CAST is a hidden gem needing help, to help

December 11, 2023
John Dunne

Commentary: Starting in 1999, CAST volunteers have been feeding the unhoused and food-insecure four days a week in downtown Bellingham.

read more

Open government vs. ‘legislative privilege’ in long legal fight

December 8, 2023
Questen Inghram

Court upholds legislative privilege; open-government advocates continue to fight as scope is determined. In the 40th and 42nd Districts, Shewmake unequivocally rejects legislative privilege while other legislators wait to hear what the courts decide.

read more

The barn owl: a good neighbor

December 7, 2023
Tony Angell

Unique among owls, this species has co-evolved with humankind and throughout its range has sustained and even expanded its numbers by routinely using the structures that we construct as sites to raise their broods.

read more

Washington State Ferries problem is a management problem

December 6, 2023
Alex MacLeod

Commentary: On the San Juan Islands/Anacortes route, one day it’s an old boat with mechanical problems. One day it is the lack of necessary crew. Some days it is both.

read more

Behind the uniform: first responder mental health challenges

December 5, 2023
Aria Nguyen

First responders have an elevated risk for mental health challenges due to the nature of their jobs, which involve repeated exposure to stressful situations and traumatic events or incidents.

read more

The Skagit: Seattle City Light and a river to fight over

December 4, 2023
Dick Clever

A river as magnificent as the Skagit will inevitably be fought over. The Skagit delta is where diverse interests converge — fish, farms, and now, Seattle’s endless need for hydroelectric power.

read more

Thoughts from an observer

December 1, 2023
Necia Quast

Commentary: How the San Juan County League of Women Voters Observer Corps started — and why.

read more

Zylstra Lake trail project removed from county plans

December 1, 2023
Nancy DeVaux

County council removes controversial trail from San Juan County transportation plan; options are pending.

read more

Skagit’s white birds of winter are ambassadors among land use, values conflicts

November 22, 2023
Adam M. Sowards

Hunters, tourists, wildlife photographers, birdwatchers and farmers have distinct relationships and sometimes competing interests when it comes to these wintering flocks.

read more

Strangled by ferry crisis, islanders demand action

November 20, 2023
Nancy DeVaux

San Juan County, Town of Friday Harbor and Vashon Island identify impacts of disruptions and possible solutions to alleviate ferry service ills.

read more

Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project is a looming environmental disaster

November 20, 2023
Roger Emsley

Commentary: What started as a single man-made pod in the estuary is now a massive port complex with both coal and three-berth container terminals and many trains daily.

read more

Homeless student numbers trend up; agencies, school districts respond with support

November 17, 2023
Matt Benoit

Myriad reasons for youth homelessness include fleeing domestic violence, abuse and uncomfortable foster care situations as well as becoming a teenage parent or being estranged from family based on sexual orientation.

read more

Orcas fire district levy defeat forces ‘austerity’ budget

November 16, 2023
Toby Cooper

Two-time “no” vote on levy proposal and turnover fire district board elections conclude campaign characterized by “turmoil.”

read more

So we had an election: a few comments

November 15, 2023
Dan Raas

Commentary: Lessons from this year’s general election results suggest attention to strategic campaigning and messaging are needed to win in “light-blue” Whatcom County.

read more

Samish Nation protects ‘breathtaking’ kelp forests, nearshore habitat

November 14, 2023
Richard Arlin Walker

Restoration work by the Samish Indian Nation is addressing the 36% decline in kelp forest acreage in the San Juan archipelago.

read more

Local festivals, theaters — and movie lovers — boost independent films

November 13, 2023
Aria Nguyen

Not just cozy portals to other realities, local independent theaters and film festivals provide pathways to exposure for otherwise unheard voices — and sometimes to huge success for filmmakers.

read more

A STRONG COMMUNITY NEEDS A STRONG LOCAL PRESS.

Help us revive local journalism.

MORE
© 2023 Salish Current | site by Shew Design