The Northern Light: October 27-November 2, 2022

Spooky events in Blaine, Birch Bay for Halloween

B y I an H aupt

Residents in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Semiahmoo will have plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy this Halloween. Below are some options in the area for trick-or-treating and other spooky celebrations.

BSD Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 28, 5-7 p.m.

Blaine Elementary School parking lot Students, staff and clubs will have their trunks decorated and ready to see Borderites dressed in their best Hallow een costumes. Sponsored by Blaine High School Associated Student Body. All are welcome.

Trick or Treat on the Berm

Saturday, October 29, 3-6 p.m.

Birch Bay berm promenade Kids come trick or treat at different stops along the berm. The event, spon sored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Com merce, will have a photo costume con test, treats and Halloween activities for the whole family at the Birch Bay Com munity Library, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. An outdoor movie showing of “Scoob,” a 2020 film based on the Scooby-Doo franchise, will play at 6 p.m., weather permitting.

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 29, 5-7 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat ter-day Saints, Blaine Ward, 2550 Thornton Road, Ferndale Chili cook-off, kids carnival games and trick or treating. Info: 360/6033393.

Trick or Treat at Semiahmoo Resort

Sunday, October 30, and Monday, Oc tober 31, 5-7 p.m.

9565 Semiahmoo Parkway

Trick-or-treating in the resort is open to the public. The resort will also host a Halloween movie night 7 p.m. on Octo ber 30 in its Discovery Theater. Tickets are $5 for the public and free for resort guests, with costumes encouraged.

The Freeman’s Halloween Carnival Monday, October 31, 4-8 p.m. Freeman house, corner of C and 6th streets

Rain or shine, the Freeman family will be putting on their eighth Hallow

The 2022 Whatcom County Buildable Lands Report shows Birch Bay’s popula tion and housing development are grow ing slower than the county expected.

Whatcom County senior planner Matt Aamot presented the report during a Whatcom County planning commission meeting October 13. He said that from 2016 to 2021 the unincorporated area fell behind its projected residential den sity, population growth and single family housing capacity. Blaine, however, met its planned density.

The buildable lands report provides in formation for the planning commission to update the Whatcom County Comprehen

sive Plan, which is due June 30, 2025, ac cording to the project website. It assesses how recent development in the county’s cities and urban growth areas compares with planning assumptions, targets and objectives and whether there are incon sistencies for the county and cities to ad dress. Aamot said the current planning pe riod is through 2036, but will be extended to 2045 in the next update to the county’s comprehensive plan.

Along with its cities, Birch Bay, Cherry Point and Columbia Valley make up the county’s three other urban growth areas.

In 1997, the Washington state legisla ture amended the Growth Management

Photo by Grace McCarthy

the

The Freemans are prepared for 650

They will have 17 volun teers this year, a bonfire and hot toddies for adults. Carnival

Many Harry Potter charac ters will be present, but event host Gina Freeman said it will be very kid friendly – not too scary. Eight best costume priz es will also be awarded.

Last year the carnival was Pi rates of the Caribbean themed and had 535 kids and a total of 1,200 people who came through the yard. It was partnered with a festival at the Blaine Food Bank. The food bank is not holding an event this year, but donated to the Freeman’s carnival. Freeman said she was grateful for all of the help food bank general man ager Sally Church has provided.

Trick or Treat at St. Anne Monday, October 31, 5-7 p.m.

treat event, St. Anne Catholic Church will have the hall in its parking lot lit up for trickor-treaters to come by for treat bags and more.

Haunted House Monday, October 31, sun down until 8 p.m.

727 D Street

Blaine city councilmember Richard May will be hosting a spooky haunted house on Halloween night. All are wel come. May said the event will have flashing lights and recom mends children under 7 years old to have someone accompa ny them.

St. Anne Catholic Church, corner of H and 6th streets Putting on its first trick or

s Richard May’s haunted house at 727 D Street. Courtesy photo

Nunamaker resigns from school board

In an undated letter to the Blaine school board, district 1 board mem ber Todd Nunamaker announced his immediate resignation from the board. Nunamaker cited “contin ued health challenges” as his reason. The resignation was announced at the board’s regular October meeting held October 24 in Point Roberts.

District 1 consists of downtown Blaine as well as Point Roberts. The board has 90 days to select a replacement for his position fol lowing interviews held in public session. His current term ends in

December 2023, meaning the ap pointee would need to seek election in next year’s primary and general elections. Nunamaker also served as the board’s vice president.

Nunamaker graduated from Blaine schools before receiving a bachelor’s degree in broad area science with an education en dorsement from Central Wash ington University. Nunamaker’s father, Robert, was a teacher, coach and principal of Blaine Elementary School for nearly 30 years while his mother, Betty, fol lowed with a 28-year tenure as school board administrator.

district

The Northern Light asked can didates for Whatcom County’s district court judge position 2 about their qualifications ahead of the November 8 general elec tion. The elected judge will serve four years in the non-partisan position. The candidates pro vided written responses to the questions.

Gordon M. Jenkins

Gordon M. Jenkins is a deputy prosecuting attorney for What com County, prosecuting serious felonies, and previously worked as a criminal defense attorney. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a law degree from Washington and Lee University.

How do you believe diversion and rehabilitation programs should be used in Whatcom County?

Diversion and rehabilitative programs have an important role to play in our local court system. Addiction and mental illness are significant contributing factors in many cases, and these programs can be very effective at address ing these issues while also hold ing people accountable. Solving these problems reduces the in cidence of repeated offenses and makes our community safer. Courts need to use every possi ble tool to help our community, while recognizing that these pro grams are not always appropriate. As judge, I will expand the reha bilitative program options avail able in district court for those cases where they will be appro priate and effective.

What makes you the best can didate for the position?

I am the only candidate in this race with the broad experience necessary to address all of the is sues faced by the district court.

As a deputy prosecutor, I seek justice for our community, deal ing regularly with matters involv ing assault, domestic violence, property crime, driving offenses, mental illness and addiction. I have also worked as a defense at torney, providing indigent clients with access to justice, addressing these issues from the other side.

District court is not about one thing. It needs a judge experi enced in all the issues, who will make unbiased decisions based on an understanding of both

sides of the court.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

I am proud to have the support of the people who are most familiar with my work. That includes Dem ocrats, Republicans and members of the legal community: Coun ty executive Satpal Sidhu, sheriff Bill Elfo, elected prosecutors Eric Richey and Dave McEachran, as well as numerous public defenders and local attorneys. I am also the only candidate endorsed by sitting members of the Whatcom County Superior Court.

My career has been devoted to public service and balanced jus tice for the community. As your district court judge, I will make sure everyone’s day in court is a just one.

These kinds of courts will also protect our first responders be cause they are proven to reduce recidivism for non-violent crimes, and as such, our first responders will be working in a community with less “community decay” and where first responders are at risk.

What makes you the best can didate for the position?

