Samish Neighborhood Association Encourages Residents to Join NextDoor.com

The Samish Neighborhood board members encourage residents to signup with NextDoor.com in order to remain connected and involved with what is happening around the community and neighborhood. This enhances communication and connection between the Samish residents and neighbors, Steve Abel, President of the Samish Neighborhood Association, said.
Another valid reason to join NextDoor.com is the updates of criminal activity and police news that is posted by the Samish Neighborhood police officers; Eric Osterkamp and Dante Alexander.

To signup you must:

• First create an account with the Samish Hill neighbor site. It will verify your address and it is impossible to receive updates in that neighborhood if you do not have a way to prove you reside in that area (for example you will need a billing address linked to that address or some form of verification.) 
• Once you verify your location you are free to utilize the site and discover news and more that occurs within the neighborhood. 
• Any questions that may occur, contact President Steve Abel

A Year After the Legalization of Marijuana, North Coast Growers Emerges in Anacortes, Wash.

As Washington State celebrates the one-year birth of recreational marijuana legalization, growers and consumers reflect on the journey.

On July 8, 2014 recreational marijuana became accessible to purchase by the public. Since that date, marijuana producers have attempted to work out the kinks, jump through the hoops, and learn the ways of the trade as they each attempt success at the business.

Legal marijuana is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. According to the State of Legal Marijuana Markets report conducted by the ArcView Group, “Legal cannabis markets in the United States are expected to grow 32% over the next year.” In a giant leap from 2013 to 2014, the industry as a whole reached $2.7 billion totaling a 74% expansion rate from the previous year, according the same report.

North Coast Growers, a recent recreational marijuana producing and processing facility in Anacortes, Wash., officially launched on May 21, 2015. After more than a year of planning and preparation, North Coast Growers is in full swing after only two weeks of being open to the public.

Throughout the process of obtaining the right permits, paying application fees and insurance policies, determining locations and other means, being thorough and complete in every step was the goal of the North Coast Growers crew, explained Jordan Johnson, Manager of Processing.

According to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, I-502 creates license requirements that are separated into three basic tiers: marijuana processor, producer, and retailer. Washington State does not allow an individual or a business to hold all three licenses. Therefore, someone cannot be both a producer and a retailer of their own crop or be a processor and retail their own processes. One can, however, process and produce simultaneously which is the route North Coast Growers is taking.

Taxes are the most challenging and warring piece of this industry, said Matthew Sampson, owner of North Coast Growers. “The state’s stake is greedy and unsustainable,” he said.

Consumers, however, see taxes differently. “I think there are more benefits to having marijuana be legal. It gives people a choice to use it or not, and keeps more people out of jail for minor crimes,” said Luke Gillespie, consumer and supporter of I-502. “It costs taxpayers less and it could potentially create a new market to be traded internationally,” he said.

Another challenge faced by the industry is the negative reputation it can often render. When asked if he ever feels the stereotype projected on the business Jordan Johnson responded, “A majority of the time, but that is what we are trying to change in the company.” Appearance matters in this industry, especially when you are trying to portray professionalism, he said. “We want the cleanest, most professional environment we can possibly create. Following the rules, walking the talk, and going by the book has been our philosophy,” Johnson said.  Pair that with consistent, efficient, sustainable gardening and it will surely lead to success, he said.

Despite steep fees and long periods of wait time, there is evidence that reflects the value of the industry. Watching a business develop from the ground up, literally, is an experience that will be hard to reciprocate Johnson said.

The marijuana industry is rapidly growing and there is no evidence that supports the end of the growth. According to the report by ArcView Group, by year 2019, it is estimated that marijuana sales will total $10.8 billion. ArcView Group also estimates that by year 2020 an additional 14 states will pass the use of marijuana for adults.

“Being on the forefront of an industry that has the ability to positively impact our nation, our species, and our planet in a hugely positive way, is the most rewarding aspect of the business,” Sampson said.

Junior Ski to Sea Seeks Volunteers for Future Races

Junior Ski to Sea is a community event that is continuing to expand and grow with each passing year. Executive Director, Pete Coy, expressed that although there is much excitement surrounded around the growth of the race, there is also a need for more volunteers for the event. With over 200 teams (1,200 participants) competing in the last race, the need for extra hands was evident. For information on the event and contact information for volunteering click here or email Pete Coy at ski2searace@gmail.com. To further connect with the Junior Ski to Sea community and coordinating team click here. 

Below is coverage from the 2011 Jr. Ski to Sea Race. 

Lake Padden Hosts Annual Junior Ski to Sea Race

Cheers echoed across Lake Padden early Saturday morning, May 16, as the annual Junior Ski to Sea race took off. The sound of kettle corn popping lulled in the background as kids cheered each other on and parents shouted encouraging words saying, “don’t give up.”

Participants ranging from 3rd grade to 8th grade began the race with a running leg that circled around the park stretching for a 1.5 miles before they reached the second leg, the 3-legged race. As the runners came in to tag off their two teammates tied together, cheers roared from the crowd and smiles erupted on their faces. A quarter of a mile later, the 3-legged racers crossed the finish line signaling the bike leg to begin. Bikers take their mark, shoot a determined look at a parent jumping on the side lines and race off to circumference the entire 2.6 miles of Lake Padden. As they pound their pedals and their tires spin, the bikers spit gravel behind them in a sprint to the end. The next leg is soccer where participants show great patience and coordination as they exercise ball control kicking it around cones and racing against their opponents. After a half a mile of the soccer leg they reach the obstacle participant who takes off around the course; jumping over hurdles, navigating through a maze, climbing over the playground and more. This is the final leg of the race and as the obstacle course comes to an end the sounds of cheers and screams fill the air for teams that stride over the finish line. Laughter and smiles resonate throughout the park.



“One of the greatest benefits of the Junior Race is that it puts an emphasis on health and fitness at an early age,” said Pete Coy, Executive Director. “The Junior Race gets kids involved with physical fitness and friendly competition at an early age,” Coy said.

Cheryllynn Milhomme, Burlington resident and mother of past and current participants, said, “I am so thankful for the Junior Ski to Sea race because it gives my boys not only something to look forward to, but something to train for.” The physical challenge of the race is really important and the Junior Ski to Sea Race strives to create a fun environment for kids to exercise and compete safely.

“Junior Ski to Sea builds self-confidence and it teaches kids to work together as a team to push towards a common goal,” said Tamara Danielson, mother of Junior Ski to Sea finisher. It creates a safe and positive environment and brings the community together, she said.

The race is separated into two main divisions, elementary and middle school, and three subdivisions, male-only, female-only, and co-ed (three boys and three girls.) A child must be a minimum of nine years-old in order to join the race for safety precautions.

After witnessing the success of the adult Ski to Sea race, the Chamber of Commerce, in 1994 started the Junior Race. “The first year of Junior Ski to Sea had about 80 teams,” said Curtis Anson, Race Director. Since then, it has grown to over 200 teams and is still growing, he added.

Lake Padden has hosted the race for 11 years, but there are some challenges to be considered for future races. “Lake Padden is a beautiful setting, but with very limited parking it is more difficult to grow the race and there is always congestion with cars trying to get in and out of the park between heats,” Coy said. In order to continue to grow and expand, a different location may be needed in the future.



As of now, Lake Padden will once again be host to Junior Ski to Sea 2016, but it is in the works to look for a new venue that has the expansion needs for the popular race, Coy said.

Samish Neighborhood Hosts its Annual Picnic

On September 13, 2015, Samish Neighborhood will host their annual picnic at Lake Padden in the playground pavilion. Click here for a map of Lake Padden park; the playground pavilion is located southeast on the map. The Samish Neighborhood is always looking for more community members to get involved, for more information click here. If you are further interested in Samish Neighborhood affairs, follow this link.

Junior Fit Makes an Impact on the Students of Happy Valley Elementary

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Obesity has more than doubled in children over the last several years. Percentages of obese children have increased from 5 percent to 21 percent in the past 30 years. Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and bone and joint problems are merely some of the short-term and long-term effects of obesity, which is a raging epidemic in today’s world.

Jerad Crawford, owner of Extreme Fit (X-Fit), recognized the need for change and for action and in September 2014 he launched Junior Fit; a program that strives to motivate kids both mentally and physically to achieve healthy lifestyles. He created Junior Fit with hopes to bring education about nutrition and exercise to the schools in a way that they haven’t been receiving it in Physical Education classes, he said. It all began at Northern Heights Elementary with only five kids attending on a regular basis.

“Junior Fit has exploded in a way we never anticipated,” Jordan Johnson, Junior Fit instructor said. The opportunity to impact these kids’ lives and teach them important and valuable lessons about health is such a rewarding experience, he said.

Since the start up in 2014, Junior Fit has spread to over seven schools within Whatcom County, including Happy Valley Elementary. “I have seen a huge change in my son since we signed him up for Junior Fit,” Rochelle Steinberg, mother of a Happy Valley student said. “Which is a good thing,” she added with a chuckle. This is one of the greatest extracurricular activities for young kids as they will learn valuable lessons all while getting their blood pumping and their heart rate rising. Junior Fit is not only designed to teach kids about the fundamentals of exercise and healthy eating, but it is also designed to teach them integrity and honesty, Johnson said. Incorporated into the daily curriculum is also a vocab of values. Each day they learn a new character trait or value that will positively encourage and uplift themselves and others, he said.

In today’s society, there is a very skewed sense of health and exercise and many people are simply uninformed, said Jon Wettack, nutritionist and Junior Fit Coach. The goal of Junior Fit is to teach kids the importance of exercise routine, nutrition balance, and the reactions of the body when exercise is enforced, Wettack said.

