June 14 - 20, 2018
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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
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New Old Time Chautauqua stops by Blaine and Birch Bay, page 3
Marie’s Bees talks raw honey, page 7
Disc golf course opens at Lincoln Park, page 13
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
More than 140 seniors graduate from Blaine High School Cost for jail services to rise under new agreement B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Due to a growing need for repair, the cost to operate Whatcom County Jail is rising and cities that use it are being asked to pay more. On June 11, Blaine City Council voted 7-0 to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with Whatcom County and cities within its jurisdiction for jail services. As a result, the city will have to pay an additional $8 per day to house an inmate at Whatcom County Jail. Initial booking fees will rise by $16, electronic home detention fees will rise by $20 and a new $13 capital replacement fee will be added. The new agreement accounts for the added costs, per person, to make much-needed repairs to the jail facility. According to Whatcom County sheriff Bill Elfo, the jail housed upwards of 350 inmates in 2015, even though remodels completed over three decades boosted its maximum capacity to 280. In 2013, a task force called the need to replace the jail “critical” due to overcrowding and lack of safety. Despite the need, residents voted against two sales tax measures to fund the construction of a new jail. “The jail is in desperate need of repair and the county will be closing cell blocks over the next few years to make the necessary repairs,” read a city staff report prepared by Blaine municipal court administrator Raylene King. “The jail will have less space available for the jail population during the repairs, so the city is investigating alternatives. Regardless, access to a jail facility is necessary for the city.” The city is currently under contract with Yakima County to house post-conviction defendants as an alternative to using the Whatcom County Jail. King said the city is also considering other less-costly alternatives, such as electronic home detention, and will be presented with an ordinance on the matter later this month. “The costs of the county jail are going to continue to go up,” said city councilmember Meg Olson. “We’re going to see this contract with a higher price tag next time it comes around, so really all that we can do is continue to look at alternatives.”
s Blaine High School seniors celebrated graduation on June 8 at the high school gym – 142 students received diplomas. See photos on page 6. Photo by Jalen Kortlever
Ideas flow at Birch Bay library community input session By Oliver Lazenby At the first of three Birch Bay library community input meetings on June 11, attendees were encouraged to dream big. The Whatcom County Library System’s (WCLS) architect for the project, Zervas Architects, led a crowd of about 65 people in brainstorming ideas for the future library’s design. Attendees created a list of ideas and pri-
orities that included the following: Maintaining the look of the house on the property; a warm and attractive look with natural light; museum-like, with historical artifacts; ample parking and a big bicycle rack; a large gathering space; shelves on wheels, or spaces that can be flexible; space for kids and child-height fixtures in the bathrooms; a school bus stop; a computer lab and spaces to plug in laptops; semi-private tutoring and studying rooms; picnic
area; café, food truck parking, or other affordable food options; and craft space. WCLS hired Zervas last year to conduct a feasibility study for the property at 7968 Birch Bay Drive, which WCLS purchased from the Vogt family for $675,000 in April 2017. The property has a 2,135-squarefoot brown house that would need some work to be able to support bookshelves, (See Library, page 3)
City selects LAPD lieutenant Allen Schubert as new Blaine Police Department chief Within a matter of 60 days, current Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) lieutenant, Allen Schubert, will take the helm as chief of the Blaine Police Department, said interim city manager Michael Jones. Schubert has served the LAPD since 1999 and currently oversees a shift on the LAPD Transit Services Bureau, where an estimated 140 police offers provide public safety to rail riders, Jones said. He accepted the job offer just days after the city hosted a reception introducing the final three candidates for the position to members of the public. Approximately
35 people attended and had the chance to speak and provide feedback to the city. The following day, the candidates participated in a series of panel interviews. Aside from Schubert, the city also considered Bellingham Police Department patrol lieutenant Don Almer and Albert J. Ellis Airport police chief Renado Prince for the position. All candidates were recruited by consulting firm, The Prothman Company. During the reception, Schubert emphasized his ability to collaborate with others as well as his passion for the job and his expertise, of which he said he’s developed
from several roles in law enforcement. “My whole goal is to empower the police officers,” he said. “I like being out in the field, talking to community members … Because after all, we work for you.” Prior to his current position at the LAPD, Schubert served the department as a sergeant and detective. He is also a navy veteran. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Science degree in forensic science from National University and a Master of Arts degree in intelligence studies from American Public University.
“Allen grew up in a small town and he wants to return to his roots,” Jones said in an email. “He brings extensive experience in training, policy, supervision and police work, as well as an impressive educational background.” He added, “Those are great things, but, ultimately, it was sitting down for coffee and learning more about who Al is, and talking to his references that made me come to realize he is the right person for the job and good fit for Blaine.” This is a breaking news story. The Northern Light will continue to report on this topic as more information becomes available.