Blaine defense attorney throws hat in ring for Whatcom County prosecutor
by G race M c c arthy
Ryan Swinburnson, a defense attorney and Blaine School Board president, announced his bid for Whatcom County prosecutor this week in hopes of leading reform in the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The defense lawyer, who has a background in criminal prosecution and civil litigation, said watching what he believed to be weak leadership in the prosecutor’s office play out in the courtroom motivated him to run.
“Defense attorneys should not be winning as much as we do here,” Swinburnson said. “And when we do win, that needs to be communicated back to law enforcement.”
Whatcom County Prosecutor Eric Richey did not respond to an emailed request on whether he plans to run for re-election. Richey was elected in 2018 and 2022.
Public Disclosure Commission filings show Swinburnson will challenge three higher-ups in the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: Dona Bracke, assistant chief criminal deputy prosecutor; Erik Sigmar, chief criminal deputy prosecutor; and Jesse Corkern, senior civil deputy prosecutor.
Swinburnson grew up in Blaine, where his great-grandfather graduated Blaine High School in 1917. He earned his law degree from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in 1999 and began his career as a prosecutor in Albany, Oregon.
He then pursued civil and criminal litigation in the Tri-Cities before switching to public defense in 2004. During part of his time as a public defender in Washington, Swinburnson also served as attorney for Morrow County in Oregon. In 2020, Swinburnson moved back to Whatcom County, where he runs Swin Law, a DUI and criminal defense firm in Bellingham.
Shortly after returning, Swinburnson said he noticed problems in the prosecutor’s office. There was limited communication with other county departments, an unresolved COVID-19 case backlog and high turnover of felony prosecutors, he said. Newer prosecutors who were
(See Prosecutor, page 3)
New art at downtown gallery, page 5
Baseball loses heartbreaker to LC, page 6
Hundreds stride along berm at Birch Bay Road Race
Blaine City Council votes down Salishanrequested change to interim zoning ordinance
Blaine City Council revisited an interim zoning ordinance it approved last month to consider modifications for the historic Salishan neighborhood but ultimately voted against any changes during its Monday meeting.
The interim ordinance allows a oneyear experiment in the city’s central business district aimed to attract developers by eliminating building height restrictions, design review and minimum parking requirements.
Council members Richard May, Sonia Hurt and Isaac Newland requested the interim ordinance be reassessed after receiving a petition with 61 signatures from Salishan residents. The neighbors requested the garden subdistrict, a narrow area that buffers the Salishan neighborhood from downtown, be removed from the interim zoning ordinance.
The ordinance was not discussed at a previous council meeting before the March 9 vote, though a public hearing
notice was published online the Thursday before the Monday meeting. State law allows council to approve an interim zoning ordinance without a public hearing, provided a hearing is held within the next two months and staff creates a work plan to study the changes.
SALISHAN CONCERN
Salishan residents lined up during the town hall on Monday to make their concerns heard before the council meeting.
Former City Manager Gary Tomsic asked council to rescind the interim zoning ordinance.
“I don’t disagree that there is a need for us to do something about sustaining and building upon our downtown area,” Tomsic said. “But I think the thing council members have ignored is the fact that downtown does not belong to downtown business owners.”
Salishan resident Wayne Vezzetti said he and his wife, Rachel, are restoring the 1913 Wolten home, which housed one of
Blaine’s earliest settler families. Vezzetti requested council exclude the garden subdistrict to help maintain Blaine’s historic charm.
“Nearly every single day people stop by. They pause and watch the progress. Share
(See Zoning, page 2)
Birch Bay Berm.
Photo by Tiare Bowman/courtesy of Orca Running
(Zoning, continued from page 1)
stories passed through generations,” Vezzetti said. “It has become more than a restoration project. It has become a point of connection for the community and a reminder of Blaine’s heritage.”
Salishan resident Brenda Levetsovitis said preserving the Salishan neighborhood’s historic charm drew people to downtown.
vetsovitis said. “And we’re asking you to let that weigh into this decision.”
Real estate agent John Ramsey and downtown business owner Skye Hill spoke in support of keeping the interim ordinance intact.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
Council remained divided after the town hall. May proposed council create temporary restrictions to the interim ordinance for the garden subdistrict east of
Peace Portal Drive. The restrictions would either require buildings to be limited to 36 feet, as originally zoned, or stylistically consistent with the oldest heritage homes on the same block.
The garden subdistrict west of Peace Portal Drive would continue to have unrestricted zoning under the interim ordinance.