First, while my opponent spent about 24 months working in the Whatcom County District Court, I have spent 20 years there, as well as in the district courts of our neighboring counties. Second, I have four-plus years of judicial ex perience, having served as a judge pro tem in various courts. My op ponent has no judicial experience. I am endorsed by district court judges and several superior court judges who previously served as district court judges. These are the judges who have seen my work, know what the job entails and have put their names forward in recommending me for the job they do every day. Their endorsements set me apart from my opponent. My opponent is not endorsed by any district court judges.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

Jonathan Rands

Jonathan Rands is a trial law yer with 20 years’ experience in district and municipal courts, having tried over 250 cases to verdict. He holds a bachelor’s de gree from Simon Fraser Universi ty and a law degree from Seattle University.

How do you believe diversion and rehabilitation programs should be used in Whatcom County?

I have a concrete plan to de velop a community court and resource center for Whatcom County. In order to stop the “re volving door” from continual ly spinning, we need to provide those involved in the criminal justice system with the tools and resources they need to exit the system better than when they en tered. Therapeutic courts are the wave of the future in this regard.

I have been endorsed by Casca dia Daily News and am the “rec ommended candidate” in this race by FUSE, which publishes the Progressive Voters Guide. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by both the 42nd dis trict Democrats and the Whatcom County Republicans. The judicia ry should not be “weaponized” by partisan politics. As a judge, I will be fair to all. See all endorsements at randsforjudge.org.

s Todd Nunamaker.

Photo courtesy BSD

s Gordon M. Jenkins.

s Jonathan Rands.

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

Locally owned and managed, the com pany also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Ex perience, 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 Associ ation, Chambers of Commerce of Belling ham/ 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.

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The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for veri fication. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are lim ited 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. Con sumer complaints should be submitted di rectly to the business in question or the lo cal chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspon dent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

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Downtown Blaine gets festive for fall OpiniOn Letters

The Editor:

The upcoming general election may be one of the most consequential ever when it comes to retaining many of the rights we have been enjoying for a long time. Surpris ingly, these significant changes to our rights can, and will be predicated to a great extent by whom we elect to our state legislature.

What makes this possibility a reality is the direction the U.S. Supreme Court has taken with its conservative majority. The first, and presumably not last example of this is the court’s ruling on a woman’s right to choose. The court has ruled that the state legislatures shall have the power to determine how each state will decide this important question. Therefore, if extreme conservatives control our state legislature, it will likely be governed by extreme con servative idealism.

Other issues that the Supreme Court is preparing to rule on will also have long-lasting effects on matters like how we vote, how legislative districts are drawn and giving control to certain political in terests. In some presidential elections, the state legislature, not the people, may have the final say in who wins. Addition ally, the legislature will be able to impose its will without oversight of the courts or constitution. All of this may become the new law of the land based on something called independent state legislature the ory. This will be decided by the outcome of a little-known case before the Supreme Court known as Moore v. Harper, which could lock in right wing control of the U.S. for generations.

Given this possibility, something we can do to protect our rights is to make sure we are not governed by an extreme conservative state legislature. We need to vote for individuals like Sharon Shew

make for state senate and Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons for the state house. Electing individuals like Sharon Shewmake, Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons will mean that the voters of the 42nd legislative district have done their job to help protect the rights of all citizens of the state of Washington and prevent the extreme idealism sought by others.

Pat Jerns Birch Bay

The Editor:

It’s important to consider the educa tional backgrounds and life experiences of candidates running for state senate, be cause these greatly influence one’s world view and decision-making.

Per his website, Mr. Sefzik attended Patrick Henry College, unaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools until this year. His undergraduate degree in American politics and policy ba sically teaches how to be a politician. Stu dents at Patrick Henry are exposed only to faculty who are required to sign a State ment of [Christian] Faith, and a Statement of Biblical Worldview that says, in part, “Human life begins at conception … Abor tion and euthanasia are sins and violations of the public good.”

Such an educational background is un likely to lead to careful consideration of di verse philosophies or protection of wom en’s reproductive decisions.

In contrast, Ms. Shewmake has an un dergraduate degree in environmental sci ence, policy and economics, and a Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics (Duke University; University of California, Davis) – schools that don’t require a signed litmus test affirming only one belief sys tem, where students learn from teachers

CiviC Meetings

Birch

Blaine City Council:

chambers, 435 Martin

ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine

Commission: Second

6 p.m., Blaine

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with various philosophies, thus consider ing solutions from many perspectives. She believes reproductive decisions are per sonal and private, and her degrees relat ing to agriculture and economics prepare her well to tackle important, present-day issues.

Regarding life experiences that influence decision-making, Mr. Sefzik is a 22-yearold who does not have the experience of working to build a career. He has not had to budget to raise a family or deal person ally with children’s education, day care, housing or family medical expenses. How can he adequately understand the daily stresses and life decisions that affect most of us?

Ms. Shewmake knows first-hand what it means to work and build a career, is a teacher, a mother, and knows what it means to raise a family. Her educational background, life experiences and legis lative experience makes her far better qualified to understand and deal with our important issues. While 22-year-olds often have good ideas, I don’t believe Mr. Sefzik is adequately prepared to be mak ing leadership-level decisions. Please vote for Sharon Shewmake.

Charles Kinzer

Blaine

Editor’s note: The Northern Light does not publish political support letters the week before an election. This week’s issue is the last to have such letters published before the November 8 election.

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday. Additional letters are posted online at thenorthernlight.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 Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m.

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, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

s The Blaine Police Department was one of many downtown locations to decorate in anticipation of Halloween. Jack-o’-lanterns, broom sticks and witches were a few of the festive decorations around Peace Portal Drive and its neighboring streets on October 26.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

City council delays vote on downtown revitalization contract, and more news

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The latest news from the October 24 Blaine City Council meeting … Public hearing on proposed property tax increase

Blaine City Council held a public hearing on the city’s pro posal for a 1 percent increase to the 2022 property tax levy, which would equal about $3.50 more per year for Blaine resi dents. The proposed property tax levy would raise $13,424 more revenue next year, for a to tal of $1,355,912.

“We have future growth we’re anticipating as east Blaine is being built,” city finance director Dan Heverling said during the meeting.

Only one person spoke during the hearing. Council is expected to vote on the proposed levy at its next meeting on November 14.

Vote delayed on downtown revitalization design contract City council voted 4-0 to delay voting on an engineering design services contract for its down town revitalization project. Coun cilmembers Garth Baldwin and Mike Hill were absent and mayor Mary Lou Steward abstained from voting. Several councilmembers voiced they wanted to wait until the next council meeting when more members were expected to be present to vote on the contract.

Council was first set to vote on

whether to give Seattle-based KPG Psomas the $620,000 contract during its September 12 meeting, but asked for more time to look over the contract. The project in cludes improvements to the Peace Portal Drive streetscape, Martin Street parklet and G Street Pavil ion. Funding has already been approved for the downtown re vitalization’s total $2.83 million project costs.

“We want to prepare the bid documents for the end of 2023, that’s why we’re trying to keep this fresh on your plate,” interim city manager Dave Wilbrecht said, adding the project was about a month behind now.

Council delayed the vote at the urging of councilmember Eric Da vidson, who said he didn’t feel com fortable voting on a project of this scale without a full council present.

KPG Psomas has designed areas of downtown Redmond, Duvall and Snoqualmie.

