April 8 - 14, 2021
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Family Care Network gets new provider, page 4
All Washington adults eligible for vaccine April 15
Farmers market starts this weekend, page 5
Blaine sailer awarded national honor, page 8
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Easter at Peace Arch State Park
By Grace McCarthy
(See Covid-19, page 3)
s The Soltani and Taghvaei cousins play with their Easter eggs at Peace Arch Park on April 4. The Soltani family lives in Bellingham and the Taghvaei family lives in Vancouver. See more Easter photos on page 15. Photo by Sienna Boucher
Whatcom County Council places a moratorium on licensing outdoor cannabis growth for 6 months By Ian Haupt Whatcom County resident Mark Ambler works on his small cannabis farm named after his first-born daughter seven days a week. Ambler, his wife and two daughters live off the $25,000 he makes a year from growing and selling cannabis. With plans to expand Breeze Trees outdoors, Ambler hoped Whatcom County Council would think twice before implementing a moratorium restricting outdoor cannabis growing. “This ban would keep me and my daughters from expanding our poverty level income business,” Ambler said during the public hearing portion of the April 6 regular council meeting.
But Ambler and his daughters will have to wait. Ambler and other growers hoping to expand their businesses will have to wait at least six months while the county’s planning commission sorts out zoning codes set in 2015. In a regular meeting April 6, county council voted 6-1, with councilmember Ben Elenbaas opposed, to place a sixmonth ban on accepting new applications or changes to current outdoor marijuana-growing operations. This action comes after complaints from rural residents who live near grow farms have complained about the light pollution, smell and noise these operations can create.
Sidhu gives his first State of County address County executive Satpal Sidhu gave his first State of the County address at the April 6 Whatcom County Council meeting, outlining the tumultuous year since he took office in January 2020 and providing a hopeful outlook into the future. In 2020, Sidhu recounted everything from the Super Bowl floods last February that caused more than $4 million of damage to Nooksack and Sumas properties, to declaring a local emergency in response to the pandemic and ending the year with the Custer train derailment.
“I have found, in this first year of learning that the job is not without challenges and frustrations, but I remain positive about our collective future,” Sidhu said. Border communities Sidhu promised to continue to advocate for the U.S./Canada border to reopen for Point Roberts residents. He said he would like to see the border open this summer and hopefully in time for the Peace Arch centennial in September. “I would like to recognize the special sacrifices made by some of our communi-
ty members,” Sidhu said. “I want to commend the residents of Point Roberts for the resilience and patience they have shown during the Covid-19 pandemic.” Affordable housing Sidhu spoke about how the county is working to address the lack of affordable housing. The county executive said he is working with city governments to use funds from the Economic Development Initiative program, 1406 and 1590 to cre(See Speech, page 16)
The moratorium will prevent any current growers from expanding their operations and anyone wishing to start growing cannabis outdoors from obtaining a permit. The county planning commission will use the six months to rewrite the county zoning codes to account for such issues brought forward by residents. Elenbaas, who has a neighbor who runs a grow farm, has opposed the ordinance since it was introduced March 18. “I’m just not interested in putting more regulation on an already incredibly regulated farming endeavor,” he said in a March 18 committee of the whole meeting. (See Cannabis, page 3)
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
INSIDE
Governor Jay Inslee has announced that all adults in Washington would be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination starting Thursday, April 15. The governor’s office said in a March 31 statement that eligibility expansion is partly driven by the recent increase in Covid-19 cases statewide. “We must do everything possible to ensure that we can keep cases down,” Inslee said during a media conference. “We have concerns about the trends we are seeing across the state and we must be cautious. Opening up full eligibility will be one tool to help in the fight against the virus.” The state is currently vaccinating people up to tiers 3-4 in Phase 1b. This means people 16 or older with two or more underlying conditions, those 60 years and older, people working or living in congregate living facilities, high-risk essential workers, K-12 educators and childcare providers, pregnant women, people 50 years and older living in multigenerational households and healthcare workers, according to the health department. Following Inslee’s announcement, President Joe Biden said April 6 that all adults in the U.S. would be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday, April 19. The previous date for all people in the U.S. eligible for the vaccine – those 16 years old and up – was May 1. A spokesperson for the Whatcom County Health Department said in an email to The Northern Light that vaccine providers in the county have the capacity to administer 20,000 vaccine doses weekly, but the supply is not yet meeting the capacity. The estimated 20,000 doses does not include chain pharmacies, which receive vaccines through a federal pipeline and not the state Department of Health (DOH), so the capacity is likely higher, the health department said. Preliminary health department data shows 6,840 vaccine doses were expected to arrive in Whatcom County for the week
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The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
County sees 5 fentanyl-related deaths in two weeks, increasing trends Whatcom County has had five fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the last two weeks, which the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force called a “disturbing trend.” Three adults, two men, ages 60 and 48, and a 43-year-old woman died in Bellingham and two men, ages 29 and 42, died in Whatcom County as a result of accidental overdoses involving fentanyl, according to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office press release. “These five deaths are indicative of the danger each dose pres-
ents to even chronic drug abusers,” the press release said. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid usually found on the street in powder or pill form, according to the release. It has previously seen to be added or substituted, with or without the user’s knowledge, as the active ingredients in counterfeit Oxycodone, Percocet or Xanax pills. Now it is being found in powder form that mimics or is sold as methamphetamine. Carfentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl,
has been detected in some of the county’s recent overdose victims, according to the release. Fentanyl is 80-100 times more potent than morphine. “Illicit drug users may have no idea what is actually in the drugs they use, or the potency, until it’s too late,” sheriff’s office chief deputy Kevin Hester said in a statement. The task force and county medical examiner’s office reported the following trends in accidental fentanyl-related deaths over the
last few years: • 2018: First recognized cases of fentanyl pills known as “M30s” found on a person arrested in Whatcom County • 2019: Four fentanyl-related overdose deaths • 2020: Twenty-three fentanyl-related overdose deaths •2021: Eleven fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been reported in the first three months, with carfentanyl detected in some overdose victims The task force, sheriff’s office,
Bellingham Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration have actively investigated many of these overdose deaths and, in some cases, charges have been brought against suspects for controlled substance homicide and manslaughter. According to the release, these law enforcement agencies will continue to actively pursue these cases in an effort to prevent the drug-related deaths. Call 911 if you suspect someone has overdosed.
