Bellingham Updates: City Services, MLK Day, Salmon Cam, Whatcom READS, and More

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for January 31, 2025. Today, we're starting with some important reminders about city services. Due to an all-staff meeting, some non-essential city services will be closed this afternoon. This includes the Permit Center, which is always closed to in-person services on Fridays, and the Finance public service counter, which will close after 2 p.m. Additionally, Rental Registration and Safety Inspection services, building inspections, and Public Works and Parks services at the Pacific Street Operations Center will be closed from 2 to 4 p.m. However, urgent issues can still be reported to the after-hours line at 360-778-7700. On a more community-focused note, we want to highlight the recent celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. Last Saturday, the community came together for a day of service and reflection, including a community breakfast and discussions on advancing healing and justice. Volunteers participated in various activities such as assembling hygiene kits, crafting blankets for local shelters, and collecting food donations. Moreover, 323 volunteers joined the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Work Party at Squalicum Park, where they planted 500 native trees and shrubs, removed invasive weeds, and spread mulch, contributing to improved water quality and wildlife habitat around the Willow Spring restoration project. In other news, the Salmon Cam is back for its second year. The Bellingham Public Library, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, and BTV are inviting the public to witness salmon eggs transform into alevin and fry via a livestreamed camera inside a 55-gallon aquarium at the Central Library. You can watch this fascinating process online through February and March, and the baby salmon can also be viewed in person at the Library’s Children’s Department. Looking ahead, tickets are now available for the 2025 Whatcom READS events, celebrating the book "No Two Persons" by Erica Bauermeister. The in-person keynote event, An Evening with Erica Bauermeister and Friends, is free and can be reserved at MountBakerTheatre.com. Whatcom READS is a countywide collaboration to read the same book together, involving various local libraries and educational institutions. If you're interested in providing feedback on rental fees, the Bellingham City Council is considering two proposed ordinances that would create new rules for rental fees charged by landlords and property managers. You can take the survey on Engage Bellingham through February 14. For those looking for activities today, the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center and the Civic Athletic Complex will remain open. Additionally, all branches of the Bellingham Public Library will be open as usual. If you're interested in exploring career opportunities in public safety, the Bellingham Police Department is hosting an Information Day, and applications are open for Fire and Emergency Medical Services Dispatchers wit This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.