The Northern Light, July 9-15, 2020 by Point Roberts Press

July 9 - 15, 2020

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Council approves plat for Blaine development, page 3

SBA releases PPP loan data, page 5

Birch Bay, Blaine Fourth of July photos, page 7

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Rain doesn’t deter Black Lives Matter protesters County’s first low-barrier Covid-19 testing site opens July 10 By Oliver Lazenby

s A crowd of people listen to speakers at a Black Lives Matter rally in Blaine on Friday, July 3.

Black Lives Matter rally addresses racism in Blaine B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y Support for the Black Lives Matter rally garnered around 80 protestors huddled in the rain at G Street Plaza on Friday, July 3. Cardboard signs that read, “Say their names,” “I will never understand but I stand” and “Racism is a pandemic too” dotted the notably young crowd that had children to seniors in attendance. The rally came to fruition after Payton Ives, Blaine High School 2020 graduate, messaged Jaelin Ford, class of 2019, on June 30 about starting a rally after seeing a lack of action in the Blaine community following the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by Minnesota police officers on May 25, which started Black Lives Matter protests across the world. Ford was moving to San Diego on July 5 where she attends college at the University of California San Diego. As a Black woman, she felt Blaine’s lack of diversity wasn’t

conducive to her growth. “‘I told her, ‘We’d need to do it in the next three days,’” Ford recounted her conversation with Ives. By Friday, Ives and Ford had recruited 2020 graduates Claire Cooper and Annika Soderberg to help organize the event because of their social media activism for Black Lives Matter. The four Borderite alumnae contacted Blaine High School teacher Michael Dahl, who helped with the sound system, Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley, who was in the crowd without uniform, and city manager Michael Jones, who advised the group on the regulation for a freedom of speech event at the plaza. Ford started the event at 5:04 p.m. giving a speech about her experience moving to Blaine in 2015 hoping to see community members who looked like her. Instead, she was called the n-word within her first month in Blaine. It wasn’t until college that Ford realized that she didn’t have to wear paler makeup and straighten her hair

to fit in. Within five minutes of Ford’s speech, two white trucks with Trump 2020 flags drove northbound and then southbound on Peace Portal Drive, revving their

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(See Rally, page 16)

INSIDE

For two days starting Friday, July 10, it will be possible to get tested for Covid-19 in Whatcom County without a referral from a healthcare provider. The Whatcom County Health Department and Whatcom Unified Command are partnering with Northwest Laboratory and the city of Bellingham to pilot a low-barrier drive-through testing facility at the Civic Field Athletic Complex, at 1355 Civic Way, in Bellingham. The testing site will be open on Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, and will be open to everyone. Testing won’t require insurance, a healthcare provider’s referral or an appointment. “Opening an additional, low-barrier, drive-through testing facility in Whatcom County will create new capacity to test individuals for Covid-19. This model will also make it easier for people to access testing without the need for a referral from their healthcare provider,” said health department director Erika Lautenbach, in a July 7 press release. The press release didn’t say what time the facility would be open, or which days it would be open beyond the initial two days. In a Whatcom County Council committee of the whole meeting on July 7, Lautenbach said those involved were still planning the facility. “There’s a lot of details to be worked out and of course we want to tinker with the model to make sure we can operate as efficiently as possible and to be as available to people as we can,” Lautenbach told county council. Lautenbach said the facility would ideally be able to adjust capacity to respond to demand for testing. “There may be a period where this is three days a week and that is sufficient. There may be a period where this is seven days a week,” she said. Lautenbach encouraged people who had any issues with getting tested to email the health department at covid@co.whatcom. wa.us. “If we don’t know about it, we can’t do something to fix it,” Lautenbach said. More details about the facility will be announced later this week, according to the health department’s press release.

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Active Seniors . . . 8 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Puzzles . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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By Oliver Lazenby In the two-week period ending July 1, 183 people tested positive for the virus in Whatcom Coun-

ty – more than three times the state’s target for Whatcom County under the Safe Start plan. The majority of those new infections were people under 30, What-

com County Health Department director Erika Lautenbach said, and few have required hospital treatment so far. “What we’re seeing with cases is not a whole lot different from two weeks ago. We continue to see increased rates among people under 30,” Lautenbach said at a July 7 county council meeting. “In the last couple weeks in particular we’ve seen increased rates in people 19 and younger.” The number of new infections increased throughout June, but the seven-day average for new confirmed cases fell from about 14 per day on June 27 to around seven per day by July 3, according to the county health department. The percent of test results coming back positive for the week ending July 1 was 2.7 percent, down from mid-June, when about 5 percent of all test results in Whatcom County came back positive. Whatcom County remains in phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan, and, as of July 1, was meeting the state’s goals on two out of five metrics, according to data from the Washington State Department of Health; currently, 0.4 percent of licensed hospital beds in the county are occupied by people with Covid-19 cases, and 73.3 percent of total licensed beds are occupied. That’s well below the state’s target of 10 percent or less and 80 percent or less, respectively. Whatcom County health officer Greg Stern said the coun-

Washington State Department of Health data, as of July 6, 2020

ty’s low number of hospitalizations is likely because most people getting infected in the past month are young. The disease hits older people hardest – 80 percent of people who have died from Covid-19 in Whatcom County were 80 and older, and about 90 percent of those hospitalized with Covid-19 were 40 and older. Also, there’s a period of about three weeks between when someone gets infected and when they need hospital care, Stern said. “I would anticipate hospitalization rates will go up just as they have in Texas, Arizona and Florida,” he told county council on July 7. As of June 6, 667 people in Whatcom County have tested positive for Covid-19, and 41 with the disease have died, according to the county health department. Though the number of new infections increased throughout June, only one person with a confirmed case of Covid-19 has died since midMay. The county health department has linked most recent cases to parties and social gatherings, Lautenbach said at the July 7 council meeting. In the next week, the health department plans to release additional data tools to provide more information on the number of outbreaks in the county, she said.

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July 9 - 15, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

County executive asks council to collaborate on budget goals By Ian Haupt Whatcom County Council passed a resolution to amend and approve the county executive’s comprehensive goals for the 2021-2022 budget that the executive’s office began drafting in a Wednesday July 8 budget priority meeting. One of the amended goals includes the council’s wish for the executive’s office to prepare a list of possible budget cuts to be made if there were to be a 20 percent revenue loss due to Covid-19 related economic effects. During a virtual committee of the whole meeting on July 7, county executive Satpal Sidhu encouraged the council to accept the amendments so his staff can begin the drafting process. “I would like if you could please look at this, have your

discussion and approval, so we can continue our process,” Sidhu said. “Because the more we are jammed with time, the less of a good product will come out.” The resolution passed with a 4-2 majority, with councilmembers Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed, and councilmember Kathy Kershner absent. Councilmember Byrd, who led a discussion on possible budget goals with the council in last week’s budget meeting, raised concern that the budget goals in the resolution and suggested by the council last week are still too broad to be effective. Byrd said he hopes to continue collaborating with the executive’s office to narrow down the current goals. According to the resolution, other goals in the resolution include: Prioritizing available funding for the benefit of chil-

dren and families, continuing to support the public health system in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, taking prudent steps to safeguard the long-term financial stability of county finances and develop reasonable capital project budgets for the long-term needs of Whatcom County. Of the five proposed budget goals drafted by the council in last week’s budget meeting, the executive incorporated only the suggestion to draft a supplemental budget that would project a possible 20 percent decrease from 2019 revenue. The executive said, at this point in the budget process, his job is to draft guidelines for the county’s department heads to work with to define their specific budget needs. “It’s a bottom-up budget process,” Sidhu said. He also urged the council to