Ad-hoc downtown advisory committee

Council approved the city man ager’s recommendations for five community members to serve on the newly-formed ad-hoc down town advisory committee, and voted to add two more communi ty representatives.

Council approved forming an ad-hoc advisory committee during its August 8 meeting to

discuss proposed policy changes, code amendments and make rec ommendations for downtown de velopment. The committee, which was scheduled to start late Au gust, was first set to include one city councilmember, one planning commissioner and five commu nity members. Council asked for two more community representa tives, making seven total.

City staff selected from the twelve who submitted applications. Coun cil approved world-renowned ar chitect Bruno Freschi, Port of Bell ingham employee Greg McHenry, former planning commissioner Susan Sturgill, builder and busi ness owner Scott Meaker, develop er Gurdeep (Zeal) Bains, business owner Mia Richardson and Glen Pentland, who has helped improve the Salishan neighborhood.

Council unanimously approved Davidson as its representative for the ad-hoc committee. The plan ning commission representative is Kevin Owens.

Before approving the represen tatives, councilmembers had dis cussed delaying the vote.

“Mr. Wilbrecht sent out the list last week asking for us to reply to him with whether we agree with the five people or not,” Steward said. “We are getting nothing done as a council. We’re putting things off and putting things off. We had an opportunity to look at

this and ask our questions to Mr. Wilbrecht. It’s time for us to make a decision on something. This ad-hoc committee is something we really wanted to improve our downtown and send a message to the developers that this city coun cil was willing to get things done and work with all parties to get something done.”

New ward boundaries Council unanimously approved new voting ward boundaries that state law requires to be updated after U.S. Census populations are updated every decade.

The new map’s first ward, which covers east Blaine, goes south to the city limits east of I-5. This area was previously in the second ward, which includes much of down town. The third ward, which covers all of Semiahmoo and west of 6th Street, will remain the same, except for the addition of a downtown sec tion north of Boblett Street.

No members of the public spoke during council’s October 10 pub lic hearing on the boundary map.

The city hired Redmond-based Sammamish Data Systems to over see the redistricting process. Now that the boundaries have been changed to reflect the most recent U.S. Census population counts, the city will not be able to adjust its ward boundaries again until af ter the 2030 Census.

Each ward has two city council

Testing, surveillance and audits secure Whatcom elections

The Whatcom County of ficial local voters’ pamphlet lists procedures the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office and Washington Office of the Secre tary of State use before, during and after the election to secure its results.

Before the election, a logic and accuracy test is completed. The test ensures that the count ing system will correctly count votes cast for all candidates and measures. Ballots from all precincts and every type are tested, while independent ob

Buildable ...

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servers and the secretary’s of fice verify results.

During the election, ballot processing occurs in the elec tion center, which is secured with proximity locks and mon itored with 24-hour video sur veillance. Live webcams allow the public to watch the pro cessing work. All tabulation equipment is on a closed net work, not connected to the in ternet. Ballots are also secured in tamper-evident bags.

After Election Day, a represen tative from each political party

1,254 people. With land capaci ty adjustments, he said Birch Bay would be able accommodate 154 more employees than needed in the next 15 years.

randomly selects batches to be hand counted. This is a random batch audit, or hand count. The totals are compared with vote to tals taken from the equipment. A risk limiting audit is also taken, where a random sample of voted ballots is examined in teams of two. A formula lays out the re quired number of ballots to be audited to reach statistical con fidence in the results.

Whatcom County auditor Diana Bradrick said in a letter (See Security, page 7)

to 2021, Whatcom

an esti

projected

of its projected em

for the 20162036 planning period. It will

accommodate another 46,069 people and 26,640 jobs to meet its 2036 mark.

achieved a residen tial density of 4.5 units per acre from 2016 to 2021, while the comprehensive plan has 5-10 units per acre planned for the area. Aamot said Birch Bay’s land capacity was not sufficient to ac commodate planned growth. De velopment in the area needs to be able to accommodate another

Aamot listed residential den sities, population growth and single family housing as the main issues for planning to focus on in Birch Bay. He said those measures will need to be adjusted for Birch Bay to meet the comprehensive plan targets.

Reasonable measures to ad dress such issues do not include expanding urban growth areas, according to the buildable lands provisions. Aamot said amend ments will have to be made to increase the densities within Birch Bay’s existing boundary.

Blaine achieved its projected growth in all categories except its commercial and industrial densities, which will need to be addressed in its next com prehensive plan update, Aamot said.

representatives, and the city has one at-large representative. Coun cilmember Richard May suggested council discuss reviewing its cur rent voting system and possibly doing away with the ward-based city council positions.

CITY OF BLAINE

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, November 10

9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting

10:30am – Public Works Advisory Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Friday, November 11

Offices Closed – Veterans Day

Monday, November 14 6:00pm – City Council 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

OF

U.S. Senate candidates talk bordertown recovery, political experience

The Northern Light asked candidates running for U.S. Senate about legislation for bordertowns they will support, if elected, and what makes them fit to represent Washington state in Washington, D.C. Senators serve for six-year terms. The November 8 general election candidates provided written responses to the questions.

Patty Murray

Patty Murray (D) has served in the U.S. Senate since 1993. She graduated from Washington State University.

The bordertown communities experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and continue to face headwinds in their recovery. What programs or plans would you support to help these communities?

I repeatedly pressed the administration to do more to help northern border communities, especially after the Canadians reopened their land borders. Last year, I spoke on the Senate floor calling for the administration to reopen the border at Point Roberts and to recognize the harm that prolonged closure was causing in border communities across our state. Within two weeks, the border closure was finally ended.

I strongly believe the federal government must do more to help

border communities recover. I helped to design a new initiative to provide grants to businesses in border communities. This program was included in the Small Business COVID Relief Act that was blocked by Republicans this summer. I’ll keep fighting for this program and others that support border communities.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I passed legislation in the last year and a half that will lower the cost of prescription drugs, cap insulin

for everyone – not just billionaires and giant corporations.

I will always fight to make sure women can make their own health care decisions – on day one, I will work to pass my bill to codify Roe v. Wade into law. And I’m fighting to make sure our democracy stays a democracy and protect every American’s right to vote.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

I’ve passed a lot of legislation that doesn’t make the news, but will help people – like my legislation to ban surprise medical bills, or my legislation to make sure sexual assault survivors get the care and examinations they need from local hospitals. Both of those laws originated with Washington residents who called my office with a problem they were facing – and I worked with them to solve it.

Tiffany Smiley

Tiffany Smiley (R) has no prior elected experience but has worked as a veterans advocate. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Whitworth College.

The pandemic took a huge toll on our communities and small businesses, and the inflation we are currently experiencing as a result of the Biden/Murray

Murray was first elected to the Senate. Thirty years later, we need to ask ourselves, “Are we any better off?” It is clear from my opponent’s record that the constituent she serves is Washington, D.C., and in her lack of accomplishments to tout she has resorted to scare tactics to win this election.

