The Northern Light: March 2-8, 2023

March

2 - 8, 2023

FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay IN THIS ISSUE

Final plat approval for The Ridge’s division II, page 3

Harmon finishes first month as city manager

B y G race M c c arthy

Michael Harmon is finishing his first full month as Blaine city manager after starting the job on January 16.

Harmon, with six years of experience under his belt in city management, has taken the position during a time when Blaine is facing major challenges and changes. These include a $7 million sewer project to replace dilapidated pipes, extensive housing projects in Semiahmoo and east Blaine, a long-anticipated overpass project at Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive that is on tap for a go for federal funding. The city is also anticipated to dip $1 million into its reserves this year.

A Fairfield, Iowa native, Harmon earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Dakota. Harmon worked as a police officer in Pierre, South Dakota and for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before becoming the city administrator of Fairfield, a city of 9,600 people.

Harmon then went on to become the city administrator of Spearfish, South Dakota from 2017 to 2021. In the city of 12,300 people, he oversaw 125 full-time staff members and a $42 million operational budget. He did a brief stint as the chief operating officer of electric utility provider High Plains Power in Riverton, Wyoming, before taking the job as Blaine city manager.

Harmon moved to Blaine with his wife, 10-year-old son and two-year-old daughter.

The Northern Light interviewed Harmon and asked about his plans and hopes as he embarks on a new challenge.

Responses were edited for length and clarity.

Q: How has your first month gone as Blaine city manager?

The first month has been a whirlwind of information about Blaine and certain Washington laws, coupled with some projects that have some tight deadlines such as the Bell Road grade separation application for federal grant funds and the east Blaine tax-increment financing district (TIF) project.

It’s been very busy but the transition

Boys basketball moves on at state, page 7

Bills aiding domestic violence victims, page 13

Living Pantry awarded business of the year

City council approves sending east Blaine taxing district study to state for feedback

In a narrow 4-3 vote, Blaine City Council approved sending a study on creating an east Blaine taxing district to the Washington state treasurer for feedback. The taxing district, known as a tax-increment financing district (TIF), could help the city fund $3.5 million worth of infrastructure needed to develop the east Blaine subdivisions of The Ridge at Harbor Hills, East Harbor Hills and Grandis Pond.

The city’s approval of sending the TIF

study to the state does not guarantee that a TIF district will be established. The state has 90 days to review the study and is expected to return its feedback by May. Council will then need to consider the state’s recommendations and vote whether it wants to establish a TIF district before June 1, per state requirements. If council is unable to make the decision by June 1, it will need to wait another year to establish the district.

In fall 2021, former city manager Michael Jones first brought TIF to city coun-

Whatcom County Council OKs stop signs at Birch Point Road, Birch Bay Drive intersection

Two stop signs expected to be installed at the intersection of Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road within the next month have Birch Bay residents concerned over safety.

Whatcom County Council voted 7-0 during its February 21 meeting to establish stop signs at the intersection, just north of Birch Bay Village, for southbound traffic

on Birch Point Road and for westbound traffic on Birch Bay Drive. The speed limit is 35 mph.

Council followed public works staff’s recommendation that the signs were needed for traffic control as housing construction continues at Horizon at Semiahmoo. Birch Point Road will serve as a second fire access road for the subdivision, which is expected to bring 540 units to the 149-acre property between Birch

Point Road and Semiahmoo Parkway.

Councilmember Carol Frazey asked Whatcom County traffic engineer Doug Ranney during the February 21 public works and health committee meeting if he had heard feedback from community members since the ordinance was introduced February 7. He said he hadn’t heard anything but anticipated input. Frazey

cil’s attention after the Washington state legislature passed a law allowing cities, ports and counties to establish TIF districts earlier that year. TIF can be used as a financial tool to fund publicly owned infrastructure needed for planned developments in areas that historically haven’t had much economic development.

“We believe without infrastructure, very little development would happen in the area,” said Bob Stowe, the city’s TIF

(See TIF, page 6)

s From l.; Living Pantry co-owners Seppi and Shawna Morris and Blaine Chamber of Commerce president Tim Woodard celebrate Living Pantry winning business of the year at the chamber of commerce’s annual general meeting at Great Blue Heron Grill on February 23. The Morrises opened Living Pantry at 684 Peace Portal Drive during the middle of the pandemic. After seeing success from Whatcom County’s first zero-waste store, they went on to open another location in Bellingham in fall 2021 and opened a third storefront in Fairhaven on February 9. See more on page 15.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Wings Over Water takes flight March 17-19

The Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will bring the joys of bird watching to Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo for its 20th annual event from Friday, March 17 to Sunday, March 19.

The festival will start with a featured artist opening night

B y G race M c c arthy reception along with a Mexican buffet and a no-host bar at 5 p.m. on March 17 at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Festival co-founder Maynard Axelson will discuss the black brant, the festival’s poster bird, as well as waterfowl migration changes along the Pacific Flyway, which runs from Patagonia to Alaska. The festival’s featured artist Laurel Mundy will also showcase her art that highlights ecology and conservation issues during the reception. Opening reception tickets cost $30 and space is limited.

Market Analysis

“If you’ve never had the opportunity to see what’s in your community, it’s a real eye opener,” festival coordinator Debbie Harger said. “It’s addicting once you realize what’s out there.”

Harger encouraged those who want to participate in festival activities to sign up now as many events are already booking up. Registration can be done at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

The festival also offers an array of activities that don’t need registration. The all-day birding expo, which does not require registration, will have expert speakers, vendors, wildlife exhibits, youth activities, live raptor presentations from 10 a.m. to 5

(See Birding, page 10)

s Red crossbills. Photo by Eric Ellingson/courtesy Wings Over Water

City council gives final plat approval for the second phase of The Ridge

Blaine City Council unanimously gave final plat approval for the second phase of The Ridge at Harbor Hills during its February 27 meeting. The approval will give the go ahead for 110 single-family and multi-family homes. The second phase, which is on the northwest end of The Ridge, will also include utility improvements, public roads, trails and recreational areas.