City council approves preliminary plat for 353 dwellings in east Blaine By Oliver Lazenby At a June 22 regular meeting, the Blaine City Council approved a planned unit development and preliminary plat for an east Blaine housing project that would develop 353 housing units. The approval allows the developer to go on to the next step, which is to get approval on a construction plan. The project applicant, East Maple Ridge LLC, proposed developing 353 units in an 88.45-acre forested area north of H Street, east of Jerome Street and west of Harvey Road, near Pipeline Fields. The development would include a mix of single-family, cottage and multi-family housing. The project also includes a neighborhood commercial center consisting of 24,000 square feet of commercial space, a park site, a playground and open space. Doug and Louise Connelly own the properties, according to the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office. The East Maple Ridge project began in 1996 after the city annexed the property. The city adopted its east Blaine infrastructure plan, which guided the

development of utility lines to the area, in 2009. Currently, electric conduit, and water and sewer lines go through the East Maple Ridge area. An earlier version of the project was approved in 2010 and was granted an extension by city council in 2018. After a public hearing on June 11, the city’s planning commission recommended that the council approve the planned unit development and preliminary plat, subject to conditions. On July 7, Blaine community development services director Stacie Pratschner said the city had already received a construction plan application from the developer. Those are typically approved within a month or two, she said. The east Blaine area is projected to support almost 40 percent of the city’s needed housing stock over the next 20 years, Pratschner told city council in a presentation at the meeting. Another project in the area, called Grandis Pond, would develop 387 residential lots in its first phase and about 1,000 total lots within the next 20 to 30 years. That project is east of Harvey Road.

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engage with his office during the drafting process to make their proposed budget goals possible. The council will vote on a finalized budget, which will likely be completed in the fall, Sidhu said.

Whatcom County Council meets virtually most months on Tuesdays every two weeks. The next meeting is on July 21. Visit whatcom.legistar.com/Calendar. aspx to tune in.

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The preliminary plat and planned unit development for the first phase of that project is working its way through the city’s approval process and will be on the agenda at city council’s July 13 meeting, Pratschner said. The city’s planning commission recommended to council that the preliminary plat and planned unit development be approved with some conditions after a June 25 public hearing.

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

Opinion

The Northern L ght 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, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, 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. Thankyou 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 Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Kyra Planetz, Ian Haupt prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst 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 XXVI, No 4 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Volunteers clean beach at Birch Bay after July 4th

s Volunteers picked up trash and debris at Birch Bay after the Fourth of July. Pictured above, a team from the Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District pickup trash on July 6. From l., Lars Olson, Whatcom County stormwater education specialist; Holly Faulstich, Whatcom County stormwater programs specialist; and Aneka Sweeney, Whatcom Conservation District’s education and outreach coordinator. Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Letters The Editor: I appreciate Lee Bravener’s sympathetic understanding of my letter on police reform. In the midst of a worldwide protest on police violence, we once again watch another cop pull a gun and shoot a man down who is running away. Apparently, you do not have to be guilty of a thing to end up dead. We must talk, try to understand and change such violent behavior. “Why not start in Blaine?” I was asked. My first thought was because Blaine does not have this problem. However, I now agree that Blaine should lead the way. We sit at the border of two nations who have managed peace for more than a century. We are not so afraid of differences that we must kill to control. Our eloquent chief knows both sides of the question as our country unravels because people no longer know who to trust. Change is needed top to bottom and expectations made explicit on all sides. Why do we have so many confrontations requiring police interventions? Even peaceful communities like ours need to sit together to establish ground rules for acceptable use of police force. They alone are authorized to be violent because it is so difficult to catch and convict law breakers that permit our democracy to work. These are big issues and national institutions need public guidance as well. If secrecy is important to success, then scrutiny becomes essential. Otherwise, mistakes are undetected, correction unlikely and corruption nearly probable. We should not get our information from defectors and leaks. To know methods upfront avoids misuse of violence. Moral issues and American values demand a place in the public sector. If we need to be educated, hiding facts is not the way. Hon-

est dialogue leads to relationships of trust. Maybe here in Blaine we will take the time to listen and give the world something worth listening to. It might be better than fireworks to celebrate American freedom. Sharon L. Robinson Blaine The Editor: I want to expand on Samantha Syrnich’s letter regarding the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. I have observed the level of service dropping to an extremely low level both on a general and personal level. I have lived in Birch Bay since 2004 and got to know Bill Elfo since then. But for about the past year, I do not recall seeing a patrol car drive through Baycrest development nor patrolling the dangerous speed areas along Jackson Road and Bay Road in an effort to reduce the speeding of 45 mph or higher in those locations. Personally, the level of service has disappointed me for over a year by the refusal of the sheriff’s office to protect my property and stop my neighbor’s harassment despite being provided physical evidence and videos to support my complaints. In September 2018, I discovered that my neighbor had trespassed my property while I was out of the country. A deputy came to my house and he said he would issue them a warning. In 2019 the trespassing continued mostly when I was out of the country so in September 2019, I hand delivered an envelope addressed to Bill Elfo with a cover letter and evidence and gave it to the woman at the window [of the sheriff’s office] and asked her to personally deliver it to Bill Elfo. I got no response and repeated this again in December 2019 after a lieutenant came to my house for an interview in November, which was a disappointment in the way he

conducted the interview. In December, the lieutenant sent me an email stating that my envelope was received by him even though I addressed it to Bill Elfo. He twisted and distorted my comments including making false statements and refused to reply when I asked him if he intercepted my September envelope addressed to Elfo. In 2020 the trespassing continued, and after I installed security cameras, the neighbors were caught on camera giving the middle finger. I sent copies of these videos to the sheriff and no action was taken. What a sad state of affairs. Mickey Masdeo Birch Bay The Editor: I find three compelling reasons to vote for James Erb in his race for Whatcom County Superior Court Judge: His breadth of experience; his widespread community support and his commitment to criminal justice reform. James has a wide range of legal experience in criminal, family and civil law. He has worked as a prosecutor for both state and tribal governments. Most recently, he practiced civil law as an assistant city attorney for Bellingham. With this background he will be able to adjudicate all the kinds of cases that come before our superior court from day one on the bench. James’ endorsements include Washington Supreme Court and appellate judges, state legislators, tribal nation leaders, numerous local Whatcom County, Bellingham, Blaine and Ferndale elected officials, and a host of community members who know and support James. James has (See Letters, page 6)

July 9 - 15, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

SBA releases Payroll Protection Program loan details 219 Blaine and Birch Bay businesses received funds B y P at G r u bb In response to Freedom of Information Act requests, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has released information on loans made through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) that was passed by Congress to support small businesses suffering from effects of pandemic closures. The SBA separated loan data based upon the amount of money that was loaned to companies. Companies who borrowed $150,000 or more were individually named and aggregated based upon loan amounts. Those borrowing under $150,000 were not named but the loan amount was specified. In all, 219 companies located in the Blaine and Birch Bay 98230 zip code received funds. Of these, 21 companies received from $150,000 to between $2-5 million dollars. These include KamWay ($2-5 million), Resort Semiahmoo ($12 million), Totally Chocolate

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($350,000-1 million), Van Wingerden ($350,000-1 million). These loans supported 1,289 employees. In the below $150,000 category, 198 companies received funds ranging from $371 up to $138,200. (Editor note: Point Roberts Press, Inc. parent company of The Northern Light, received funds under this classification.) There were 655 employees working for these companies with an average of $9,627 per employee. In Point Roberts, 25 companies with 89 employees received $840,688 in loans. Not surprisingly, Bellingham companies got the lion’s share of the loans in Whatcom County. In the over $150,000 categories, 246 companies with 13,524 employees were loan recipients. The top borrower, Family Care Network with 488 employees, received between $5-10 million. Unity Care, with 281 workers, received between $2-5 million, as did The Markets LLC, owner of the Blaine Cost Cutter store. Avenue Bread, CityMac, Mt. Baker Ski Area and Whatcom Family YMCA each received between $350,000-1

million. In all, companies receiving more than $350,000 had 13,524 employees. There were 7,160 Bellingham company employees working for 2,098 companies who received up to $150,000 for an average employee payout of $10,304. The health industry sector had a strong showing with one each receiving between 2 and 10 million dollars, three in the $1-2 million range and 35 between $150,000 and $1 million. The PPP allowed companies to apply for funds equal to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll costs. When it was first implemented, companies were required to spend 75 percent of the money on payroll over eight weeks and to maintain employee count. If they achieved this and spent the remainder of the money on allowable expenses, the loan would be converted into a grant and would not need to be paid back. Subsequently, the percentage needing to be spent on employees was reduced to 60 percent and the time period was relaxed.