I have a record of taking on the federal government and winning and am running to serve the great people of Washington state. Additionally, I have signed a term limits pledge and intend to go to Washington, D.C., work hard to accomplish meaningful reform and then return home.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

prices for seniors at $35 a month and extend tax credits that made health care cheaper for millions. I’m ready to do a lot more to lower costs and make our economy work

The bordertown communities experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and continue to face headwinds in their recovery. What programs or plans would you support to help these communities?

economic policies is making recovery nearly impossible. In my agendas for economic and energy and environmental recovery and reform, I lay out my plan to lower inflation, lower taxes for the middle class, protect our small businesses from zealous IRS agents, and restore our energy independence to get immediate relief for Washington families and help our businesses recover.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I was 11 years old when senator

As a Washington farm girl, I learned early the importance of working hard, doing your best and going the extra mile for your community and country. Our family has served and sacrificed for our nation, and it would be the highest honor to represent my fellow Washingtonians in the Senate. I would encourage everyone to go to my website, smileyforwashington.com, and read through my agenda for recovery and reform – my plan to bring recovery to our state. The choice this November is clear: A vote for hope or a vote for the status quo.

U.S. representative candidates Q&A for November general election

The Northern Light asked candidates running for the U.S. representative position in Washington’s 2nd Congressional District about how they plan to provide aid to pandemicimpacted bordertowns and why they are the right candidate to represent northwest Washington in Washington, D.C. Representatives serve twoyear terms. The November 8 general election candidates provided written responses to the questions.

Rick Larsen

Rick Larsen (D) has served in the U.S. House since 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University and master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota.

The bordertown communities experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the pandemic and continue to face headwinds in their recovery. What programs or plans would

you support to help these communities?

The pandemic and the border closure severely impacted working families and small businesses in Whatcom County. In particular, Point Roberts residents were isolated from the U.S and were left without access to necessary resources. Throughout the pandemic and recovery, I have supported supplemental funding for border communities that were disproportionately harmed. I also stood with representative Suzan DelBene and the delegation to pressure the U.S. and Canada to safely reopen the border, with a focus on helping residents of Point Roberts.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

I am proud to serve the people of northwest Washington. Representing your voice in Congress is an honor. Our region is special, and so are our neighbors. Your strength and

resilience are what motivate me to fight on your behalf every day in the other Washington. I was born and raised here, and my wife and I are the parents of two boys who represent the fifth generation of Larsens born in this district. I take the future of this community as personally as you

do. I am committed to building an economy that creates more jobs and opportunities for all.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

My priorities are making healthcare more affordable, taking care of veterans, growing the economy and keeping our communities safe. I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the deficit and prescription drug prices, and to cap premiums and out-of-pocket costs. I voted for the PACT Act, the largest bill to address our service members’ exposure to toxins in history. I voted to invest in construction jobs to repair our infrastructure and clean energy jobs to transition to a green economy. And I voted for the first federal gun safety bill to pass in 30 years. Because this important work is far from done, I am requesting your vote to build upon our progress next term.

Dan Matthews

Dan Matthews (R) is a contract

pilot instructor and served in the U.S. Air Force. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in public administration.

Matthews did not respond to The Northern Light’s request.

PUD commissioner candidates talk broadband coverage

The Northern Light asked the candidates running for Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1’s third commissioner district about their top priorities, if elected, and how they will ensure the needs of north Whatcom County residents are met. The position is nonparti san and served for six years. The November 8 general election can didates provided written respons es to the questions.

Jaime Arnett Jaime Arnett is the executive

director of Animals as Natural Therapy, which provides ani mal-assisted mental and behav ioral health services, and is a former Blaine city councilmem ber. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Washing ton University.

How will you work to ex pand broadband coverage in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts?

There’s no single solution to expanding broadband in What

com County; rather, it will take partnership with many local governing organizations and employ different models. For in stance, the city of Blaine would be a good candidate for munici pal broadband as they offer elec tric as a public utility and there fore own required infrastructure. Birch Bay and Custer may ben efit from a local utility district model, like the one currently being used in Kitsap County. Whidbey Telecom was recently

awarded a $1 million grant to construct a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network in Point Rob erts. The PUD has had authority to provide broadband for over 20 years, but partnership will be key in its deployment.

What are your top three priori ties if elected? How will you work to ensure those priorities are met?

The first priority is securing open access fiber optic internet infrastructure to all of Whatcom County with “dig once” policies,

interlocal agreements and open access policies that preclude pri vate monopolization.

The second is to provide fair and equitable water stewardship. We’re facing many complex water rights and quantity issues, during the adjudication process we must still seek solutions to balance our heritage industries of fishing and farming to ensure enough water for everyone.

(See PUD, next page)

s Patty Murray.

s Tiffany Smiley.

s Dan Matthews.

s Rick Larsen.

The third is to provide better communication to the commu nity about what services the PUD can offer and what your local PUD is currently doing. Public input is vital to public office.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

My family has lived in Blaine for generations and worked in fishing, farming and water quality. I share your values. We know that we will have more droughts in summer and floods in winter, we know we must find balance to protect our resources and we know that without reliable internet our community cannot thrive. We can let these trials be dev astating, or we can plan for the future with our PUD. I want to do that planning, which is why I’m running for office.

Eric Davidson

Eric Davidson is a registered nurse and has served on Blaine City Council since 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business man agement from California State Uni versity Stanislaus and his associate of science in nursing from What com Community College.

How will you work to ex pand broadband coverage in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts?

I have been working on this on the Blaine City Council for some time. It is important to me and the citizens of this county. We need to adopt policy that will ensure homes built have adequate broad band, but we also need to look at new and inventive ways to ensure that underserved areas have afford able access. Working with current infrastructure, having a “dig once” policy and careful future planning is part of the solution, but we must also ensure we work with govern ment, community organizations and private enterprise to ensure an affordable, innovative solutions.

What are your top three priori ties if elected? How will you work to ensure those priorities are met?

Water rights, quality, and conser vation ensuring agricultural needs are met and the protection of fish and wildlife habitats.

Affordable, high-speed internet accessible to everyone. PUD needs to take the lead and work with several municipalities, private en terprise and citizens to continue to accomplish.

Clean, efficient, affordable elec trical energy to ease the financial burdens on our citizens’ households

that transparent policies and

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Hailey Ferrell

Freshman • Girls Swimming

Hailey has qualified for districts in all eight individual events and will represent Blaine High School at the state meet in the 50m freestyle.

Kael Evinger

Senior • Football

Kael is a key leader for the football program. He plays both ways on Friday nights. He plays safety on defense and quarterback on offense.

and the environment.

Working together not as sepa rate communities, but as a bigger community trying to create a winwin scenario rather than win-lose, investing in new technology and long-term vision will be key with water rights, clean affordable elec trical and high-speed internet.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign?

My 10 years’ experience on the Blaine City Council and public works board gives me a good in sight into public utilities. Blaine runs their own water, sewer, elec trical and wastewater facilities. My experience and years working to ensure a safe, environmentally friendly and economical utilities for Blaine will only help me on the Whatcom Public Utility Com mission. I choose not to seek the endorsement of a political party because my only goal is to help serve all the citizens of Whatcom County. I have no interest in party politics. I love Whatcom County and want to serve its citizens.

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information on election security and voter information and instructions

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to our current location on H Street and changed our name to Blaine Healing Arts. Our business has grown into a productive and thriving massage therapy practice. It has been a wonderful journey!