The 110 homes include 78 single-family residential lots and eight fourplexes. Home construction could start as soon as May or June, said Craig Parkinson principal civil engineer at Cascade Engineering Group. Phase three infrastructure will be built this summer and phase four could be constructed in 2023 or 2024, he said.

City council gave preliminary plat approval for the entire subdivision, formerly known as East Maple Ridge, in June 2020. The preliminary plat included 353 units that will be built in 13 phases. The second division that council approved includes phases four through seven and part of phase 11.

The Ridge is an 88-acre prop-

Stop signs ...

From page 1 said she was concerned that the public hadn’t given any feedback ahead of the public hearing that was scheduled during the regular meeting later that day.

Birch Bay Village board member Sandy Zeitel was the only person who spoke during the public hearing on the stop signs.

“Take a regular car and drive it on the wet and icy road and I think you’ll change your mind about putting [a stop sign] there,” she told council. “We would be slipping and sliding. It’s already a dangerous curve. I think there are going to be accidents and people are going to get killed. People are going to be sliding down the road. We will not be able to make it up the hill.”

Immediately following the public hearing, councilmember Todd Donovan moved to approve the ordinance and councilmember Tyler Byrd seconded the motion.

Donovan said public works employees gave a compelling reason to put the stop signs in. Councilmember Kathy Kershner said she would go with staff’s recommendation because they had thoroughly researched the intersection and determined stop signs were necessary.

Ranney said staff always considers roadway safety due to weather concerns and maintenance crews work their best to make roads safe during poor weather.

“The issue here is sight distance and, at the top of that hill, there is a problem and the stop signs are necessary to make that intersection safe as it’s opened,” he said.

Ranney said the stop signs would be installed within the

erty located north of H Street Road, east of Jerome Street and west of North Harvey Road. It is directly to the west of the East Harbor Hills, a 144-acre property also being developed by Skip and Katie Jansen. Grandis Pond, a housing development that will have nearly 1,000 homes when built out, is east of East Harbor Hills.

The plat infrastructure in The

Ridge’s second division is more than 80 percent complete, according to city documents. Currently, over a dozen homes are occupied in The Ridge and over 100 people are working on developing and constructing the subdivision. Jansen told The Northern Light in January that he expects The Ridge to be complete by the end of 2025.

next two to three weeks. He said the stop signs were necessary because of anticipated increase in traffic: Over 30 building permits have been issued at Horizon and fire code requires a second emergency access road for that many homes.

Whatcom County Council

clerk Dana Brown-Davis said Birch Bay residents have sent feedback to councilmembers following the February 21 decision, but did not have an estimate on how many people have emailed

or phoned council. Brown-Davis said there are no plans for the stop signs to be on the Tuesday, March 7 council meeting agenda but residents may speak during the meeting’s public comment period and email councilmembers at council@co.whatcom.wa.us

The next council meeting will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham or remotely. For more information on remote participation, visit bit.ly/3VEQu5w.

s Cars travel near where the county plans on adding two stop signs at Birch Point Road and Birch Bay Drive on February 28.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

s Finished houses in the first division of The Ridge at Harbor Hills.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

The Northern L ght

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

Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. 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 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.

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Contributors In This Issue

Doug Dahl

Jonathan Hall

Alexandria Osborne

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

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Vol XXVIII, No 37

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Akre sworn in as new school board member OpiniOn Letters

s From l.; Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger swears in Kimberly Akre as school board member at the start of the February 27 board meeting. Akre will represent district 1, covering western downtown Blaine and Point Roberts, until her term is up during the November election. Akre co-owns Pacific Building Center and has served as a former Blaine Chamber of Commerce president. Akre has two children who have attended Blaine schools.

The Editor: Although we are only part-time residents, we are happy to support and glad that there is a local newspaper that we can read online to see what’s happening in our favorite little getaway place.It really keeps us in touch with the community.

Victoria and John Kros Blaine and Folsom, California

The Editor: I wasn’t sure to whom I should address this note, but given the most recent train derailment and toxic chemical release in Palestine, I am curious if any dangerous cargo, chemicals, etc. pass through Blaine by train?

If so, what chemicals or materials are transported? Does Blaine and/or Whatcom County have an emergency plan in place? Are there any special consider-

ations because of our proximity to the water and border?

Kevin Faulkner Blaine

The Editor: HB 1513 may support equity for some but I do not believe it will improve public safety. As Ms. Rodgriquez expressed her concern for “excessive policing,” perhaps she should ask residents about the increase of criminal behavior in their communities. And who exactly are “losing their lives to police violence” in Washington state?

Although expired tabs or other vehicle defects may not be the cause of deadly crashes, stops made for these minor offenses may be critical. I suggest Ms. Rodgriquez research the minor traffic stops made of Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma

CiviC Meetings

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 Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

City bomber, or Ted Bundy, the serial rapist and murderer. Had it not been for those traffic stops, these horrific criminals may not have been arrested.

And for traffic safety, I believe many of these minor traffic stops lead to arrests for drug trafficking and drunk driving. As for the “disproportionally impact people of color” effect, is it too much to ask everyone, regardless of race, to keep their vehicles in proper road legal condition? Police are not the enemy and I encourage state senator Shewmake, and state representatives Rule and Timmons to vote against HB 1513.

Doug Tomaso Blaine

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

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Harmon ...

From page 1

overall has gone well. I’m very thankful for [former interim city manager] Dave Wilbrecht and the time that he spent giving me an overview of the projects and explaining the ins and outs of the things happening in the city. Dave’s last day with the city was February 3.

Q: How have you been getting to know the community?

My wife and children were able to transition with me. One of the ways we immerse ourselves in the community is through my son’s sports. I’ve also reached out to meet with the director of the Boys and Girls Club, I’ve met with the director of the senior center, I’ve got meetings proposed with the chamber of commerce. I’ve met with a number of both developers and civic leaders in the community, to introduce myself, listen to their concerns, listen to what’s going well in Blaine and get an overall feel of the pulse of the community.

Q: What initially attracted you to work as a city manager?

The variety of what a city manager does is tremendous. You need to know enough about each of the departments that you’re responsible for, but not necessarily be an expert. And your day is different from handling police matters to matters of development.

