Letters

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.

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com

Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com

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The Northern Light

225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 30 Circulation: 10,500 copies

The Editor:

Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “The time is always right, to do what is right.” On this, nearly all of us agree. Where we tend to drift apart, is what we think is “right.” It should be no surprise, that what most concerns the League of Women Voters (LWV), is the right to vote, as that is the cornerstone of our democracy. In the U.S., over the past 233 years, we have seen more access to voting for more of our citizens. But it has been a tough road with many potholes.

The members of the LWV recognize that the source of our power, compassion, conviction, brilliance and resilience, as a country, lies not only in our representative democracy but in the diversity of our citizens. As we begin a new year, it is essential that we guarantee the right and access to vote to all through the Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747), and restore and strengthen the bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965 by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA).

King said, “No one is free until we are all free.” LWV has been fighting for the right to vote for over 100 years and voting is the foundation of a strong democracy where all can enjoy the richness of an engaged, diverse society. I urge you to raise your voice and be a voter.

Joy Monjure, League of Women Voters branch president

Bellingham

The Editor:

My husband and I are Texas transplants who visited Birch Bay for the first time in 2015. We were on summer vacation and never expected to fall head-over-heels for a community, but that’s exactly what happened. We loved walking to the beach, restaurants, the corner market, hearing live music and forming new friendships.

At one of several festivals, we learned that a community library was in the works. That clinched the deal for us. We made plans to leave the Lone Star State and to make Birch Bay our home. That dream came true in 2018, but today, the commu(See Letters, next page)

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

CiviC Meetings

Circulation Independently verified by: Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com. 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 Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Next issue: Jan. 27 Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.

Ads due: Jan. 21

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 Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. 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, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

Letters ...

From previous page nity library is still in the planning stage.

As a retired educator, I’ve witnessed the difference a vigorous library can make to a small community. True, it provides invaluable services to citizens of all ages, but a library is more than a building with books. It also makes a statement about what a community deems to be important. On February 8, our residents will have a chance to vote for a library in the heart of Birch Bay. Please don’t miss this opportunity. Vote yes!

The phrase, “Meet me at the library” has a nice ring to it, eh?

Su Kelley

Birch Bay

The Editor:

We get to choose: Yes to our historical heritage and identity, yes to a safe gathering place and neighborhood value, and yes to saving the $2 million, which lessens our assessed tax.

Please vote “yes” for proposition 2 in the February 8 special election for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library.

We need 26 “yes” votes plus the “yes” votes received in November.

Thank you, Birch Bay, for your “yes” vote and support.

Harieklia Bryant

Birch Bay

The Editor:

Our Canadian family has owned property in Birch Bay for 45 years. We have seen this wonderful ocean community grow significantly over time. Having a library in Birch Bay would be very convenient and beneficial to all, as it would enhance one’s enjoyment of reading, love of learning and growth of knowledge.

For an area that currently has no central hub, the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library will be where neighbors gather. Even though we can’t vote, we are excited to give back and invest in the community we have loved for so many years. We sincerely hope Birch Bay will vote yes on February 8, in order to bring a much needed community resource to our growing area.

Bob and Carol Ogilvy

Birch Bay

The Editor:

First let me say how much I appreciate The Northern Light as a community newspaper. Your communication is clear, straightforward and interesting. I like reading the paper. Thank you for your work.

So, the other day I stuck my hand into my mailbox and felt a newspaper. Expecting it to be The Northern Light, I withdrew it eagerly. Instead it was a paper called The Flame. I was disappointed.

I read some of the articles and began looking for indication of who is responsible for this content being placed, unwanted, into my mailbox. There is no place in the paper that states who publishes and who is responsible. I went to the website, theflameusa.com, and found a few names. One of the names of a writer was Jeff Jared, a candidate for Washington State Assembly in the 48th District. He represents the Libertarian party. But none of the writers listed on the website actually wrote anything in the paper.

I am relatively sure that you have seen a copy of The Flame. I found myself thinking that I would love to see what a good reporter would be able to discover about the sources and the people involved.

Would The Northern Light possibly be interested in writing about this? I’m interested.

Thank you for your good work.

Sandy Brown

Birch Bay

The Editor:

We purchased a house out here in 2013 with a view to relocating from Illinois. Our town there opened the Gail Borden Public Library 20 years ago, demolishing the old one that was generally seen as and designed to be a book depot. The new library was quickly embraced by all as a crowning community asset with expansive reading areas looking out over the river.

When school was not in session evenings or breaks, the library was teeming with young people continuing their learning in a safe space with supports. Many families lack the hardware or internet access or familiarity with technology to help their children do their schoolwork, the library stepped up. Seniors also went there to get help with all kinds of tech challenges. Additionally, here was always a room available for any community organization to meet.