At Happy Valley Elementary the PE classes are 60 minutes long. Junior Fit keeps the kids moving for a whole 90 minutes. “The smaller numbers helps manage the productivity of the class and allows us to squeeze in one-on-one trainings with the kids if it’s necessary. Something that would never happen in a typical PE class,” Johnson said. An additional benefit to Junior Fit is it allows the kids to socialize with one another outside of the classroom and the school setting. “We do our best to make it as fun as possible,” Crawford said. Junior Fit coaches strive to create an environment that the elementary students feel excited to come to, he said.

Obesity and diabetes is increasing in the youth at a very high rate. With sugar being one of the top added ingredients into food, there is no shock that disease is and obesity is increasing at a steady number, Wettack said. Training kids to change their routine, to add exercise into their daily habit, to be informed and educated on food choices, and to carry away values that will enhance their lives, is the end goal for Junior Fit, Crawford said.



Crawford hopes to initiate a summer program for youths interested in staying active while school is no longer in session.

Say Goodbye to Rezone Worry

With the recent re-zones of Area 9 and 801 Samish Way, it is easy to fear the uncertainty of what will take over the land in the future. Luckily, all of that information is public; the trick is learning how to look for it. The City of Bellingham's website, will allow you to browse archives of city planning proposals, to rezones, and more. If you are look specifically for Area 9 plans, applications, maps, and more click here. If you are curious about the 801 Samish Way lot and the plans the applicant has, click here. The Rezone Application explains the process, requirements, and criteria that is evaluated in order to have a rezone approved.
The City of Bellingham wants to keep people informed, said Jackie Lynch, City Planner. The more information we can put online to help people understand why we do what we do, the better, she said.

Rezones Cause Concern and Future Uncertainty for the Samish Neighborhood Residents

“The hardest part about this whole process is that no one is all going to agree, ever,” said Jackie Lynch, Planning and Development Coordinator for the City of Bellingham. 

As the Area 9 and 801 Samish Way areas face rezoning, members of the Samish neighborhood have met the issue with resistance. While 801 Samish Way makes a large proposal to move from single family residential to commercial planned, Area 9 strives to remove the restriction of nonretail. What Samish residents are concerned with is how the space will be utilized in the future.

Since the application for amendment was submitted on Aug. 8, 2014 for 801 Samish Way, Area 4, there has been debate on the authorization of the rezone. The rezone was argued on grounds that it has a strong potential to implement the goals laid out within the comprehensive plan and will serve the public. Currently, Samish Way Church of Christ is the listed owner of the property, however, Pacific Harbor Holdings, LLC., is applying for the rezone so that it can be utilized for the psychology and mental health services offered. Pacific Harbor Holdings argued that there is a blatant lack of psychology and mental health resources for Bellingham residents. The need for psychology and other mental health services is high and the access those in need are receiving is low. Therefore the location mixed with the need for a healthy change was the argument proposed. In addition, Pacific Harbor Holdings is attempting to expedite the process due to the demand of psychologists and the critical need for a mental health services center in the area.

“Rezoning the property to allow the psychologists to practice there is a great idea,” said Niki Long, board member of the Samish Neighborhood and longtime resident. “What makes me worried is what will happen to the area when the psychology practice leaves,” she said. Steve Abell, President of the Samish Neighborhood, agreed that the psychology practice moving into the church was a great idea. However, there is a hole within the rezone process, he said. Businesses and property owners can apply for rezones without a definite plan of future action, Abell said.

More recently, on Mar. 31, 2015 a neighborhood plan amendment was submitted by Upside Partnership to rezone Area 9 located at 0 Samish Way, directly across the street from Samish Way Church of Christ. The property currently contains seven lots at 73,000 square feet. The underdeveloped state of the property is the reason behind the rezone, but beyond that, the non-retail restriction currently consists of a small list of office types that are allowed on the property. Because of the limited types of offices, the property management moves to lift the restriction in order to open up to a wider range of office types allowed in the area.

The rezoning approval process passes through many checkpoints in various departments of the city before it is accepted, Lynch said. The amendment request is processed by the Planning Commission Review team, is assessed to ensure it follows all required criteria, and finally is passed to the City Council who will fully accept the rezone, tweak it, or deny it, Lynch said. Julia Burns, an employee at the city in the Planning and Development department, said if you try to please everyone you will fail every time. “If both sides are unhappy, you know you made the right decision,” Lynch said when asked about making the right judgment call. The Planning and Development Committee for the City of Bellingham encourages anyone with questions, concerns, and comments to bring those forward and clear up anything that may seem muddied, Lynch said.

On Apr. 18, 2015 there will be a City Council meeting where the rezones will be discussed. It is open to the public and their input is encouraged, said Steve Abell.

Welcome to the Samish Report!

This site will serve as your source into the latest news and events happening within the Samish Neighborhood. Follow me on a trail of news from the green outstretches of the Lake Padden golf course, through the trails that circle the lake, down Samish Way and to the end of Consolidation Ave.

I encourage your feedback and would love to hear from you! Comment, ask questions, or just say hello! Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the Samish Report!