page 3 Blaine City Council, pages 3 and 6
Blaine school bond fails to reach supermajority threshold
B y N ola N B aker
For the second time in 10 months, the Blaine school district’s proposed $70 million general obligation bond failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority threshold at the ballot box, and the district will again consider solutions to various aging infrastructure in the new year, district superintendent Christopher Granger said.
According to the most recent vote tallies from the November general election, by the Whatcom County auditor, 11,872 Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts residents voted on the bond measure, with 55.9 percent (6,584) voting to approve, and 44.1 percent (5,204) voting against the property tax.
If passed, the bond would have gone toward infrastructure improvements, mainly financing the construction of a new middle school, upgrades to multiple campus buildings, updates to Pipeline Fields athletic complex, among other improvements. Approval would have required property owners to pay a $0.76 per $1,000 in assessed value tax, keeping the tax rate flat for the foreseeable future as previous bonds were paid off.
“Although we did not reach the 60 percent supermajority required to pass the bond measure, the support shown for our schools reflects the incredible commitment of our community to our students and staff,” Granger wrote in a post-election statement.
With voter turnout in November over double than the last bond vote in the February special election, support for the bond increased just over a percentage point, from 54.7 percent to 55.9 percent.
During a Supper with the Superintendent community meeting at Birch Bay Bible Community Church on November 18, Granger said the facilities committee and school board will discuss next steps for a bond introduction, but said the February 2025 special election would likely be too early. Granger said the district couldn’t commit to an exact date for when a bond will be reintroduced to voters, but said the
Christmas tree arrives at G Street Plaza
The land for the future California Creek Estuary Park has more than doubled in size in what will likely be the last land purchase for the 55-acre park.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) announced this month that state representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) helped the parks district secure a $185,000 state grant for 31 acres of usable parkland. The land will be split between 11 acres on the west end of the park, away from the shoreline, and 20 acres in a wooded area on the south end that will allow for a trail connecting Lincoln Road.
“This purchase solidifies our commitment to keeping open space available for
the Birch Bay and Blaine community to have recreation spots while conserving and creating safe places for native animals and plants to thrive in our environment,” BBBPRD2 director Heather Lindsay said.
Once complete, the day-use park will have a kayak launch, 3/4-mile trail, picnic shelter, environmental education stations, restrooms and 50-car parking lot. In addition to recreation, the park and protected land around it will provide habitat conservation for salmon, migratory shorebirds and Drayton Harbor shellfish harvesting.
The parks district is still in the permitting phase and hopes to start construction in mid-summer of 2025, Lindsay said.
The park came to fruition about a
s Blaine Public Works Department assembles the Christmas tree on G Street Plaza on November 18 ahead of the Holiday Harbor Lights tree lighting ceremony on November 30. The tree is now decorated with ornaments, bows and string lights awaiting its official lighting.
on page 5.
Photo by Ruth Lauman
&
Saturday, November 30th • 11 AM-7 PM
DOWNTOWN BLAINE
G STREET PLAZA & CTK CHURCH ( 674 Peace Portal Dr .)
Holiday Craft Bazaar @ CTK Church
11AM-4:30PM
Blaine Library Winter Book Sale 9AM-5PM
Live Music with DJ Michael G Street Plaza
Blaine High School Choir & Band G Street Plaza, 3:30-4:30PM
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING @ 4:45 PM
MEET SANTA • 5-7PM
Free Horse-Drawn Carriage & Miniature Train Rides 5-7PM
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
• FIREPIT
• GAMES FOR ALL
LIVE MUSIC
VENDORS • WARM DRINKS
FOOD
COMMUNITY
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: Until 1 PM 11/30
Man found dead at Custer rest area
B y G race M c c arthy
A 58-year-old man was recently found dead inside a vehicle at the northbound I-5 Custer rest area, according to Washington State Patrol (WSP).
On November 11, the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) requested WSP conduct a welfare check in the area. The man, later identified as Rodney Lambert, was found dead in his vehicle, according to
a WSP spokesperson.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the probable cause of death was sepsis due to an infected leg ulceration and the manner of death was natural.
Online operations return to WA courts following computer breach
B y G race M c c arthy
Courts across Washington state have resumed online operations, such as electronic record searches and payment processing, after a computer breach took down vital online operations for two weeks.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) announced on November 18 that systems were returning online to the Washington Courts network. AOC wrote that the unauthorized activity, which was detected November 4, was eliminated and there was no detection of a data breach.
Whatcom County Superior Court clerk Raylene King said on November 19 that almost everything was online except for
e-filing, which could still be done in-person.
King said she hoped the backlog from the outage would end before Thanksgiving. The largest backlog was within the criminal department but some departments, such as probate and guardianship, would likely be caught up by November 20.
“The clerk’s office has an incredible team and they’re working really hard to get everything where it needs to be,” King said. AOC anticipated disruptions as it brought up its system and planned to continue offline operations of its Blake Refund Bureau, Appellate Court Document Portal and e-filing for appellate courts until the network was stable.
More information is expected to be released after the state’s Judicial Information System Committee on Friday, December 6. During the outage, Whatcom County Superior Court was unable to provide electronic court record searches, electronic filing, electronic payment processing and filing of nonemergent cases. The court continued to offer in-person filing, processing of emergency orders, access to physical court records and court programs.
For questions about how the outage impacts Whatcom County Superior Court, call the clerk’s office at 360/7785560 or email Raylene King at rking@co.whatcom.wa.us.
City council approves tourism budget
Some organizations now have more funding for popular Blaine festivals thanks to Blaine City Council’s approval of annual tourism grants.