I believe local government is the most responsive branch of government to the needs of the citizens. We get to drive around the community and see the fruits of our labor. We get to see projects that we’re a part of and improvements in people’s lives that we helped make happen. And that’s rewarding work.

Q: What are the most important things you’ve learned about Blaine so far?

It is a special community that is positioned well for the future growth that will likely occur in Whatcom County and the Pacific Northwest. Blaine is a safe community. It is a clean community. And it’s a community that I believe offers a high quality of life to both our residents and visitors.

Q: How does Blaine compare to previous cities where you’ve worked?

Blaine reminds me a lot of Spearfish in terms of the growth that it’s experiencing. Spearfish had a number of developments underway as well as a need for affordable housing. Affordable housing is really a nationwide issue and concern, and Blaine is not immune to that. I was a part of making a development called Sky Ridge. Sky Ridge is approximately 300 homes that is adjacent to a sports complex that includes seven regulation soccer fields and four regulation softball fields. We used tax-increment financing (TIF) to offset the costs of the infrastructure needed to serve that area and some of the costs associated with the sports complex. We were also able to use TIF to buy down the cost of the lot and require the developer to stay within certain financial parameters as they sold the homes that they built. It required the developer to perform in terms of numbers of homes they build every year, but also price points where those homes can be

sold. It was a really successful project. It’s an ongoing project and just entering phase two, I believe.

Q: How will you use what you’ve learned from your previous positions as city manager to this role?

The problems are very similar.

I’ve been fortunate in my career to be a part of some really big projects from a wastewater treatment expansion to an affordable housing project, to building a new rec center. Taking that history, the personal experience of being a part of those projects, and applying it to Blaine will be useful.

Q: What will you like to accomplish by the end of your first year?

I would like to have seen us get a real handle on how to implement a sustainable financial model for Blaine. Our current model isn’t sustainable. We have to make difficult decisions on how we’re going to operate and the services that we’re going to provide. My number one goal in year one is to recommend to council options to implement a sustainable financial model for Blaine.

The department heads are researching what some of those cuts or revenue increases may look like. We haven’t had those conversations yet. We’ll know more by probably mid to late summer. We want to communicate options internally before we go public. I think it’s good that we’re early so we can do the research necessary to make informed decisions.

Q: What other challenges do you see in Blaine?

We’ve got some challenges with the condition of some of our infrastructure. We need to decide how we’re going to bring our infrastructure up to the standards that we would all benefit from and like to see. Determining how we fund those and what we have to do versus what we would like to do will be a priority in the next two to five years. Maintaining and bringing our infrastructure up to the standards that I think we’d all like to see is certainly a challenge for us.

Q: What’s your perspective on the city’s infastructure?

Our infrastructure is in a state that is working. We don’t have anything that is critical at this point. It is time for us to develop comprehensive plans on how we plan to mitigate some of the issues we know are likely to happen in the future, and determine how we’re going to fund both the aging infrastructure replacement and some of the upgrades that will be necessary to facilitate development.

Q: What are your views on housing development in Semiahmoo and east Blaine?

We’re going to have to tackle our financial problem by both growing our revenues and by decreasing our expenditures. As we get more development, both our property taxes increase and those homeowners and visitors will shop in Blaine, which helps our sales tax growth. I’m supportive of development. It’s what Blaine needs if it is going to provide a similar level of service that it’s providing today.

Q: Residents have voiced concern in the past year about uncontrolled development. What would you say to them?

The city of Blaine has comprehensive master plans surrounding development and the state of

Washington has strong regulation surrounding development. We follow both our master plan and the state of Washington laws. Developments happening and proposed in Blaine are thought through at a very high level with the support of staff, planning commission and council. We do our best to make sure that development happens in a planned manner and one that makes sense for Blaine.

Q: Do you believe TIF could be a good tool to spur development?

At the current levels that we’re considering using TIF, I believe that could be a financial tool to help facilitate that development, which also helps grow our schools.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my son play sports, fishing, scuba diving, camping, riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes. I tend to like just about anything outdoors that’s got a component of adrenaline to it.

Thursday, March 2 9:00am – Ad Hoc Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 9 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, March 13 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Thursday, March 16 9:00am – Ad Hoc Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting

Monday, March 27 6:00pm

City Council Meeting

PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 23, 2023 · 4 p.m. 7096 Pt. Whitehorn Rd, Birch Bay

During the regularly scheduled board meeting, the Commissioners will review a proposed increase to the General Facility Charge Rates (GFC). More information on the proposed changes to the GFC Rates can be found on the District’s website: https://bbwsd.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 360-371-7100, or email office@bbwsd.com.

Interested parties may attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85805016504 Meeting ID: 858 050 165 04

Phone Access: +16699009128,,681498263# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,681498263# US (Houston)

“Although we are only part-time residents, we are happy to support and glad that there is a local newspaper that we can read on-line to see what's happening in our favorite little get-away place... It really keeps us in touch with the community.”

- Victoria & John Kros

“A BIG thank you to all the great journalists and everyone else, that make this informative newspaper The Northern

s Blaine city manager Michael Harmon in council chambers on February 24. Harmon has six years of experience in leading the cities of Spearfish, South Dakota and Fairfield, Iowa. Photo by Grace McCarthy

TIF ...

From page 1 consultant who conducted the study, during a February 22 special meeting on TIF.

TIF guidelines

Taxing districts typically collect the previous year’s levy, the annual 1 percent levy increase and new construction costs. TIF allows an additional amount to be added that would go to the city’s general fund for the city to take out loans or bonds to fund the east Blaine infrastructure. No other taxing districts besides the city would receive the TIF revenue; however, they could benefit from additional tax revenue the development would ultimately bring.

TIF districts cannot last longer than 25 years and their boundaries can’t change, according to state requirements. There can’t be more than two active TIF ar-

eas and they can’t overlap.