“Are we even going to be Blaine if we give up some cute little things about Blaine?” May said. “This is just one little way of keeping one little part of it a little more preserved while we go hog wild with the rest of downtown.”
During the March 9 meeting, May proposed removing the garden subdistrict from the interim ordinance, but the idea was shot down by fellow council members.
Councilmember Sarbie Bains, a downtown business and property owner, said at the time that she wouldn’t support the amendment because Salishan residents didn’t voice concern.
May asked Bains whether she would be open to an amendment after hearing from Salishan residents.
“I’m not,” Bains said.
Bains and Councilmember Don Enos said Salishan residents didn’t support the amendment after Enos asked the audience if it was something they wanted. May emphasized it was a compromise and no two sides would be fully satisfied.
Hurt, who lives in the Salishan neighborhood, said she didn’t believe the amendment would
affect the temporary ordinance.
“We’re only talking about five blocks,” Hurt said. “And it’s not prime development space.”
City Manager Mike Harmon said the city hadn’t received a development proposal for the area described in the amendment, but added he believed increased housing density was important for downtown.
Since the interim ordinance, Harmon said the city received a pre-application for Fifth Avenue Homes’ proposed six-story, 54unit apartment building at 648 Peace Portal Drive, next to the Black Forest building. Developers have also inquired about the west side of Peace Portal Drive.
SUMMER BBQ
Mayor Mary Lou Steward said it was essential for the city to attract more downtown housing to bring more customers to businesses and keep the city from cutting essential services. The city, already running on a barebones budget, has faced decreased sales tax revenue from fewer Canadian travelers over the past year. May’s amendment failed 3–4, with supportive votes from councilmembers May, Hurt and Newland.
May said after the meeting that he was frustrated with council for not providing a compromise to Salishan residents.
“It would have been a gesture. The whole neighborhood got together,” May said. “I’m disappointed for us to not give them an inch when you have 61 homeowners sign a petition, send emails and speak.”
Business owners are invited to take survey on Canadian customer decline
b y G race M c c arthy
Border Policy Research Institute and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce are inviting Whatcom County business owners to take a survey on how fewer cross-border customers have affected their businesses over the past year.
The survey is focused on owners’ perceptions and experiences surrounding Canadian tourism and shopping, with researchers having a particular interest in businesses that largely serve Canadians.
The questionnaire is expected to take five minutes and
asks about changes businesses have made to accommodate fewer cross-border travelers and whether they expect fewer Canadians to affect business survival, among other queries.
The survey opened March 12.
Jennifer Bettis, a researcher and program manager at the institute, said the survey will remain open until at least mid-May, depending on the number of responses received.
The research institute at Western Washington University studies cross-border topics in the Cascadia region to inform policy-makers. It has released several surveys to
Blaine and Whatcom County residents since the pandemic.
The survey comes after a year of fewer Canadians traveling to the U.S., driven partly by opposition to the Trump administration and its tariffs. Vehicles with B.C. license plates traveling into Whatcom County were down 32% in January and 17% in February compared to the same months in 2025, according to the latest data from the Washington Council of Governments.
To participate in the survey, visit bpri.wwu.edu/surveys-focus-groups.
Lincoln Mews reaches next development step
b y G race M c c arthy
A multi-unit subdivision just east of IGA Market has reached another step toward development.
Blaine City Council unanimously approved the preliminary plat for Lincoln Mews, which will bring 21 homes to the city, during its April 13 meeting.
The six-acre subdivision will be made up of duplexes and triplexes, according to city records. It is located south of H Street, west of Odell Road and east of Ludwick Avenue.
Alex Wenger, Blaine Community Development Services
director, said the property has two tracts that could be used for future development. It will also have open space and a stormwater pond.
(Prosecutor, continued from page 1)
“This proposal is just to create the lots,” Wenger said. “It has nothing to do with constructing the buildings.”
The subdivision’s utilities and roadways are already built, Wenger said.
That infrastructure was approved through a 2022 conditional use permit that Bellingham-based developer Blair Murray later decided to forego for urban mixed-use zoning regulations approved in April 2025.
Council’s 7-0 vote was the final review for the preliminary plat after its approval from the Blaine hearing examiner on March 23.
Blaine School Board president announces bid for Whatcom County prosecutor
trying their best were also being assigned to felony cases in superior court with little guidance.
“Those are the violent crimes that matter most to our community,” Swinburnson said. “If they’re being prosecuted poorly, that’s the failings of the office.”