Future goals: We look forward to continuing to serve our community. Thank you for all the support over the years. We love what we do! ~Laura and Kari

SPONSORED BY:

s Jaime Arnett.

s Eric Davidson.

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Sports roundup: Fall sports wrap up regular season competition, girls soccer heads to postseason

B y I an H aupt

Blaine fall sports will finish up their regular season action this week as some teams start post

season games. Football

The Borderites lost 61-13 to an unbeaten Lynden Christian team at home October 21 after grab

bing their first win of the season on the road the week before.

The Lyncs came out flying and were no match for the Blaine defense, taking a 48-0 lead into

halftime. Blaine scored twice in the second half after sophomore Colin Davis found junior Riley Ihde for a 55-yard pass and ju nior Conner Dalry for a 25-yard er. Blaine picked up its first win of the season October 14 on the road against Bellingham High School. The Borderites beat the Bayhawks 44-18 in Bellingham’s homecoming game at Civic Field. Blaine has two more games this season. The team travels to Nooksack Valley Friday, Oc tober 28 and hosts Cedar Park Christian on Friday, November 4. Both games are at 7 p.m. The Borderites have a 1-7 overall re cord this season. They are 0-3 in conference.

Play-by-play thanks to whatcompreps.com

Girls soccer

Blaine girls soccer grabbed two

wins on the bounce of a 9-1 de feat to Lynden Christian Octo ber 17. The Lady Borderites beat Nooksack Valley in a command ing 5-0 win at home and then traveled to Mount Baker to take a 1-0 win into the postseason after the game was called early due to lightning.

They finished the regular sea son with a 6-6-1 record. They were 5-2-1 in conference.

Volleyball

The Lady Borderites lost 3-1 to Burlington-Edison at home for senior night October 26 after getting their second win of the season at Mount Baker the week before. Blaine beat the Mountain eers 3-2 on October 25.

The girls got off to a slow start on senior night, losing the first (See Sports, next page)

s Blaine football faced Lynden Christian at home on October 21. The Borderites

Hagen.

The girls will finish their regu lar season at Mount Vernon High School Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. They are 2-12 this season.

Cross country Blaine will run in the 1A dis trict meet held at the Deming Log Show Grounds Saturday, October 29 starting at 10 a.m.

Swimming Blaine’s co-op team with Fern dale will compete next in the Northwest Conference B Cham pionships at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in Bellingham on Friday, October 28. The meet starts at 3:30 p.m. The team’s schedule can be found at bit.ly/3U5exL8.

Borderites lost 61-13. Photo by Jaxon Kortlever

s The Borderites lost 61-13 to the Lynden Christian Lyncs at the Bor derite stadium on October 21. Photo by Janell Kortlever

s Sophomore quarterback Colin Davis helped put Blaine on the board, connecting twice with his receivers for touchdown passes in the second half.

Photo by Janell Kortlever

Semiahmoo residents use goats to clear overgrown land

y G race M c c art H y

Residents passing by a Se miahmoo subdivision recent ly may have done a double take as nearly two dozen goats munched on blackberry bushes as they cleared land for a new house to be built.

Goats named Booboo, Cause and Effect munched on blackber ry bushes in St. Andrews Green, a Semiahmoo subdivision off Drayton Harbor Road, on Sep tember 29 while Carol Oster man, of Sedro-Woolley’s Akyla Farms, monitored their prog ress. J.R. Simmons and his wife, Maria, hired Osterman’s goats to clear the overgrown vegetation on their .3-acre lot in the St. An drews Green subdivision, before they start construction on their future home.

Simmons said the couple re searched using goats as a method of clearing land after seeing their neighbors in Lake Stevens do it and came to the conclusion that it was the best option for their lot. He said they wanted to start construction in March but were unable to hire a surveyor until the land, which contained black berry bushes as tall as eight feet, was cleared.

“It’s just too big and too thick,” Simmons said. “For us it was far

more environmentally appropri ate, rather than trying to use a bazillion gallons of weed killer or big machinery to scrape it all out, and then you’d have erosion issues,” he said. “The goats were not just a cute and environmen tally appropriate way, but just a better way in general for what our goals are.”

Using goats for land manage ment isn’t a new concept. Many across the country use the same landscaping technique that Os terman made a business out of in

2006. California fire departments have made headlines for using ‘goatscaping’ for wildfire pre vention, and Seattle Department of Transportation used goats to clear land under the I-5 Ship Ca nal Bridge in late September.

The goats prevent erosion be cause they don’t eat blackberry cane, which dissipates the rain’s force when the rain hits the ground. Osterman said the goats don’t hurt the ground more than walking on it, unlike heavy equipment that can impact soil compaction.

“Most landowners are looking at trying to get their land to a spot where they can maintain it,” Osterman said. “They don’t want all the vegetation gone. They just want to get everything under control.”

Goat clearing is in high de mand with few businesses in northwest Washington, Simmons said. After several calls to people giving long waitlists, Osterman gave Simmons a three-month wait. The project took almost 10 days to complete.

Osterman said her favorite part is helping landowners enjoy their land again.

“Being able to come and do this in an environmentally friendly way and being able to enjoy the view while I’m here is a plus,” she added.

Osterman charges a base rate of $400 per day, increasing depend ing on the project. Those inter ested in Osterman’s services can contact her by calling at 360/9411533 or emailing barnyard@ akylafarms.com.

clubhouse, & more! WELCOME HOME!

s Carol Osterman, of Akyla Farms, watches her goats clear overgrown land in the St. Andrews Green subdivision of Semiahmoo September 29.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

s The .3-acre Semiahmoo lot before the goats chewed through the overgrown vegetation.

Courtesy photo J.R. Simmons

s The .3-acre Semiahmoo lot after the goats finished clearing the land, which took 9.5 days.

Courtesy photo J.R. Simmons

PUBLIC NOTICE

Tin Rock Development, Blair Murray, 1708 F St Bellingham, WA 98225-3108, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construc tion Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, Lincoln Mews, is located at SW Corner H St and Odell Road in Blaine in Whatcom county. This project involves 4.5 acres of soil disturbance for Residential, Utilities construction activities. The receiv ing waterbody is Cain Creek. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construc tion Stormwater, Washington State Depart ment of Ecology, P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: STEVEN WALTER RAUCH (AKA STEVE WALTER RAUCH), Deceased. No. 224-01007-37.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

Judge David E. Freeman

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Adminis trator 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 lim itations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and fil ing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be present ed within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the no tice 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: October 17, 2022 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: October 20, 2022

Name of Administrator: STEVEN RAUCH

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: October 17, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: STEVEN RAUCH

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JAMES M. LAVERY, Deceased. No. 224-01014-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

Judge David Freeman

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the dece dent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable stat ute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Rep resentative or the Personal Representa tive’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 probated 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: October 19, 2022 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: October 27, 2022

Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: October 19, 2022.

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: TERESA LAMB-RAMIEREZ, Deceased. No. 22-4-01027-37.