Using the 2023 levy rates, $3.63 of the $8.72 total levy would be available to repay the city’s infrastructure debt, according to city documents. The TIF district would cover 833 acres with an expected 1,442 homes and 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

Stowe said he looked at three scenarios on how the east Blaine housing development may occur using different project scopes and timeframes. If council decides to create an ordinance establishing TIF later this spring, the city can only collect up to the TIF revenue amount identified in the ordinance. This means if council determines it only wants to borrow $3.5 million from the TIF area, it cannot borrow more, even if the TIF area can generate more revenue. The TIF area ends when the city has paid off its debt.

The city originally was con-

sidering borrowing $7 million through TIF but lowered it to $3.5 million, which is a quarter of the total $14 million estimated for new east Blaine infrastructure. The city has already secured $1 million from the state and Whatcom County, split evenly, for infrastructure and may be able to use an additional $500,000 in Covid-19 stimulus money, city manager Michael Harmon said.

Stowe told councilmembers February 22 the state would recommend how much it believed the city should borrow but the amount was ultimately up to council.

“It’s up to you in terms of what you believe you should issue debt for and how much you should issue it for,” Stowe said.

Impact on city taxpayers

In theory, TIF should only financially impact people living in the designated TIF area. TIF would allow the city to borrow money from expected increases in property tax revenues in the new east Blaine subdivisions to pay for electrical, sewer, water and roadway improvements.

However, all of the city’s taxpayers may be impacted by TIF if development is slower than anticipated or doesn’t occur at all. The city and developers Skip and Katie Jansen, of The Ridge and East Harbor Hills, and Ken Hertz, of Grandis Pond, would split the cost of the TIF debt if development is slow. Harmon said that a gap in when the city begins incurring debt and when the city begins seeing TIF funds as development progresses is expected in the first few years.

The city would need to pay the debt with its general fund reserves, which is currently around $4 million (the city is projecting using $1 million of its reserves to balance its general fund in 2023 so that number could decrease). If the general fund can’t be used to make a payment on the debt, then the city would likely raise utility rates and borrow the money from the utility funds, city finance director Daniel Heverling said. He added the city has about a year’s worth of money in the utility funds before it would need to raise rates.

NOTICE OF FLUSHING

The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system.

The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system.

During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820, or visit www.cityofblaine.com for weekly area updates.

Blaine Public Works.

$290,000 additional expenses annually, depending on interest rates. Each utility customer would need to pay about $33 per year to cover the city’s debt, or about $2.25 per month.

“When the loan is paid off, does anybody believe the city would reduce that utility back?”

councilmember Garth Baldwin asked on February 22. He added the city is already behind on raising rates and that taxpayers are still paying off the city’s state-of-the-art Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility. Council debate

TIF has only recently become an issue of debate for city council. Discussions on TIF geared up last November as council held a study session on the funding tool, before approving a $75,000 contract in December with Stowe Development and Strategies to conduct the analysis of the east Blaine area that would be sent to the state.

The city, the Jansens and Hertz had agreed to split the cost of Stowe’s $75,000 contract evenly three ways but a contract with the developers had not been prepared by December. Council was slated to vote on the contract during its February 13 meeting but tabled approving the contract because some councilmembers raised concerns that the $75,000 contract was too costly, despite Stowe having already spent over a month working on the study.

Councilmembers seemed confused on what they were voting on and councilmember Richard May directed city staff to ask Stowe to halt work until city council had more time to discuss TIF. In part, council wanted Harmon, who was away at the time, to provide recommendations because he had used TIF to buy down the costs of Sky Ridge, an affordable housing development and large sports complex in Spearfish, South Dakota. (While TIF was recently passed in Washington, it’s been a funding tool across the U.S. for years.)

throughout the state, including Pasco, Kirkland, Chelan, College Place, Lakewood and Yakima.

The city had already incurred $63,000 of Stowe’s $75,000 contract, May said during the meeting.

Councilmembers discussed their earlier confusion on the financial contract with the developers they were supposed to vote on February 13. Councilmember Rhyan Lopez stated he thought council had already approved the developer contract and this was an additional $75,000, while councilmember Garth Baldwin asked why the contract with the developers wasn’t signed.

Councilmember Mike Hill said he supported having the option for the TIF district because it would help development, which he said was needed to improve the city budget.

“[Michael] Jones is the one that started this and he thought this would be a real good thing for the city, and it will be. It’s an opportunity. We don’t have to use it, or we can use it,” Hill said. “[The developers] are trying to help us, not hurt us. Every time we make a move it seems like we’re road-blocking these guys.”

Councilmember Eric Davidson voiced his reservation on the TIF district, saying he didn’t believe the city had explored the option enough, to which Baldwin agreed. May said council would ultimately decide how much debt the city would take on, if it decided to create a TIF district.

“You will have ample time to argue whatever limit you think should be the highest amount,” May told Davidson. “The likely one we’re being presented has shrunk greatly. We want to bite off what we can chew. The figures being most seriously looked at right now are rather modest.”

Mayor Mary Lou Steward suggested councilmembers use the next few months to look at the successes and failures of TIF districts in other states. May agreed.

The city is asking the state to review whether it would be fiscally responsible to take out $3.5 million in loans or bonds to be paid back through TIF revenue. If the city took on that debt, it would incur about $255,000 to

Heverling warned councilmembers that the February 27 council meeting was the absolute latest they could vote on sending the TIF study to the state because the state needed 90 days for review.

Council held the February 22 special meeting to ask Stowe questions regarding TIF. Stowe has been a major consultant on proposed or active TIF projects

After the special February 22 meeting, council briefly discussed TIF before taking two separate votes on it during its February 27 meeting. In a 7-0 vote, council approved the financial contract with the developers. Council then voted 4-3 for the city to send Stowe’s TIF study to the state for recommendations. Councilmembers Baldwin, Davidson and Kerena Higgins voted in opposition.

s Blaine City Council during its February 27 meeting at city hall. From l.; Rhyan Lopez, Kerena Higgins (present), Garth Baldwin, Mary Lou Steward, Richard May, Mike Hill and Eric Davidson. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Blaine boys basketball on to quarterfinals with upset win over Zillah

The Blaine boys basketball team opened up its state tournament run with a win over No. 2 Zillah High School February 25 at Davis High School in Yakima. Blaine won 61-58, as the No. 7 seed in Class 1A and put an end to Zillah’s 20-game win streak.