City council approved 11 grants for events such as the Old Fashioned Fourth of July and a new coastal regatta and 5K run during its November 12 meeting.
The Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) unanimously approved the city’s tourism budget during its October 29 meeting before the budget was presented to council.
Of the 11 grants, seven are be-
From page 1
district could consider smaller, piecemeal, levy-funded capital projects to pay for individual infrastructure improvements, instead of another try at an omnibus, $70 million bond that hasn’t been able to vault the supermajority barrier.
If passed, the school district would have paid a total of $107 million for the bond over a period of 20 years. Granger said that interest rates for bonds in the future would be even more expensive.
“Projected cost inflation for the next bond, even in a year, is significant,” Granger said. “So we’re just going to have to consider all those things and see what the next steps are.”
ing awarded in conjunction with the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2). The chamber’s executive board requested the grants the chamber has historically received be awarded to the parks district, which would now be managing those events.
The total funding for tourism grants, $83,000, is in line with the $80,000 the city spent on tourism grants in the 2024 budget.
Below are the grant applications that received funding:
• $24,000 for the Old Fashioned Fourth of July (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
The facilities committee, a 14-member group of staff, parents and community members, will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss next steps, and the next Blaine school board meeting will be held on Monday, November 25 at 7 p.m. in the district boardroom, 765 H Street.
“Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the potential of our students, and for sharing our dedication to making Blaine school district the best place in Washington to learn, work, and grow,” Granger wrote in a statement. “We look forward to continuing this journey with you and will keep you informed as we move forward together in determining the next steps for our students, staff, families, and community.”
• $10,00 for Blaine Harbor Music Festival (Pacific Arts Association)
• $10,000 for the Bellingham Scottish Gathering in Blaine (Scottish Dance Society)
• $6,000 for the Harbor Harvest Festival (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
• $6,000 for the Spring Block Party (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
• $5,000 for the Blaine Coastal 5K Run (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
• $5,000 for the Blaine Coastal Regatta (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
Park ...
From page 1
decade ago when Whatcom Land Trust (WLT), a Bellingham-based conservation nonprofit, began searching for land to purchase and protect around California Creek. The land trust started a partnership with BBBPRD2 where it quickly purchased parkland for the district with the expectation that BBBPRD2 would purchase some of the property once it received state grants.
WLT transferred the first California Creek land to the parks district in 2020 and then again in February 2023. Those two parcels, totaling 24 acres, were supposed to be the majority of the park, with the additional 31 acres previously being considered as a possible extension.
“At this time, they are the last pieces of the California
Creek park,” Lindsay said of the recent purchase.
In total, WLT has purchased 100 acres to protect California Creek along the estuary to Bridge Way, with the remaining land being used solely for conservation. Lindsay said work was ongoing to remove invasive species from the property and the parks district was monitoring an area where garbage was collecting. The park will also serve as a trailhead for the envisioned Bay to Bay International Trail, a bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the south end of Birch Bay State Park to Peace Arch Historical Park.
“I am proud to support the expansion of California Creek Estuary Park,” Rule wrote in a statement. “This is an investment in preserving and protecting a special place we get to call home and builds a vision for connecting our Blaine and Birch Bay communities.”
B y G race M c c arthy (See Tourism, page 6)
s Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 received its last land transfer from Whatcom Land Trust for the California Creek Estuary Park. The park will be 55 acres for recreation and conservation.
Photo by Dave Sawicki/Whatcom Land Trust
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.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl Celine Mauger
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 24
Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
The last leaves fall at Blaine Marine Park OpiniOn Letters
The Editor:
As we begin the holiday season celebrating our blessings of abundance, it is easy to forget that many individuals and families in our community struggle daily to simply put food on the table. Our community never forgets! For over 50 years we have depended on you, our community, to be able to do the job that we do. You are the heart and soul of the Blaine Food Bank. Without you, we simply could not exist.
Every year at this time we hold our only fundraiser, the Matching Funds Campaign. The funds from this campaign are vital as they provide protein-rich milk and eggs that we desperately need for the over 700 families that seek our help each week. Milk alone costs over $60,000 a year.
This year, our generous anonymous donor and benefactor has offered us $40,000 if our community matches that amount between November 25, 2024 and Decem-
ber 31, 2024. We need your help to meet that goal. Our neighbors count on us, and we count on you.
Today we face our greatest challenge, increased need and decreased resources. Skyrocketing costs for food, fuel and housing as well as cutbacks in government funding and the end of pandemic relief bring new families to our door during each distribution. At no time since opening in 1972 has the need been greater, or the resources more limited.
Please, help us if you can. The need is great, and the need is now. We can’t do it without you. Donations can be made in person or by mail at Blaine Food Bank, 500 C St., Blaine, WA 98230 or on our website blainefoodbank.org using a debit or credit card or through PayPal.
I thank you for caring and wish you all a blessed holiday season.
Sally Church
Former director, Blaine Food Bank
Blaine
CiviC Meetings
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com. No meetings on November 28 and December 26.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
The Editor: The Washington State Department of Transportation will spend $67 million to reroute salmon, but they won’t spend $800-1,500 (each) to place a stop sign at the top of the I-5 southbound ramp at Exit 270 and another at eastbound Birch Bay-Lynden Road at the overpass?
Haven’t they ever sat at that busy intersection while cars and more cars are driving west or east on Birch Bay-Lynden Road unfettered by any three-way traffic stop (presently, it has a single stop sign)? Haven’t they seen kamikaze drivers leap out from that southbound ramp to make a close-call left turn onto Birch Bay-Lynden Road? Yet they want to direct traffic for salmon, to the tune of $67 million.