Whatcom County candidates
will officially file for office during filing week, May 4-11. The attorneys will run in the Aug. 4 primary election, with the top two candidates moving on to the Nov. 3 general election.
Swinburnson said his leadership and diverse background prepared him to run the prosecutor’s office.
“All people, whether they're
Ryan Swinburnson during a Blaine School Board meeting in April of 2024. Swinburnson, a defense attorney, announced this week that he will run for Whatcom County prosecutor in the Aug. primary.
the accused or victims, or general citizens, they have to have trust in the office,” Swinburnson said. “If we don’t have trust in the office from all points of view, then the rest of the county loses.” Swinburnson has served Blaine School Board since 2024, and his director position expires Dec. of 2029. If elected as prosecutor, he said he would step down from the school board.
Photo by Nolan Baker
Clockwise, from r.; U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) meets with Blaine businessman Gurdeep Bains, Blaine City Manager Mike Harmon and Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward during a roundtable discussion on impacts to border towns on April 24, 2025 at Blaine City Hall.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Lincoln Mews is proposed to add 21 homes just east of IGA Market.
Photo courtesy of city of Blaine
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC.
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Contributors In This Issue
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Standard
Ruwani Brohier
The Northern Light
229 Marine Drive
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 43
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Op-Ed: An educator’s plea for school funding advocacy Opinion
b y r uwani b rohier
My name is Ruwani Brohier, and I am the 2026 Washington State Regional Teacher of the Year for the Northwest Educational District 186. I am a proud educator in Bellingham Public Schools, a Birch Bay resident and a mother of a Blaine High School student.
For 26 years, I have stood at the foundation of our communities by serving as an educator, and today I am watching that foundation crumble under the weight of legislative neglect. This is not just an educator’s plea — this is a community emergency that affects every single one of us, whether we realize it or not.
The crisis is real and immediate
Once again, our state budget has betrayed public education.
School districts across Washington are not making difficult decisions — they are making impossible ones. They are cutting essential services when there is nothing left to cut. They are eliminating vital programs that change lives. They are reducing personnel when schools are already stretched beyond capacity. This is not sustainable nor acceptable. This is not the Washington we deserve.
Public education is not a special interest — it is the heartbeat of our society. When that heartbeat weakens, everything suffers.
According to 2026 data from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 90% of all school-aged Washingtonians attend public schools. These are our future physicians, engineers, teachers, farmers and therapists. When we underfund their education, we are quite literally defunding our own future.
Why this matters to you — yes, you
Perhaps you don’t have children
in public schools. Perhaps your children attend private school or are homeschooled. Perhaps you’re an empty nester or have no children at all. Here’s the truth: Public education still impacts your daily life.
It determines the quality of your health care providers, the competence of your local services, the economic vitality of your community, and the safety of your neighborhoods. Public education is the only vehicle that ensures equity for all children; the only system that guarantees every child, regardless of ZIP code or family income, has access to education, enlightenment and advancement. When public education thrives, communities thrive. When it crumbles, we all pay the price.
Your voice is the solution
I am asking you — no, urging you — to act today. Our state leaders need to hear from you, not just from educators. They need to hear from business owners whose future workforce is being undermined. They need to hear from retirees whose property values depend on strong schools. They need to hear from parents, neighbors and community members who understand that a society cannot function without a strong educational foundation.
Here’s what you can do right now: Contact your legislators immediately. Find them at leg.wa.gov/legislators. Call their offices, send emails and demand they prioritize public education funding in the state budget. Be specific: Tell them you oppose cuts to essential services, programs and personnel. Tell them you expect them to protect the 90% of Washington students who depend on public schools.
Attend school board meetings and speak during public comment. Show up and let your local leaders know you are watching and you care. Your presence
Letters
matters more than you know.
Share this message with your networks. Post on social media, talk to your neighbors, discuss it at community gatherings. The more voices that join this chorus, the harder we become to ignore.
Vote for candidates who prioritize education funding. Hold your elected officials accountable at every level — local, state and federal. Make education funding a non-negotiable issue in every election.
The time is now
If the foundation fails, the entire structure collapses. We are at that breaking point. This is not hyperbole, this is reality.
Our small seaside communities, our vibrant cities and our great state depend on the strength of our public schools. We have a sacred responsibility to the 90% of Washington’s children who walk through public school doors every day. They deserve better. We deserve better. Washington deserves better. Stand with me. Speak up. Take action. The future of our communities, and our children, depends on what we do right now.
