camping in the park. Officers walked the entire park and found no one camping or anything out of the ordinary. Officers cleared with no further incident. January 24, 8:38 a.m.: An anonymous person reported alleged illegal dumping at a business. The report indicates employees are instructed after cleaning to dump the mop bucket into the storm drain outside the public restrooms. Management was contacted and advised that it was not legal for them to pour human waste down a storm drain. January 24, 8:45 a.m.: A Blaine resident called to report someone had knocked on her door the previous morning. After knocking the individual tried the handle then left after noticing the door was locked. Officers documented the suspicious circumstance and cleared with no further incident. January 24, 9:53 a.m.: Blaine police were called to the Peace Arch POE at the request of U.S. Customs for a man with mental health concerns. The man did not meet any of the criteria for an invol-
untary commitment. Customs agreed with the officer’s assessment and the man was allowed to go on his way back to Oregon. January 27, 1:29 p.m.: A man came to the police department reporting a possible domestic assault that had occurred the night before. Officers spoke to the victim but were unable to substantiate the claims. Police cleared without incident. January 28, 9:17 a.m.: A man called police to report accidentally leaving a set of golf clubs at a business. When the man returned to the business, the clubs were missing. A lost property report was entered for the man. January 28, 11:16 a.m.: Officers responded to a neighbor dispute. Officers found the dispute was over one neighbor replacing a fence. The dispute was over who owned the fence. The parties were told there would be no law enforcement action and the matter would have to be settled in civil court. January 28, 5:32 p.m.: Blaine police were called to the 700 block of F Street for a report of found property. A woman reported that she found a large toolbox from a truck bed. The toolbox was impounded for safekeeping to see if its owner will claim it. January 28, 7:32 p.m.: Blaine police were called to the 200 Block of 15th Street for a report of juveniles playing in a construction site. An officer contacted the juveniles and advised them to stay out of the area. January 29, 10 a.m.:The Blaine Police Department entered a protection order into all law enforcement databases. Report by Blaine Police Department.
February 7 - 13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
Birch Bay caregiver sentenced for stealing from patient By Jami Makan A Birch Bay caregiver was sentenced to prison for stealing from an elderly patient. Kimberly Stavig, 55, was accused of identity fraud and theft of more than $100,000 from a 78-year-old Blaine woman she had been caring for between 2016 and her arrest in early 2018. On January 9, Stavig pled guilty
to one count of first degree theft from a vulnerable adult and three counts of second degree theft. Stavig will serve 34 months in prison for her actions, which allegedly included using the victim’s debit card to make hundreds of ATM withdrawals and large dollar transactions totaling $106,619. Stavig has also agreed to pay restitution to the victim, and to have no contact with the victim.
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s Meg Aubrey: The Pick Up, 2017; Oil on panel, 20 x 30 in. Photo courtesy of Whatcom Museum
Whatcom Museum features artists from across the U.S. The Whatcom Museum is showcasing 57 artists from across the U.S. as part of its third biennial Bellingham National 2019 Juried Art Exhibition and Awards. The exhibition opened on February 2 and will run through May 19 at the museum’s Lightcatcher building at 250 Flora Street in Bellingham. The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Water’s Edge: Landscapes for Today.” Artists were chosen by guest juror Bruce Guenther, adjunct curator for special exhibitions at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. A specialist in post-war American and European art, Guenther was the chief curator and curator of modern and contemporary art at the Portland Art Museum until his retirement in 2014. Previously he was the chief curator at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, California and the Museum of Contemporary
Art in Chicago. “Guenther selected artwork submitted by artists from across the United States that represents an investigation of contemporary art practices, and addresses our understandings of the earth, climate change and the evolving relationships of humanity to nature,” reads the Whatcom Museum website. “Works range from traditional interpretations of the observed landscape to the metaphoric and spiritual manifestations of the landscape through image, color, language and mapping of our felt responses to nature and the world.” The featured artwork spans a broad range of media, including watercolor, oil painting, photography, collage and fiber art. It also spans various styles of working, from hyperrealism to abstraction. Tours are available on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and are included with admission.
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s Philip Govedare: Artifact, 2017; Oil on canvas, 52 x 67 in.
