Details on WAWU deal, Bellingham to explore eliminating parking minimums for new development, Whatcom County Council wants to know about all payouts, including risk pool, Biotoxin Closures in Northern Whatcom County, Beetles killing more trees in WA, likely due to drought, Free and Cheap, Lawsuit challenges ‘parents’ bill of rights’ passed by WA legislature
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, May 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Details on WAWU deal
Western Washington University and the union representing its academic student workers, Western Academic Workers United (WAWU), reached a tentative agreement yesterday following a two-day strike.
The strike began after eight months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, with workers picketing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to bargaining committee member, Jaime Blais (BLAZE), the tentative agreement includes significant wage increases, tuition assistance, bereavement leave, protections against discrimination and harassment, holiday pay, and paid training. The agreement raises the undergraduate hourly minimum wage to $19/hr by next January and increases the graduate stipend from $1,700 to $2,008 per month. It also introduces a tuition assistance program providing up to $500 per quarter, contingent upon legislative funding.
A notable achievement of the strike was the removal of a 30-day probationary period for student employees. Blais says the union is excited to work towards making representation for organizational students a reality, as well as better funding for all schools at the state level.
Western President Sabah Randhawa expressed gratitude towards the student employees for their advocacy and to the staff and faculty who supported a fair contract. The tentative agreement now awaits approval from WAWU members and Western’s Board of Trustees.
STORY: Bellingham to explore eliminating parking minimums for new development
Bellingham City Council has directed staff to explore two options that could change parking mandates for new developments in the city.
City code currently requires that parking be included in each development plan. The new options would result in either the elimination of parking minimums citywide, or elimination of minimums in urban villages or within a quarter mile of high-frequency bus routes. The code removal would give developers the choice of how much parking to build.
On Monday, city council members agreed to change the current policy. According to a staff report, the overproduction of parking spaces can cause environmental impacts like the heat island effect and can increase the cost of housing.
With the two parking options now referred to city staff, there will now be a public comment period before the council votes on the final decision.
STORY: Whatcom County Council wants to know about all payouts, including risk pool
Whatcom County Council members are addressing a loophole in their notification process after discovering a $225,000 risk pool payout for an employee alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
New reporting by Cascadia Daily says that although the payment came from the Washington Counties Risk Pool, the county reimbursed the amount due to its being below a $250,000 deductible, effectively making local taxpayers bear the cost. The risk pool, established in 1988, provides comprehensive coverage and manages claims for its members, including Whatcom County, which has benefited from reduced payouts over the years. Despite this, large payouts, such as a $1.5 million settlement in 2015, highlight ongoing risks.
Council members expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, particularly regarding the Hutchings case, and initiated an investigation into the county’s handling of these allegations in April. The council aims to enhance oversight while maintaining the benefits of the risk pool’s financial safeguards.
STORY: Biotoxin Closures in Northern Whatcom County
It’s that time of year again: local beaches are closed to shellfish harvesting due to high biotoxin levels.
The Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational harvest for all species including clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops from Birch Point, north to the Canadian border including all of Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts.
Biotoxin can cause severe illness or death that can occur in under 30 minutes. For safe consumption, Public Health News reminds that paralytic shellfish poisoning and other naturally occurring biotoxins cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing. Although crab meat is not affected, “crab butter” and crab entrails can harbor biotoxins.
Shellfish sold in markets and restaurants are safe to eat.
STORY: Beetles killing more trees in WA, likely due to drought
A new study from the Department of Natural Resources says Washington had fewer dead or dying trees last year, but beetles caused more damage across the state.
The state’s annual forest health survey from the state Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service found Washington’s forests are suffering from increased heat, drought, and wildfires, making them more susceptible to beetles which feed on bark. According to a 2023 survey, all forested areas experienced below-normal spring precipitation and some level of drought conditions in the fall. The report also noted that the 2021 heat dome likely had a lasting effect on trees, which once damaged, can’t defend as well against the insects.
The outlook for this year isn’t much better. Washington is already considered abnormally dry or in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Last month a drought emergency was declared across most of the state.
STORY: Free and Cheap
Here are some free events going on around town this weekend.
On Saturday, the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade is taking place from noon to 3 pm. The parade begins at the corner of Alabama & Cornwall and heads south on Cornwall.
After the parade, why not head over to Elizabeth Station for a free Spring Community Market from 3-to-8 PM at 1400 West Holly St. The event will feature games, music, and local vendors with unique items.
On Sunday, the long-awaited Ski to Sea race is happening. The race begins at the Mount Baker Ski area and works its way towards Zuanich Point in Bellingham. Kayakers will then race the final leg through Bellingham Bay, concluding at Marine Park in Fairhaven. Spectators are encouraged to come out and support the teams.
Also on Sunday is the Fairhaven Festival, from 11 am to 7 pm. The street fair will include live music, food trucks, over 60 craft and food vendors and a beer and wine garden. Attendance at all these events is free.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect clouds, rain, and moderate winds, with a high of 58 degrees. More precipitation will come later tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 48. The occasional shower is likely all weekend long, with clouds filling in between.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, and Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening.
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STORY: Lawsuit challenges ‘parents’ bill of rights’ passed by WA legislature