Ruwani Brohier is a Birch Bay resident and a 2026 Washington State Regional Teacher of the Year recipient.
The Editor:
The Blaine Food Bank is so thankful to our local Blaine Post Office for their participation in this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Campaign.
We are now serving more than 700 families each week and the need in our local community continues to rise with the ever-increasing cost of living. Our volunteer drivers are out seven days each week picking up grocery rescue
from a number of stores in the Bellingham area.
If not for their generosity and that of our community, we would be unable to meet the ever-increasing number of families we serve.
Please join us on Saturday, May 9, in the largest one-day food drive in the U.S. Residents are encouraged to leave bags of non-perishable food by their mailboxes for carriers to collect.
Civic Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Third Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit. ly/3QmWVcX.
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.
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: Second Tuesday
Thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile event.
Please send letters to letters@daffodilpress.net no later than noon on Monday.
of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/3328311, 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.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
Buses drop off students in front of the Blaine middle and high schools during the first day of school on Aug. 27, 2025.
Photo by Molly Ernst
Lenore Onyon
Blaine Food Bank board member
Blaine
Nine artists featured at Blaine Art Gallery this month
The City of Blaine is now accepting Use Permit Applications for the H Street Plaza. Applications may be submitted through April 30, 2026. Residents, organizations, and businesses interested in utilizing the H Street Plaza for events or activities may complete and submit the application in one of the following ways: How to Apply
Online: The H Street Plaza Use Permit Application is available on the City of Blaine website.
In Person: Completed applications may be dropped off at the 3rd Floor Counter located at: 435 Martin Street, Blaine, WA Deadline
All applications must be received by April 30, 2026. For additional information or questions regarding the application process, please contact the City of Blaine Public Works Department at (360)332-8820.
b y G race M c c arthy
Blaine Arts Council welcomed a diverse group of artists displaying their talents, including everything from woodworking to fabric art, at its downtown gallery this April.
The display began April 11 during the council’s monthly Second Saturday Downtown Art Walk, which started with a celebration at the Blaine Art Gallery. The art will be up
through May 3.
Nine local artists cover an array of mediums, from metal creations to pottery and multi-textured creations. The April featured artists are Ganga Engledow, Kathy Heaverlo, Lorraine Day, Rebecca Danger, Sarah Ulis, Dennis Olason, Cathie Richardson, Mark Seeger and Ron Snyder.
Blaine Art Gallery is at 922 Peace Portal Drive. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Art from Mark Seeger, Dennis Olason and Cathie Richardson at Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive.
Kathy Heaverlo's quilts are on display at Blaine Art Gallery through April.
Art from Dennis Olason, Cathie Richardson and Marjie Miller is being shown in Blaine Art Gallery's April exhibit.
Ganga Engledow's quilts at Blaine Art Gallery.
Photo courtesies of Margaret Owens
Borderites drop close games in baseball, boys soccer
b y n olan b aker
Just as teams emerge from the spring break pause in action, Mother Nature decided to extend that pause. Poor weather caused cancellations for girls tennis and softball Tuesday, and each of those teams will look to return to the action later this week.
In the action that did happen, boys soccer wasn’t able to string together consecutive wins after defeating Mount Baker on the road, and baseball lost a heartbreaker to conference rival Lynden Christian.
BOYS SOCCER
When we last checked in on Blaine boys soccer, the team was still searching for its first win just a few games into the season.
Now, the Borderites have picked up a pair of Northwest Conference wins and sit squarely in the middle of the pack – third place in the fiveteam 1A NWC – with a 2-7-1 record, above Nooksack Valley and Mount Baker, but looking up at Lynden Christian and first-place Meridian.
Blaine’s pair of wins so far this season has come against those bottom two 1A NWC teams, most recently a 2-0 win
over Mount Baker on April 2.
After a nearly two week hiatus due to spring break, Blaine returned to the fray for a home game against 2A Burlington-Edison on April 14.
The Borderites couldn’t get in the flow offensively, creating just a few solid chances at goal before Burlington-Edison scored first roughly halfway through the first half.
Senior goalkeeper Abel Carlson-Vega attempted to corral a corner kick, but the wet and windy weather caused the ball
to slip below his gloves. After a quick scrum, the rebound was booted into the back of the net, past a few lunging defenders for a Burlington-Edison score.
The second half was more of the same, with the Borderites unable to score on offense, and the Burlington-Edison notching another goal to leave Blaine with a 2-0 loss.