The win advances the Borderites to the quarterfinals, where they will play the winner of March 1 game between No. 8 Overlake and No. 16 Lakeside (9 Mile). All quarterfinal games are Thursday, March 2. Blaine will play at 9 p.m. in the Yakima SunDome.

Defending state champions No. 1 Lynden Christian also advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Overlake 69-49 February 25. The Lyncs will play the winner of No.10 Seattle Academy and Zillah at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the dome.

The Borderites are at their second consecutive state tournament, after going out to Quincy in the first round last year. The last time Blaine went to back-to-back state tournaments was in 2002.

Blaine started strong Saturday evening, taking a 17-9 lead into the second quarter. The Zillah Leopards clawed their way back in the second to make it a two-point game at halftime. They made it a one-point game going into the fourth quarter, but Blaine wasn’t going to hand them 21 wins.

The Borderites scored 20 points to maintain their lead and secure the win over the Leopards. Senior Mathew Russ had six points in the fourth quarter, and junior Noah Tavis had seven as Blaine built up an eight-point lead. Tavis made an early 3-pointer that sparked a 5-0 Blaine run to start the period and give the Borderites a lead they would hold at four until the final buzzer.

Russ finished with 19 points, senior Carson Lehnert and Tavis had 10 each, senior Lucas Smith had 9, senior Ethan Koreski had 8 and senior Lawrence Crea-

sey-Pulphus had 5.

If Blaine wins Thursday, they go on to the second semifinal game Friday, March 3, which will be played at 9 p.m. in the Yakima SunDome. The final is Saturday, March 4 at 5 p.m. in the dome. At this point in the tournament, it is double-elimination. If Blaine loses, they will enter into the loser’s bracket

and play for fifth or third place, depending on when they lose. The last time Blaine won a state trophy was in 2004, which was the end of its glory era for boys basketball. The Borderites went to state 14 times between 1986 and 2004, winning two state championships and 10 trophies. Statistics and play-by-play thanks to whatcomhoops.com.

s Noah Tavis shoots a 3-pointer in Blaine’s district championship loss to Lynden Christian February 11 at Lynden High School. If both Whatcom teams continue to win, they could meet again in the state championship.

Photo by Ian Haupt, from file

s Blaine boys basketball team after its 61-58 win over Zillah February 25 at Davis High School in Yakima.

Photo by Robert Lehnert

Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

The effects of chronic stress on overall health

Stress poses a significant public health problem. Though work is often cited as a primary cause of stress, in 2022 socioeconomic issues contributed to a spike in stress levels, which serves as proof that there’s no shortage of potential stressors.

According to the Stress in America Survey 2022 from the American Psychological Association, 81 percent of respondents indicated they were stressed out due to issues affecting the supply chain. Inflation proved even more troubling, as 87 percent of participants in the survey indicated they were stressed out by the

rising cost in living. That’s especially noteworthy, as it marked a nearly 30 percent increase from the year prior.

Stress is more than an inconvenience. Though the APA notes the human body is well-equipped to handle stress in small doses, chronic stress poses an entirely different problem, affecting various parts of the body.

Musculoskeletal system

The APA reports that muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress. However, muscle tension for long periods of time can trigger a host of problems, including tension-type headache

and migraine headaches, which are each associated with chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. The APA notes that work-related stress in particular has been linked to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and upper extremities.

Respiratory system

Stress can present problems affecting the respiratory system as well. Shortness of breath and rapid breathing can occur when a person is feeling stress. Though the APA acknowledges this is often not a problem for people without respiratory disease, the group notes it can exacerbate breathing problems for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cardiovascular system

Chronic stress can contribute to long-term problems affecting the heart and blood vessels, which the APA notes are the two elements of the cardiovascular system that work together to provide nourishment and oxygen to the body’s organs. Chronic stress

has many hallmarks, including a consistent and ongoing spike in heart rate. As a result, long-term ongoing stress increases a person’s risk for an assortment of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Gastrointestinal system

The APA notes that hundreds of millions of neurons in the gut are in constant communication with the brain. This is why feelings of nervousness or anxiety often produce the sensation of butterflies in the stomach. When a person is dealing with chronic stress, that can affect

File photo

communication between the gut and brain, potentially leading to pain, bloating and other discomfort in the gut.

Stress is a public health problem that affects people from all walks of life. Individuals feeling excess levels of stress are urged to speak to their physicians and visit apa.org for more information.

Why organic?

Consumers familiar with the disparity in price between organic fruits and vegetables and conventional alternatives may be curious if that difference in price pays off with healthier foods.

According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it does. Researchers behind the study concluded that the antioxidant compounds in organic fruits and vegetables deliver between 20 and 40 percent higher antioxidant activity. That’s a significant benefit, as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and legumes are associated with a lower risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and deaths from all causes.

In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that organically grown produce has traditionally had lower levels of pesticide residue than conventionally grown alternatives, though safety measures governing conventional produce and residue levels have changed in recent years and reduced that gap.

Birding ...

From page 2 p.m. March 18 at Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Puget Sound Energy scientist Mel Walters will give a 5 p.m. keynote speech to end the expo on how the energy utility company is working to make its operations safer for birds.

A birding breakfast will take place 9-11 a.m. March 19 at Blaine Senior Center. The festi-

val will offer free youth activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19 at BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park. Wild Whatcom will also host a guided family bird walk at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. starting at the BP Heron Center. Parking is free at the state park on March 19.

The festival will sell Wings Over Water hats for $18 and bags for $30 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“It’s going to be a great festival,” Harger said. “It won’t be a disappointment.”

City of Blaine water bill to increase in March

Blaine residents should plan for increased utility rates starting in March.

Blaine City Council approved revising its 2023 budget in January to increase utility rates to pay for increased operating and capital costs in the utility fund. The rates will increase 17.5 percent for water and 8 percent for electric, sewer and stormwater.

The city is expected to increase

the water utility 17.5 percent annually until 2025 to make up for years of council not increasing the rate to keep up with inflation.