Jeanne Halsey Blaine
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
s The end of fall is visible around Blaine, including Marine Park, as trees shed their last leaves before winter.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Holiday Harbor Lights to bring holiday cheer downtown
B y G race M c c arthy
Holiday Harbor Lights will bring the holiday spirit to downtown Blaine on Saturday, November 30.
Friends of Blaine Library will put on its book sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blaine Public Library’s meeting room, 610 3rd Street.
The festival will have a holiday craft bazaar with live music from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CTK Blaine Church, 674 Peace Portal Drive. Coffee will be served in front of the church during the bazaar.
Caroling with Blaine school district’s choir and band will take place 3:30-4:30 p.m. on G Street Plaza, followed by a tree lighting at 4:45 p.m. on the plaza.
A new event this year, the
Blaine Harbor Music Festival will hold a night market and luminary walk fundraiser 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Blaine Public Library. The market will have around 20 vendors, food trucks, a tree lighting and tree falling contest, crafts for children, hot cocoa, mulled wine, beer and a fire to roast s’mores. The luminary trail will be near the market. Tickets cost $10 for general admission, $25 per family and $5 for drinks. Tickets can be purchased at the event or before the event at bit. ly/4hSZUXd
The festival will have free, horse-drawn carriage and miniature train rides 5-7 p.m. departing from the plaza. Santa Claus will be taking photos and hand-
WTA Route 75B operating on new schedule
B y G race M c c arthy
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has started running an emergency detour for Route 75B around the Dakota Creek bridge after it discovered the bus exceeded the bridge’s weight limit.
The change, which started November 11, shifted bus arrival times, with some buses stopping up to about 10 min -
utes earlier than normal. Route 75B runs from Bellingham to Birch Bay and Blaine on weekdays and Saturdays.
WTA planning director Tim Wilder said the bridge has a weight limit of 15 tons, and WTA buses are 15 tons without passengers or fuel. The detour around the bridge takes about eight minutes. WTA took away time from some stops and added time to other stops.
“These changes are due to operational constraints we have,” Wilder said. “Hopefully we can minimize the impact to most people who ride the bus up to Blaine and Birch Bay.”
Thank you for supporting local journalism.
This week’s supporters:
Ann Wolten
Lawrence Faulkner
Judy Overton
Gail and Keats Garman
Shasta Pettijohn
Sheli Moore
Tuney Kannapell
Barbara Forbes
Ina and Robert Zing
Kathy Richardson
Warner Fosberg
Bill and Jamie Law
John and Genemary Falvey
Terry Willey
John and Barbara Finn
Bob Gudmundson
Sieneke Stevenson
Carroll Solomon
Frank and Barbara Sanchez
Chris and Tiffany Bongirno
Linda Allan
Maggi and Bill Breckenridge
“We appreciate learning about our wonderful community and events through your publication!”
- Chris and Tiffany Bongirno
“Bless your smart journalism and providing important local information.” - Linda Allan
“Thank you for the wonderful article about Sisu Children’s Fund. We also enjoy The Northern Light. It is far superior to the Bellingham Herald.”
- Barbara and Frank Sanchez
“Excellent local activity news! Thank you!”
- John and Barbara Finn
“I love your paper. Thank you for your important journalism!”
- Tuney Kannapell
“Thank you for excellent reporting on local issues! We need independent press now more than ever. I support you!”
- Shasta Pettijohn
You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com
Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Blaine students carol during the 2023 Holiday Harbor Lights festival.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
spOrts
Blaine swimmer Hailey Ferrell wins 1A/2A state championship
For the second time in three seasons, Blaine junior swimmer Hailey Ferrell has won a state championship.
Ferrell won the 1A/2A 500yard freestyle with a time of 5:22.59, beating some of the best swimmers in Washington state in a field of 16 1A/2A finalists. The state championship took place at the King Aquatic Center in Federal Way on November 16.
Ferrell not only won the final, but won by a wide margin, beating the next runner up (Bellingham’s Peyton Acord) by nearly five seconds. According to the Blaine school district, Ferrell’s 5:22.29 time set a personal record for the third-year swimmer.
Ferrell also finished fifth in the 200-yard individual medley race, which featured a 50-yard lap of all four swim strokes,
with a time of 2:17.39.
“Her versatility across events underscores her skill and adaptability in the pool,” a Blaine Athletics press release stated after Ferrell’s victory. “Ferrell’s accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support of her team and community.”
Ferrell now holds Blaine’s two most recent state championships in swim and dive, and showed that despite the Blaine swim team not having its own home pool to practice and host events in (the Blaine swimmers train and compete with Squalicum High School in Bellingham), Blaine is more than punching above its weight in terms of talent.
Ferrell, the only swimmer for the Blaine girls team to participate at state, was the only state championship winner from Whatcom and Skagit counties
this season. Three other Northwest Washington teams, Bellingham, Sehome and Anacortes, competed in the 1A/2A finals.
Not only does Ferrell have to travel south to Bellingham to train, but the 1A/2A combination in the state championships meant that Ferrell competes against schools with enrollments up to 899 students, according to Blaine Athletics. Blaine has an enrollment of roughly 540 high school students, according to district data.
After the events were over, Ferrell’s individual accomplishments were enough to earn Blaine the “team” ranking of 20th out of 40 1A/2A classification teams.
“Congratulations Hailey! You’re an outstanding competitor and a shining example of Borderite pride,” a social media post by the Blaine school district read.