With five games left of the regular season schedule, Blaine has a chance to move up the conference ladder, but would need to string some wins together, and fast.
The Borderites are scheduled to face top 3A team Mount Vernon (7-1-1 NWC record) on Thursday on the road, and then return home to face 2A Anacortes (3-8-0 NWC) on April 21.
Over the remainder of the regular season, the Borderites will face three teams with worse records and lower conference standings than Blaine, and could make a late season run to help build momentum for the 1A NWC postseason tournament in May.
Standings provided by nwcathletics.com
BASEBALL
After scoring 21 runs en
route to a – ahem, rout – of Mount Baker just before spring break, the Borderites were able to keep the bats hot after nearly a week off, scoring 10 runs against 1A NWC rival Lynden Christian Monday.
However, 10 runs wouldn’t be enough to defeat LC, which mounted a massive comeback to beat the Borderites 11-10.
Blaine jumped out to a 8-0 lead early in the game, thanks to two huge at bats from
pitcher Josh Cochran. In the first inning, Cochran sent the first pitch of the game over the fence for a solo home run, then returned in the second inning for a two-run double. Cochran finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs, but was tagged with his second loss of the season on the mound, bringing his record to 2-2 as a pitcher.
LC started its comeback in the bottom of the third and brought the game within one run by the fourth inning. The Lyncs gained the lead in the fifth, but the Borderites were able to tie the game at 10-10 heading into the bottom of the sixth.
LC’s Sam Kok scored the walkoff run after a Blaine fielding error, allowing the Lyncs to escape with a narrow victory.
Blaine (4-6, 3-5 NWC) sits third in 1A NWC, just behind Nooksack Valley (4-7, 3-5) for second place. The Borderites game against Squalicum, originally scheduled for Tuesday was rescheduled for 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at Squalicum High School (after press time). Blaine’s next home game is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Pipeline Fields.
Blaine sophomore defender Chance Gentry blocks a cross from a Burlington-Edison winger during Blaine's 2-0 loss on Tuesday, April 14.
Photos by Nolan Baker
Blaine senior goalkeeper Abel Carlson-Vega scrambles for a loose ball during Blaine's 2-0 loss to Burlington-Edison on Tuesday, April 14.
From l., Blaine's Wade Lottimer, Milo Dahl and Emmanuel Rios Martinez watch a ball skim towards goal during Blaine's 2-0 loss to Burlington-Edison on Tuesday, April 14.
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Q: What future growth should buyers and sellers be paying attention to in Blaine and Semiahmoo?
A: Blaine continues to see steady growth, especially in and around the Semiahmoo area. New residential projects are being approved, including planned communities within the Semiahmoo Resort area that will bring additional single-family homes and neighborhood amenities. More broadly, Blaine has been working through long-term planning and development strategies to accommodate continued population growth and housing demand. Over time, this means more housing options, increased activity, and gradual changes to how different areas of Blaine feel and function. For buyers, this signals opportunity to get into a market that is still evolving. For sellers, it reinforces that Blaine and Semiahmoo remain desirable areas with ongoing investment. Watching where development is happening can give you insight into where value may grow next.
Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
bcoplen@windermere.com www.brandicoplen.com
Q: When do I have to start withdrawing from my retirement accounts?
A: Recent changes under the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 have updated the age at which retirees must begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), which has caused some understandable confusion.
As of now, if you turn 73, you must begin taking RMDs from most retirement accounts. Your first RMD is due by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. For example, if you turn 73 in 2026, your first RMD must be taken by April 1, 2027.
It’s important to note that if you delay your first RMD until the following year, you will also need to take your second RMD by December 31 of that same year. This means you could end up taking two distributions in one tax year, which may increase your taxable income and potentially push you into a higher tax bracket.
Looking ahead, the RMD age is scheduled to increase in the year 2033 to 75 for individuals born in 1960 or later.
At Skyline Advisors, we help clients understand their RMD obligations and evaluate tax-efficient withdrawal strategies as part of a broader financial plan.
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At Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, our expert technicians quickly diagnose the issue and repair or replace the faucet the same day in most cases. We use high-quality parts that last. If your faucet is old, we can recommend and install a new, water-efficient model. Don’t let a small drip turn into a big problem—call Gary’s Plumbing and Heating today for fast, reliable service.
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Q: I noticed 7 Elements was celebrating World Watsu Week — what exactly is Watsu? Imagine floating weightlessly in warm water while someone supports and guides you through gentle, flowing movements — no effort required. That’s Watsu.