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April 8 - 14, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates and cumulative counts
Blaine Rate: 51 Count: 437
Lynden Rate: 208 Count: 1247 Ferndale Rate: 105 Count: 1463
Nooksack Valley Rate: 253 Count: 725
Meridian Rate: 111 Count: 392 Bellingham Rate: 131 Count: 2661
Mt. Baker Rate: 152 Count: 411
s The rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks, updated April 3. The count is the cumulative cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Covid-19 ... From page 1
of April 4, although this number is likely to increase because it doesn’t include vaccines given to chain pharmacies. The county received 10,180 vaccine doses the previous week. The health department said vaccine supply is becoming more consistent as it has increased in recent weeks. So far, 20.1 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated
Cannabis ... From page 1
In the public hearing portion of the April 6 meeting, many opposed to the moratorium discussed how cannabis-growing operations are no different than any other agricultural operations, which it is categorized under in county code. They said many of the complaints targeted toward cannabis growing, like odor and water usage, are present in other agricultural industries. Those who support the moratorium said cannabis growing should not be considered an agriculture operation but an industrial operation as it is categorized by the state. Under Washington state law, the term “agricultural product” does not include marijuana, usable marijuana or marijuana-infused products. Washington voters made recreational marijuana legal for individuals 21 and over by approving Initiative 502 in 2012. In 2014, a state attorney general said the initiative does not preempt counties from banning or placing additional regulatory requirements on cannabis-related businesses, according to the ordinance. Whatcom County then adopted an ordinance in 2015 that created the current zoning regulations to treat cannabis similar to other agricultural products. The 2015 ordinance allows for the production and processing of cannabis in ru-
and 31.3 percent have received at least one shot of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson and Johnson, according to the department. (The Johnson and Johnson vaccine only requires one shot to be fully effective.) The department reports that 45,290 county residents are fully vaccinated and 70,573 residents have received their first shot. Statewide, 3,722,703 vaccine doses have been administered. About 19.5 percent of people in Washington are fully vaccinated and 30.7 percent have received
one dose. As of April 5, Whatcom County has had a total of 7,416 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 249 probable cases (7,665 total cases), according to DOH data. There was one death in the past week, making the number of deaths 88; the percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.1 percent. In Whatcom County, there have been 19 reported ‘breakthrough cases’ – or cases where fully vaccinated people have tested posi-
ral, rural forestry and agriculture zone districts bearing any stated use standards, including odor controls, lighting, traffic and parking control measures. But the moratorium is suspending the granting of licensing for all outdoor growing operations no matter the zoning area. Many speakers who support the moratorium reminded council that those who support it are not opposed to the use and growing of recreational cannabis products but believe the county needs stricter zoning measures. Rainbow Madison Walker from Kendall said they represented over 40 people who supported the moratorium. “It is not our intention to harm the cannabis industry, only to reconsider how and where it is appropriate to place these operations,” Walker said. With 30 grow farms already in unincorporated parts of the county, Walker expressed fear of large industrial-scale growing operations moving into the county due to the current zoning codes and the enforcement of those codes. Walker said the moratorium and planning commission’s adjustments could prevent these industries from pushing out local, small-scale growers. Other speakers who supported the moratorium also mentioned the likelihood of large-scale operations seeing Whatcom County as an opportune growing location due to its weak zoning codes. When asked by councilmember Kathy Kershner what the commis-
sion will use the moratorium to accomplish, Amy Keenan, senior planner for the planning commission, said they would look at ways to reduce light pollution, control odor and increase buffering standards between neighboring properties. “This was pretty new to the county, seven years ago when we went through this process,” she said. Councilmember Rud Browne called out the marijuana industry to solve this problem. “Find a way to regulate yourselves because we don’t particularly want to; but if you won’t, we will,” he said. “We have no choice.” Councilmember Tyler Bird said while the moratorium might be temporarily slowing down cannabis growers’ expansion of their business it will ultimately help growers’ neighbors be in more support of these businesses. “I don’t think any councilmember is looking to hurt your business, and I don’t think any of the people that have spoken are looking to hurt your business either,” he said. Kershner also asked the planning representative whether she thought the necessary revisions could be completed in six months. “It’s definitely already in the process,” she said. “We know it needs to be looked at.” The council will consider a revised ordinance in two weeks that will have more of an “overarching ban,” placing a temporary hold on licensing for all cannabis growing.
tive for Covid-19, the health department said on April 7. DOH reported 102 breakthrough cases have been reported in Washington since February 1, but said in a March 30 media release that breakthrough cases are common in all vaccines as they are not 100 percent effective. Most symptoms have been mild in the state, although eight hospitalizations and two deaths are being reported,
DOH said. Both deaths involved people over the age of 80. The county health department said in an email that no one with breakthrough cases in Whatcom County has been hospitalized or died from a breakthrough case. “For context, those breakthrough cases represent less than 0.027 percent of the people in Whatcom County who have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine,” a spokesperson for the health department said. Four school districts increased in case rates this week – Bellingham, Meridian, Nooksack and Mount Baker. All of the school districts with increasing rates, except Meridian, also increased the week before. Nooksack Valley school district had the highest rate of new cases with 253 confirmed cases per 100,000 people followed by Lynden (208), Mount Baker (152), Bellingham (131), Meridian (111), Ferndale (105) and Blaine (51). For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty. us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.ly/3r2URJj. Vaccine locations can be found at bit.ly/3nZiMqr. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.
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The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
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. 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.
Oh, crab! An unfortunate accident on I-5
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
s A truck transporting live crabs overturned on I-5 near mile post 276 around 1 a.m. on April 2, the Blaine police department reported on its social media accounts. Washington State Patrol and police reported to the scene where no injuries were reported. Photo courtesy Blaine Police Department Twitter
Letters
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Nolan Baker, Sienna Boucher prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com
To our readers: The Northern Light is a community newspaper that covers Birch Bay, Blaine and Custer as well as county and state issues that impact our area. We don’t cover national or international affairs other than border issues because, well, who looks to
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 42 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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ways felt that the letters column “belongs” to our readers – it’s your space to talk to fellow community members. That said, we don’t see any benefit in printing letters discussing national events that contain no local context or issue and will not do so going forward.
Family Care Network welcomes new physician assistant
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl
a weekly newspaper for that kind of editorial? Similarly, our letters policy gives priority to letters of local concern. Lately, we’ve received an inordinate number of letters commenting on national issues such as the presidential election that took place nearly five months ago. We have al-
s Joseph Banham
Courtesy photo
Joseph Banham has joined Family Care Network’s Birch Bay Family Medicine as a physician’s assistant. He is now the third provider serving patients at the health clinic. Banham grew up near Ferndale and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Washington. He worked as an EMT in Seattle for three years before moving to North Carolina to complete his master’s degree in 2020 at Duke University, where he was trained as a physician assistant. Banham said he wanted to be a physi-
cian assistant because he loves working with patients and establishing a relationship with them. “I love working with patients out here,” said Banham, who joined the Birch Bay clinic March 1. Family Care Network has 11 clinics in Whatcom and Skagit counties and is the largest provider for primary medical services in Whatcom County, according to information provided by the healthcare network. To schedule an appointment with Banham, call the clinic at 360/371-5855.
Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings/
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Info: nwfrs.net.