Blaine City Council roundup ...
B y G race M c c arthy
The latest news from the November 12 Blaine City Council meeting ...
Building height vote
City council held a tied vote on whether to follow the planning commission’s recommendation to increase building heights by one story on the west side of Peace Portal Drive in the downtown core.
Council voted 3-3 with councilmembers Richard May, Sonia Hurt and Eric Lewis in opposition and councilmember Eric Davidson excused from the meeting.
The opposing voters would need to make a motion to bring the resolution before council for a second
vote, city manager Mike Harmon said. However, if the resolution is slightly different, it could come before council again without needing the oppositions’ motion.
Hurt moved to hold a second vote at council’s next meeting on Monday, December 9.
Councilmember Rhyan Lopez said he believed increasing the building heights was a piece to improving the city. Councilmember Mike Hill said he believed it was crucial to pass.
Hurt said her decision on which way to vote was difficult and she had to put her personal views to the side to represent her constituency.
Before the vote, May asked if
council could require see-through buildings, which Community Development Services director Alex Wenger said technically council could require, but it would create another barrier for developers.
The zoning change was proposing to allow building heights to increase 12 feet, from 36 to 48 feet, in the waterview subdistrict on the west side of Peace Portal Drive, running south of F Street to north of Clark Street. Developers intially requested the change because they believed current zoning was prohibiting them from receiving a good return on investment. The waterfront area has had vacant property for years.
Tourism ...
From page 1
• $5,000 for Arts Connect (Blaine Arts Council).
• $5,000 for Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival (Wings Over Water)
• $4,000 for Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
• $3,000 for Holiday Harbor Lights (Chamber and BBBPRD2)
2025 budget
Council unanimously approved its 2025 budget after holding two public hearings on it in October and November.
The budget doesn’t reflect major cuts as were seen during last year’s budget process. The budget will be balanced with an ending fund balance of $26.29 million.
Along with the budget, council unanimously approved increasing its utility base and consumption rates for stormwater by 69.2 percent, water by 17.5 percent, electric by 5 percent and wastewater by 3.3 percent. Despite the large percentage for stormwater, the increase is a smaller dollar amount, finance director Jennifer Spidle said.
The change will go into effect with the January 2025 billing statements. This will be the third
consecutive year the city has increased utility rates after years of the city not increasing rates to keep up with inflation.
Council also unanimously approved a one percent property tax increase, which will allow the city to collect about $14,500 more from its regular property tax revenue.
Inverness extension Council approved a one-year extension to Inverness’ planned unit development and preliminary plat review timeline.
The Inverness PUD and preliminary plat were submitted to the city on December 15, 2022 but have remained under review by city staff since. The one-year extension will run to December 2025. The project is a 37-acre subdivision next to Semiahmoo Golf Course that will have 63 single-family homes.
The Blaine Coastal 5K Run is planned to be a race along the Blaine waterfront this spring with live music, a vendor market and post-race celebration. The Blaine Coastal Regatta is envisioned to host yacht clubs from Blaine, Bellingham and White Rock for races in Drayton Harbor, according to the grant proposal. The event would occur in fall 2025.
Funding for Arts Connect will continue Blaine Arts Council’s studio art tours, monthly downtown art walks and other activities.
The Oysterfest also wasn’t funded, but received $2,000 for advertising.
Council also approved $206,400 for tourism spending including the Plover ferry’s operations and maintenance, the lease and management of the Blaine Welcome Center, 20 percent of the Community Development Services director Alex Wenger’s salary that pays for his tourism work, an event coordinator contract planned with BBBPRD2, and Blaine by the Sea social media work.
BTAC requested city staff consider alternative locations for the Blaine Welcome Center and Visitor Information Center, currently located in central downtown at 546 Peace Portal Drive. City council approved $50,000 to lease the current visitor center building and $50,000 for management.
Council approved $40,000 for event-related costs, such as portable restrooms and signage, and approved $34,000 for marketing.
s Blaine junior Hailey Ferrell bites down on her first place medal after winning the 500-yard freestyle final, with a personal record time of 5:22.59 in the 1A/2A state championship on November 16.
Photo courtesy Christine Ferrell/Blaine Athletics
s From l.; Councilmembers Mike Hill and Eric Lewis at the November 12 Blaine City Council meeting. Photo by Grace McCarthy
Blaine Arts Council to hold holiday raffle
Blaine Arts Council is holding a raffle fundraiser at the Blaine Art Gallery gift shop in the days leading up to Christmas.
The raffle will have 15 pieces of art, each made by a different local artist. The art includes a magnetic cribbage board, watercolor painting and silk scarf.
During “the 12 days of Christ-
mas,” BAC invites people to view the donated items and purchase raffle tickets from Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 22. Names will be drawn on December 22 and winners will be notified so they can pick up their art before the holiday. Raffle items can be picked up until the end of December.
The gallery will be open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. There will be holiday hours on December 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Blaine Art Gallery is at 922 Peace Portal Drive.
We support the Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo Communities.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Vista Materials!
Thanksgiving is a time to express our gratitude, and at Vista Materials, we’re incredibly thankful for you – our loyal customers and friends!
As we reflect on this past year, we’re reminded of the trust you’ve placed in us to support your landscape projects and beautify your spaces. Your support has helped us grow and thrive, and for that, we are grateful beyond measure.