A: Watsu (water + shiatsu) is a form of aquatic bodywork developed in the 1980s. A certified practitioner floats you horizontally in warm water, moving you through a series of movement patterns that flow into one another — a bit like Tai Chi in water. Because water reduces the effects of gravity, your spine and joints can release tension in ways that simply aren’t possible on a massage table. World Watsu Week is a global celebration that brings this healing practice into communities worldwide — and the benefits people experience are profound: deep relaxation, reduced pain, improved range of motion, and even emotional release. It’s used for chronic pain, stress, PTSD, neurological conditions, and transformative self-care. 7 Elements is proud to be a part of this global celebration. By popular demand, I’ve extended my World Watsu Week Special — 3 sessions for $399. Purchase today before it’s gone and book at your convenience. Call or text Natalie at 360-922-0091.
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Gary Gibb
Work underway to create new WA housing agency
Heck’s assessment, arguing that the state’s programs aren’t “excellent.”
Washington boasts 221 housing-related programs across 30 state agencies.
But despite all of these initiatives, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck thinks the state is still going in the wrong direction developing affordable housing.
“We’re not doing a very good job at all, because the hole is getting deeper,” Heck said last week.
Heck is part of a group of elected officials, state agency staff, tribal members, local government advocates and developers tasked with devising ideas for Washington to set up a new state Department of Housing.
State Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) agreed with
“Because if they were working excellently, we would be achieving the goal of making sure we have abundant housing everywhere,” said Bateman, chair of the Senate Housing Committee. “We’re not, which is why we’re here.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson got the ball rolling on this new agency in December with an executive order. The order lists key roles for the department, which he sees as a problem-solving hub for all things housing. It includes expanding the supply of all levels of housing, building paths for people to escape homelessness and unifying state and local work on land use and permitting reform.
The idea for the department comes after a 2024 state re-
port found Washington needs a projected 1.1 million more homes by 2044 as the population grows.
The task force is set to deliver a report by Nov. 15 with recommendations on establishing the new cabinet agency. The goal is for lawmakers to then consider those ideas in the 2027 legislative session. Heck, a Democrat, has been a key housing adviser to Ferguson. He cautioned his colleagues that this process is going to take time.
In 2024, the Legislature approved spending $250,000 for third-party recommendations for how the state should study building a Department of Housing, which were delivered later that year.
The new consortium has met twice in recent months, including last week.
The task force is running a survey for the public to give input to help shape the potential agency. It’s open until April 26.
Preliminary takeaways based on the first roughly 2,000 responses are unsurprising.
The top priority of the agency for renters and homeowners, as well as government and affordable housing industry respondents, is ensuring everyone can find safe, stable and affordable homes. The primary goal for the private housing industry has been removing regulatory barriers to expand supply.
Like Heck, Bateman thinks the state’s current programs fall short. For example, she notes dozens focus on home-
lessness and housing stability, while a potential solution to that problem in land use policy is getting less attention.
“What you see is a really administratively heavy set of programs,” the senator said. “It’s not really responding, and it’s not equipped, capacity-wise, to address the underlying problem, which is, we’re not building enough housing.”
The values participants most want to see the department embody are transparency and accountability. And they’ll see it as a success if fewer people live on the streets, a wider variety of housing is built across income levels and development and permitting becomes more efficient.
Last week, the task force discussed what the agency’s vision statement should be. They worked off a placeholder: “Ensure housing supply meets demand for all Washingtonians across all income levels and communities, with clear accountability for progress and outcomes.”
Curtis Steinhauer, policy coordinator for the Washington State Association of Counties, said it should perhaps specifically call out people experiencing homelessness as the
group most hurt by the housing crisis.
Heck pushed back on getting more specific, saying he could make arguments for the paramount importance of starter homes because the lack of them is rippling across the housing market.
There was also disagreement on the department’s chief responsibility.
To David Frockt, Ferguson’s deputy policy director and former Democratic state senator, its role will be to partner, such as with the private sector and human service providers, instead of solely regulating. Bateman wants it to be more action-oriented, more like a think tank looking at innovative solutions.
The group is expected to hold monthly meetings through the fall. The next is scheduled for May 13.
Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard. com.
The Washington state Capitol building in Olympia.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
sheriff’s reports
April 9, 10:30 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Cottonwood Court
April 9, 12:46 p.m.: Alarm audible on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer.
April 9, 8:23 p.m.: Disorderly conduct cold call on Birch Bay Square Street.