April 8 - 14, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
5
Road Rules: How dark is too dark for tinted car windows? By Doug Dahl Question: I’m pretty sure that Washington has a regulation for how dark front passenger and driver side windows can be tinted. If so, why do I see so many vehicles with windows that are almost totally blacked out? Why is it not enforced since it is definitely a safety issue? Answer: Window tinting is one of those cases where if a little is good, more is not better. And let me explain what I mean by “better.” People get their windows tinted for a variety of reasons, but when we’re talking about any modification to a vehicle, safety has to be the primary measurement determining what’s better. Dark windows might look more stylish, keep the interior of your
car cooler when it’s parked in the sun, and increase privacy, but none of those things positively influence the core function of driving: getting safely to your destination. If you were to research window tinting online, you’d find information mostly from two sources: Companies that tint windows, and lawyers. The tint companies promote the benefits of tinted windows, and the lawyers look for clients who have been in a collision involving another car with windows so dark it impaired the other driver’s vision. Based on those two sources, it’s obvious that at some point window tint moves from a benefit to a liability. When is window tint too dark? There are two answers: It’s too dark when it violates the law. Tint is measured as a
percentage of how much light is allowed through the glass. A lower percentage equates to darker windows. In Washington, the maximum amount of tint allowed on all windows except the windshield is 24 percent. You’re not allowed to tint the windshield (except for the top 6 inches). While following this rule can prevent a ticket, it may not be the best standard for safety. Plus, the rules change from state to state. Many states limit window tint to 35 percent, and some set the limit at 50 and even 70 percent. Here’s the other answer: It’s too dark when it diminishes your vision or you’re unable to make eye contact with other people on the road. Researchers have found that your visual acuity and depth per-
ception are affected when windows are tinted to around 65 percent. At that level the impact is minimal for most people, but in less-than-ideal driving conditions it can make a difference, and we have plenty of non-ideal driving conditions in Washington. Age matters too; another study found that while younger drivers could see sufficiently at night with 35 percent tint, older drivers experience a “significant drop” in their vision at that level. Some people ignore the law, but it might not be as many people as you think. I conducted a non-scientific study of 100 cars while on a walk through town, and saw only one car with windows so dark I couldn’t make eye contact with the driver, along with two that were pretty dark but probably legal. I’m not an expert at es-
timating window tint, but if you can’t see the person in the car, it’s definitely too dark. I’ve talked with officers who enforce the law, so I know it happens, but maybe not as much as you’d like. Dark window tint doesn’t demand the same level of concern as impaired driving, distraction and speeding, but even the smaller things add up and contribute to risk. And as important as enforcement is, we can’t rely solely on police for safety on our roads. It takes all of us engaging in safe driving practices, and operating safe cars. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
Blaine’s Market by the Sea will start this Saturday Does shopping local on a spring weekend sound like something you’d enjoy? If so, you’re in luck. Blaine’s Market by the Sea is back this season starting Saturday, April 10, and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local vendors will be selling everything from license plate art, pillow covers, yard art, face masks, jewelry, hair accessories, wall hangings with fresh flowers, homemade pottery and purses, embroidery and much more. The market will only be on Sat-
urdays in April but could include Sundays if more vendors sign up, said Donna Raimey, program and events coordinator for the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the farmers market. Saturday’s market will be located at the G Street Plaza, and will grow to the H Street plaza as more vendors join. The seasonal market is expected to run through late October. People who want to apply to be a vendor can email Donna Raimey at info@blainechamber.com.
CIVIL ENGINEER File photo
Extra patrol for Distracted Driving Awareness month By Sienna Boucher Law enforcement agencies statewide will add extra distracted driving patrols for Distracted Driver Awareness month this April. If the driver’s distractions cause other traffic violations, they will receive a dangerously distracted citation. The campaign is organized by The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). The Blaine police department and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will be a couple of the 130 law enforcement agencies focusing on distracted driving until Monday, April 19. “Together we can make our roads safer,” WTSC director Shelly Baldwin said in a media release. “If you’re behind the wheel, put your phone away. If you’re a passenger, speak up politely to encourage the driver to remain focused. As a parent, set rules and be a good example.” The statewide distracted driver rate increased from 6.8 percent
in 2019 to 9.4 percent last year, according to WTSC’s 2020 distracted driving observation survey. The survey also shows that distracted driving doubled for both city and rural driving. “We hope that by emphasizing distracted driving prevention this April we can help everyone build safety habits that are not dependent on fear of getting a ticket,” WTSC program manager Erika Mascorro said in the media release. WTSC released steps that people in a car can do to practice safe driving. To increase safety while in the car, WTSC says the best thing a driver can do for themselves and others on the road is to put their phone away. Other tips the commission recommends are for drivers to put their phone out of reach, for passengers to say something if they are in the car with a distracted driver and for families to lead by example. The steps to help prevent distracted driving can be found online at bit.ly/2Osqs8K.
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, April 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting *Cancelled* 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, April 12 4:30pm – Special City Council
CITY OF BLAINE
s Blaine’s Market by the Sea last June.
CITY OF BLAINE
Meeting: Closed Record Hearing – Community Assistance Program CUP Appeal 6:00pm – City Council Meeting
Salary Range: $6,051 - $7,656 per month plus 5% deferred compensation and benefits
Tuesday, April 13 8:00am – Blaine Tourism
The Civil Engineer performs professional-level engineering work activities involving water, sewer, electric, stormwater, and street system analysis and other municipal facility construction, including reviewing and preparing plans, project budgets, and change orders; works with private consultants, engineers, and developers on development improvement projects including review and management.
Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 22 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/.
Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
Application deadline is April 16, 2021. Open until filled.
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The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
Sports
s The girls softball team after their first home game of the season on March 31. The Lady Borderites beat Ferndale 8-3 in the season opener.
By Ian Haupt While all spring sports had scheduled events so far in the WIAA’s adjusted season 2, some results are yet to be posted and will be updated following the return from spring break next week. Boys Soccer The Borderites had a rough start to their season with two resounding away losses last week. The boys traveled to Lynden March 30 where they lost 11-1. Following the 10 goal defeat, the Borderites lost to Bellingham 9-0 April 1. The Borderites will host Oak Harbor 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 13. Baseball The Borderites opened the season with an 8-4 win at Meridian April 5 after a late start to the season. Due to a positive Covid-19 case in the football team and many students playing both football and baseball, the Blaine athletic department decided to delay
the baseball season a week to allow for those players to quarantine for the necessary two weeks. The boys were set to host Squalicum at home Tuesday, April 6. The Borderites are scheduled to host Ferndale Tuesday, April 13, at 4:30 p.m. Softball The Lady Borderites traveled to Ferndale March 29 and lost 7-2 only to return home two days later and defeat the Golden Eagles 8-3. On March 31, Blaine softball beat Ferndale 8-3 in the home-opener and second game of the season. The Borderites were set to travel to Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley April 7 for a double-header. After spring break, the softball team will play a double-header at home against Lynden Thursday, April 15, at 4 and 5:45 p.m. Golf Boys and girls golf were scheduled to play in multiple conference tournaments and invitationals prior to spring break.
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Upon returning, the boys will travel to Anacortes on Monday, April 12. Girls golf are scheduled to play in conference at Shuksan Golf Course Tuesday, April 13. Track and Field The Borderites hosted Ferndale April 1 in the first meet of the season. With the season just starting, Blaine has a couple of athletes ranked in specific events in the conference. Scott Baldwin ran the fastest 200-meter time in the conference
as of April 3 and the fourth fastest 100, with times of 24.31 and 12.27 seconds. Ethan Koreski sits fifth in the 200 meter with a time of 25.91. Baldwin also sits fifth in the high jump with a height of 5 feet 8 inches, with two athletes ahead at the same height. Wiconi Bowers ran the second fastest girls 400-meter time in the conference and fourth fastest 200, with times of 1:06.10 and 30.20. Brielle Solomon ran the fourth fastest 100-meter hurdles in the conference with a time of
Photo courtesy Janann Thompson
22.84 seconds. Diana Kovtun sits fifth in the pole vault rankings with a height of 7 feet. The Borderites will host Bellingham on Wednesday, April 14, with events starting at 3:30 p.m. Girls Tennis The Borderites were scheduled to travel to Burlington-Edison March 29 and host Sedro-Woolley March 31. After spring break, the Borderites are set to host Anacortes Friday, April 16, with matches starting at 4 p.m.