NOTICE TO CRED ITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Adminis trator 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 lim itations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and fil ing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be present ed within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the no tice 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: October 21, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: October 27, 2022

Name of Administrator: LEONA GOLLEN Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: October 21, 2022

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: LEONA GOLLEN www.averyelderlaw.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan P. Jones

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Adminis trator 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 lim itations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and fil ing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be present ed within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the no tice 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: October 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: October 27, 2022

Name of Administrator: JACCI KNISKERN (AKA JACCI L. YOUNG)

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: October 25, 2022

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: JACCI KNISKERN (AKA JACCI L. YOUNG) www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHAT COM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JOHN SANDLIN REGIONS, Deceased. No. 224-01031-37.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal.

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Adminis trator 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 lim itations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and fil ing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be present ed within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the no tice 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: October 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: October 27, 2022

Name of Administrator: JULIA MCCAFFREY

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: October 25, 2022

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: JULIA MCCAFFREY www.averyelderlaw.com

The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Per sonal Representatives of the above es tates. Any person having a claim against the deceased DENNIS KENNETH HARVEY BECKETT and/or the deceased SHARON ANGELEEN BECKETT must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limita tions, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Co-Personal Rep resentatives or the Co-Personal Rep resentatives’ Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Co-Personal Representa tives 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedents.

DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDI TORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: October 14, 2022

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: October 27, 2022

CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: DEANNA BECKETT and JANICE FONTANA

ATTORNEY FOR CO-PERSONAL REPRE SENTATIVES: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655

ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Stowe Law PLLC, 276 Boundary Bay Rd, P.O. Box 129, Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 14th day of October 2022. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estates of DENNIS KEN NETH HARVEY BECKETT and SHARON ANGELEEN BECKETT, Deceased. No. 22-4-00998-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). Judge Evan P. Jones

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHAT COM COUNTY In re the Estate of: EDITH REGIONS, Deceased. No. 22-4-0103237.

5375 Nootka Loop

MLS #1983680

Rare opportunity to realize your dream of a beautiful waterfront home in a fun commu nity. It shows as new! This is one of Birch Bay Village’s prime saltwater locations w/ breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay & Mt. Baker. 24/7 manned security offers incomparable peace of mind when home or away. Short walk to amenities including golf, marina, pickle ball, clubhouse & more. Minutes to U.S./Canada border & under 2 hrs. to Seattle. This home is turnkey. Mike Kent 360.815.3898

4732

Golf

bathroom is privately located opposite the other two bedrooms & bathroom. Fantastic walkable location to the beach, the newly completed berm & walk ing path and all the amenities of Birch Bay.

Jen Freeman 360.815.0803

5756 Salish Road

MLS #1992937 $350,000

Charming 2-bedroom home on a large cor ner lot in the sought-after Birch Bay Village community! This remodeled home would make an ideal getaway spot, affordable full-time residence, or a fantastic addi tion to your investment portfolio - it would be easy to rent this out now and build the dream house later! Updated low mainte nance flooring, on-trend wood accent wall, new cabinets, counters, furnace, hot water tank...nothing left to do but move right in!

Leah Crews 360.305.4747

6969 Birch Bay Drive

MLS #1993664

7954 Birch Bay Drive #38

$1,295,000

Attention to detail! Beautiful immaculate 3 bdrm 2.5 bath beachfront home has all the outstanding details plus stunning ocean view in a coveted Birch Bay neighborhood. Starting with paver tiled entry showcasing pair of palm trees, spiral staircase greeting you inside the door & a floorplan that takes advantage of the spectacular 180-degree views. Three gas fireplaces thru-out the home, full sauna & spacious primary bed/ bath w/private covered upper-level deck.

Randy Weg 360.305.5704

MLS #2006209 $150,000

Affordable beach front living! Welcome to this cozy cottage in Birch Bay with Pan oramic views of the ocean. Light & bright all around with vaulted ceilings & skylights. The ample cabinets throughout are in excel lent condition. Original, clean, comfortable, custom furniture made by Lazyboy and oth er quality COs. to be included in the sale. All white appliances, new furnace, & mounted TV with surround sound. Added guest bed room has separate entrance & bunkbeds. Lesha Hutchison 360.510.0640

Nootka Loop

MLS #2008787 $499,000

One of few remaining low-bank waterfront lots in Birch Bay Village. Property backs di rectly onto beach with spectacular views of bay & Mt Baker. Recent Topographic Survey shows level site with 60.2 ft of beachfront.

Sale also includes completed Cultural Re sources/Archaeology Report, & Tsunami Hazard Report with Ordinary High Water Mark. Comprehensive information to ex pedite development process. Water, sewer, electricity, & natural gas available in street.

Matt Berry 360.389.0104

8026 Birch Bay Dr #215

MLS #1938377 $410,000

The unobstructed view says it all, enjoy the Birch Bay evening sunsets from your own private decks. Enjoy all that Birch Bay has to offer, strolling along the berm walking path seconds from your condo, beachcombing, night life and a short walk to the world-fa mous C Shop. Amenities in complex include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, tennis, basketball, racquetball, pickleball courts, and clubhouse. GREAT FLOOR PLAN MAKES FOR EASE OF LIVING, furniture included. Gerry Allen 360.920.0563

4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #246

MLS #2006793 $129,000

180-day homesite. Latitude 49 gated com munity. Sweet location, sweet property, full of opportunity. 2700 sq. ft. rectangular homesite with 45 feet of frontage & 2008 remodeled Trail Bay travel trailer. Look at the pictures to fully understand the transforma tion from a travel trailer to small turn-key condominium get away with double elec tric tip outs. Includes all that you see, out building, planter, water and sewer paid and hooked up. Premier location to amenities. Brian Southwick 360.815.6638

8249 Valley View Road

MLS #1987144 $825,000

This almost 40-acre homestead is where magical moments are made. It catapulted dreams of small farming and created a sense of self-sustaining lifestyle. If you have ever wanted the charm of a 1916 farm house with modern updates this is the home for you. The floorplan has been thoughtfully opened up to create a light airy feel with old characteristics intact. Beautiful chef’s kitchen with quartz counters. Cross-fenced fields with shelter for field rotation. Brandi Coplen 360.201.3951

8820 Wood Duck Way

MLS #1969453 $1,275,000

Stunning new construction home situated just off 2nd fairway at Semiahmoo. Views of golf course from the elevated backyard covered deck plus filtered views of Drayton Harbor & Canadian Mtns. Greatroom fea tures vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace, hard wood flooring & lots of natural light w/doors to deck. High-end kitchen appl, wine fridge, oversized refrig/freezer, wall & walk-in pan tries & large quartz island. Spacious primary bedrm with dramatic tile details in bathrm! Randy Weg 360.305.5704

9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy #B104

MLS #1981134 $969,000

One-of-a-kind property at the Marin at Semiahmoo--sought after ground floor--2 bedroom/den--center unit with warm & welcoming interior. Additional detail to this already exquisite unit includes wine refrig erator/icemaker/built in cabinets/custom lighting. Kitchen storage is the best. Custom designed furniture frames the fireplace. Almost all furniture & many items included making this a “turnkey” ready to go prop erty. The covered patio is a room in itself.

Kathy Stauffer 360.815.4718

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.

All real estate/rentals advertising in this news paper 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 discrim ination. 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 ad vertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.

