Public Health
Wanted: nurses — and nursing educators — as shortage persists
September 29, 2022
Local hospitals and clinics are struggling along with others across the nation to find enough nurses — as schools look for ways to train more nursing educators.
Zach Kortge
Social Justice
Changing names to step out of a racist shadow
September 29, 2022
Legacy, racism and inclusivity are at the core of the discussion in decisions to remove name dedications from the titles of institutions.
Kai Uyehara
Community Voices
‘I was one of the lucky ones’
September 29, 2022
Commentary: On the verge of homelessness at a crucial time, Jack Westford considers himself to be “one of the lucky ones.”
Jack Westford
Commerce
Child care shortfall frustrates families, hampers local economy
September 22, 2022
Demand far outstrips the supply of available and affordable child care locally. The problem is multifaceted, as solutions also will need to be: Part 1.
Matt Benoit and Sadie Fick
Community Voices
Vote Yes for Our Library
September 22, 2022
Commentary: With the current San Juan Island Library building bursting at the seams, some islanders are urging votes in favor of a bond to pay for an upgrade.
Mark Madsen
Public Health
Flood survivors face next flood season while awaiting long-term fixes
September 15, 2022
Flood season is coming faster than housing solutions, as recovery from November 2021 flooding continues in Whatcom County.
Kai Uyehara
Natural Resources
What’s known, not known about Aleutian Isle recovery
September 15, 2022
An update on the sunken vessel Aleutian Isle off the west coast of San Juan Island details the extreme hazards involved in recovering the boat.
San Juan County Emergency Management
Community Voices
Sitting silently does nothing for island ferry service
September 15, 2022
Commentary: Inaction on ferry service issues guarantees that what we know is bad will almost inevitably get worse.
Alex MacLeod
Community Voices
A word about property rights and freedom
September 14, 2022
Commentary: Government, in balancing the peace, health and economic welfare of the people, has an interest when it comes to private property rights.
William Appel
Natural Resources
Diesel oil from sunken Aleutian Isle ‘nonrecoverable’
September 9, 2022
A thin sheen of diesel oil — deemed nonrecoverable — remains on the surface of the water following the sinking of a fishing vessel last month off San Juan Island.
Zach Kortge
Natural Resources
San Juan Islands National Monument: where’s the plan?
September 9, 2022
“Beyond slow” delays in developing a management plan for the San Juan Islands National Monument may resolve soon.
Nancy DeVaux
Governance
From the Editor’s Desk: Fact-checking state Senate candidates
September 2, 2022
Fact-checked: Salish Current reviewed comments made in an online form by candidates for the 42nd District Senate seat.
Mike Sato and Salish Current staff
Housing
Got something to say about homelessness? Write it down, send it in
September 1, 2022
Salish Current and the Rotary Club of Bellingham want to hear your thoughts on homelessness — a reality for the well over 1,200 people in our area who lack housing.
Salish Current editors
Public Health
Some progress but gaps remain in mental health care for Whatcom adolescents
August 24, 2022
Summer services in the Bellingham and Nooksack Valley school districts aimed to fill gaps with a new option this year: mental health therapy.
Matt Benoit
Climate
Will mitigation banking offset loss of valued wetlands?
August 24, 2022
Protection of sensitive Whatcom County wetlands may be enhanced, with approval of next steps toward a proposal for 608 acres in mitigation banking.
Kai Uyehara
Governance
Court rules: San Juan County to vote on charter amendments
August 18, 2022
San Juan County will vote on ranked choice voting and other proposals forwarded by its charter review commission, after a court ruling overturned a county council decision.
Nancy DeVaux