Sustainable Connections to offer virtual Green Homes Tour on April 17 and 18 Community members interested in environmental home building have the opportunity to learn the inner workings during Sustainable Connections’ virtual
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Green Home Tours on Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18. “We are spending more time than ever at home now. People are wanting their homes to be healthier, more efficient and kinder to our Earth, but aren’t always sure where to start,” Sustainable Connections program director Rose Lathrop said in a media release. The event aims to help a range of people, from those installing solar panels to those building a second home on their property. The Bellingham-based nonprofit will charge $5 for this year’s tours of six green homes in the Pacific Northwest and 10 interactive workshops, according to the media release. On Saturday, workshops include Instinct Builders teaching about environmentally friendly building primer and Chuckanut
Builders teaching how to prioritize environmental building. Sunday workshops detail everything from Green Home Solutions showing everything you need to know for success with green materials, Ecotech Solar catching participants up on the latest solar incentives, and Bundle Design Studio’s accessory dwelling workshop. Tickets grant access to the home tours; workshops; a business directory with local contractors and the opportunity to win prizes including Woods Coffee for a year and a $50 gift card to the RE Store; a Bellingham store that sells used building and furnishing items. For more information on the upcoming event, visit Sustainable Connections’ website at sustainableconnections.org.
April 8 - 14, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Birch Bay chamber hires new event coordinator By Grace McCarthy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce has hired a new event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti just in time for summer. Sanguinetti attended Colby Community College in Kansas to attend the junior college’s radio program. He only planned to be there two years, but he said this
turned into two decades as his career grew in the area. In Kansas, Sanguinetti said he managed five radio stations and then went on to be the vice president of Rocking M Media, LLC, which had 24 radio stations. At Rocking M Media, Sanguinetti helped start and run the largest agriculture network in Kansas with 52 affiliate stations.
Sanguinetti said he’s been a member of chamber boards his entire career so working at the Birch Bay chamber felt like a great fit with his professional background. As event coordinator, Sanguinetti will help plan events and make sure all Covid-19 protocols are followed. He made the move to Washington in 2019 with his wife, Desirae, who works as the taproom manager at Beach Cat Brewing.
“We’ve had to pivot at the chamber to make sure everyone is safe. These events have been run so well,” he said. “These events mean so much to the Birch Bay community so it’s really an honor to be able to do this.” Sanguinetti said he looks forward to getting to know the Birch Bay community better over the next year and attending the upcoming drive-in movies and sand sculpture competition.
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Find a vaccine provider at: VaccineLocator.doh.wa.gov Make an appointment: Schedule with your healthcare provider or a Vaccine Locator provider. s Sacha Sanguinetti, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s new event coordinator. Courtesy photo
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By Grace McCarthy The U.S. Power Squadrons (USPS) awarded Blaine resident Graham Hunter for boating instruction with a high-ranking honor only presented to three people this year. Hunter received the award for his work with the Bellingham chapter of USPS, the nation’s largest boating education nonprofit. Hunter was presented the national Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching on February 20 and presented the Carl Mahnken Award, a similar honor but for Washington state, last October. The Chapman award, named after a USPS founding member, was given near the end of the USPS 10-day annual conference, Hunter said.
Courtesy photo
“Total surprise, complete surprise,” Hunter said, describing his reaction when he learned he won the Chapman award. “There are about 40,000 members of this group and the award is given to about three to five people per year so it’s a rarified thing and a huge, huge honor.” The award has been given to 130 other people since the award began in 1984, USPS national education officer Bill McManimen said during a virtual ceremony. Recipients are selected by a Chapman award selection team from the club’s instructor development committee. Honorees receive a recognition plaque, gold award pin and have their names inscribed in a logbook kept in (See Hunter, next page)
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Hunter ... From previous page
the USPS memorial library in Raleigh, North Carolina, McManimen said. “The Chapman award is the highest recognition and honor USPS can give to the instructors who are selected as the best of our best each year,” McManimen said. USPS, also known as America’s Boating Club, is a national nonprofit focused on improving maritime safety through education. The organization was founded in 1914 and today has 45,000 members in 450 chapters in the U.S. In addition to classes, Hunter said the Bellingham club also focuses on social activities from monthly dinner meetings with guest speakers to running group cruises in the summer. The group also tries to give back to the community through free vessel safety checks and provides safety boats for the kayak portion of local relay race Ski to Sea. Hunter joined the organization in 2004 after he retired as an Air Canada pilot. Hunter said he enjoyed sailing small boats and rac-
ing while growing up in eastern Canada but was unable to continue those hobbies working as an airline pilot and raising children. Retirement gave him and his wife, Donna, the perfect opportunity to start taking classes at Bellingham’s club. Three years later, by 2007, Hunter started teaching in-classroom boating courses with education material provided by USPS. “A lot of our classes have to do with electronics or navigation with no particular water training involved in it,” he said, adding that within the past few years, the Bellingham club has started some on-water training. Since the pandemic, classes normally taught at Bellingham Technical College are virtual, which Hunter said allows anyone to take a Bellingham club course no matter where they are in the world. “Right now, a person in Texas can take one of our classes and conversely, one of our members can take a class offered by someone in Everett or San Francisco,” he said. Hunter said his favorite courses are basic boater education, be-
cause students are eager to learn, and engine maintenance because it’s vital boaters know how to fix their engine when on the water. Hunter said his teaching approach changes depending on the subject but he will first always learn everyone’s names and background. Once in class, he likes to create group discussions if someone asks a question he knows others can answer. “Some instructors teach one way and Graham teaches a variety of different ways,” said Deborah Frost, who met Hunter 10 years ago through the club. Although Frost hasn’t taken a formal course from him, she said Hunter has been her personal sailing instructor over the years. After Hunter heard Frost was anxious about learning to dock a sailboat, he offered to take her to Sucia Island and help her practice. “He was calm and helped break down the steps of what to do,” she said. “He was able to teach in the way my analytical mind needs. He never took over and was always at my side. I credit my skill and confidence in docking to him.” Hunter, who moved to Blaine in 1978, has increased his involvement in the Blaine boating community since retirement. In 2004, Blaine resident Ron Snyder was, as Hunter describes, “chomping at the bit” to open a Blaine sailing school. Snyder brought sailboats that were in storage in Seattle and ran a sailing school in the Blaine Marina from 2008 to 2013. The sailing school ended after Snyder and Hunter ran out of students to teach, Hunter said. “It was intended to fill a gap. There were no small sailboats on Drayton Harbor and we said, ‘There’s something missing here,’” Hunter said. “We ended up having adults taking our class and it ended up being a really fun experience for the bunch of us.” Hunter also serves on the Blaine Senior Center board and the board of the Drayton Harbor Maritime, the nonprofit that restored the Plover ferry. In coordi-
nation with law enforcement and about a dozen squadron members, Hunter also organizes an annual flare demonstration and practice session each May at the Blaine Marina. “It’s a lot like flying in some ways,” Hunter said. “You’re on the water, which is extremely pleasant and able to go wherever you want, provided it’s deep enough. The only limitation is the wind is blowing in the right direction and you’re able to go quite quickly, otherwise you’re able to motor and it provides tremendous recreation.”
