Free family fun this Friday
The Whatcom Museum and our Parks & Recreation team have lots of free family fun in store for this Friday, August 7. Here are a few highlights:
- Wren the Juggler kicks off our new summer concert series for kids at Maritime Heritage Park at noon.
- Curious about optical illusions? The Whatcom Museum is hosting all-ages crafts and activities about optical illusions throughout the afternoon on Free First Friday. Plus, don’t miss artist Luciana Navarro-Powell’s illusion chalk art in front of the Lightcatcher.
- Free First Friday is also a great chance to check out the Whatcom Museum’s newest exhibition, Luminous Glow, featuring neon glass sculptures by Seattle artist Kelsey Fernkopf with photography by Steve Gilbert.
Find the full schedule of events on Whatcom Museum’s website.
Wildfire smoke update
Wildfire smoke is affecting communities across Washington, and people who are sensitive should consider limiting time outdoors. As smoke conditions can shift rapidly, visit AirNow.gov for the most up-to-date information.
We are monitoring conditions as well, and if temperatures or smoke reach higher levels this summer, the City will open a cooling and clean‑air center at the Pacific Street Operations Center (2221 Pacific St.). We’ll share updates on our homepage and social media if that happens.
In the meantime, please check on neighbors, especially older adults or anyone who may be more vulnerable. Learn more about how to stay safe and find local facilities offering clean air on our Extreme heat and wildfire smoke support page.
City Council will consider changes to improve renter protections
On August 10, Bellingham City Council will consider updates to Bellingham’s Rental Registration and Safety Inspection program. City staff recommend:
- Creating an audit process for inspectors conducting rental inspections for the program
- Defining when and how the safety inspection checklist should be used for inspections
- Authorizing the director of Planning and Community Development to hire code compliance officers to issue citations for non-criminal offenses relating to the program
- Changing the appeal process for the program to limit to one appeal opportunity
- Updating requirements, exemptions and penalties for 120-day rent increase notices
These updates are intended to improve safety inspection quality and create more effective enforcement options. City Council will also hear a proposal to clarify requirements for 120-day rent increase notices. Learn more about the above changes being considered and about the Rental Registration and Safety Program on our website
Join us for a North Bellingham open house with Mayor Lund
Want to learn more about City priorities or have questions about our work? Mayor Kim Lund and her leadership team are gathering to take your questions for the third and final Ask Us Anything event this year. This event is free and open to the whole community.
Location: Larabee Lager
Date: August 19
Time: Refreshments and mingling at 5:30 p.m. | programming from 6-7 p.m.
Learn more on our events calendar.