2019
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The Northern Light • February 7 - 13, 2019
Lawmakers propose limits on scope of Public Records Act for legislature B y E m m a E p p e r ly , W NPA O ly m p i a N ew s Bureau Legislation proposed on the last day of January would largely exempt state legislators from the Public Records Act according to the attorney who led the fight against a similar bill last year. That bill was passed in a last-minute move after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled in January 2018 that the legislature was subject to the Public Records Act and had not been in compliance for years. Both sides appealed the decision and litigation is still ongoing in the Washington Supreme Court. A public outcry over last year’s bill led to the intervention of governor Jay Inslee who negotiated a truce between the legislature and the newspaper industry, which sought to force the lawmakers to adhere to the requirements of the act. Senate Bill 5784, sponsored by
senator Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle), explicitly outlines exemptions that would apply to the legislature. “The people of our state value both open government and effective government. This bill attempts to strike a balance between those important principles,” Pedersen said in introducing the new bill. The bill is unsatisfactory, according to Michele Earl-Hubbard of Allied Law Group who represented 10 news organizations, including the Associated Press, the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Seattle Times, in the suit against the legislature. The new bill introduces the term “legislative branch” which is defined as including the senate, house of representatives, and the legislative ethics board, joint committees and “any other agency that is subject to the direct control of the Senate or House of Representatives.” The legislative branch term is carried
throughout the bill, as an addition to “state agency,” previously used in the bill. In the court ruling, the legislature was not considered an agency; however, individual legislators’ offices were considered agencies, making them subject to the Public Records Act. Earl-Hubbard said she “can’t see what’s left that the public would get to see” under the proposed bill. The proposal would distinguish legislators from other elected public officials in that they would not be subject to the same laws, she said. It would also continue to restrict information on misconduct allegations, which Earl-Hubbard says was at the heart of the media’s lawsuit. “I was very disappointed when I read the bill,” Earl-Hubbard said. “This is being hyped as legislators claiming to have heard the message from the public last year.” In response to criticism, Pederson emphasized that changes
will be made to fine-tune the bill as it moves through the legislative process. On releasing misconduct records, Pederson said he and his colleagues worry that a lack of protections could cause a “chilling effect” for those coming forward with misconduct allegations. “If coming forward in this environment means everything you say can end up on the front page of the Seattle Times, you might choose to suffer in silence,” said Pederson. Under Pederson’s proposed bill, raw investigative material like witness statements would be withheld from public record but the investigative report and determination on the allegations would be released after a determination is made. At least, said Toby Nixon, president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, “they’re putting something on the table so we can start talking about the issues.” The bill last
year was passed without discussion and on short notice, Nixon said. Section 111 of the bill outlines specific permanent legislative exemptions that need to be cited in denying a request. These exemptions include investigative records that are generated before a determination of reasonable cause or dismissal of a complaint before the legislative ethics board or within the legislative branch; memoranda from staff or legislators that contain legal, policy or fiscal options, analyses, models or analytical tools; records of internal caucus communications like leadership votes; notes taken by staff or legislators for the use of the person taking the notes; negotiations between legislators or caucuses on bills, records of how a legislator intends to vote either in committee or in a chamber of the legislature; drafts of bills or amendments that were never introduced.
Pooch owners may be able to appeal breed-based dog bans in their cities B y E m m a S c h e r , WNPA O ly m p i a N ew s B u r e a u Cities that ban certain dog breeds would have to provide an appeal process for owners under proposed legislation that makes exceptions for good dogs of outlawed pedigree.
According to DogsBite, a nonprofit organization that advocates for victims of dog maulings, 28 cities in Washington have ordinances that restrict or ban ownership of pit bull terriers, or declare the entire breed as “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous.” House Bill 1026 originally
aimed to prohibit a ban on specific dog breeds in local jurisdictions. But a substitute bill that passed through committee on Thursday would still allow the breed bans, but requires jurisdictions to implement an appeals process. “People make dogs dangerous, dogs aren’t born dangerous,” said
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prime sponsor representative Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo). “It’s discriminatory to tell someone that they can’t live in your town because of a member of their family.” Through the appeals process, specific dogs may be exempt from the regulations if they pass a ca-
nine behavioral test. If the dog passes, it would be exempt to possession prohibitions for two years, and subject to a retest to maintain the exemption. If the dog fails the test, it may retake the test within a reasonable period of time.
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