225 Marine Dr. • Blaine, WA 360 -332-1777 www.TheNorthernLight.com

21 companies received from $150,000 to between $2-5 million dollars. • These loans supported 1,289 employees.

198 companies received less than $150,000 • According to SBA, 655 employees work for these companies.

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Newsstand Copies of The Northern Light are available at: Blaine Harbor Office Bay Center Market Edaleen Dairy Bay Properties Nimbus Realty Beachwood Store Dollar Store Birch Bay Chamber Cost Cutter GKT Gas Station Rite Aid Domino’s Dank of America Custer Post Office Pacific Building Center Walgreens Ferndale Yorky’s on Blaine Rd. Ferndale Lube The Market at Birch Bay Square Banner Bank Building Lobby The Northern Light Bldg.

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Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, July 9 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

Thursday, July 9 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting - CANCELLED

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Monday, July 13 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting

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Monday, July 27 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

Watershed watchers program thrived during stay home order By Oliver Lazenby Local volunteers spent a record number of hours helping to keep the Birch Bay and Terrell Creek watersheds clean during the stayat-home order, according to the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM). BBWARM’s Adopt-a-Block program, which started in September 2019, allows volunteers to adopt a section of road, beach, stream or park and commit to keeping it free of trash and debris. It aims to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and protect water quality in Birch Bay and Terrell Creek. “April and May were our best months yet with our volunteers recording 83 total hours,” said Lars Olson, stormwater education specialist for Whatcom County Public Works. “People have spare time right now and they are using it to give back to the Birch Bay community.” The program is a collaborative effort between BBWARM, the Whatcom County Health Department, the Washington State

Department of Ecology, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and community volunteers. The adopt-a-block program currently has 25 active volunteers who have recorded 200 volunteer hours and collected more than 100 bags of trash since the program started last fall, Olson said. Volunteers remove litter and other contaminants, install storm drain markers to remind people that they drain to the bay, and reduce human impacts on their adopted section. BBWARM supplies out equipment kits to interested volunteers. Kits include a bucket, high-visibility vest, trash grabber, trash bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, traffic cones, brushes and storm drain markers. Olson said additional kits will soon be available to check out from the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center and Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers also get yard signs that say, “I protect Birch Bay.” To learn more, go to bbwarm. whatcomcounty.org or contact Lars Olson at Lolson@co.whatcom.wa.us.

THE CITY OF BLAINE IS CURRENTLY SEEKING MEMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION:

PLANNING COMMISSION

REGULARLY MEETS AT 6:00 PM ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS OF EVERY MONTH FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS ONE POSITION TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022

Members of boards, committees and commissions receive no financial compensation, but the payoff is great. Members meet other residents with similar interests, they learn about the City, and they help shape the future of Blaine! Being on a board, committee or commission does require a significant personal commitment, so applicants should consider their ability to commit their time and personal energy before applying. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, applications and descriptions of duties are available online at www.cityofblaine.com. First review of applications will be Friday, July 24, 2020. Position will remain open until filled. Per Blaine Municipal Code (BMC) 2.08.028, concurrent service on more than one board or commission is precluded.

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Letters ... From page 4

clearly developed such broad approval by demonstrating his love of the law and his desire to serve our community. Finally, and most important, James believes strongly in the need for reform of our criminal justice structure, of which the judicial system is a critical part. Providing fair and impartial justice to all segments of society will require vision and commitment from our elected leaders, including our judges. We can count on James Erb for that vision and I ask you to join me in supporting his campaign. Elizabeth Kilanowski Lummi Island The Editor: The governor’s recent Covid-19 mask mandate has been questioned by some, including several Washington sheriffs, one even calling our governor an “idiot” for mandating masks when in public. Another encouraged disregarding the mandate, saying, “don’t be sheep.” Sheep? Is the simple, sensible act of wearing a mask sheepish? What about the flocks who mindlessly trust anything their national shepherd-in-chief says and follow largely in lockstep

practically anything their “nowimpy-mask-for-him” shepherd does? Does mandating masks to minimize Covid-19 infections restrict personal freedoms or raise constitutional issues? What about mandating speed limits to minimize highway accidents? Are these mandates slippery slopes of government overreach? The real sheep in this story are those resisting masks. And our governor certainly isn’t an “idiot” for requiring them. Don’t be a sheep; wear a mask in public. John Whitmer Bellingham The Editor: The primary matters. Don’t wait till the general election in November. Your vote in the upcoming primary is crucial. Why? We have a top-two primary system in which the two candidates who get the most votes – regardless of party – move to the general ballot. So the primary outcome will determine your choices in November. Also, doing well in the primary means your candidates will be able to attract funding support for the general campaign, which can be critical to their success. Remember that your vote is especially powerful in local races. Please vote your entire ballot. Make sure you will be ready for the August 4 pri-

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mary. Register now at myvote. wa.gov. Ben Rogers Lummi Island The Editor: Sharon Shewmake, our 42nd legislative district representative, supports local jobs. After Intalco announced the closure of its Ferndale operation, Sharon met virtually with Intalco workers, labor representatives, Alcoa Corporation representatives, local leaders, congressional leaders and economists to figure out what can be done. This group has met twice with plans to continue the outreach. As our current 42nd legislative district elected representative, Sharon is in a unique position to coordinate action. She is a professor of economics, urban economics and energy policy at Western Washington University. We are fortunate to have Sharon working for us in Olympia. Her knowledge and experience with economics and science gives her a powerful platform and voice. She has sponsored bills supporting a critical Covid-19 response – supporting Whatcom families with childcare, home heating, affordable house and health care, among others. You can read about her bills, focus points and background at housedemocrats.wa.gov/shewmake and Sharon4Whatcom. com. Your vote makes a difference, especially in our local elections which effect you, your family and your community – so please vote. Naomi Murphy Ferndale Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

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s Rosemarie Tom, l., blows bubbles in Peace Arch Park with partner Andrew Gemino on Thursday, July 2. The cross-border couple meet at the park frequently with Gemino’s dog, Jireh. “This is the extent of our relationship right here,” Tom said, because of the border closure.

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T Kaelynn Ball of Surrey, B.C., l., and fiancé David Hogsten of Maryland pose in front of their “picnic tent” at Peace Arch Park on Thursday, July 2. The two spent the weekend together at the park, lounging in their tent. “I’m overjoyed we can still see each other,” Ball said.

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Despite Canadian closure, cross-border meet-ups continue at Peace Arch Park By Kyra Planetz While the U.S./Canada border remains closed, Peace Arch Park has been a meeting point for many families and couples separated by the border. B.C. officials closed the Canadian side of the park on June 18 due to claims of overcrowding and safety concerns. However, there is yet another loophole that allows loved ones to continue to meet on the American side of the park. After the War of 1812, a battle between the U.S. and Britain over a violation of maritime rights, the two countries signed the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. During the war, some American territory was besieged by the British colony of Canada while some Canadian territory was taken by Americans. But when the treaty was signed, ending the war, the two parties agreed to return to pre-war boundaries under the condition that neither country can erect a barrier within 10 feet of the border. This condition remains to this day, which is why Canadians are unable to stop their citizens from crossing into the neutral Peace Arch Park. Though the Canadian side of the park is closed, including the parking lot, Canadians may still enter the American side by walking across 0

Avenue, which borders the park on the American side. However, with 20 acres less land and nowhere to park, overcrowding will be more of an issue than before, said Blaine immigration attorney Len Saunders. “I think they’ve put themselves in a difficult position, they’ve created more of a problem, which I don’t think legally they can stop under the treaty,” Saunders said. If the Canadian government were to put up a fence on 0 Avenue, it would be in violation of the treaty and would lose parts of Canada that were besieged during the War of 1812, according to Saunders. The only way to stop traffic to the park would be to close the American side, which doesn’t seem likely, Saunders said. For some folks separated by the border, this newfound loop-

hole was great news, especially after the Canadian side of the park closed. B.C. resident Kaelynn Ball and her American fiancé David Hogsten spent last weekend reuniting at Peace Arch Park. Ball walked to the park from her nearby home, crossing a ditch on 0 Avenue, while Hogsten flew in from Maryland to meet her. The couple, who met online in 2018, got engaged a week before Covid-19 shut down their respective countries. This was their first time seeing each other in person since. “We’re happy to see each other, to be outside moving around, and to see him is a blessing and a privilege,” Ball said. The connection betwee the couple was evident as they clutched each other’s hand, a reminder that even a border closure can’t stop love.