When we heard that a similar space was planned here in Birch Bay, we were thrilled.

Birch Bay would be the fourth largest town in Whatcom County if it were incorporated. There are dedicated library buildings at Point Roberts, Lummi Island, Sumas, Everson, Blaine, Deming, Ferndale, Lynden, Maple Falls and two locations in Bellingham. Birch Bay residents contributed over $600,000 to the library system in 2018 yet we don’t have a library.

The proposed new library will be located centrally at the Vogt property, accessible to most of the community on foot or via a short, safe bike ride. The location is spectacular and if the library fails to get the nod in the upcoming ballot, there is every chance that this site will become another high-rise condo development benefitting nobody but the owners.

There is a lot of confusion about what we will be getting, please go here to see for yourself: bit.ly/3fwZNBx.

Please, oh please get out your special ballot being mailed to you this week and vote “yes” for our community library. We all deserve it.

Ciaran and Glynis Roe

Blaine

The Editor:

Architecture and construction

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy returns for a virtual program

costs for a library building in Birch Bay are not a wise use of taxpayer funds.

At the purchase price that the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) paid the Vogt family, the site was a gift, and a state support grant was offered. However, that was then and this is now.

Although housed in some of the finest architecture in the world, the importance of libraries is not the building. The WCLS is a treasure of efficient management, and provision of information services. Their collections could use more funding support.

There are folks in the Birch Bay area that say the limited access to the bookmobile and the inconvenience of driving to Blaine and Ferndale is justifiable reason for a costly building. Both of these concerns can be solved by the location of two semipermanent portables. Not as attractive, absolutely, but affordable and flexible for the future when, and if, all activity becomes easier to manage and predict.

The current climate of unpredictable supply, staffing and public works support within all the industries related to construction, makes it unimaginable that the budget of a large project such as this could be managed and controlled successfully. In fewer words, it is bound to go way over budget.

The county and state are facing some tough times to help many citizens who are struggling to pay their bills, feed their kids, rebuild their homes and farms, and trying to stay healthy while earning a living. The county and the state cannot meet this basic responsibility with just federal government aid and institutional borrowing. Think Sumas, Everson, Ferndale … and spring run-off is just around the corner.

Not the right time for the design and construction of an unneeded library building. I urge your readers that cannot afford this project as proposed, to vote “no.” If those who think it is a wise way to spend your money, they will vote “yes.” If they outnumber you, get your checkbook out and keep it handy for several years.

Projects like this reach in your pocket indefinitely, and can be never-ending.

Neil McLeod

Birch Bay

CITY OF BLAINE

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. Monday, January 24 5:00pm – Study Session –City Council Priorities 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Thursday, January 27 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Thursday, February 10 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Monday, February 14 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Monday, February 21 City Offices Closed –Presidents’ Day Tuesday, February 22 3:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website. www.cityofblaine.com

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Have you always wanted to learn the ins and outs of your local sheriff’s office? Now’s the chance – the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has opened enrollment for its annual citizen’s academy.

The citizen’s academy will offer residents the opportunity to see first-hand how the WCSO serves its community in a 12-week crash course that covers everything from criminal investigations to the K-9 unit. Other topics covered include patrol procedures, SWAT, the drug and gang task force, traffic enforcement, crime scene investigations, marine patrol and jail operations, according to the WCSO website.

The citizen’s academy will run 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday from March 2 to May 18. The program will be held virtually and is free to the public. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

For more information and to apply, visit the WCSO website at bit.ly/3FGmn5B.

(360) 216-7540 • regaltaxusa.com

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This week’s supporters: John Uren • Elaine and Tom McDaniel • Joyce Dippold • Kathryn McDevitt

Blaine residents make SNHU honor roll

Blaine residents Christine Dickinson and Jeffrey Marchell made South New Hampshire University’s President’s List for fall 2021. President’s List recipients must have been a full-time student with a 3.7 GPA or higher.

Blaine resident Tina Lane made South New Hampshire University’s Dean’s List for fall 2021. Dean’s List recipients must have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA while being a full-time student.

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From page 3 Transportation buildings. Kyle said commissioners could also add a policy preventing additional residential units on port property.

In 2007, the city of Blaine and the Port of Bellingham adopted the Blaine Wharf District Master Plan, a mutually developed longterm plan that establishes public policy and development for the harbor area and remains the official policy of both the city and the port. The Northern Light building is located in the Mariner Village zone, the area east of the harbor office. The master plan allows for residential use above the ground floor in that zoning area.

“I don’t understand why you say you don’t have to follow Blaine zoning when your agency was one of the agencies that came up with this,” Grubb said during the November 16 meeting.