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Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts. At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, primarily that the minimum service level was FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay July 27 - August 2, 2017 too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 onHHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD line survey sponsored by the county solid U. S. Postage PAID waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” IN THIS Permit NO. 87 Kimberly Butts said. Blaine, WA 98230 Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the been pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acfor over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of meetings, sponsored an online survey and 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 B y S t e fa n i e D O n a h u e sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deAre impact fees the key to revital“There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) izing downtown and incentivizing ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with growth in Blaine? worth,” Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operThe question was at the hearthas of been an very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which hour-long discussion between Blaine City said taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered mediCouncil and city staff at a special meetRobbins. Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to allpointbulletin.com ing held July 24. Not yet ready to make Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent facebook.com/allpointbulletin a decision, council voted unanimousported Notice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, ly during a separate meeting that eve-the proposal, agreeing that mandatrash pickup was the obvious solution ning to request that city staff drafttory a proto the posal based on four types of impact feesperennial problem of dumping garon the roadsides. and incentive programs – the bage council Classifieds ........................................ 20 Hegedus with the Whatcom County will either approve, deny or modifyJeff the Coming Up ...................................... 19 Health Department said by establishing a B y M e g O l s O n running three weekends in August. proposal in a few months. Garden ............................................. 15 mandatory minimum service level for all Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with Impact fees are one-time charges that Library ............................................ 18 properties, as determined by “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, plancounties, cities and towns imposedeveloped on deObituaries ........................................ 22 velopers. The funds are used to which extendproperties have a water connection, Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s it would public services to support growth. In lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 more more people can enjoy it,” said tavern Washington state, impact fees can be usedusers would support the system. Craig Jacks. Seniors ............................................ 18 After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend on public streets, roads, publicly-owned Tides ................................................ 10 parks, open space, recreation facilities, (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) school facilities and fire protection facilities. Impact fees and other development incentives have already been written into s Droves of sand sculptors took part in the Birch Bay Sand Sculpture contest July 22-23. More photos on page 15. Photo by Chuck Kinzer the Blaine’s comprehensive plan, which details how to accommodate growth over the next 20 years. AFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE “These are things we’ve been looking at H Breakwaters Bar & Grill Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. for a while,” said community development STARTS AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA at Point Roberts Marina. director Michael Jones. “The comprehen-Pancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. AT 10:30 PM Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds child will H to Kiniski’s Tavern be turned away on the basis of a not being able pay forReef lunch, includsive plan and what you’ve already adoptBy Oliver lazenBy ing anything from stamping kids’ hands ed recognizes the idea that there has to be zero or negative balance account.” enough financial capacity of the city to conIn some school districts, if a stuThose guidelines aren’t new, but they’re as a reminder to bring money, to denying tinue to do its job and provide the services dent doesn’t have lunch, they don’t in writing for the first time in response to them a lunch tray. Blaine’s guidelines say students won’t and things that it needs to do while taking eat. In others, they get a cheese sand- new U.S. Department of Agriculture regthis into consideration.” wich to eat in front of their classmates ulations that require school districts to get turned away at the lunch counter, even The city has already started developing who are toting trays of corndogs, baked communicate, in writing, what they’ll do if they already have a negative balance on their account. Instead, they’ll either a revised impact fee ordinance out of a re- beans, fruit and vegetables. when students can’t pay for lunch. quest from the state legislature for all citFor the most part, that’s not the case at The new federal rules are aimed at end- get a regular meal and some more debt Blaine schools. The district’s guidelines for ing “lunch shaming,” a term for a variety (See Fees, page 2) dealing with unpaid lunch debt state, “No of practices that single students out for (See Lunch, page 6)
ISSUE
Turn your ballots in by August 1, page 5
City council considers ways to spur local economy
A visitor’s guide to Blaine and Birch Bay, page 7
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Birch Bay Sand Sculpture crowd clinic contract Unity Care NWcontest decidesdraws againstarenewing
HIKING LAKE CHELAN
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Tall ship Lady Washington sets sail for annual maritime festival B y S t e fa n i e D O n a h u e In just a matter of days, tall ship Lady Washington will appear in Drayton Harbor – the vessel is a full-scale replica of the first American ship to touch land on the west coast of North America in 1788. Lady Washington typically pairs with the Hawaiian Chieftain for trips along
the coast, but crews had to leave the steel-clad Hawaiian vessel moored in Port Townsend for routine repair, said operations director with Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, Caitlin Stanton. Grays Harbor Historical Seaport organizes trips along the west coast to educate the public about maritime history and traditions. Crews maneuvering Lady Washington
through the Pacific’s brisk waters are set to make a stop in Blaine from August 3 to 6 during Drayton Harbor Days, offering a slew of local cruise excursions and tours. Here’s a look at what’s in store: Vessel Tours: The tours are offered throughout Lady Washington’s stay in Blaine. Stanton said they offer the public
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SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR WHATCOM COUNTY Estate of JERRY H. TEGARDEN, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00150-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The above Court has appointed me as Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30} days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. Ifthe claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40. 0 51 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication of this Notice: March 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Jeffery F. Daffron 2821 Martin St. Bellingham, WA 98226 Probate Notice to Creditors RCW 11.40.030
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: ROBERT A MARIE NOTAR, Deceased. No. 21-4-00246-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 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 nonprobate assets. Notice of First Publication: April 8, 2021 Personal Representative: Robert Notar Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Wesley Bernard Blow, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00211-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: David E. Freeman 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 nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: March 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Elizabeth Blow PO Box 274, Everson, WA 98247 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00211-37
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12
The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
Real Estate
Bay Properties
8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA 360-371-7252 BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM
Semiahmoo homeS, inc.
NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL
9756 Vista Terrace, Blaine • $438,888
LOCATED IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! NEW LISTING! Newly updated, 1,632 SF 2 BD,1.75 BA home with office (could be used as a 3rd BD) in sought after Blaine - with views of the bay from the back yard! Located in a quiet neighborhood on a dead end street with features that include upgraded bathrooms, jetted tub in the master bath, upgraded kitchen cabinets, beautiful picture windows plus new: wall heaters, light fixtures, ceiling fan, flooring & tiling! Freshly painted inside & out! Fully fenced, mature landscaped yard front & back with a gorgeous rose garden! 2 car garage with electric garage door opener! Home was connected to sewer (rebuilt) in 2018 for $18k.
7605 Birch Bay Drive #B, Birch Bay $750,000 TOES IN THE SAND!
Rare, no bank waterfront facing west NEW LISTING for sunsets over the BIRCH BAY BEACHFRONT! bay! Just steps from the beach where you can launch your kayak, beachcomb, drop a crab pot or go for a swim! This 1689 SF 3 BD, 3.25 BA is a 2 story half duplex unit in the Haven Condominium complex. Bring your beach buckets and enjoy this most amazing location that is within walking distance to restaurants and all that Birch Bay has to offer!