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continued on page 9

Blaine resident shares storied career as ABC News courier As a courier, Brian Donovan worked at ABC through 9/11, D.C. sniper attacks and more B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y When Blaine resident Brian Donovan started working at ABC News, he didn’t know what to expect. He saw an ad in the Washington Post for a news courier in the D.C. area and Donovan, who formerly worked as a bicycle messenger for the U.S. Department of Justice from 1987 to 1992, thought it was the perfect fit. A motorcycle borrowed from a friend, the highest security clearances available to a civilian and a hard work ethic landed Donovan the job in July 2001. Within two months of working, Donovan would witness the Pentagon on September 11; the “Amerithrax,” attacts where letters laced with anthrax were

mailed and killed five people; and then in 2002, the D.C. sniper attacks, which were shootings for three weeks in October that killed 10 people and critically injured three others. Of the events, it was 9/11 that stands out the most during Donovan’s 15-year career. The morning started with a neighbor knocking on Donovan’s door around 9 a.m. when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. At the time, he said the news on T.V. didn’t have audio and no one knew what was happening. “I knew after two and a half months in news that all hell was going to break loose,” Donovan said. “I knew they’d call me in minutes so I just showed up at work.” As Donovan rushed to work on his motorcycle, he saw a line of traffic of people trying to get home from work. No one but Donovan was going into the city. He then saw a huge cloud of smoke coming from the Pentagon. “You don’t think about it at the time,” he said. “You just try to

“It’s a big part of what I am today.”

Brian Donovan, who works at Blaine Harbor for Pacific Security, worked 15 years as a courier for ABC News in Washington, D.C. While working at ABC, Donovan assisted with coverage of 9/11, the D.C. sniper attacks in 2002 and three presidential inaugurations, among other national stories.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

do your job and then you think about it after.” On his way to the Pentagon, Donovan borrowed a Gary Fischer mountain bike from a stranger on the street to get through road closures. He obtained what

he says are two of the first videotapes of the Pentagon burning from ABC cameramen and then rode as fast as he could back to the bureau in D.C. to give the tapes to producers. “It’s a big part of what I am to-

day as a result,” Donovan said of his experience during 9/11. As a courier, Donovan worked an array of jobs. He would weave in and out of congested D.C. traffic to deliver tapes from cameramen to producers in ABC’s

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Blaine resident Brian Donovan during his time as a courier for ABC News in Washington D.C. Donovan ended his career with ABC in 2016 and moved to Blaine.

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D.C. bureau before fiber optics changed communication in the mid-2000s. He also worked as a driver for ABC staff from everyone up to the former D.C. bureau chief Robin Sproul and drove vehicles while correspondents hastily wrote breaking news on their laptops. Other tasks included helping with electronic repair in the IT department and delivering food to people on stakeouts, often those who were obtaining footage of president elects before elections. Donovan describes the job at ABC as having no down time, especially during breaking news. During the Baltimore protests in 2015 following the death of Freddie Gray, Donovan said he worked 22 hours per day and was unable to sleep when he had time

because his mind was racing on the events unfolding, including having his news van shaken by protestors while he was inside. After assisting with ABC’s coverage of multiple hurricanes, blizzards, three presidential inaugurations, Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to D.C. and many other events, Donovan ended his career with ABC in 2016. After throat surgery and a yearlong recovery, he landed in Blaine to be closer

to his sister. He currently works in security at Blaine Harbor for Pacific Security. “There are other industries, professions and jobs,” Donovan said. “You get a rush with excitement, that definitely exists with network news. It’s addictive. Real news hounds, once they get a taste of it, they can’t stop.”

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

Blaine business owner spends his free time mowing unkempt properties By Kyra Planetz We drove down Peace Portal Drive, looping through the roundabouts, and headed toward D Street. Mike Hill, in the driver’s seat, proudly pointed each and every spot along the road where he has cleared blackberry bushes. Hill, a lifelong resident of Blaine, said the prickly shrubs weren’t a problem in the city when he was growing up. His pride for the place he’s always called home was palpable as we continued to drive. “We need to get this straightened out,” Hill said. “I mow wherever I can.” For the past six years Hill, with the help of his two lawn mowers “Meatball” and “Mark,” has spent 40 hours a week cleaning up blackberry bushes and mowing grass throughout Blaine – for free. “Meatball” is an Italian, hence the name, remote-controlled lawn mower that easily cuts through blackberry bushes. “Mark” is more of a standard riding lawn mower, as the name implies. Though Hill owns several properties in Blaine, including the Chevron gas station on Peace Portal Drive, much of the proper-

ty he mows is owned by the city, WSDOT or private owners. After construction of the roundabouts, and other infrastructure around Blaine, Hill said much of the surrounding area hasn’t been well maintained. “It would be like me bringing something to your house and never coming back for it,” Hill said. “That’s why I do it.” Hill said he has always enjoyed mowing and spoke fondly of the first lawn mower he bought as a teen. It was a yellow General Electric riding lawn mower that he tirelessly waxed. Hill said his father encouraged him to buy equipment that he liked so that he would grow to enjoy mowing lawns – and it worked. “I wouldn’t let anyone else ride it,” Hill said with a chuckle. We kept driving, making a circle back to Hill’s Chevron next to Starbucks. As Hill continued to point out spots along the road that were now blackberry bush free, it was evident that he cared deeply about Blaine; there was barely any unruly landscape that he hadn’t touched along the route. Before a recent round of blackberry mowing, the invasive plant

had obscured views along the water, Hill said, adding that several nearby homeowners thanked him for bringing back their view. Hill plans to continue clearing bushes along the water and hopes the city will consider planting flowers along the roundabouts and overpasses, he said.

Hill said he has been in contact with the city and hopes to get together soon to discuss its plan for keeping Blaine beautiful. But for now, he’s happy putting the work in. “This is our town and we’ve got to be proud of it,” Hill concluded.

s Mike Hill poses next to his lawn mowers, “Meatball,” l., and “Mark.” Hill, along with his trusty mowers, works on clearing blackberry bushes and cutting grass around Blaine nearly every day.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

Fourth of July in Blaine and Birch Bay

With the border closed, the crowd in Birch Bay may have been lighter than usual but there wasn’t much room for parking along Birch Bay Drive.

