Inside Bellingham Weekly: May 12, 2023

A weekly news roundup from the City of Bellingham

May 12, 2023 - by Janice Keller, Communications Director

Bike Everywhere Month events continue: More than 500 people joined us last weekend for the 2nd Annual Bellingham Bike Parade, pictured above as the Bellingham Police led the parade down Holly Street. Cyclists in costume, all styles of bikes and lots of tykes made this a great kickoff to Bike Everywhere Month. Thank you to all who joined the ride and special thanks to our event co-sponsors Whatcom Transportation Authority, Whatcom Smart Trips, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, WECU and Port of Bellingham. Start planning now for Bike to Work and School Day, Friday, May 19. Stop by in the morning at one or both of the City’s celebration stations: Bellingham Police Department headquarters (where they will be serving donuts and bacon!) and the Public Works Department station on the corner of Railroad and Chestnut, where staff will be handing out free water bottles. Rain or shine, we hope to see you on your bike! For more information, including all celebration station locations, visit biketoworkandschoolday.org

Fire Department leaders: The Bellingham Fire Department hosted a pinning ceremony on May 10, 2023, to celebrate four promotions, including naming the first female fire captain in the department. The celebration honored: Shawn Linville, recently promoted to City Fire Marshal/Division Chief of Life Safety; Matt Munger, promoted to Battalion Chief; Tom Kettman, promoted to Fire Captain; and Sarah Pernick, promoted as the first female Fire Captain in the department. Congratulations to all four Bellingham Fire leaders, we celebrate your great work and look forward to your successes in your new positions!

Improving public spaces

Little Squalicum Estuary: Construction of the 2.4-acre estuary in Little Squalicum Park will resume May 15, 2023, including pile driving expected to continue through June. Heavy construction is likely to be complete, and full public access to the park restored, by the end of September 2023. In the meantime, the project site remains closed due to on-site hazards. Restoration at the estuary site will continue through early 2024. Visit the Little Squalicum Estuary page for updates and a map of park access.

Civic engagement for all ages

Meet our trucks: Meet the trucks that keep our City running smoothly! To celebrate National Public Works Week, we are hosting our annual Meet-a-Truck event for all ages to interact with the big trucks and other equipment that keep our streets, storm drains, sewer and water lines running smoothly every day. On Thursday, May 25, stop by 210 Lottie Street – between City Hall and the Central Library – any time 1 to 3 p.m. to “meet” the trucks and their operators and participate in crafts offered by the Bellingham Public Library Children’s Library. As the largest department in the City, Public Works is responsible for maintaining streets, crosswalks, traffic signs and lights; treating our drinking water and wastewater; protecting and restoring our natural resources; constructing capital projects that improve our transportation system; and much more. Learn more about Public Works and the Meet-a-Truck event at cob.org/national-public-works-week.

Law Day for students: More than 400 8th grade students from Fairhaven, Shuksan and Whatcom middle schools are participating in Law Day sessions this spring, hosted by Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Debra Lev. “Law Day activities give students real life court experience by observing court in action and seeing how civics concepts studied in school are applied in our community,” Judge Lev said. In addition to observing court proceedings, students learn about key aspects of the criminal justice system. Law Day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law, recognized by courts, bar associations, and attorney generals across the United States. This year’s theme, chosen by the American Bar Association, is Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration. In the photo below, Judge Lev (left) and Court Commissioner Nick Henery (center) join Mayor Seth Fleetwood (right) as he reads a proclamation declaring May 1, 2023, as “Law Day” in our City. The last of the series of Law Day events for students is scheduled for May 18. For more information, contact the Municipal Court.

Law Day 2023

Media Contact

Janice Keller, Communications Director
jkeller@cob.org or (360) 778-8115


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