First responders night at the Bellingham Bells
Last Saturday’s Bellingham Bells home game against the Port Angeles Lefties was dedicated to “Salute to Service – First Responder” night, and our team was proud to take part. Officer K. Redmond threw out the first pitch, and a multi-agency color guard presented the flag for the National Anthem. Officer A. Salgado was invited to be an official “bat kid” and hang out in the dugout with the Lefties.
Our officers were honored to be part of the celebration and appreciated the warm welcomes, handshakes, and thanks from players on both teams. A big thank‑you to the Bells and the Lefties for having us!
Apply to be a volunteer Park Steward
Are you interested in helping care for Bellingham’s parks, trails, open spaces, restoration areas, and community gardens? Consider becoming a Park Steward! Our volunteer Park Stewards play a crucial role in helping keep our parks and other natural areas beautiful and healthy. Apply online by July 31. If you have any questions, reach out to our Parks Volunteer Program staff at pkvolunteers@cob.org or 360-778-7105 (Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). We look forward to seeing you in our parks!
Pro/con statement authors needed for three initiatives
We’re seeking volunteers to write voters’ pamphlet statements for three different initiatives on the November general election ballot. Details for each proposal can be found in the most recent City Council Packet:
- An initiative that would prohibit landlords from using algorithmic software to fix rents (see page 268)
- A charter amendment to remove the requirement that all City contracts be hand-signed by the mayor, which would allow the use of electronic signatures (see page 279)
- A charter amendment to have the mayoral salary set by the same salary commission that sets City Council compensation (see page 284)
Volunteers will prepare a statement under 200 words either in support of or in opposition to the initiative, along with a rebuttal statement. To apply, email Deputy City Administrator Janice Keller at jkeller@cob.org with your name, phone number, the committee you wish to serve on, and any additional information by 5 p.m. on July 27. Mayor Kim Lund will appoint up to three members to serve on each committee.
Save water this summer
Even in the hottest days of summer, you can stay cool while helping conserve one of our most valuable resources. During the dry season, outdoor watering increases Bellingham’s daily drinking water use from about 8 million gallons to 14 million gallons. Help make every drop count with a few simple habits: Water your lawn every other day by following our voluntary summer watering schedule, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation, or consider letting your lawn go dormant until the fall.
Looking for an easy way to save even more water? Take our Water Conservation Pledge or stop by the City’s booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market this Saturday to pick up a free outdoor water-saving device.
Improving public spaces
Alabama Street: Single‑lane closures through September
This week, crews begin replacing electrical vaults along Alabama Street between Iron and Nevada. The vaults are currently over capacity, and these upgrades will strengthen the City’s fiber network and add redundancy for emergency dispatch services.
Commuters can expect periodic traffic delays and single‑lane closures along Alabama Street now through September. Please drive slowly in work zones and follow directions from traffic control.
Annual striping program safety improvements
As part of our annual striping program, crews recently completed three projects to improve safety and comfort for people walking and biking along key routes:
- Squalicum Parkway (Roeder Ave. to Meridian St.): Added buffered bike lanes to help calm traffic and increase separation between people biking and vehicles
- McLeod Rd. (west of Meridian St.): Adjusted the curb line to widen the shoulder and create more space for people walking and biking
- 12th St. (Harris Ave. to Mill Ave.): Closed a gap in the northbound bike lane to improve safety and address a turning‑radius issue reported by WTA Bus Operators
Each summer, we pair routine striping maintenance with focused safety upgrades like these. Stay on the lookout for additional striping projects over the next couple of months.
Improving water quality in Lake Whatcom
Construction starts soon on a project to protect Lake Whatcom, our community’s drinking water source. We are upgrading stormwater treatment vaults at three sites near Northshore Drive to better filter out runoff pollution and lower long-term maintenance costs. Work is expected to begin by July 27 at the Poplar Drive facility, followed by the vaults at Academy and Connecticut streets. Because these vaults are located off major roadways, we anticipate minimal traffic disruptions. Visit our project page to learn more and follow our progress!