A silhouette of a child at the beach.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer: CKimageart.com

Volunteers picked up fireworks debris from the beach on July 5, and again on July 6. Photo by Chuck Kinzer: CKimageart.com

Though Blaine’s Fourth of July celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Blaine Farmers Market took place at the plazas on July 4. Above, Dean and Sharron Brown at their booth. Photo by Donna Raimey

July 9 - 15, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of DAVID GEORGE ALARY GELLATLY, Deceased No. 20-400224-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF VACANCY AND SUCCESSION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (RCW 11.40.150) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that YVETTE MARGARET GELLATLY, the original Personal Representative of this estate, resigned on June 30, 2020, creating a vacancy. CINDY MAXWELL was appointed Successor Personal Representative on June 30, 2020 and qualified to serve on June 30, 2020 with the issuance of Letters Testamentary. Prior to her resignation, YVETTE MARGARET GELLATLY published Probate Notice to Creditors pursuant to RCW 11.40.030 in Whatcom County in The Northern Light newspaper commencing on May 21, 2020 and ending on June 4, 2020. Any person having a claim against the deceased DAVID GEORGE ALARY GELLATLY 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 Successor Personal Representative or the Successor 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 by the original Personal Representative as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(b), together with the time between the creation of the vacancy and the first publication of the Vacancy and Succession of Personal Representative, as provided under RCW 11.40.150(2). 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 nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY ORIGINAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: MAY 21, 2020 DATE OF VACANCY BY ORIGINAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: JUNE 30, 2020 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF VACANCY AND SUCCESSION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: JULY 9, 2020 SUCCESSOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: CINDY MAXWELL ATTORNEY FOR SUCCESSOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: MARK W. STOWE, WSBA #16655 Mark W. Stowe, Attorney, Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road, P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 3rd day of July 2020.

Blaine School District Budget

On July 10, the Blaine School District will have completed its preliminary budget for the 2020-21 school year. A budget summary will be on file at the district administrative office at 765 H Street, and a copy will be furnished to any person requesting one. The summary will include a projected total of expenses and revenues. A public hearing on the 2020-21 budget will take place during the regularly scheduled Board meeting, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone in attendance will have the opportunity to speak for or against any part of the budget. Board adoption will take place during the regularly scheduled Board meeting, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. Please visit the District website at www.blainesd.org for meeting attendance instructions. For more information, please call 360-332-5881.

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

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Beautiful Semiahmoo custom home on 9th Tee. Gourmet kitchen compliments open great room design w/fireplace & wine bar. Gorgeous views from this high bank Birch Luxurious owners’ suite features heated Bay waterfront, gently sloped .36 acre marble flooring in en-suite, fireplace, dual homesite ready for your dream home. One vanity, walk-in shower, oversize walk-in of the last remaining waterfront lots with closet w/built-ins. Also on main floor is 2nd spectacular views of Birch Bay, Coastal Ca- master. New roof in 2013 & in 2018 a full nadian mountains and sparkling city lights. high-end remodel was completed in designEnjoy private neighborhood beach access, er colors & appointments. Sprinkler system beach combing, minutes’ walk to the State & wired for automated mower leaving more Park and a short distance to I-5. time to enjoy amazing Semiahmoo.

XXX Holeman Ave MLS #1405680 $399,000

Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488

Mike Kent 360-527-8901

9049 Shearwater Road 9464 Odell Road 5571 Hillvue Road 4765 S Golf Course Dr MLS #1613807 $1,998,000 MLS #1604802 $245,000 MLS #1592153 Dramatic west facing WATERFRONT home $439,000 MLS#1618989 $675,000

You’ve driven past & admired it for years: “THE” quintessential Blaine farmhouse, barn, guesthouse, studio, potting shed & potential equestrian area. Located on 4.8 acres & tucked away 250’ from the street with easy access to booming downtown Blaine, the waterfront, US/CAN border & I-5. Unbelievable care & detail have gone into restoring this 3-bedroom charmer. 4510 sq ft two story barn (with water) could easily house animals or... Guesthouse features 3/4 bath + kitchenette area.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

EXCELLENT CHOICE!! One of the lowest priced Birch Bay built-on-site homes- In Neighborhood of mixed homes. Friendly neighbors all around this cozy cottage. Has very cute kitchen & rooms - all eclectic rustic wood interior w/wood beam ceiling; bright open office area; 2 bedrooms; large deck for your enjoyment; Big Yard w/plenty of garden space for your enjoyment of nature. Looks Great! HAS NEW ROOF - GO SEE IT NOW!!!! -- Be SURE you make an appointment to see this GREAT HOME!!!

Paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444

w/striking Bay/Islands/Mts & Sunset views. Inspired Architectural Design w/highest quality finishes/amenities. Easy main floor living. Spacious open floor plan. Chef’s dream kit, mstr bdrm retreat w/spa-like bthrm. Wine rm, MIL suite & more. Private shy acre w/lrg flat yards. Broad/level driveway w/no-step entry. Stairs to beach-scenic walks/seafood harvest/water sports. Gated community-paved trails, golf, marina, resort hotel/spa/eateries 1:45min/Seattle, 40min/ Van. BC.

Lucy Saldana 360-303-6838

Located in the Sealinks gated community, Birch Bay WA. Radiant heat, wall main level and garage, in-floor downstairs. Two gates, minutes to the Bay. Custom built in 2001. Custom Kitchen, hardwood floors, master on the main floor, en-suite with new jetted upright walk-in tub, walk-in shower, water closet with toilet and bidet. Also, half bath on main floor. Downstairs family room, 2 bedrooms and full bath. Hardi siding, 3 car garage with 30 foot boat or motor home bay. Only one in Sealinks!

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

ahmoo Resort features captivating views of Drayton Harbor & coastal mountains. Timeless design, luxe details & fine craftsmanship. 5000+ sf of highly flexible living space will accommodate every need. Huge sauna w/walk-in shower, impressive wine cellar. Covered patio & decks accessible from many rooms, efficient water-radiant heat, 3-car garage. Enjoy beautiful gated neighborhoods, golf club, marina, fitness center/ spa, fine dining, quiet beaches & walking trails. Virtual Tour: DraytonVista.com

Brenda Mills 360-319-0072

4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd Unit #163 MLS#1625739 $64,900

8287 Beachway Dr MLS#1623351 $289,000

Birch Bay is a prime location for recreation and summer fun! Clamming, crabbing, fishing, and beach combing a five-minute walk from your front door!

Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224

Hard to find large, 180 day outer perimeter lot 44 X 75. Great for weekend get away, part time living allowing you a place to park / store your RV. Bring your Motor Home, 5th Wheel or what have you. Shed on property, patio and and all the amenities at Lat 49, pickle ball, exercise room, out door pool, club house will make this a dream come true. Minutes from Birch Bay beach and night life, I -5, CDN border, this is a must see.

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

SOLD

5440 Wood Duck Lp MLS#1599646 $840,000

Classic craftsman in Semiahmoo--peek-aboo view! Main floor living with ample custom features. Stainless kitchen counters, hand made cabinets, & live edge granite counter bar top. Red oak hardwood through main floor--plush carpet in the bedrooms. Enormous master bath with soaker tub & walk-in shower. 3rd garage bay is wired for 220, perfect shop space! Spacious bonus room makes for the perfect office/flex space. Completely covered outdoor sunroom makes out door entertaining ideal.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

7545 Sunset Dr MLS#1622292 $620,000

9 Morrison Ave 4812 Fir Tree Ln MLS#1593925 $209,500 MLS#1597450 $95,000 Affordable waterfront in the heart of Birch Bay. Rare opportunity within a short walk of the beach and C Shop. Buy now and build your weekend getaway or full time home when the time permits. Water, sewer, power available in street. Enjoy all that Birch Bay has to offer. Spend your days crabbing, boating, and strolling the beach at low tide. Buyer to verify all information.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

Hard to find, sought after location, minutes to the beach and restaurants and the world famous C Shop. This cottage as been in the family for 50 plus years and has been well looked after. Some newer upgrades, foundation, roof and plumbing under the house has recently been redone. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a family retreat and or a great holiday rental.

