September-2020
Boris Schleinkofer, poetrywatch editor “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy Do You Enjoy poetrywatch? Artwork by [Read More...]
Compiled by Bill McCallum Action Taken at July 14, 2020 Meeting Shall the commission: 53. Small Works Roster. Contracts under $300,000 fall within the executive director’s spending authority; they only require commission notification. Blaine webhouse No. 1 demolition project, $35,056; Bellwether building exterior sealing project, $66,307. (9476/Consent Agenda J) Approved [Read More...]
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at July 7, 2020 Meeting Shall the council: 108. Authorize the executive to sign contracts with San Juan County and Skagit County for youth (ages 12-20) marijuana-use prevention? Whatcom County is the lead agency for a state-funded youth marijuana-use prevention and education program, and [Read More...]
by Anna Hoekman The Asian giant hornet, also known as Vespa mandarinia, is the world’s largest species of hornet. Originating from Japan and other Asian countries, these insects can measure anywhere from 1.5 inches to over 2 inches, and are equipped with both mandibles and a very painful sting. The [Read More...]
Lorraine Loomis USEPA Photo by Eric Vance. Public domain image by Lorraine Loomis The most powerful actions we can take to recover our region’s salmon are to give our rivers and streams room to breathe while protecting the land and vegetation lining their banks. The Timber/Fish/Wildlife (TFW) Agreement [Read More...]
Orca spyhops out of water near Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve. photo: Washington State Department of Natural Resources [Read More...]
Caspian Tern with Common Terns photo: Joe Meche by Joe Meche As we segue from August and the [Read More...]
Action Taken at July 6, 2020 Meeting Presentation Update on Covid-19 Response. The Bellingham Municipal Court is following the Whatcom County Superior Court’s orders regarding Covid-19. Even though its doors are closed to the public, the court is fully operational and continues to hold hearings by video conference and telephonic [Read More...]
by Daniel Webster Many people know about the vitally important work Opportunity Council does to support individuals and families facing crises, such as housing instability, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, unsafe housing conditions, and basic needs, including access to food, personal supplies and transportation assistance. We touch thousands of lives every [Read More...]
by Stoney Bird Yikes! Thirty-six candidates for governor. Thirteen Democratic candidates for president. Eight candidates for Congress in the Second Congressional District. These numbers are welcome signs of political engagement. It’s too bad the electoral system that we have (the winner-take-all system, coupled in Washington with the top-two primary) can’t [Read More...]