A far different market from 90 days ago ...

Buying a starter home just a year ago for $500,000 was man ageable for buyers, even for many first-time buyers when interest rates were at 2.8 percent. In fact, owning a home became more af fordable than renting it.

Fast forward to today with rates hitting 8 percent for a 30year fixed mortgage rate and that $500,000 home will now cost over $1,000 more per month. Consumers lulled themselves into believing that interest rates below 4 percent were an entitle ment. First-time home buyers in their 20s and early 30s were spoiled by low rates so when they climbed above 5 percent, the buyer market received a shock wave and suddenly they knew almost overnight that many areas had shifted from a “seller’s market” to a “buyer’s market,” except prices did not decline so affordability suffered.

It’s important to remember that the average mortgage rate over the last 50 years is actually 7 percent, so the sky has not fall en and we are statistically back to normal for mortgage rates. If interest rates soared as a result of the Federal Reserve’s battle with inflation and crushed buy er’s ability to meet today’s prices, why are we not seeing real estate fall off a cliff in Whatcom County, Blaine and Birch Bay? Because we still do not have enough housing nationally, regionally and locally.

To add to that, to build a nofrills spec home on a postagestamp-sized lot in Whatcom County typically costs more than $300 per square foot for a very basic home, meaning a 2,000-square-foot house will start around $600,000. Those costs have to be reflected in the price of a new home in order for the builders to stay in business. While inventories have more than doubled over the past few months, there are still only 600 homes available countywide when we actually need more

than 1,200. We were running on a three-week supply of housing in the spring and now a threemonth supply, but won’t have a balanced market until we have a six-month supply. Not having enough homes keeps prices high through the age-old economic rule of supply and demand. A key reason inventories are still lag ging market needs is the fact that people are simply not moving as often. Who is going to sell their home with a 2.8 percent mort gage rate to move up or down to a 8 percent mortgage rate?

Fortunately, residential real estate is a truly unique market and we will weather a poten tial downturn better than most of the country. We check all of the boxes for people moving here predominantly from Seattle and California including lower housing prices than where they came, a fairly rural communi ty compared to any large city, lower crime rates, temperate cli mate (no tornadoes, hurricanes, massive fires and punishing droughts) and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. That, coupled with half of today’s of fice workers opting to live at the end of a fast internet connection,

all makes Whatcom County a safe real estate investment.

Will we see 20 percent in creases in value again this year? Absolutely not. But will our area double in value over 10 years as is the national average? In all likelihood, yes.

The most dynamic area for growth in Whatcom County will be north in areas like Blaine, Birch Bay and Ferndale, where hundreds of homes are being built and services will soon pop up to serve the growing popula tion. We still can’t buy a pair of socks north of Bellingham, but that soon should change.

We are sitting in a great spot for real estate and if we simply have a flat year for prices through 2022 and 2023, we should be thrilled. If your home went up 50 percent or more in value over the past three to four years you can celebrate, but don’t cry in your beer if it does not do so this year or next … even if it pulls back 10 percent.

Mike Kent is a realtor with Windermere Real Estate. Every Saturday at 10 a.m., he hosts the weekly “Radio Real Estate” pro gram on 790 KGMI

Road Rules: Stopping for emergency vehicles while at an intersection

B y D ou G D a H l

Question: If one is stopped at a traffic light on a street with a middle divider, what are you supposed to do when an emer gency vehicle, sirens blaring, approaches from behind? To clear the way, you would have to run the red light.

Answer: The law, of course, is clear on how to handle a red light in a normal driving situ ation. However, there’s no sec tion of the law titled, “What to do at a red light when emer gency vehicles come up behind you.” If you’ve been reading this column for a while, you might have noticed that un

usual driving situations keep popping up. What you can’t see is all the questions that go unanswered, partly because I can only answer one ques tion a week, but also because sometimes the situations are so unique that the answer would (See Road Rules, page 15)

Oct. 15, 11:27 a.m.: Threat on Birch Bay Drive.

Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.: Harassment on Bay Road.

Oct. 15, 3:08 p.m.: Harassment on Portal Way.

Oct. 15, 6:08 p.m.: Threat on Carson Road.

Oct. 15, 8:17 p.m.: Neighbor hood dispute on Salish Lane.

Oct. 16, 11:33 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads.

Oct. 16, 2:46 p.m.: Traffic prob lem on Jackson Road.

Oct. 17, 9:26 a.m.: Theft on H Street.

Oct. 17, 6:01 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Mayfair Place.

Oct. 17, 8:02 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Sunrise Road, Custer.

Oct. 18, 10:27 a.m.: Shots on Arnie Road, Custer.

Oct. 18, 6:01 p.m.: Trespass on Morgan Drive.

Oct. 19, 9:52 a.m.: Drugs on Loomis Trail Road.

Oct. 19, 4:37 p.m.: Burglary on Custer School Road, Custer.

Oct. 20, 7:35 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Custer School and Haynie roads, Custer.

Oct. 20, 8:51 a.m.: Hulk vehicle on Birch Bay Square Street.

Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Suspicious

circumstances on Halibut Drive. Oct. 21, 5:21 a.m.: Kin notifi cation on Birch Terrace Court, Custer.

Oct. 21, 3:52 p.m.: Harassment on Arnie Road, Custer.

Oct. 21, 5:15 p.m.: Traffic prob lem on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Oct. 22, 12:35 a.m.: Neighbor hood dispute on Dory Court.

Oct. 22, 3:20 p.m.: Fraud on Clamdigger Drive.

Oct. 23, 6:43 p.m.: Threat on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Oct. 23, 7:49 p.m.: Fight on Crocket Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

Oct. 16, 8:17 a.m.: Suspicious person on Peace Portal Drive.

Oct. 16, 6:21 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Martin Street.

Oct. 17, 11:59 a.m.: Voyeurism on Clark Street.

Oct. 18, 12:35 a.m.: Parking violation on C Street.

on Boblett Street.

6:14 p.m.: Harassment on Peace Portal Drive.

Oct. 18, 9:02 a.m.: 911 hang up on Boblett Street.

Coming up

Thanksgiving Baskets Registration: Friday, October 14–Friday, Novem ber 11. Free, ready-to-cook Thanksgiving dinners for those with limited financial resources living in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts. Reservations required at blainecap.org or call 360/383-8027. Baskets will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, November 22, noon-2:30 p.m., in Blaine.

Community Toy Store Toy Drive: November 1–December 2. High quality

in the $20–$50 range are needed for Blaine/Birch Bay’s holiday gift assistance program. Unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Blaine Library, Blaine Senior Center, Pacific Building Center, Birch Bay Village Rec Center, and Semiahmoo Golf Club, marina cafe, athletic club and resort. Online direct delivery and monetary donation options are also available. Visit blainecap.org for full details. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. For questions, email toystore@blainecap.org.

Community Toy Store Registration: Families who need holiday gift as sistance can get full details and register online Nov. 1 - 27 at blainecap.org or call 530/828-5195. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Blaine Community Theater Presents Wyrd Sisters: Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29, 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m., Blaine High School Orange and Black Box Theater. Wyrd Sisters is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s MacBeth from the witches’ point of view but also pokes fun at politics, theater, fairy tales and several other of Shakespeare’s plays. Tickets: Blainecommunitytheater.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Halloween. Costume contest and drink specials. Info: the vaultwine.com.