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a beautiful water view property w/ in home elevator to all floors! 3 bed/4 bath home has been very lightly lived in & would be an ideal full time residence or vacation rental. Open concept kitchen/dining/living features gas fireplace, 10’ ceilings + leads directly to massive wraparound bay view deck. No detail overlooked: Credo built & rock solid - wide & bright spaces, skylights, solid core doors + just steps to Birch Bay State Park & The C-Shop.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

8783 Clubhouse Point 3388 Haynie Rd MLS#1232342 $1,049,000 MLS#1626164 3935 sf. Last paired home at Semiahmoo’s $624,000 A wonderful opportunity awaits: private + peaceful equestrian property set back from the road, updated 4 bedroom/2.5 bathroom house, massive 30x60’ heated shop with power + 2 stall horse barn! Home features vaulted ceilings, modern updated flooring, cabinets, quartz counters, s/s appliances & gas fireplace. Zip down Valley View for quick & easy I-5 access or US/CAN border access. Don’t delay, this one checks all the boxes and won’t last long!

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

14 residence “Clubhouse Point”. Premium Southern exposure. Elevated, lake & green views of Palmer-designed 18th fairway. Primary living on main. Spacious office opens to your private interior courtyard. Expansive covered decks, walls of windows bring the outdoors in. Super pantry, Stainless appliances, white cabinets, quartz counters, juxtaposed w/gloss charcoal island to match massive stone tiled FP. Gloss white cabinets in laundry & baths. 3 car gar.

Linda Kiens 360-815-6640

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Classifieds are online at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

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INCREDIBLE VIEW PROPERTY 3-BD, 1-BA, easy freeway access but private, all appliances included, garage, NS/NP - $1,495/mo. www. nuwworld.com 360-332-7435. All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, 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.

Rentals - Commercial

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FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

July 9 - 15, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

State launches hotline to help with stress and anxiety By Oliver Lazenby

Nathan Roueche, an Asian giant hornet trapper for WSDA, sets a trap in Lincoln Park on June 24. The trap is among hundreds set by the agency this summer as worker hornets are predicted to emerge late this summer.

Washington state launched a support program and phone line called Washington Listens to help people manage stress and anxiety related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The support line number is 1-833/681-0211. It’s available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Text telephone and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or other methods. Callers will get support and connection to community resources in their area, according to a fact sheet on the program. The program is anonymous; the only information Washington Listens tracks are the number of calls and the nature of those calls. “Washington Listens helps people cope and strengthen their resiliency in these uncertain

times,” said Sue Birch, director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, the agency managing the program, in a press release. “It complements the state’s behavioral health response services by providing an outlet for people who are not in crisis but need an outlet to manage stress.” The program is a partnership with American Indian Community Center, the Colville Tribe, Community Integrated Health Services, Crisis Connections, Frontier Behavioral Health, Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, and Swinomish Tribe. The support line is funded by a $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency and supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

With ag department traps set, the public can now help trap Asian giant hornets B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials began setting nearly 600 Asian giant hornet traps in Whatcom County – 300 of which are in Blaine – and residents are now welcome to set their own bottle traps using orange juice and rice cooking wine. The traps, made from plastic bottles filled with the mixture and hung from trees, are expected to catch the worker hornets predicted to appear later this summer. Although the agency doesn’t expect the workers to leave their colonies until August, officials say setting the traps now could catch hornets that appear early. After people started putting false trapping tips online this spring, WSDA public engagement specialist Karla Salp said the agency decided to create instructions for the public. “This is kind of an experiment in a sense,” she said. “We never use public trapping for our surveys but there was a large interest from the public in helping trap for Asian giant hornets.” So far, the public has set around 700 traps, according to WSDA. WSDA employs two full-time trappers that check on the hundreds of WSDA traps in Whatcom County weekly. The agency has also reserved money in case it needs to employ another trapper outside Whatcom County, and it has 1,000 traps ready to go if the hornets are found elsewhere, Salp said.

WSDA follows a standard invasive species protocol for setting the traps that calls for setting the highest density of traps around areas where Asian giant hornets have been detected. The traps are modeled after those in Japan, according to the WSDA website. Rice cooking wine with alcohol content of 1025 percent is used to deter honeybees from using the trap and pulp-free orange juice avoids getting extra material on specimens. Trapping bottles should hang 6 to

9 feet high on trees and the bait needs to be replaced every week regardless of whether hornets are caught. “We would rather have one trap that lasts an entire season than a bunch of traps where it becomes too overwhelming to contain,” Salp said. People with more than 5 acres can increase the number of traps on their property and beekeepers can put traps within 50 feet from their beehives, on four sides of the hive. All traps should be put

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at least 50 feet apart. “Every trap is appreciated,” Salp said. “We know this is a commitment, financially and time-wise for people, so anything they can do to help is helping get a higher density of traps out.” As of July 7, four Asian giant hornets have been detected in the Blaine area and one in north Bellingham. The hornet is an invasive species from Asia, where it’s thought to have transported through shipping to North America for the first time last fall. The hornets, measuring 1.5-2 inches, are the largest hornet in the world. Beside its size, the hornet’s distinguishable features include a large, orange head with big eyes and a striped body. “No matter how many traps we put up, it’s never going to amount to the number of eyes that are out there,” Salp said. “The more people we have educated about what they look like and how to report them when we see them, the better our chance is of finding them.” Traps with a bee, wasp or hornet can be dropped off in the blue cooler outside Ferndale Portal Way Farm and Garden at 6100 Portal Way in Ferndale or mailed to Chris Looney, WSDA, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, Washington, 98501. For more information on creating homemade traps, visit agr. wa.gov/departments/insectspests-and-weeds/insects/hornets/ trapping. Questions on creating your trap can also be emailed to hornets@agr.wa.gov.

DIRECTORY

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

Games and Puzzles

Sheriff’s Reports

July 4, 12:15 a.m.: Assist agency on Semiahmoo Parkway.

July 4, 5:40 p.m.: Fireworks on Henley Street.

July 4, 2:23 a.m.: Burglary on Hall Road.

July 4, 6:28 p.m.: Party on Gulf Road.

July 4, 9:41 a.m.: Watch for Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way.

July 4, 7:15 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay Drive.

July 4, 9:44 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way.

July 4, 7:34 p.m.: Fireworks on Henley Street.

July 4, 11:20 a.m.: Audible alarm on Starfish Lane. July 4, 11:35 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Bay Road. July 4, 11:41 a.m.: Assist citizen on Helweg Road. July 4, 11:49 a.m.: Audible alarm on Starfish Lane. July 4, 11:58 a.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 12:04 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 12:26 p.m.: Littering cold call on Sweet Road and Molers Lane. July 4, 1:34 p.m.: Audible alarm on Shintaffer Road. July 4, 2:27 p.m.: Fireworks on Seashell Way. July 4, 2:38 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 4, 3:06 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 3:43 p.m.: Assist agency on Jackson and Bay roads. July 4, 4:24 p.m.: Fireworks on Terrill Drive. July 4, 4:32 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 4, 4:50 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. July 4, 5:06 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-injury on Kickerville and Birch Bay-Lynden roads. July 4, 5:15 p.m.: Fireworks on Fortune Lane. July 4, 5:31 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 4, 5:30 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 5:33 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive.

Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com

ACROSS 1. Cyprinids 6. Icelandic literary works 10. Break in half 14. Japanese mushroom 15. Have offspring 17. Not feeling well 19. A very large body of water 20. Witch 21. Behemoth 22. Speak negatively of 23. Absence of difficulty 24. Pampering places 26. Drives 29. Truck that delivers beer 31. Makes 32. A team’s best pitcher 34. __ Carvey, comedian 35. Seas 37. S. American plants 38. Time zone 39. Deviate 40. No longer are 41. Moving in slowly 43. Patrick and Glover are two 45. Living quarters 46. Taxi 47. Pancake made of buckwheat flour 49. Swiss river

50. Not happy 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal 58. Give way to anxiety 59. Greek war god 60. 2K lbs. 61. Word of farewell DOWN 1. __ ex Machina 2. WWII diarist Frank 3. Concluding passage 4. Supplement with difficulty 5. Title of respect 6. Cubic measures 7. Remnant 8. __ Jones 9. Salts of acetic acid 10. Long, upholstered seat 11. Capital of Okinawa Prefecture 12. A one-time aspect of Egyptian sun god Ra 13. Prefix denoting “in a” 16. Propels upward 18. What we are talking about 22. Prosecutor 23. Employee stock ownership plan 24. He brings kids presents 25. Burmese monetary

unit 27. Hurries 28. Injury remnant 29. Tooth caregiver 30. Elvis backup singer Betty Jane 31. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan 33. Midway between east and southeast 35. Most excellent 36. Heat units 37. Possess legally 39. Food items 42. Skeletal structures 43. Challenge to do something bold 44. Blood type 46. Sammy __, songwriter 47. Farmer (Dutch) 48. Clare Booth __, American writer 49. Piers Anthony’s protagonist 50. Malaysian coastal city 51. Hairstyle 52. NY-based department store 53. Geosciences organization (abbr.) 54. Brazilian city 55. Niger-Congo languages 56. Gesture

July 4, 7:16 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 7:35 p.m.: Fireworks on Henley Street. July 4, 7:36 p.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 4, 8:25 p.m.: Hot rod on H Street Road and Stillwater Lane. July 4, 8:37 p.m.: Fireworks on Bayshore Drive. July 4, 9:08 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 9:10 p.m.: Fireworks on Yvonne Way. July 4, 9:35 p.m.: Fireworks on Seavue Road. July 4, 9:43 p.m.: Fireworks on Seashell Way. July 4, 9:44 p.m.: Traffic stop on Blaine and Alderson roads. July 4, 9:54 p.m.: Parking problem on Harborview and Birch Bay-Lynden roads. July 4, 9:55 p.m.: Fireworks on Blaine and Loomis Trail roads. July 4, 10:49 p.m.: Fireworks on Cedar Way. July 4, 11:06 p.m.: Fight on Birch Bay Drive. July 4, 11:18 p.m.: Fireworks on Salish Road. July 4, 11: 34 p.m.: Subject stop on Birch Bay Drive. July 5, 12:05 a..m.: Fireworks on Halibut Drive. July 5, 12:13 a.m.: Fireworks on California Trail. July 5, 12:19 a.m.: Fireworks on Catalina Court. July 5, 1:49 a.m.: Fireworks on Alderson Road and Gemini Street.

Reports provided by WCSO

Police Reports June 27, 2:27 a.m.: A person reported a suspicious person was stumbling around their yard. The police located the person sleeping in a yard who was highly intoxicated. The police woke the person up who indicating they were trying to get home, but was lost. The police gave the person a courtesy ride home and had his mother keep watch over him. Officers cleared with no further incident. June 28, 4:06 p.m.: Officers responded to the 1600 block of Bayview Avenue for a report of domestic violence. Officers arrived and determined a verbal argument occurred between a couple in a family household relationship. The man came home from vacation to find his girlfriend had piled up all his things and put some of it in a storage unit. Officers determined it was a verbal argument only and no crime had occurred. The man agreed to stay elsewhere for the time being. June 29, 10:23 a.m.: Officers conducting traffic enforcement stopped a vehicle for a speed violation. Officers determined the driver has a suspended license status in Washington State. Officers issued the individual a notice of infraction for speeding and a criminal citation for driving on a suspended license. Officers allowed the vehicle to remain parked safely off the roadway. June 29, 12:00 p.m.: Officers received a bicycle theft report. The victim described his bicycle in detail, but did not know when the theft occurred. No date of theft or suspect information at this time. June 29, 6:46 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported hit and run in the 1700 block of H Street. During the investigation officers learned an exchange of information had taken place between the involved parties. Officers contacted the second driver who stated he didn’t realize his vehicle had damaged another. June 29, 6:46 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers were initially requested by an employee of a business located in the 1700 block of H Street to trespass an individual who was causing problems. During the investigation, officers were advised the employee’s supervisor did not want to have the person trespassed at this time. June 29, 10:03 p.m.: Officers took a report from a male worried his ex-girlfriend may show up to harass him. Officers provided extra patrol and the individual did not show up. June 30, 8:57 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a barking dog complaint in the 600 block of C Street. Officers were able to identify and contact the dog owner who was not home. The owner stated they were on the way home and would bring the barking dog inside the residence upon their arrival. July 1, 12:01 p.m.: An officer responded to a theft at an unoccupied house. The officer spoke to both former business partners of the house. One of the business owners took the furniture she purchased and moved to the other house that both parties own. Since both parties own the two homes and the furniture was moved from one property to the other property, the police determined it was a civil case. July 1, 11:04 p.m.: Officers on routine patrol observed a vehicle that had a registered owner listed as having a suspended license. Officers stopped the vehicle and determined the driver was driving under the influence of intoxicants. Officers arrested the man and booked him into the Whatcom County Jail. July 2, 11:07 p.m.: Blaine officers were dispatched to a security check when a person found two open side doors on a business after hours. Two officers arrived who checked the interior of the building. No one was found inside. The officers were able to secure the building. July 3, 8:04 p.m.: Blaine officers were dispatched to a disorderly conduct in the 1700 block of H Street. It was reported the suspect had yelled obscenities to another man and approached him in a manner he believed may have been assaultive. Then the suspect ran into the park. Blaine officers arrived and canvassed the area, however, they were not able to locate the suspect.

Reports provided by Blaine Police Department

Weather Precipitation: During the period of June 29–July 5, .81 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 22.74 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 76°F on June 29 with a low of 49°F on July 5. Average high was 67°F and average low was 46°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Tides

July 10–July 16 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 10 4:54 am 5.4

Sa 11 5:48 am 4.7

8:38 am 6.2

3:31 pm 0.8 11:07 pm 9.4 9:48 am 5.7

4:09 pm 1.9 11:35 pm 9.2

Su 12 6:36 am 3.9 11:18 am 5.3

4:47 pm 3.1

Mo 13 12:01 am 9.0

7:22 am 3.1

1:04 pm 5.4

5:31 pm 4.3

Tu 14 12:27 am 8.8

8:02 am 2.2

2:54 pm 5.9

6:27 pm 5.4

We 15 12:57 am 8.7

8:42 am 1.3

4:16 pm 6.8

7:41 pm 6.2

Th 16 1:29 am 8.7

9:20 am 0.5

8:57 pm 6.8

5:14 pm 7.6

Lil’ Sprouts Child Care at 1830 Peace Portal Drive celebrated its 10th anniversary July 6 with a drive-through celebration and collecting donations for the Blaine Food Bank. Photo by Molly Ernst

July 9 - 15, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

WCLS gathering pandemic stories, offering curbside holds pick-up By Kyra Planetz In 100 years, how will life during Covid-19 in Whatcom County be remembered? To help those in the future answer that question, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is encouraging Whatcom County residents to record their personal experiences. WCLS partnered with several community organizations to present multiple projects in one cohesive webpage, titled “Peoples’ Perspectives: COVID-19 in Whatcom County.” Each project is affiliated with a different organization and involves various types of media. Some ask participants to write a letter while others call for art, photos or video. WCLS executive director Christine Perkins believes it is important to document these unprecedented times. “It’s giving us all time to reflect and ponder what our lives are like and what we want them to be in the future,” she said. Several of the projects, including The Northern Light’s Young Reporters series, encourage children to share their experience. Perkins believes kids have a different perspective than adults and because they will lead the future, it’s important that their stories are told. “Let’s make sure we ask them now to reflect and see over time if their memories match up with what they are saying currently,” Perkins said. Not only will each project serve as a reminder of the pandemic for the people who participated in them, but Perkins hopes they will be useful as archival material for generations to come, akin to people learning from the 1918 influenza pandemic today, Perkins said.