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161
7806 Birch Bay Drive #302, Jacob’s Landing $278,900
8739 Oertel Drive, Birch Point $2,150,000 LOW BANK BEACHFRONT!
with 125’ of easy and direct beach access! 180 degree westerly views of sunsets, San Juan & Gulf islands, north shore mountains & White Rock, B.C.. Crab, fish & kayak off your own private beach! Ageless & tasteful décor and finishes in this 2,532 SF +/- 3 BD, 2.5 BA home. Gas artisan fireplace insert, 2 car garage, paver driveway/walks, rock wall & auto sprinkler system on 3/4 acres of mature landscaping. Master with jetted tub, gourmet style kitchen with granite, SS GE/Monogram/Bosch appliances! 3+ acres of beach/deeded tidelands. Cable internet and HDTV.
TUSCANY MEETS PNW = PARADISE! LISTED & PENDED 4.9 acre property with it’s own IN 1 DAY! private vineyard! 1+ acre of producing vines plus 7 orchard trees with nuts, cherries, plums and apples! Outdoor features include a 90x120 barn with 4 stalls, open 2+ acres for arena/multiple use, & seasonal creek. Greenhouse & raised garden beds allow for gardener’s paradise facing Mt. Baker views - or enjoy custom Italian oven/fireplace on the patio. Single level 1708 SF 4 BD, 2 BA home featuring a kitchen and bath remodel in 2018, cedar 1/2 shake roof with 33+ years left, septic oversized w/20+ years & exterior paint on both the house and barn in 2020.
NOW PENDING! This 900 SF 2 BD, 1.5 BA unit is nestled in the quiet setting of beautifully landscaped grounds. Enjoy the back deck for quiet morning coffee or private dinners and the front deck for basking in the sunshine. Features of this condo include wood floors, wall to wall carpet and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy as your primary residence or weekend get-away! A rare find don’t miss out on making this your new home!
BIR
CH
SUMMER IS CALLING!
Make this 1080 SF 2 BD, 1.75 BA doublewide MF home a spot, or build a dream ENJOY ISLAND LIVING! getaway home - options are endless. Absolutely clean from top to bottom. Updated 3 bedroom septic, new 8x12 shed & 16x20 custom studio offer multiple usage. Room for RV/trailer with electric/water hook-up & septic access. Located near public park & beaches. Thought out landscaping, garden space & level yard. The sellers have done all the prep work to make this ready for you to create your vision. Inspections, surveys, permits are available at a huge value to new owner!
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
DRA YTO
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Now taking ad reservations for the 2021 Blaine Birch Bay Map & Event Calendar!
10823 Halloran Road, Bow • $349,000
Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
Get on the Map!
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
7110 Valley View Road, Ferndale • $775,000
DESIRABLE UPPER END UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING!
BEACH HOUSE ON SEMIAHMOO BAY!
Do you want visitors & locals to know about your business?
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IDE
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8370 Harborview Road #11 • Birch Bay $259,900 MLS #1725056 776 square feet
5488 Puffin Place • Semiahmoo $260,000 MLS # 1698438
55+ community Purchase includes home & 1/18th share in Birch Bay Retirement Inc. an 18 home development with common areas that include RV parking. May be least expensive place to live in Birch Bay on monthly basis. Monthly dues of $120 include all expenses. Great location, perfect sun exposure.
Home site #20. Over 1/2 acre 23958 sq. ft. Water & Mountain view home site in Drayton Hillside on Puffin Place gated community. Bring plans & ambition & enjoy this peaceful setting, & all amenities the Semiahmoo community has to offer. Marina, Golf & Country Club, Heath Club, Spa, 200 room Inn at Semiahmoo, restaurants, tennis, pools, pickle ball & much more.
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ING!
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Semiahmoo Marina Boat slips: PENDING!
C-33, 40’ Slip for $46,500 I-16, 44’ Slip for $53,500
20+ acres on Kickerville Road • $179,000
Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!
925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
LEASE SPACES FOR:
Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
360-305-0286
for REAL news
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.
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BLAINE & BIRCH BAY
In Print & Online at: thenorthernlight.com
or email: sales@thenorthernlight.com
NELSON BUILDING
Email nelsbldg@msn.com
READ LOCAL
360-961-0838
To advertise call 360-332-1777
Rentals - Commercial
Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
www.CallHugh.com
Limited ad space available. First come, first served.
Lisa Sprague
360.815.6638
D PEN
Distribution June 2021
Retail/Office Space
FOR LEASE
With Waterfront Views of Blaine Harbor
800 - 1600 s.f.
Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb
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Classifieds are online at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds
April 8 - 14, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Don’t forget the April 9 deadline for Working Washington grant applications The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications from small businesses for Covid-19 emergency grants. Grants of up to $25,000 may be awarded. The program application portal is open until 5 p.m. on April 9.
According to the department of commerce, the purpose of this fourth round of Working Washington grants is to provide relief to organizations that have been severely impacted by the social and economic restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
O B I T U A RY
The press release regarding the initial launch of the program can be found at bit.ly/3fU4KFY. A list of eligibility criteria, required documentation for applying; and information for the state’s support center are available at commercegrants.com.
Bill starts effort for state universal healthcare By Sydney Brown Universal health care for every state resident who wants it could come to Washington by 2026. A bill under consideration now in the state legislature establishes a healthcare commission to develop a comprehensive plan for a publicly funded health care. For Mary Ann Riddis, guaranteed care and treatment would have helped her family. Riddis’ husband and two of her children all underwent cancer treatment, she told the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. Because of problems with her work’s insurance provider, Riddis went into debt and filed for medical bankruptcy as a result of three cancer treatment plans. Riddis said the current system allows health insurance providers to deny certain services for any reason. Better services require more money. “Healthcare is being relegated to those who have resources instead of to those who need it,”
Riddis said. Senate Bill 5399 establishes a voting board of both legislators and healthcare experts to determine how the state could transition to a universal system. It does not guarantee a single-payer system, but the commission would be tasked with finding a way to publicly fund and expand health services. The commission, which would include two members from each party in each chamber of the legislature, would research and then recommend ways to implement expanded healthcare in the state in a financially viable way. Others on the board would include the Department of Health secretary, the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and the director at the Office of Equity. By November 2024, the board would recommend a new universal healthcare system to the legislature and governor with a detailed analysis of how much it would cost and how it would go into effect. To make their recom-