April 10, 7:34 a.m.: Runaway on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
April 10, 12:24 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
April 10, 2:01 p.m.: Threat cold call on Yew Street Road.
April 10, 3:44 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Karber Road.
April 10, 4:11 p.m.: Welfare check on H Street Road.
April 10, 9:12 p.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
April 11, 1:05 a.m.: Party on Birch Bay Drive.
April 11, 11:12 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Drayton Harbor Road.
April 11, 5 p.m.: DUI on Harborview Road.
April 11, 8:10 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Drive.
April 12, 3:53 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Delta Line and Burk roads.
April 12, 5:07 p.m.: Assist a person on Surf Place.
April 12, 6:23 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Bayshore Drive.
April 13, 12:48 a.m.: Serve warrant on Pacific Highway.
April 13, 12:01 p.m.: Mental
health flag on Henley.
April 13, 3:03 p.m.: Assist a person on Glendale Drive.
April 13, 7:25 p.m.: Extra patrol on Surf Place.
April 13, 9:04 p.m.: Theft cold call on Karber Road.
poLiCe reports
March 29, 4:24 a.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street.
March 29, 8:32 a.m.: Harassment on 16th Street.
March 30, 12:19 p.m.: Assault simple on H Street
March 31, 5:11 p.m.: Runaway on Leighton Street.
April 1, 8:58 a.m.: Burglary on Bayview Avenue.
April 1, 9:43 a.m.: Vehicle recovery on Bayview Avenue.
April 1, 11:13 a.m.: Custodial interference on 2nd Street.
April 1, 8:41 p.m.: Burglary on Bayview Avenue.
CrossWord
near Dead Sea
ACROSS
1. Greek goddess of marriage 5. Tropical American blue jay-like bird 10. Abba __, Israeli politician 14. Dark olive black 15. Light, crinkled fabric 16. Notre Dame has a golden one 17. Leaked blood 18. Confronted 19. Negligible amount
20. Facilitated 22. Hill or rocky peak 23. Minneapolis suburb 24. Songs to one’s beloved 27. Brake horsepower 30. Angry 31. Children’s game 32. Spelling is a type of one 35. Obtained in return for labor
37. Indicates center
38. Chinese dynasty
39. Old World buffaloes
40. Slang for time off 41. Fabric 42. Ancient kingdom
43. Defunct regional economic organization
44. Philly footballers
45. Female sibling
46. Peter Griffin’s daughter
47. Digital audiotape
48. Insecticide
49. Scientific instrument
52. Pages may be dog-__
55. Israeli city __ Aviv
56. Type of sword
60. Middle Eastern military title
61. Wise individuals
63. French Polynesian island Bora __ 64. Popular shoe type 65. One of 50
66. Divulge a secret 67. Dish of cooked meat mixed with potatoes
68. Actress Zellweger 69. Romanian city DOWN
1. Greek cupbearer of the Gods
2. Ancient Syrian city 3. Small Eurasian deer (pl.)
4. Range of mountains 5. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.) 6. Spoke 7. City in Georgia 8. Theatrical 9. CNN’s founder 10. Icelandic poems 11. Bjorn __, tennis player
12. Bowfin genus 13. One point north of northeast 21. Political divisions in ancient Greece 23. Electroencephalograph 25. Cool!
26. Male parent 27. Where some gymnasts work 28. Capital of Vietnam 29. Sailboats 32. Shelter (Scottish)
33. Completed 34. Discharge 36. Arrest 37. Partner to cheese 38. Coffee receptacle 40. Stagnate 41. Satisfies 43. Snakelike fish 44. Consume food 46. Type of school 47. Erase 49. Inform
April 2, 2:44 a.m.: Domestic physical on Marine Drive.
April 2, 11:30 a.m.: Abandoned vehicle on Georgia Street.
April 2, 3:42 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking/injury crash on Cedar View Way.
April 2, 5:58 p.m.: Vandalism on H Street.
April 3, 11:11 a.m.: Theft on Lux Lane.
April 3, 11:24 a.m.: Fraud on H Street.
April 3, 9:01 p.m.: Party on Blaine Avenue.
April 4, 5:46 a.m.: Missing person on 15th Street.
50. Girl’s given name 51. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 52. Every one of two or more things 53. Northern India city 54. Seventeenth stars in a constellation 57. Weapon 58. Amounts of time 59. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 61. Soviet Socialist Republic 62. Witness
tides
April 16-22 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Coming up
Blaine Chamber Happy Hour: 4 to 6:30 p.m., April 16, The Wheelhouse Bar and Grill, 746 Peace Portal Drive. Unwind, connect and collaborate at the chamber happy hour event. Community Dinner: 5 p.m., April 16, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy a delicious meal, connect with neighbors, and share in an evening of good food and good company. Cost is by donation, pay what you can/if you can. Info: 360-7467910.
Books and Bites: 1 p.m., April 17, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. April title: “The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. Info: wcls.org.
Matching Funds Donor Dinner: 5 to 7 p.m., April 18, The Way Café, 4823 Alderson Road, Suite 108, Birch Bay. RSVP: info@ thebridgehope.com.
Paint and Sip Hot Chocolate: 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 18, L&L Bak- ery, 477 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine. $35 per person, 8 years old and older. With Alia Masonsmith of Inner Sparkle Arts. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.
Puzzles & Pastries: 5 to 7 p.m., April 20, Blaine Library. Drop in with your favorite arts and crafts to spend time creating alongside other crafters. Stitch, hook, paint, draw — all while connecting with others on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Vendor Information Meeting: 6 p.m., April 20, Blaine Welcome Center. learn about being a vendor at the Market and other events in 2026. RSVP to info@blainechamber.com.
Financial Empowerment Class: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays from April 21 through May 26, The Way Café Meeting Room, 4823 Alderson Road, Suite 108, Birch Bay. Free class. Free financial mentoring available to those who finish the course. Sponsored by Community Assistance Program and The Bridge Community Hope Center. Registration: 360-296-0441 or kevin@ thewhatcomdream.org. More information: thewhatcomdream. org.
Sauerkraut & Fermented Veggies - Homemade & Delicious: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 22, Blaine Library. Learn to make good old-fashioned, delicious and crispy kraut in your kitchen. This presentation covers the basics of fermentation and provides resources to get you started. Presented by Blaine CORE.
Daughter’s Choice Dance: Waves and Wonder: 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 24, Birch Bay Activity Center, $8 per family. All ages. Elegant under the sea evening for girls and their special guest. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Drug Takeback: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 25, Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Bring your unused or expired prescription medication for safe disposal. Sponsored by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Litter Clean-Up: 10 a.m. to noon, April 25, Exit 274. The Salishan Neighborhood Association Adopt-A-Highway group is picking up litter on I-5 Exit 274. Space is limited, so RSVP at Liznben2024@gmail.com.
Get Ready for Kindergarten Family Night: 5 to 6 p.m., April 30, Blaine Primary School. Building tour, classroom visit, pizza and more. RSVP here: bit.ly/4tE6C8F.
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival: April 30 through May 3, Pickford Film Center, Bellingham. For showtimes and more information, visit: cascadiafilmfest.org
Ongoing
Blaine Library Spring Art Exhibition: During library hours, April through June, Blaine Library. The Spring exhibit features a variety of artwork provided by talented local artist Mary Eilene Hamilton. Mary has shared a variety of her work including oil on canvas, oil on masonite and prismacolor. Her collection includes cubism, local landscapes, animals and people.
Senior Community Meals: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $6 per meal ($10 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360-332-8040.
Blaine Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Mondays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. For ages 2-3. An open program that includes stories, rhymes, and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation.
Blaine Food Bank: 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, 500 C Street. Info: 360-332-6350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of April 6-12, 0.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-to-date precipitation record is 13.9 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 70.2°F on April 6 with a low of 34°F on April 8. Average high was 62.1°F and average low was 39.8°F.
Lego Club: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Design, build and share at this drop-in program for ages 4 and up. We provide the LEGO® bricks; you bring the creativity. What will you create? Info: wcls.org.
Off the Shelf: A Teen Hangout: 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesdays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Looking for a place to relax after school? Come hang out, play games, listen to music, be creative or just chill with friends.
Tech Help: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 4 p.m, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance from library staff. Info: wcls.org.
Scenes from the Birch Bay Road Race
NOTICE
Water Main Flushing
The City of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District started flushing the water distribution systems. 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 flushing process, water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness in the water. 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 or Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, contact City of Blaine Public Works at 360-332-8820, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District at 360-371-7100 or visit www.cityofblaine.com or www.bbwsd.com for weekly area updates.
The Birch Bay Road Race was held on Saturday, April 11, where 616 runners finished races of 5k, 15k and 30k distances. Routes started and finished at North Bay Community Church, and went along the scenic Birch Bay Berm and through the coastal community.
Photos by Tiare Bowman/courtesy of Orca Running
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