Library patron Sally Coulthurst picks up her books from the Whatcom County Library System, Blaine branch, on Monday, June 29. All WCLS libraries began curbside pick-up three weeks ago, allowing for more access to books, movies and more.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

On June 8, WCLS began offering curbside pick-up at every branch in the county. Though digital resources have been, and will continue to be, available, library card-holders can now pick up physical materials, such as books and DVDs, without leaving their car. To check out a resource, card-holders can place holds online at wcls.org or call their local WCLS branch. Once the item is available, library staff will contact the recipient to schedule a pickup time. The curbside service can be completely contactless; staff place paper bags with library material in the recipient’s trunk or recipients can grab their bag from the door. Perkins encour-

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ages those without a library card, to sign up for one. It is free and easily available online or over the phone. Though curbside pick-up certainly makes more resources available, Perkins said the closure of library buildings has affected those without online access. “One of the major ways it’s impacted the community is by reducing access to our public Internet computers,” Perkins said. WCLS offers drive-up WiFi, meaning people can connect to

the Internet for free in a library parking lot, and library staff is available for help at WCLS’ main phone line. Perkins said WCLS employees have assisted people with everything from searching job listings to reading Bible verses over the phone. The library also has tax forms available upon request and can print out and mail any document to those without online access. Perkins encourages anyone who has questions about placing holds, obtaining a library card or getting online access to call

360/305-3600. She also hopes to see more community members participate in the People’s Perspectives project. “In this time it would be easy to just be living in it, in the moment, and not take the time to reflect on it,” Perkins said. “We’re hoping by publicizing this project it really gets spread far and wide.” For more information, visit “Peoples’ Perspectives: COVID-19 in Whatcom County” at wcls.org/covidperspectives/.

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The Northern Light • July 9 - 15, 2020

About 80 people gathered in the G Street plaza in Blaine for a Black Lives Matter Rally on July 3

Rally ... From page 1

engines. Each of the eight speakers spoke to different issues including experiences of racism in Blaine, white privilege, the prison-industrial complex and Whatcom County’s history of racism. “This is strictly a peaceful rally. We are educating and bringing awareness to the community and in no way are we trying to provoke anybody,” Ford said. The speakers consisted of six recent Borderite alumnae, one alumna from the class of 2000 and Bellingham child abuse attorney Christina King. Among the speakers who shared experiences of racism in Blaine was Jessica Drake, who said she remembered holding her father’s hand as a child in Cost Cutter to deter wary stares from her father, who she described as a large Black man. She then recom-

Photo by Andrew Grubb

mended people watch “13th,” a Netflix documentary on the criminalization of Black people in U.S. prisons, and read “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad. The rally ended with a moment of silence for Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Eric Garner and every other Black person killed by the police. Of the 5,600 Blaine residents estimated in the U.S. Census, 78 percent of Blaine residents identified as white while 0.7 percent identified as Black. Masks were required at the rally due to Covid-19 but physical distancing of six-feet was not widely followed. The event ended around 7 p.m. Claire Cooper, an event organizer, said she hopes the support for Black Lives Matter continues in Blaine and wants to see a change in the Blaine school district curriculum, which she believes currently leaves out critical information on U.S. history. “The youth are really involved

Speaker Nasreen Mughal-Barrows shares her experience growing up in Blaine as a woman of color at the Black Lives Matter rally.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

in this. We aren’t just kids who don’t know what we’re talking about. We’re pushing for change in our country and won’t give up on that,” Cooper said. In attendance were Elaine Alpert and Bill Marsh of Blaine, both of whom identify as anti-racist allies who began protesting during the Vietnam War in the '60s. “In a place like Blaine, it’s easy to say ‘Well, we don’t really have a problem here’ but it’s not the time to take the easy way out,” Marsh said.

Marsh said a powerful moment during the rally was when one speaker announced the most patriotic thing someone can do for their country, especially on the Fourth of July, is to point out its shortcomings and work to fix them. For Alpert, a first step would be for the city of Blaine to proclaim itself as actively anti-racist or create an interagency taskforce to address racism through the city. “We’re just getting started,” Marsh said. “The time is now.”

Event organizer and speaker Payton Ives addresses the crowd.

Q&A with Blaine musician Gina Williams on race B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y Gina Williams, a Blaine musician, hosted a Facebook Live forum on race on June 25. The Northern Light followed up with Williams after her forum to talk about what she sees in the Blaine community when dealing with race. The interview was edited for clarity and brevity. TNL: Can you tell us about your perspective on anti-bullying education in schools? GW: My main point to the schools would be more from an anti-bullying perspective because not everyone understands racism but we all understand the concept of bullying, even if we weren’t bullied. And a lot of times when people are able to verbalize what makes sense in their head of what being kind looks like, then it’s easier to do it than to have someone else tell you to “go do this.” It’s about empowering the kids so that they can make a difference and start looking outside the box. I know stereotypes are set up but to be able to break through those things and allow all people of all ethnicities to shine, the way they’re meant to shine, because none of us are born in boxes. We take on the boxes as life shapes us. I respect the fact that not everybody can handle a certain amount of shock value, but unfortunately, racism doesn’t wait until you grow up before people

are calling you nigger and spitting at you. I was six. The sooner we can get rid of these weird things that we’re taught, we can help educate our parents and our parents’ parents. Based on your experience, what do non-Black people in Blaine need to do to become better allies for their Black neighbors? There was a sign near where I live that said “Love your Black, brown neighbor” and I loved that because it was just about love. Love has never been meant to be racial or political. It’s just who we are. If you don’t know, just smile or nod. Just acknowledging someone’s presence is enough for me. Especially in Black culture, when we see another nod and smile, it’s an unspoken way of saying “I see you. I acknowledge you taking up space in this world.” The more we’re grateful where we’re at, the more we can show grace and kindness toward someone else. It’s the silence that gets us. Saying nothing, talking about everything but ‘it.’ It’s risky to be nice these days and it really shouldn’t be. I know there aren’t a whole lot of Black people in Blaine. People know I’m a safe house, for lack of a better term, when it comes to these sensitive issues because I don’t care how racist the question might sound. I’ve heard it all. There isn’t a question that someone can ask me that I probably haven’t already heard. I’m not one

Gina Williams performing in Kiev, Ukraine in December, 2019. Photo courtesy Gina Williams

to judge anyone who wants to know. The best thing for people to do is to take in all the realities, the good, the bad, the ugly just so your awareness is complete and not one-sided or narrow. For some people, they don’t want to hear anything negative to ruin their day. Then it’s like clearly you don’t understand race relations if you can’t hear anything negative because it’s one of the most messy, ugly sides of humanity. But I think we can get through it. That’s the part that saddens me most is when people launch into their experiences as opposed to saying, “Hey, what’s up with you? How are you taking

this? What happened with you?” I’m always open to hearing where other people are coming from with their reality but you’ve got to hear a piece of mine. I think where a lot of our white brothers and sisters shy away from us Black people is getting into the heavy nitty-gritty because racism in its fullest glory is horrible. It’s incredibly tragic. I don’t have another word. I think a lot of our white brothers and sisters don’t want to know all of that. We as Black people need to be sensitive that some people might need the shallow end because not everybody can swim in deep waters. But going into

Photo by Kyra Planetz

the water is always healing for everybody. It just takes one person who doesn’t like the way you look and that’s something that I don’t think people really understand. It just takes one person and my life is over. What changes would you like to see in the Blaine community? For me, I would like people who are struggling with how they see Black people and are really angry with where they’re at to reach out. Just for people to say “I don’t get it. I really don’t get what this is about,” and to be open enough to let me explain it in a way that might make sense. There’s a tiny part of humanity that says “I know this isn’t right but,” and we hold onto the “but.” It’s that “but” that I hope people will feel safe with me at some point to be able to share. It goes deep but it’s important. People shouldn’t feel like they should only show one side or the safe side or the public side of themselves and have a certain side around certain people. They should be whole individuals. I might not know what to say but I’m willing to deal with that level of discomfort if something can come out of it that is helpful because hiding parts of oneself takes more work than to come out and to feel free. I feel a good chunk of Blaine is too quiet. For more information about Gina Williams and her music visit Facebook.com/GinaSounds.