7:30 p.m.: Suicide at tempt/threat on Martin Street.

Oct.

7:50 p.m.: Domestic dis pute, no assault, on Birch Court.

8:08 p.m.: Missing per son on Alder Street.

Oct. 18, 9:29 p.m.: Traffic stop on Runge Avenue.

Oct. 18, 9:32 p.m.: Suicidal sub ject on Marine Drive.

Oct. 18, 11:28 p.m.: Parking violation on Bayview Avenue.

DSHS Mobile Community Services Office: Friday, October 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Apply for cash assistance, basic food assistance, medical assistance and Medicare Savings Program. Drop off paperwork, complete an eligibility or mid-certification review or make changes to an existing case. Info: 360/332-8040.

Oct.

11:53 p.m.: Felony assault on C Street.

Oct. 15, 1:50 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Mitchell Avenue.

15, 4:06 a.m.: Auto theft on Peace Portal Drive.

CrOssWOrd

Oct. 18, 11:50 p.m.: Parking violation on G Street.

Oct. 19, 4:04 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on Boblett Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

Oct 27 to Nov 2 at Blaine.

for navigation.

0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

Blaine School District Trunk or Treat: Friday, October 28, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Elementary School parking lot, corner of H and Mitchell streets. Everyone is welcome to come and trick or treat. Students, staff and clubs will have their trunks decorated and ready to see little Borderites dressed in their Halloween best. Sponsored by Blaine High School ASB. Info: blainesd. org/article/883553.

Music at The Vault: Friday, October 28, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring:Michele D’Amour and The Love Dealers. Info: thevaultwine.com.

10th Annual Cherry Point Virtual Science Forum: Saturday, October 29, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn from local scientists about their work relevant to Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve and how we can better protect this ecologi cally, culturally and economically vital place. Topics will include oil spills, mi croplastics, and eelgrass and kelp restoration. Register at: bit.ly/3zfowoo.

Trick or Treat on the Berm: Saturday, October 29, 3–6 p.m., along the Birch Bay berm promenade, Kids come trick or treat at different stops along the berm. Photo costume contest, treats and Halloween activities for the whole family at the Birch Bay Community Library, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Outdoor movie “Scoob” at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 29, 5–7 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Blaine Ward, 2550 Thornton Road, Ferndale. Chili cookoff, kids carnival games and trick or treating. Info: 360/603-3393.

Trick or Treat at Semiahmoo Resort: Sunday, October 30, 5–7 p.m., Se miahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Trick or treating open to thepublic. Halloween movie night $5 at 7 p.m.. Info: Semiahmoo.com.

Freeman’s 8th Annual Halloween Carnival: Monday, October 31, 4–8 p.m., corner of 6th and C streets. This year’s theme: Harry Potter. Trick or treaters will get a wand, chocolate frog and large candy bag. Prizes forbest costume. Bonfire and refreshments for adults.

HEIGHT

27 12:58 am -1.0 8:14 am 9.6

pm 6.0 6:19 pm 9.0

28 1:38 am -1.6 9:10 am 9.8

pm 6.7 6:47 pm 8.9

29 2:22 am -1.8 10:14 am 9.9

pm 7.3 7:15 pm 8.6

30 3:12 am -1.7 11:20 am 9.8

pm 7.5 7:49 pm 8.2

4:08 am -1.3 12:26 pm 9.8

pm

1 5:10

8:37 pm

Inaugural Trick or Treat at St. Anne: Monday, October 31, 5-7 p.m., St. Anne Catholic Church, corner of H and 6th streets. Kids stop by and get a treat bags and more.

Haunted House: Monday, October 31, sundown– 8 p.m., 727 D Street. Spooky haunted house. All are welcome but children under seven years old recommended be accompanied by an adult. Hosted by Richard May.

Supper With the Superintendent: Wednesday, November 2, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, 4819 Alderson Road, #103. The community is invited to ask questions and discuss school topics with Blaine School District superintendent Dr. Christoper Granger. Light dinner provided.

Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, November 12, noon–3p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Info: 360/332-8040.

Ongoing

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evi dence-based, structured curriculum and peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net.

Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome.Info: 360/371-3558.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of October 17-23, 0.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 yearto-date precipitation is 20.9 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 70°F on October 17 with a low of 47°F on October 23. Average high was 57°F and average low was 46°F.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, November 16, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Book for November is Redemption of Wolf 302 by Rick McIntyre. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, November 18, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. November title: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Har row.. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerry lyn at 360/305-2246.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Road Rules ...

From page 13

only

relevant to the person

the

Imagine if the law tried to give direction to every

that we all could think

As it is, if you got all the

laws in print you’d be trading out some of your favorite books on your

to make room. Instead, we have to work from more broad laws and apply them to specific situations.

I’ll also point out that the sit uation

question describes

is not something you encoun ter regularly, so some of us may never be faced with this deci sion. At intersections that don’t have a divider between travel directions, the responder will probably go around you instead of waiting for you to get out of their way. Also, when traffic signals are equipped with the requisite sensors, emergency response vehicles can change the light to green in their di rection and red in all other directions. In that case, you’ll get the green light too, pull for ward and to the right, and the emergency responder will be on their way.

What do you do though, if you are the one at the red light with the flashing lights and si ren behind you? The law says that when an emergency vehi cle approaches, drivers are re quired to pull as close as pos sible to the right-hand side of the road, clear of any intersec tion and stop. There’s also the law that states that drivers are to comply with any lawful di rection from a police officer or firefighter who has the authori ty to direct traffic.

Does that mean drivers should interpret the siren and lights as a lawful direction and move out of the way? Be

fore you respond, let me give you one more piece of infor mation. I said the law doesn’t answer this question directly, but it turns out that the Wash ington Driver Guide does. This handbook is self-described as a “guide that outlines the state’s rules for Washington’s roads and highways.” In the para graph about yielding to emer gency vehicles, it says, “If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. If the light is red, stay where you are.”

I ran this by a state trooper, who agreed. He allowed that if you’re able to move over slight

ly without pulling into the in tersection that would be okay, but otherwise said, “Stay where you are. We are trained to fig ure it out.” He pointed out that if you pull into the intersection it’s possible that you could be involved in a collision. If you have a red light, there’s a good chance that cross-traffic has a green light. In an emergen cy, even if it’s not yours, take a breath, reign in the fight-orflight response and make the safe choice.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and pub lishes TheWiseDrive.com.

There's nobody more qualified for any political office in Whatcom County than Simon Sefzik

He has proven himself to be knowledgeable and prepared that’s what it takes to be a great state legislator

It’s my generation that created the mess that we’re in and it’s going to take the next generation to fix it I know Simon Sefzik is that man. Sen. Sefzik has my wholehearted support.

by:

Mayor Kevin Hester

Mayor John Perry Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis

Mayor Bruce Bosch Sheriff Bill Elfo

Blaine Mayor Bonnie Onyon

Ken Bell Port Commissioner