During this blessed holiday season, we are also thankful for the chance to spend time with family and loved ones. As we gather together, we hope your holiday season is filled with warmth, joy, and the company of those who matter most.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut
6950 Vista Dr, Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 810-1354
4.44 for 7 months
APY*
www.VistaMaterialsInc.com Earn 4.44% APY* on a 7-month certificate of
Interest Rates Effective: 10/25/2024
* APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Penalties may be imposed on early withdrawal. Visit ourfirstfed.com/personal/savings/cd-rates or scan the code for details. First trip to europe
s Clockwise from upper left; Blaine Arts Council’s holiday raffle includes a hand-painted silk scarf, magnetic cribbage board, glass Christmas wreath, watercolor painting, holiday potpourri and a wooden cutting board. Photos courtesy of Blaine Arts Council
HOLIDAY DASH HOLIDAY DASH
Photo by Grace McCarthy
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Mary and Gary Gibb
360-734-9700
Q: Why do my drains always plug up during the holidays?
A: Ah, the holiday season! A time for feasting, family gatherings, and, unfortunately, the dreaded “holidrains.” With all the cooking, cleaning, and celebrating, it’s no wonder your drains feel overwhelmed. Grease from festive meals, food scraps, and even the occasional holiday decorating mishap can lead to a drainage disaster. But fear not! Here are three tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly this season:
1. **Grease is not your friend:** Pouring fats, oils, or grease down the sink might seem harmless, but they can solidify and create blockages. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash.
2. **Food scrap strategy:** Invest in a good sink strainer to catch food particles before they go down the drain. This little gadget can save you from a holiday plumbing nightmare.
3. **Regular maintenance:** Schedule a quick check-up with Gary’s Plumbing and Heating. They’ll keep your plumbing in tip-top shape, ensuring your drains stay clear and ready for all the holiday cheer.
With these tips, you can enjoy your holidays without the stress of “holidrains!”bundled up in their favorite sweater. Stay warm, folks!
Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, LLC
Gary’s-Plumbing.com • 360-734-9700
4760 Pacific Hwy. Bellingham, WA 98226
Q: Q: What should I look for in a great buyer’s agent?
A: A great buyer’s agent should be knowledgeable, communicative, and fully invested in helping you find the right home. Look for someone who understands the local market, listens to your needs, and provides honest, expert advice. They should educate you on the buying process, help you stay competitive in the current market, and advocate for your best interests. Pay attention to their responsiveness, problem-solving skills, and ability to explain contracts or negotiations clearly. Reviews, testimonials, and referrals can also offer insight into their track record. Ultimately, the best agent will make you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951 bcoplen@windermere.com www.brandicoplen.com
Q: Mt Baker Ski Area opens this week. What are some ways to get in shape for the upcoming ski season?
A: Preparing for downhill skiing involves building strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility to improve performance and prevent injuries. Focus on exercises that target the lower body, such as squats, lunges, and step-ups, to strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Incorporate core workouts like planks and Russian twists to enhance stability and control. Cardiovascular fitness is essential for stamina—consider running, cycling, or interval training to boost endurance. Balance and agility exercises, such as using a Bosu ball or practicing yoga, can improve coordination and control on uneven terrain. Stretching regularly, especially your calves, hamstrings, and hips, increases flexibility and reduces muscle tightness. It’s never too late to start! Establish a regular exercise routine and gradually increase intensity for a well-rounded fitness base. Enjoy the ski season!
Q: Financial Planning in November, what should I consider?
A: There is never a wrong time to review your financial situation, and this month serves as a reminder you can accomplish financial goals with the right strategies in place. Take this month to review your personal finances. When was the last time you met with your financial advisor or reviewed your financial goals and financial plan? Growing and retaining wealth takes more than just investing. At Skyline Advisors, we partner with our clients to help them reach their goals through their Financial Plan.
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
Ways to keep children entertained during rainy weather
B y c eli N e M au G er
Ah, western Washington with its beaches, mountains and forests. Then there’s the “big dark,” the term used to describe our gloomy days from October to March. Personally, I love these dark, rainy days that allow me to cozy up next to the fireplace while the rain pounds on the windows.
But you know who may not enjoy this? Bored kids stuck inside, full of pent-up energy. It’s all relaxing until your six-yearold repeats for the 9,876th time that they’re bored and want to do something – anything – but not something in the house. Thankfully, here in Birch Bay
and Blaine, there are plenty of activities for kids.
First, outdoor play is almost always an option. Grab those rain boots and a good rain jacket before heading to Birch Bay State Park, where the trees provide enough cover for kids to stay mostly dry while exploring. On days when staying outside isn’t feasible, Blaine Public Library offers various activities. Storytime and chess are held every Wednesday, and Lego Club is on Tuesdays. One of my favorite activities with my little one is to enjoy a hot chocolate from one of our local eateries in Blaine, then browse for books at the library and let him play in the youth section, where he
often sees friends from school for an impromptu playdate, no planning required.
Another great, free option is the open gym time at the Birch Bay Activity Center. Families can use the gym and its play equipment for free on Fridays. Whether kids want to play basketball, twirl hula-hoops or just run around, the open gym is a fantastic way for them to burn energy. Teens can enjoy teen time open gym every Thursday, and Saturdays are open to everyone. Check the times on the calendar at bbbparkandrec.org.
For young athletes, the BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) offers youth sports clinics, including
pickleball in Birch Bay on Sunday, November 24. The district has also previously offered clinics for rugby, volleyball, gymnastics and tennis, so keep an eye out for those. Teens aren’t left out either. Teen strength training sessions led by coach Kyle Long teach safe and effective weightlifting techniques.
Other options in our area include fantastic afterschool programs from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County and enrichment activities from our parks and recreation district.