Port of Bellingham executive director Rob Fix said an allowed use doesn’t mean the commission has to make a change in its property leases.

During the vote, commissioners said their decision didn’t come lightly and explained their reasoning for voting against the lease amendments. Commissioners Bobby Briscoe and Michael Shepard voiced concern about potential gentrification of the harbor, while commissioner Ken Bell said his decision was based on the integrity of the lease contract.

“I don’t believe residences belong on our working waterfront areas. The port of Bellingham does not have enough commercial property. We’re outgrowing what we have rapidly,” Briscoe said. “Once the door is cracked, it gets pushed open further and further and further. And that’s not what I’ve been entrusted to do.”

Blaine city manager Michael Jones voiced concern over the port’s decision during the January 10 city council meeting. Neither Jones nor city planning director

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Stacie Pratschner were aware of the port’s new land-use policy before it became official on November 3. The city, in fact, had written the port commissioners expressing its support for the proposed change in use clause in The Northern Light’s lease.

Councilmember Richard May said he fought for the zoning policy for a decade on the planning commission.

“This is troubling because that is inconsistent with the city’s Wharf District Master Plan and our zoning,” Jones told council.

“We have concerns, myself and the planning director, that the port commissioners are taking action inconsistent with our mutually-adopted plan and that is something that will definitely require conversations and coordination with the port in the coming months.” s The Northern Light building at 225 Marine Drive.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

November 2021 flood updates: Sumas Library recovery fund, business recovery center opens

Whatcom County residents and business owners continue to address the November 2021 flooding impacts, as infrastructure still needs to be repaired and federal disaster assistance applications continue to be submitted. $1.5 million given statewide for flooding

Within the first week of FEMA applications opening, FEMA and the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division gave $1.5 million in federal grants to Washington residents impacted by the November floods. The funding became available after President Joe Biden declared the November 2021 flooding a major disaster in Washington state on January 5.

FEMA assistance helps uninsured residents pay for flooding expenses. People can apply for assistance at disasterassistance. gov or by calling 800/621-3362.

Business recovery center opens in Everson

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Washington Small Business Development Center opened a business recovery center in Everson to help businesses impacted by the November floods.

The center opened January 18 in the Everson Mercantile Building, at 128 West Main Street. The center will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; no appointment necessary.

Advisors will be available to explain the SBA disaster loan program and options for business owners.

Businesses have a deadline of March 7 to apply for property damage and an October 5 deadline to apply for economic injury. Business owners may apply for disaster loan assistance at the center or online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s.

Sumas Library recovery fund

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) has stated a fund to pay for flooding damages the Sumas library sustained that won’t be covered by insurance. The WCLS estimated in a January 18 news release that the Sumas Library Recovery Fund will need $50,000 to help the Sumas library that had its books, equipment and furniture destroyed.

The library building is still closed, but the WCLS is providing curbside pickup of library materials.

The Friends of the Blaine Library donated $1,000 to the fund, according to the WCLS.

“We are extremely grateful that insurance will cover the majority of the flood-related expenses,” WCLS executive director Christine Perkins said in a statement. “We believe re-establishing full library services will be an important step in helping the community recover.”

To donate to the Sumas library, visit wcls.org/donation-form-sumas.

Road damage

Whatcom County Public Works said in a January 14 news release it expects to finish emergency repairs to Birch Bay-Lynden Road by the end of January. Permanent repairs will be made in the future.

A section of the heavily-trafficked road has been closed near Ham Road since the November floods, when a 40-foot section of the road fell into California Creek after a culvert failed.

Heavy rainfall and recent King tides have continued to erode Drayton Harbor Road near Shintaffer Road. Public works employees are monitoring the road every day.

Hornet ...

From page 1 WSDA. No other nests have been discovered in Canada.

B.C. officials only caught one hornet in its 2021 trapping survey that stretched across the Fraser Valley. In late October, a deceased hornet was found in a Japanese beetle trap only 0.1 miles from the U.S./Canada border. Trapping efforts will continue along the U.S./Canada border between White Rock and Aldergrove, according to WSDA.

WSDA will likely continue monitoring for hornets in Washington, even if the species are declared eradicated after not being detected in Washington for three years, Salp said.

The first hornet in the U.S. was found in Blaine in December s An Asian giant hornet in the east Blaine nest eradicated September 23, 2021. Photo courtesy WSDA

2019. No live hornets in the U.S. were found outside of Whatcom County in 2020 and 2021.

The hornet is an invasive species from Asia and is the largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches. The orange-andblack apex predator is known to attack honeybee hives in a matter of hours and feeds on paper wasps and native species.

“Public reports are important. Many of the detections came from public reports, directly or indirectly,” Salp said. “The fact that people are looking for them is what’s giving us the upper hand.”