Last March, the city increased the water utility by 17.5 percent and made more modest increases – 5 percent for sewer and 3.5 percent for electric and stormwater. A typical increase is about 3 percent, The Northern Light previously reported.

s Sardis Raptor Center gives a live raptor presentation during the 2022 Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Douglas Clifford Beer, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00121-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE:

David E. Freeman.

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication:

February 23, 2023

Personal Representative:

Denise Wood 2325 Squalicum Mountain Road Bellingham, WA 98226

Attorney for the Personal Representative:

Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service:

Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 23-4-00127-37

Judge Evan Jones

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’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 Administrator 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:

February 9, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

February 16, 2023

Name of Administrator:

BRIAN PHELPS

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: February 9, 2023

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

Attorney for Administrator: BRIAN PHELPS www.averyelderlaw.com

THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM CITY OF BELLINGHAM

Steven Bolster, Plaintiff, v. Mark Gumley, Defendant. NO. Sc22-117 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION Judge Angela Anderson The State of Washington to: Mark Gumley You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 23rd day of March, 2023, and defend the above titled action in the above titled Court, and answer the complaint of the Plaintiff, City of Bellingham, and serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff, Steven Bolster, at his address below stated. In case of your failure do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said Court regarding fraud, theft and such other items requested. This summons is issued pursuant to crlj4 of the District Court Civil Rules of the State of Washington. Respectfully submitted this 2nd day of February, 2023. CITY OF BELLINGHAM

Steven Bolster 315 prospect st Unit #1521 Bellingham, WA 98227

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom

In Re the Estate of Peggy A. Blankenship, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00122-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE:

Robert E. Olson

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication:

February 23, 2023

Personal Representative: Sherrill S. Blankenship 715 14th Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 23-4-00122-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ALAN CROSS, Deceased. No. 23-4-00175-37.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge EVAN P. JONES

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’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 Administrator 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:

February 17, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

Breathtaking views

Domestic violence bills aim to improve victim safety

B y a lexandr I a

O s BO rne , W s J Domestic violence victims will get more protection under a package of bills now moving through the state legislature.

State representative Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline) is sponsoring House Bill 1715. The bill challenges the idea that domestic violence victims need to go into hiding and holds the abusers accountable, she said. The law would initiate statewide requirements for electronic monitoring with victim notification, change the process for surrendering firearms and create provisions under which a domestic violence victim can terminate a rental agreement.

Among other provisions, HB 1715 establishes the Domestic Violence Lethality Hotline seeking to determine how much danger domestic violence perpetrators pose. Davis said HB 1715 rejects the ‘status quo’ where victims receive a court order promising safety that isn’t guaranteed.

The term ‘never event’ is used in health care settings to describe situations that are so preventable, they should never occur; domestic violence homicide should fall under this category, she said. Davis said murders follow consistent patterns and are predictable, but people are still killed every year in Washington by current or former partners.

“This is unacceptable,” she said. “House Bill 1715 builds the system that domestic violence survivors deserve.”

Another bill sponsored by state senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), Senate Bill 5477, extends the Washington State Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and

People Task Force.

The bill would require law enforcement personnel to enter missing person cases into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System if a person has not been found within 30 days of a report or if an agency suspects criminal activity is the cause of the disappearance, she said.

The bill requires a task force to develop recommendations for the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and health services as well as seeks to improve communication with families involved in the missing and murdered Indigenous people cases, Torres said.

Removing guns from the hands of abusers is another element that needs improvement, said state senator Jesse Saloman (D-Shoreline).

As a former prosecutor and public defender, Saloman said he saw how easy it was for defendants to say they don’t own guns and be released without anyone checking if the statement is true. Senate Bill 5231, sponsored by Saloman, will establish a process for issuing an emergency domestic violence no-contact order. It is awaiting assignment to the senate floor. Bill sponsors want to make it easier for officers to remove guns at the scene of a domestic violence incident and create immediate consequences for a defendant who later gets a gun after receiving the order, he said.

“We don’t need to have officers go back a second time to serve an order, so it’s really important that at the scene, they be given the ability to get an emergency order over the phone by calling a judge,” he said.

State senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) said 20 percent of

all murders in Washington are from domestic violence, as well as a quarter of rapes and more than half of simple assaults.

Black, Indigenous and Latinx women are at a higher risk for intimate partner related violence and homicides, Dhingra said. Disparities in homicide rates are seen more among women between the ages of 18 and 29. Almost 60 percent of partner related homicides involve firearms, she said. Compared to other high-income countries, women in the U.S. are more likely to be killed with a gun.

“Those numbers tell a story that the people in our state need to hear,” Dhingra said. “The need is urgent for stronger protections, better services and adequate funding for survivors of domestic violence.”

State representative Amy Walen (D-Kirkland) said most people know someone who domestic violence has affected, whether they know it or not.

Walen said she used to work with a young man who is now in prison after tracking and killing his former girlfriend. The protection order his girlfriend had against him didn’t make a difference, and the baby they had together witnessed the mother’s murder, she said.

“We must do better to protect those who are stalked, hunted, coerced, threatened and live in fear,” she said. “We owe it to our communities, we owe it to our families, we owe it to the children who watch what we do.”

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

Birch Bay library proponents, WCLS seek support in Olympia

s From l.; Doralee Booth, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce county liaison; Dianne Marrs-Smith, Friends of Birch Bay Library president; Ted Morris, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2; and Christine Perkins, Whatcom County Library System executive director in Washington state senate chambers on February 23. Perkins and the group of Birch Bay library supporters visited Olympia to garner support and move the library project ahead. In January, the Washington state Department of Commerce rejected a proposal to use an existing state grant for a downscaled library project.“The conversations were fairly brief so we tried to pack a lot in short meetings,” Perkins said. “We are grateful for the support of our local legislators.”

courtesy Birch Bay Vogt Community Library Facebook

Koren (Kory) A. Diemert

August 5, 1942 – February 13, 2023

Koren (Kory) A. Diemert, age 80 of Bellingham passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2023 at home after a 16-month battle against brain cancer. She was born August 5, 1942 to Mabel (Hawkinson) Karber and John Karber in Ulysses, Kansas.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Dr., Ferndale. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Good News Fellowship Church located at 1252 W. Axton Rd. Ferndale, with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be made to the Lighthouse Mission, 910 W Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225 or Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.