This November, BBBPRD2 will offer afterschool care during early release week.
The holidays are fast approaching. On Friday, Decem -
ber 6, kids can join a parents’ night out at the Birch Bay Activity Center, followed by the Holiday Dash on Saturday, December 7, featuring a mini obstacle course, a festive 5K, chili, hot cocoa, holiday music and Santa. On Thursday, December 19, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be line-dancing at the Blaine Pavilion, and on Friday, December 20, the BBBPRD2 will host the free Family Movie Night: Santa Special at Birch Bay Activity Center.
As we embrace the big dark of fall and winter, let’s take advantage of these wonderful opportunities for our kids in Birch Bay and Blaine. So grab those rain boots, and go play.
Pets & Pet Care
Go ‘mutts’ with these pet gifts
Pet owners try to ensure their companion animals never want for anything. People will go to great lengths to pamper their pets with the best care, food and accessories. According to the American Pet Products Association, consumers in the United States spent $147 billion on pets
in 2023. And it’s not just the essentials that have people opening up their wallets for pets. A 2022 YouGov survey found that 57 percent of owners buy holiday gifts for their pets and 40 percent host birthday celebrations. With the holiday season on the horizon, there’s a good chance
that beloved pets are on gift lists this year, particularly for Gen Z pet owners (mid-’90s to early 2000s). A study of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek found that Gen Z spends an average of $148.50 on their pets each month, the highest of all surveyed. For those shopping for gifts their pets will enjoy, these options could have tails wagging.
• Treat dispenser: It isn’t possible to be home with their pets all of the time. A dispenser that can be programmed to offer treats at certain intervals or connected to
an app that enables a person to release one at the push of a button can be a nice gift to surprise stay-at-home pets.
• Puzzle toy: Pets need to keep their brains working; otherwise, they may get bored and into trouble. A puzzle toy that has treats or kibble hidden behind panels helps pets remain mentally sharp.
• Pet booties: When the weather gets chilly, walking dogs outdoors on the ice and snow can be painful on their paws. A pair of booties can protect the delicate pads of pets’ feet from ice melt products, snow and sharp objects.
• New bed: Upgrade a pet’s bed to something even more lush and comfortable. A fleece blanket and a dedicated pet pillow can help pets feel even more pampered.
s A black cat and pumpkin make for the purr-fect fall picture.
• Safety belt: Guarantee that trips in the car to the dog park or other excursions are safer by gifting a safety pet harness that works like a seatbelt in a vehicle.
• Grooming package: Everyone wins when a pet is washed, dried and primped to perfection. Professional groomers have the skills to tame excess fur and trim nails so pets smell wonderful and remain comfortable.
• New toys: Whether a pet is a parakeet or poodle, gifts of new toys can be engaging for animals who have grown bored with their old ones.
Be sure to wrap up clever gifts for pets so that every member of the family has something to enjoy come the holidays.
Photo courtesy of Jewel Smith
CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE
4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #184
well managed association. 1-bedroom home features a 19.5’x14’ attached heated shop plus a detached 8’x12’ powered shed. Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
MLS #2295343 $849,000 Breathtaking VIEWS of Mt. Baker and Birch Bay Village! Beautiful custom home in gated community, with a mature landscaped yard that offers lots of privacy. This 3 bed, 3 bath home features a 1,300 sq ft main level with vaulted ceiling in the living room, extra-large windows and a cozy gas fireplace. The interior is freshly painted, newly carpeted, Hunter Douglas blinds throughout and Cambria quartz countertops in the kitchen. Easy access to Trex deck on the side of the house. Julie Brown 360-255-3727
MLS #2287105 $292,500
One-of-a-kind, well-maintained, spectacular lightly used 2018 Park Model on a 365-day lot. This home is situated in the center of the park, great for full-time living or a yearround getaway. Enjoy all that Latitude 49 has to offer, an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, an exercise room, and a great clubhouse for social events along with a security gate. The park model looks new and is really a mustsee, furniture at time of showing is to be included.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue promotions
Question: How much should parents trust their teen drivers to make safe driving decisions?
Answer: Almost every week I respond to a reader question, but this week’s question is mine. I got to wondering after reading a new survey of teen drivers and parents. We’re not always the best at assessing reality. What do I mean by that? Well, as one example, somewhere between 70 and 93 percent of American drivers (depending on the study) consider themselves better than the average driver. Either there’s some strange new math going on, or at least some of us are wrong about our driving skills. And, despite crash data saying otherwise, about 15 percent of Americans think we’re the best drivers in the world. (It should be noted that nearly the same amount of us think we’re the worst.)
Maybe the problem is all those giant foam hands with the extended index finger claiming, “We’re number one!” More likely, it’s something called illusory superiority, a fancy way of saying we overestimate our abilities compared to other people. And apparently, we extend that illusion to our kids too. A recent survey from Progressive Insurance asked, “Are teens cautious driv-
ers?” Sixty percent of parents said yes, while only 47 percent of teens agreed. Parents were even more confident (70 percent) in their own teens’ safe driving. And even though nine percent of teens admitted to aggressive driving, only three percent of parents thought their kids drove aggressively.
There’s nothing wrong (and a lot right) about believing the best of our kids. But we should also stay connected with reality.
Young drivers (age 15-24) make up about 11 percent of licensed drivers in Washington; they were involved in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 15-24 in the US, and the third-leading cause in Washington.
It’s easy to blame the next generation, but part of the problem might be the adults. In the same survey, 48 percent of parents said they were cautious drivers; the teens thought it was more like 35 percent. And while only three percent of parents admitted to aggressive driving, 20 percent of teens said the parent they most often ride with drives aggressively.