mendation, members would have to consider disparities in access to health services and expanding access in small communities. Opponents to the bill said it does not address the full financial impact. Senator Lynda Wilson (R-Vancouver) said the bill would target private insurance companies and likely result in a tax-funded court challenge. “We can’t even begin to say that we can control the spending and keep the promises we are making in this bill,” Wilson said. According to the fiscal note, the current estimated cost would total $950,000 in the next two years, and then $723,000 between 2023-25, with costs falling on the Washington State Health Care Authority. A bulk of the costs would come from professional service contracts and salaries for state employees. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website operated by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
Sweeping childcare reform moving through state legislature By Sydney Brown Early childhood care and education would see sweeping reform through the expansion of affordable child health and learning services, if a bill in the state legislature wins approval. “This is a game changer for kids and families,” said senator Claire Wilson (D-Federal Way), the bill’s sponsor. Senate Bill 5237 would fund the Fair Start account and immediately allow more families within 60 percent of the state median income to become eligible on July 1. The program provides subsidized daycare services to qualified parents. The program would take around $357 million of the Democrats’ proposed 2021-23 budget by relying on a capital gains tax expected to bring in about $550 million per year. Opponents to the bill were
Dining Guide
concerned about the cost of the program as well as the possible cooling effect on private daycare companies in the state. “That’s essentially what’s proposed in this bill – more government and more spending,” senator John Braun (R-Centralia) said. Depending on where they fall in the state’s median income, families with a household income within 60 percent of the state median income would earn eligibility for the program, though copayments would vary. The act would also increase childcare subsidy rates, expand services to providers, reduce copays and increase eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care and Early Childhood Education and Assistance. “This pandemic didn’t cause these problems. It only laid it bare for everyone else to see,” Patty Liu, a Seattle mother and
Steak
13
Vernon Van Tries Tabb
September 2, 1944 – April 4, 2020 Vernon Van Tries Tabb, lovingly called "Van”, unexpectedly passed at home last year on April 4, 2020 in Blaine. He is survived by his wife Carole; son Jared; daughter Koren; brother Craig; sister Tina; and grandchildren Sarah, Jovin, and Leia. Van lived in Broomall, PA where his father worked for AT&T. He went to Marple Newtown Senior High School, class of 1962. He had a B.S. degree in business administration/marketing at Drexel University, class of 1967. He married in Ft. Sill, OK on August 1, 1969. He was a U.S. ARMY veteran 1LT, serving in military intelligence, December 1967 – November 1970. He was also a former assistant superintendent / cost controller at Wood Bros. Homes, February 1972 – January 1980 in Denver, CO. He also studied civil engineering at University of Colorado Denver, 1983 – 1985 and was the former records manager at City and County of Denver (Stapleton and DIA airports), May 1980 – January 2008 in Denver, CO. Van could usually be found dancing to live music every summer Sunday at the Beach at Birch Bay with close friends. He was very active with The American Legion Post #7 in Bellingham and any donations can be made there in his name at http://www.bellinghamlegion.com. Memorials may be left on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VernonVanTabb.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy 2011 Large of the co-creating rapidBusiness change forYear personal growth
Louis’
member of MomsRising, told the House Committee on Children, Youth and Families. Liu said she considered quitting her job and raising her children full-time to save money from ballooning childcare costs. Wilson said the bill helps families by lowering child care copayments, and increasing subsidies so parents do not bear the brunt of care costs. Currently, the state gives subsidies for up to 65 percent of childcare expenses; the bill would raise it to 75 percent. The bill also supports higher pay for providers that also accounts for nonstandard work hours, or hours outside of a regular work day to consider the full cost of child care. To account for needed staff, more licenses and certification would be offered to qualified childcare providers in the state.
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(See Childcare, page 16)
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14
The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
Police Reports March 23, 3:16 p.m.: Domestic dispute, no assault, on Peace Portal Drive. March 23, 8:05 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on E Street. March 24, 12:14 a.m.: Suicide attempt/threat on G Street. March 25, 1:15 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Cedar Street. March 26, 2:49 a.m.: Non-licensed driver arrested on Bell Road. March 26, 8:37 a.m.: Illegally parked vehicle on Grant Avenue. March 26, 10:38 a.m.: Fraud complaint on Cherry Street. March 26, 5:30 p.m.: Damaged vehicle window on Garfield Avenue. March 26, 6:20 p.m.: Suspended driver arrest on H Street. March 26, 8:16 p.m.: Person yelling on railroad tracks on Peace Portal Drive. March 26, 8:16 p.m.: Notice of trespass on Peace Portal Drive. March 27, 9:25 a.m.: Trespass issued on C Street. March 27, 10:53 a.m.: Commercial burglary alarm Boblett Street. March 27, 11 a.m.: Non-reportable collision on H Street. March 27, 12:41 p.m.: Trespass issued on Peace Portal Drive. March 27, 8:37 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boblett Street. March 27, 10:01 p.m.: Trespass notice on Peace Portal Drive. March 28, 11:29 a.m.: Trespass-
ing complaint on E Street. March 28, 5:51 p.m.: Suspended driver arrest on 2nd Street. March 28, 8:13 p.m.: Security check (open door) on Turnstone Lane. March 28, 9:59 p.m.: Suspended driver arrest on I-5 southbound. March 29, 8:10 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on B Street. March 29, 9:41 a.m.: Accidental business alarm activated on Boblett Street. March 29, 12:07 p.m.: Business dispute on H Street. March 30, 10:15 a.m.: Civil mat-
ter over money on Evans Drive. March 30, 2:10 p.m.: Issued verbal warning for dispute on Adelia Street. March 31, 9:43 a.m.: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue request for a death investigation on Bayview Avenue. March 31, 6:38 p.m.: Civil paper service on H Street. April 1, 7:42 a.m.: Scam by telephone on Quail Run. April 1, 2:01 p.m.: Found property turned into the police department on H Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.
Sheriff’s Reports March 29, 7:33 a.m.: Mental cold call on Harborview Road. March 29, 8:12 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Alderson Road. March 29, 12:54 p.m.: Assist citizen on Harborview Road. March 29, 5:01 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury and blocking on Birch Bay-Lynden and Kickerville roads. March 29, 5:22 p.m.: Civil standby on Harborview Road. March 29, 6:14 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Morgan Drive. March 29, 8:06 p.m.: Senile subject on Stein Road, Custer. March 29, 10:45 a.m.: Trespass on Helweg Road. March 30, 12:35 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Harborview
Road. March 30, 2:44 p.m.: Traffic stop on Grandview Road. Suspect arrested for driving with a suspended license. March 30, 3:32 p.m.: Traffic problem on D Street. March 30, 4:54 p.m.: Theft cold call on Lee Lane. March 30, 5:28 p.m.: Civil standby on Golf Course Drive. March 31, 9:29 a.m.: Domestic oder violence on Bayshore Drive. March 31, 10:17 a.m.: Forgery cold call on Kickerville Road. March 31, 7:11 p.m.: Domestic physical on Loft Lane. March 31, 8:04 p.m.: Trespass on Ham Road. Continued below...