Counseling and Personal Coaching

Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth

Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com

Photo

sheriff’s repOrts

Feb. 20, 7:47 a.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Feb. 20, 11:04 a.m.: Assist citizen on Halibut Drive.

Feb. 20, 1:33 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Blaine Road.

Feb. 20, 1:39 p.m.: Fraud on Fir Tree Lane.

Feb. 20, 4:26 p.m.: Alarm audible on Loomis Trail Road.

Feb. 20, 5:24 p.m.: Shots on Sweet Road.

Feb. 20, 7:24 p.m.: Overdose on Harborview Road.

Feb. 20, 7:33 p.m.: Watch for on Blaine Road.

Feb. 21, 1:17 p.m.: Fraud on Oertel Drive.

Feb. 21, 1:46 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Maple Street.

Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive.

Feb. 21, 6:06 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Alder Street.

Feb. 21, 7:01 p.m.: Traffic stop on Birch Bay-Lynden and Harborview roads.

Feb. 22, 1:38 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Holeman Avenue. Suspect arrested.

Feb. 22, 2:32 a.m.: Security check on Harborview Road.

Feb. 22, 6:50 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden and Stein roads, Custer.

Feb. 22, 8:42 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden and Custer School roads, Custer.

Feb. 22, 9:03 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Sunburst Drive.

Feb. 22, 11:19 a.m.: Death investigation on Carson Road.

Feb. 22, 1:46 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Feb. 22, 1:47 p.m.: Mental health issue on Carstan Loop.

Feb. 22, 2:29 p.m.: Drugs on Grandview Road.

Feb. 22, 4 p.m.: Mental health issue on Outrigger Loop.

Feb. 22, 9:45 p.m.: Trespass on Legion Drive.

Feb. 23, 7:21 a.m.: Alarm silent on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Feb. 23, 12:13 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Salish Lane.

Coming up

Feb. 24, 1:12 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Drayton Harbor Road.

Feb. 24, 3 a.m.: Alarm audible on Birch Bay Drive.

Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m.: Assist agency on Harbor Drive.

Feb. 24, 12:49 p.m.: Theft on Fern Street.

Feb. 24, 12:56 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Delta Line Road, Custer.

Feb. 24, 5:50 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor Road.

Feb. 25, 8:51 a.m.: Traffic stop on West Badger Road, Custer. Suspect arrested.

Feb. 25, 1:51 p.m.: Domestic physical on Halibut Drive.

pOLiCe repOrts

Feb. 17, 1:00 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Feb. 17, 2:38 p.m.: Trespass on Bell Road.

Feb. 17, 3:35 p.m.: Bicycle theft on H Street.

Feb. 17, 11:24 p.m.: Domestic verbal on H Street.

Feb. 19, 5:28 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Feb. 20, 5:16 p.m.: Information only on H Street.

Feb. 21, 2:01 p.m.: Property found on H Street.

Feb. 21, 7:46 p.m.: Trespass on

CrOssWOrd

7. Makes less soft

ACROSS

European public health group (abbr.)

9. A way to delight 11. Appetizers

8. Part of speech

3rd Street.

Feb. 22, 9:38 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.

Feb. 22, 1:09 p.m.: Senile subject on Mary Avenue.

Feb. 22, 6:56 p.m.: Information only on 15th Street.

Feb. 23, 7:20 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Kingsley Avenue.

Feb. 24, 7:49 a.m.: Traffic signal on 10th Street.

Feb. 24, 10:47 p.m.: Civil standby on H Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

51. Geological times

55. Midway between east and southeast

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

An Evening with Jess Walter: Friday, March 3, 7–8:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Whatcom READS author Jess Walter speaks on his his book, The Cold Millions and answers questions. Free, but tickets required at bit.ly/2023Jess-Walter-at-MBT.

Whatcom Farm Expo: Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Free. Learn about all the resources available to you, from local organizations to businesses and community groups. Hosted by Whatcom Conservation District and Whatcom County Public Works. Info: whatcomcd.org.

Art Lovers Unite!: Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. The WAVE Art Studio Tour is ramping up preparations their August event with a meeting open to everyone. Sponsored by the Blaine Arts Council.

Supper with the Superintendent: Wednesday, March 8, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. The community is invited to meet and ask questions to Blaine School District superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.

In-person Kindergarten registration Help: Wednesday, March 8, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Blaine Primary School, 820 Boblett Street. Info: blainesd.org. Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, March 11, noon–3 p.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.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: St. Patty’s Day/Irish trivia. Info: thevaultwinebar.com.

What’s Next: Resources As We Age: Friday, March 17, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Free informative fair with representatives from organizations and businesses offering senior services will be on hand to assist you and answer questions. Presentations through the day. Info: 360/332-8040.

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival Opening and Artist Reception: Friday, March 17, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center 763 G Street. Tickets: $30, no-host wine and beer, available at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or at the door (space permitting).

Movie Night: Friday, March 17, 7–9 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 17, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: RT Collective. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival: Friday, March 17–Sunday, March 19. Field Trips, wildlife cruise, birding expo, kids activities, bird viewing stations, Plover passenger ferry nature cruises, presentations, live raptors presentations and more. See full schedule at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Annual Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Fill your landscape with beautiful, low-maintenance native plants. Over 40 species of trees and shrubs available. Online orders available through March 3. Info: whatcomcd.org/ native-plant-sale. Sponsored by the Whatcom Conservation District. Pruning 101 (and Refresher): Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This is the perfect time to start pruning. Discover what tools are required, the why behind pruning, growth habits of trees/bushes, and how to make the best decisions in your pruning projects. Info: wcls.org.

Ongoing

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Meals on Wheels Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.

1. Gastropods

3. Romanian monetary unit

6. Asked for forgiveness

Weather

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. Evidence-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.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, March 15, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. March title is “Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague” by Maggie O’Farrell. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, March 17, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. March title is “Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams. 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: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, 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: 307/349-0450.

Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Meeting is open to the public. The council promotes, cultivates and supports the arts in order to enrich the lives of the community through creativity with a variety of cultural events, education and shows. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.

Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. What are the stories you like to tell? Learn to tell them really well. Info: Laura 360/371-7330 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.

Blaine Chamber of Commerce awards Living Pantry as business of the year

Road Rules: Parking in the center turn lane

Question: I often see trucks parked in the center turn lane and unloading cargo. I also see truck trailers parked in the center turn lane in rural areas after unloading heavy equipment. What are the rules? Can just anyone park in a center turn lane and conduct business or unload items?

Answer: A thought popped into my head when I read the last part of your question. Imagine if this went beyond deliveries, and guerrilla food trucks started conducting business in center turn lanes, with pedestrians darting across the road for their burger or burrito. Or maybe the cook tosses your food to you from across the lane, like the Pike Place Market fishmongers.

But that’s not what you’re asking about. And the law is clear: “every vehicle stopped or parked upon a two-way roadway shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within twelve inches of the righthand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the righthand shoulder.” If you’re parked more than a foot away from the curb, you’ve violated the law.

The trickier question is, “What should we do about it?”

It’s not just the big semis. I live on a street that has angle parking down both sides. Any delivery vehicle bigger than the mail carrier truck stops in the road to deliver packages. It’s a violation of

Did you know?

traffic law, but there isn’t a good alternative either.

I’ve never been a commercial driver, but I once drove from San Diego almost to Canada in the biggest U-Haul available while towing a car, and I gained a new level of respect for commercial drivers. When it came time for gas or food, I discovered that many of the options for car drivers don’t exist when you’re as big as, well, a truck. You have to think beyond where you’re going to park, to include how you’re going to get out of where you parked.

Do you know what some truck drivers call the center turn lane? The bonus lane. I learned that on a truck driving forum where a new driver asked about parking in the center turn lane. The collective opinion of the over 50 drivers who responded could be summarized as, “Yep, it’s illegal, but where else are you going to park?”

I also sought out an opinion from law enforcement. The officer wasn’t speaking officially on behalf of his agency, so I’ll leave him unnamed, but he kind of said, “Yep, it’s illegal, but where else are they going to park?” He pointed out that sometimes that center lane is the safest option, even if it isn’t the legal one. If you were hoping to see some enforcement action, I think you’re going

Those Sales?

(See Road Rules, page 16)

Car crashes into Birch Bay Family Medicine

s Blaine Chamber of Commerce named Living Pantry as business of the year during its annual general meeting on February 23. Living Pantry is a sustainable, zero-waste store that expanded from its flagship Blaine store to Bellingham and Fairhaven locations. The store sells items for the home and body such as refillable soaps and olive oils that have little to no packaging to reduce waste. Photos by Louise Mugar

Road Rules ...

From page 15

to be disappointed.

I’m not suggesting that every truck that parks in the center turn lane had no other choice, but why would a driver park in the middle of the road if they had a better option? It’s not legal, but it’s tolerated because it’s necessary. That sort of answers whether anyone can park in a center turn lane. If I parked my car in the center turn lane and ran into the grocery store, I predict that

I’d face some legal consequences. But why would I when there’s a parking lot I can easily access?

Commercial drivers at times must choose the best of several not-so-great options, and as long as our transportation infrastructure remains as it is, I don’t see that changing. If we want our stuff delivered, sometimes it’ll involve a truck in the middle of the road.

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

Hi, I’m Chuck!

Hi, my name is Chuck Rudolph. I moved to Bellingham from San Diego, CA two years ago to be close to my daughter and her family. I have four children, 11 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great grandchildren.

After College I was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. I then started my career as a U.S. History teacher at the Catholic High School level and realized I needed to make more money. At that time, a teacher’s weekly salary was $90. I searched for another career and after taking many tests through the county for police, fire and probation I was offered a job with the San Diego probation department. I spent 30 years in that department before retiring. I worked in adult casework, juvenile investigations and ran the juvenile maximum-security unit for 14 years. It was rewarding work and I had an amazing team of professionals to work with. I lived in San Diego 62 years before moving here and decided that I didn’t want to cook, do housekeeping or maintenance. My daughter and I searched for a place where I had the freedom to enjoy my time as I wanted. The obvious answer for me was Solstice Senior Living in Bellingham.

Natural history: California Creek

When I drive across a river or creek, I often wonder where the stream originates and what kind of journey it makes on its way to my observation point.

After crossing California Creek on Drayton Harbor Road many times, I was curious to follow the channel to its origin. By examining maps and aerial photographs, and by observing the channel where it passes under roads, I tracked the route of the main branch of California Creek to the place where it is just a roadside ditch.

This ditch is alongside Portal Way, just south of the gas station/ convenience store at the intersection of Portal Way and Grandview Road. In the first half of its 8.6-mile route to Drayton Harbor, California Creek has been modified by human impacts. In some stretches, it has been straightened and ditched as it runs through a commercial/industrial area and agricultural parcels. It also flows under several roadways including Bruce and Arnie roads.

About halfway to Drayton Harbor, California Creek enters a dense forest and generally has a natural meandering path. The shade provided by the overhanging vegetation of the streamside forest helps keep the stream cool, which is beneficial to fish populations. In addition, the forest serves as a protective buffer be-

tween surrounding developed land and the sensitive stream habitat. When California Creek flows out of the forested area, it still has about 2.4 miles to go before it reaches Drayton Harbor. The water level in this final stream segment rises and falls with the tides.

Fish are common in California Creek. Documented observations show that the stream is home to a variety of species including chum and coho salmon, winter steel-

head, coastal cutthroat trout and bull trout. In recent years, several agencies and organizations have increased efforts to restore, enhance and protect fish habitat in the California Creek watershed.

Jonathan Hall resides in Birch Bay. He is a retired biologist who has worked in many regions of the U.S. while employed with the State of New York, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several environmental consulting firms and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

s California Creek passes through a culvert at the intersection of Portal Way and Grandview Road near where the creek starts.

Photo courtesy Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife