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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay
November 2 - 8, 2023
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Don’t forget to turn back clocks Nov. 5
Sea to See art show, page 5
Birch Bay author writes memoir on 2004 tsunami, page 13
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Biofuel facility draws rally at Peace Arch Registration open for CAP Thanksgiving baskets, toy store By Grace McCarthy
(See CAP, page 3)
s Hundreds of concerned Canadian and U.S. residents crowded under the Peace Arch on October 29 to voice their opposition to an Andion Global Inc. biofuel facility that is being proposed on Semiahmoo First Nation lands, about a half-mile north of the Peace Arch border crossing. Protestors listed a number of concerns, including its impact on the ecosystem, health risks from gasses and threats to public safety if the facility exploded. More on page 15. Photo by Grace McCarthy
Blaine City Council meeting disrupted by ‘Zoombomber’ shouting racial slur By Grace McCarthy The city of Blaine is investigating after an anonymous attendee loudly repeated the N-word slur in a ‘Zoombombing’ incident during the Blaine City Council meeting on October 23. The anonymous person logged into the city council meeting through Zoom, the platform the city uses to allow remote participation, and quickly began disrupting a Blaine resident who was speaking during a public hearing on manufactured
home parks in east Blaine. Lasting about a minute, the individual said the N-word slur over 10 times as in-person attendees looked mortified and council and city staff worked to gain control of the situation. City manager Mike Harmon said city staff actively monitors participants who remotely attend city council meetings. “In this particular case, the individual unmuted themselves and made the comments that they made,” he said. “We muted them and then they signed out and then signed in with a different username and
Ace Hardware holds soft opening in Blaine By Grace McCarthy Ace Hardware launched a soft opening for its Blaine store on November 1. The business will focus on its holiday products and grills as it continues stocking its shelves in the coming months. Store owner Philippe Boulos said he opened the Blaine location because he wanted to expand on the Ace Hardware he owns in Ferndale. “I like Blaine,” Boulos said. “I think it’s a pro-business city. It’s got a great
downtown area.” Boulos said it would be a ‘very limited soft-opening’ after the store ran into permitting and other obstacles. The store, which already has holiday lights and decorations, grills, toys, paint brushes, shovels, sleds and other merchandise, is expected to have its paint department and hardware section by December. “We’re really opening up a soft-opening to sell Christmas,” Boulos said. “But we’ve had other things arrive as well and there will be more things arriving
on a weekly basis.” The grand opening will likely occur in March, when the weather is better, Boulos said. Ace Hardware will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The business is at the former Ace Hardware location, 1733 H Street, suite 700, in the Cost Cutter plaza. “It’s locally owned and operated,” (See Ace, page 3)
did the same thing.” City clerk Sam Crawford said the city is unsure whether one or multiple individuals disrupted the meeting. “I would like to apologize to you for the comments that were made online by someone,” mayor Mary Lou Steward said to the Blaine resident who was interrupted. “This does not represent the feelings of anyone in this building and I am very sorry for this.” (See Council, page 3)
INSIDE
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is encouraging north Whatcom County residents experiencing financial constraints to sign up for its Thanksgiving basket kits and holiday toy store before the registration deadlines this month. CAP, which serves Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts residents, will once again hand out Thanksgiving baskets to families and individuals as well as host its Community Toy Store for parents to purchase holiday gifts at a discounted rate. The deadline for Thanksgiving basket registration is Friday, November 10 and the deadline to register for the Community Toy Store is Sunday, November 26. Registration is required for both programs. Thanksgiving baskets The Thanksgiving basket program will allow local residents to pick up fixings for their Thanksgiving meals 12-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 21 behind Cost Cutter in Blaine. The baskets will have a fresh turkey, potatoes, yams, stuffing mix, onions and celery, chicken broth, gravy mix, cranberry sauce, canned green beans, rolls, butter and milk, according to the CAP website. Thanksgiving basket registration can be done online at blainecap.org. Those unable to register online may call 360/393-9483. After registering, participants will receive a postcard with information on picking up the baskets. Over 250 residents received baskets last year, and CAP anticipates the need and food costs to be greater this year, according to a CAP press release on the baskets. CAP pays for the baskets solely from financial contributions. Community members can donate online at blainecap.org or by mailing a check to CAP with “Thanksgiving Baskets” in the memo line. Checks need to be mailed to the CAP Center at 508 G Street, Blaine, WA, 98230. Community Toy Store CAP will set up its annual Community
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