Crossword ACROSS 1. Switches 7. Legal financial term (abbr.) 10. Sweeties 12. Competition 13. Measures electrical resistance 14. Psychotherapy researcher 15. Causes injury to 16. Open 17. Polish peninsula 18. Hebrew calendar month 19. Whale ship captain 21. Children’s accessory 22. Unknown point 27. Exists 28. Extremely confident 33. Expression of disgust 34. The government has many 36. Small constellation 37. Northern Indian city 38. The best pitchers 39. Naturally occurring solid
40. Apple computers 41. Portuguese city 44. Ancient Greek war dance 45. More reliable 48. Sailboat 49. Newspapers 50. Frequently flooded area 51. They dig for coal DOWN 1. Partial 2. “Mad Men” leading man 3. The __ of March 4. Healthy 5. Where golfers begin 6. Soviet Socialist Republic (abbr.) 7. Of the cheek 8. Injury reminder 9. Statesman Franklin 10. For an unknown reason 11. Brain parts 12. Islamic calendar month 14. Avenue where ad men work 17. Possesses 18. Accept 20. Stake
23. Former British PM May 24. US battleships circa 1939 25. Greek alphabet letter 26. When you hope to get there 29. Top lawyer 30. Fiddler crabs 31. Intolerant 32. Persons that cause extreme fear 35. Car mechanics group 36. Capital of Ghana 38. Famed ballplayer Hank 40. Emphasizes insignificance 41. Light-colored 42. Distinctive smell 43. Muckraking journalist Jacob 44. Sunscreen rating 45. Short-term memory 46. Japanese delicacy 47. One point north of due east ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at the Vault: Friday, April 9, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Lefty and the Right Hand Band. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Blaine’s Market by the Sea: Opening Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., G Street Plaza. Featuring high quality arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted merchandise. Info: info@blainechamber.com. Haynie Opry: Saturday, April 10, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Join Matt Audette and the Circle of Friends band for a gospel matinee at 3 p.m. and a country rock night evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets $5 for matinee, $10 evening show at the door. Info: 360/366-3321. Moderna Vaccine Clinic: Tuesday, April 13, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Hoagland’s Pharmacy will distribute the shots to those in phase 1b, tier 3. To find your tier, visit bit.ly/3wxLBzr. Preregistration required. Info: 360/332-8040 or email Kathy@blaineseniorcenter.org. Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Workshop: Tuesday, April 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Whatcom County evaluates natural hazards that impact the county and its jurisdictions every five year and submits to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Preregistraion required for the virtual meeting at bit.ly/3utbUVH. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Disney. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at the Vault: Friday, April 16, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Adrian Clark. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Strengthening Families Virtual Program: Tuesdays, April 20–June 1, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free for caregivers and youth aged 10–14 years old. Families learn communication skills, stress management tools and ways to connect with trained facilitators. Info and registration: Kate.Foster@wsu.edu. D.E.A. National RX Takeback: Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. Dispose of unwanted medications in a contactless, drive up format. See birchbaychamber.com for a list of medication that can be collected. Hosted by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Tides April 9 – 15 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.
Boys & Girls Club After School Care: Monday–Thursday until 5 p.m. Serving students in grades 1–6 at Blaine schools. Registration required weekly. Info: parentportal.whatcomclubs.org or contact the Club at 360/332-3008.
DATE
TIME
Fr 9
5:06 am 9.0 11:21 am 3.5
4:49 pm 7.3 10:56 pm 1.9
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
Sa 10 5:32 am 8.9 11:51 am 2.6 5:43 pm 7.6 11:38 pm 2.5
Su 11 5:54 am 8.8 12:21 pm 1.9
Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Ongoing:
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
Coming up
6:33 pm 7.9
Mo 12 12:16 am 3.2
6:16 am 8.6
12:49 pm 1.3
7:19 pm 8.2
Tu 13 12:54 am 4.0
6:36 am 8.4
1:17 pm 0.9
8:05 pm 8.4
We 1 1:32 am 4.7
6:54 am 8.2
1:47 pm 0.6
8:51 pm 8.5
Th 15 2:10 am 5.4
7:14 am 8.0
9:39 pm 8.5
2:19 pm 0.4
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 29 to April 4, 0.02 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 year-to-date precipitation is 10.9 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 59°F on March 31 and April 1 with a low of 33°F on March 31. Average high was 50°F and average low was 44°F.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. Coffee With The Contractor Virtual Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 8 a.m. Learn the progress of the Birch Bay berm project with members of Granite Construction, Whatcom County Public Works and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Open to in-branch visits, Monday–Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Curbside holds and pick up, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3637. Meals on Wheels: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one hot and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Entertaining and educational. Have fun speaking, learn to overcome fears. Info: Call Pete 360/933-1671 or visit 590628.toastmastersclubs.org.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Sheriff’s Reports Continued April 1, 6:13 a.m.: Noise on Blaine Road. April 1, 8:31 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Karber Road. April 1, 8:34 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. April 1, 8:45 a.m.: Vehicle recovery on Willeys Lake Road. April 1, 8:39 p.m.: Domestic physical on Richmond Park Road. April 2, 6:28 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Square Street. April 2, 6:32 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Clamdigger Drive. April 3, 1:54 p.m.: Harassment on Alder Way.
April 8 - 14, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
An Easter weekend filled with family and chocolate bunnies
s Blaine Food Bank volunteers decorated the food bank with flowers, bunnies, pastel eggs and more for Easter. The food bank offered Easter baskets and stuffed animals to children and chocolates to the adults this year. Photo courtesy Blaine Food Bank
s Families met at Peace Arch Park to celebrate Easter on April 4. Photo by Sienna Boucher
s The Forghani family celebrating Easter at Peace Arch Park on April 4. The family has met only twice since the start of the pandemic. From l.; Joseph Duren, Roxana Forghani, Roya Forghani, Avin Crain, Brendan Crain, Parvin Ferdosi and Tulip Forghani. Photo by Sienna Boucher
s Children hunted for eggs during the American Legion Post 86’s annual Easter egg hunt on April 3. Photo courtesy Lesley Palacioz
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s Local children collected Easter eggs during the American Legion Post 86’s annual Easter egg hunt. Photo courtesy Lesley Palacioz
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s Blaine Food Bank decorations.
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The Northern Light • April 8 - 14, 2021
Speech ... From page 1
ate more housing. The county is also working to develop more land for both homes and prospective businesses. Covid-19 response Sidhu commended the local government for its quick response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including Whatcom County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Department organizing Whatcom Unified Command, the new leadership of Whatcom County Health Department director Erika Lautenbach, and $450,000 of CARES Act money given to 150
families for housing assistance and $500,000 given to housing and behavioral healthcare providers. American Rescue Plan Act In all, Sidhu said $150 million is slated to be given to county government agencies, tribes, schools, Whatcom Transportation Authority and childcare services. About $45 million should be given to the county government over the next three years, Sidhu said. Auditor’s Office The auditor’s office experienced new highs of voter turnout. Over 88 percent of registered voters voted in the 2020 elections, which is 25,000 more peo-
ple than ever before. Racial equity The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission started in Whatcom County, and will be funded for two years. Sidhu said he hopes to introduce an interlocal agreement between the county and municipalities in the near future. Whatcom County Park and Recreation Department The Whatcom County Park and Recreation department recorded a 22 percent increase in usage with 341,000 additional people using the parks in 2020, compared to 2019. Over 1,546,000 people used county parks in 2020.
Finance Sidhu said that by the end of 2020, the general fund cash balance was higher than first projected for the 2020 budget, ending at $14,904,554. The Covid-19 fund started last March with a $4 million Economic Development Investment program loan, and is now nearing $12 million. CARES Act money provided $26 million to the county and its municipalities to help pay for assistance such as $10 million in public health response, $5 million to small businesses and $2.6 million to help school districts with remote teaching. For the full State of the County address, visit whatcomcounty.us.
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Fair Start would also set aside money for caregiver resources, including mental health and technical learning tools. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP) would also expand to include children from a tribal government or children experiencing homelessness, previously left out of the ECAP eligibility threshold. Aida Rodriguez, owner of Busy Bees Home Child Care, told the House Committee on Children, Youth and Families March 18 that most subsidized families who seek childcare are women and children of color. Though she understands their need, Rodriguez can no longer afford to accept those families. “We can’t go back to the way things were in childcare because the system didn’t work to begin with,” Rodriguez said. Lawmakers voted to pass SB 5237 from the Children, Youth and Families Committee, and it will now be considered in the House Appropriations Committee. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website operated by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
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