It’s hard to model good driving for our kids if we don’t even judge ourselves accurately. For anyone who considers themselves an above-average driver, how did you come to
that conclusion? If you think you’re an above-average basketball player, it’s pretty easy to prove it. Just get on the court with other players and you’ll quickly see where you land. But when there’s not a clear standard for measuring (like with driving), we tend to emphasize where we’re strong and minimize where we could improve.
So I’m proposing some measurements for safe driving. The first six should be a cakewalk: drive sober, drive the speed limit, eliminate distractions, wear a seatbelt, use your turn signals, and don’t tailgate. Let’s call that the bare minimum. Then, maintain situational awareness (including other drivers as well as pedestrians and cyclists), be courteous, remain calm under pressure, and maintain your vehicle.
I could list more, but that’s ten so it’s easy to score. And even if you don’t agree with my ten measurements, at least we’re thinking about what it takes to be a good driver.
For the parents, talk with your kids about your own list of good driving traits and observe their driving to see how they stack up. Then you’ll have at least some indication of how much you can trust that they’re driving safely.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue promoted new battalion chiefs and probationary firefighters this fall. Top, from l.; Adam Smith, Jon Ahrenholz, Burr McPhail and D.J. Riehl were promoted to battalion chiefs. Bottom, from l.; Alex Ojukwu, Anthony Marra, Andrew Vieth, Cole Heili and Ben Mouser took the oath of office as probationary firefighters. Photos courtesy of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue
sheriff’s repOrts
November 8, 11:32 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on H Street Road.
November 8, 1:23 p.m.: Threat cold call on Arnie Road.
November 8, 2:56 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Jackson Road.
November 8, 4:59 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Sunrise Road.
November 8, 5:26 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Portal Way.
November 9, 7:19 a.m.: Trespass cold call on Harbor Drive.
November 9, 10:47 a.m.: Civil problem on Arnie Road.
November 9, 11:09 a.m.: Fraud cold call on H Street Road.
November 9, 11:36 a.m.: Civil problem on Bay Road.
November 9, 12:59 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Lee Lane.
November 9, 2:05 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Valley View Road.
November 10, 4:02 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Audra Lane.
November 10, 6:51 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
November 11, 3:15 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Grandview Road.
November 12, 9:40 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Beachcomber Drive.
November 13, 8:06 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Beach-
comber Drive.
November 13, 1:00 p.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay Drive.
November 13, 1:09 p.m.: Civil problem on H Street Road.
November 14, 11:12 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident – injury on Drayton Harbor Road.
November 14, 11:36 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Pheasant Drive.
pOLiCe repOrts
November 3, 12:21 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Birch Bay Drive.
November 4, 3:29 a.m.: Domestic – physical on Alder Street.
November 4, 6:56 a.m.: Theft on Peace Portal Drive.
November 4, 8:31 a.m.: Theft on Semiahmoo Drive.
November 4, 1:42 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Alder Street.
November 6, 11:54 a.m.: Theft on Canvasback Road.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Long piece of squared timber
5. Emaciation
10. “Bewitched” boss
Larry
14. Combining form meaning “different”
15. Current unit equal to 10 amperes
16. Older 17. Large, stocky lizard
18. Ringworm
19. Actor Pitt
20. Indian hand clash cymbals
22. Data at rest 23. Jeweled headdress
24. Indicators of when stories were written
27. Check 30. Cigarette (slang)
31. Arctic explorers (abbr.)
32. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
35. Delivered a speech
37. A place to bathe 38. Postmen deliver it
39. Surface in geometry
40. More (Spanish)
41. __ and Venzetti
42. Exclamation at the end of a prayer
43. Hawaiian dish
44. Aggressively proud men
45. Fellow 46. Mark Wahlberg comedy
47. Mock
48. When you expect to get somewhere
49. Songs 52. Pair of small hand drums
55. Play 56. Sword 60. Evergreens and shrubs genus 61. Filmed 63. Italian Seaport
64. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 65. Pores in a leaf
66. U. of Miami mascot is one 67. Snakelike fishes
68. Pretended to be 69. Body part DOWN
1. Piece of felted material
2. Ancient Greek City 3. Aquatic plant 4. Potentially harmful fungus (Brit. sp.) 5. Body art (slang) 6. One who follows the rules
7. Ordinary
8. Honorably retired from assigned duties and retaining one’s
title 9. Relaxing space 10. Japanese socks 11. Indian city 12. Rip 13. Icelandic book 21. Satisfies 23. Where golfers begin 25. Small amount 26. Snag 27. Determine the sum of 28. A distinctive smell 29. Exposed to view 32. Stain or blemish 33. Small loop in embroidery 34. River herring genus 36. Large beer 37. Deep, red-brown sea bream 38. Partner to cheese 40. At a deliberate pace 41. Gurus 43. Of each 44. Angry 46. Popular beverage 47. Flower cluster 49. Blocks 50. Those who benefitted from efforts of relatives (slang) 51. Polio vaccine developer 52. A (usually) large and scholarly book 53. Popular soap
Coming up
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting Luncheon: Thursday, November 21, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Lunch and a look back at 2024 and beyond with some of our friends from the Birch Bay Historical Society. $24. Info and RSVP: birchbaychamber.com.
Blaine Chamber After-Hours Networking: Thursday, November 21, 4:30–6 p.m., The Wheelhouse Bar and Grill, 746 Peace Portal Drive. No-host networking meeting. Info: blainechamber.com.
Birch Bay Incorporation Committee General Meeting: Thursday, November 21. 6 p.m, North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Discussing progress of committees, share findings of research, updates on the 2025 feasibility study and election of steering committee members. In-person or on Zoom. Info: incorporatebirchbay.com.
November 7, 3:56 p.m.: Death investigation on 3rd Street.
November 8, 3:14 p.m.: Burglary on H Street.
November 9, 7:23 a.m.: Shots on Kingfisher Road.
November 9, 10:22 a.m.: Brandishing on Wilson Avenue.
November 12, 3:12 p.m.: Burglary on Flambeau Road.
November 12, 3:17 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
November 14, 10:36 a.m.: Shoplift on H Street.
ingredient 54. NBAer Bradley 57. Popular movie about a pig
58. Musician Clapton 59. Not a sure thing 61. Recipe measurement (abbr.)
62. Father
tides
November 21 - 27 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Family Movie Night: Friday, November 22, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family-friendly movie. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Birch Bay Holiday Market: Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Terrell Creek Landing, 4823 Alderson Road, unit 105. Handcrafted holiday items, sales, cookies and cocoa. Info: 922-2447.
Holiday Book Sale: Saturday, November 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 763 G Street. Something for everyone. DVDs, CDs, coffee table books, teen’s and children’s books, adult fiction and non-fiction. Sponsored by Friends of Blaine Library. Info: wcls.org.
Holiday Harbor Lights: Saturday, November 30, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., downtown Blaine. Craft bazaar 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., meet the Grinch 2–4 p.m., school choir and bands performances 3:30–4:30 p.m., tree lighting at 4:45 p.m. sharp, meet Santa 5–7 p.m., free carriage rides 5–7 p.m. Info: blainechamber.com.
Night Market and Luminary Walk: Saturday, November 30, 4:30–9:30 p.m., 610 3rd Street. Shop local vendors, food, warm drinks, live music, games, fire pit, and luminary walk. Adults $10, youth 12-18, $5, family up to five $25. Benefits the Blaine Harbor Music Festival. Info and tickets: blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
Open Season Federal Benefits Health Fair: Tuesday, December 3, 4:30–6:30 p.m., Bellingham Central Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham. The Northwest Washington National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will have representatives available to discuss their 2025 plans and answer questions and explain how changes in the coming year will affect benefits for current federal employees, NARFE members, retirees, and their spouses or survivors. Info: Call Merry, 360/202-8999.
Beauty School Santa Event: Wednesday, December 4, 3–7 p.m., Evergreen Beauty College, 1414 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham. Kids in grades K–12 get free haircuts; all ages free mini-facials, mini-manicures and selfies with Santa. Info: 360/389-5213.
St. Anne Annual Christmas Market: Friday, December 6, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., St. Anne Catholic Church, 604 H Street. Crafts and baked goods for the holiday season plus raffles.
Olde Fashioned Christmas: Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, 4–9 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2000 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Feel the holiday cheer in the log cabins with costumed volunteers and enjoy over 90,000 lights. Kids crafts, warm beverages, live music and photos with Santa. Adults $5, children $3. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
The Land of Forgotten Toys Performance: Friday and Saturday, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 8, 15, 2 p.m., Blaine High School black box theater (enter behind Borderite Stadium). The Blaine Community Theater presents a fun holiday performance. Adults: $17, seniors/students/veterans $14, 12 and under $12. Info and tickets: blainecommunitytheater.com. Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning Workshop: Saturday, December 7, 9:30–11:30 p.m., Hands-on demo and workshop. Please bring your cocoons in tubes, boards, etc. and willing hands. Learn how to clean your mason bee cocoons to improve your population. Please email fruit@blaine-core.com to get a further descriptions of how to transport your cocoons and the supplies needed. Info: nwcore.org.
Holiday Dash: Saturday, December 7, 2–4 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Kids obstacle course at 2 p.m. and 5K run at 2:30 p.m. Choir performance, hot chocolate and chili served, Santa and his mailbox and more. Adults $10, family up to 5 $30, ages 5–17 $5, 4 and under free. Info and registration: bbbparkandrec.org.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of November 11 to 17, 1.9 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-todate precipitation is 35.2 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 54.3°F on November 11 with a low of 34.3°F on November 15. Average high was 50.8°F and average low was 43.4°F.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/3326350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
2024 ELECTION RESULTS
H H H H H H H
HOW WE VOTED
Election results, by precinct
B y G race M c c arthy
November 2024 election results remain unofficial until they are certified on Tuesday, November 26. However, with the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office estimating only 50 ballots are left to count, preliminary results paint a clear picture of how Whatcom County residents voted.
Precinct-level data shows Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer residents were nearly split between selecting Donald Trump or Kamala Harris as the country’s next president, with Trump receiving 49.7 percent of north county votes. Downtown Blaine and its surrounding area leaned toward Harris while rural areas like east Blaine and Custer voted more for
Trump. In general, Birch Bay voted more evenly between Trump and Harris, though the preferred candidate varied by precinct. Whatcom County as a whole voted overwhelmingly for Harris.
About 83 percent of the county’s 167,634 registered voters participated in the most recent election, according to the auditor’s office.
Note: Percentages refer to the percent of the voters in each precinct received by the overall winner. Winners are shown in the left column. For example, Donald Trump won the county by 37.1 percent; in precinct 102, Trump received 45.4 percent of the votes. Third-party candidates were not included in the percentage totals.
s 2024 precinct boundaries for the Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer area. Map courtesy of Whatcom County
