Bellingham Scoop: Friday April 10

Happy Friday, Bellingham. It is April 10 and it looks like we saved the best weather of the week for last. Here's what's going on around town before you head into your weekend.

Today's Weather Mostly sunny with a high near 66 degrees. Enjoy it while it lasts: rain returns tomorrow with a 50 percent chance of showers and a high near 59. Check the National Weather Service for the latest.

Spring Is Here: Your Home Deserves a Fresh Start (sponsored)

After all the mud, rain, and gray of a Bellingham winter, your home has earned a proper clean.

Our neighbors at Cascade Home Cleaning are celebrating the return of sunny days with a great offer: 40% off your first deep clean for new recurring clients if you book TODAY!

With Earth Day coming up and sunshine finally back in the forecast, it's the perfect time to open the windows and get things sparkling. Cascade Home Cleaning has more than 250+ 5-star reviews from our neighbors in Bellingham, Lynden, Blaine, Ferndale and the surrounding area with professional, trusted cleaners.

Book your first clean here. Or call / text them at: 360-594-5990

Unsafe Food Vendors Spotted in Whatcom County: What to Watch For

Unsafe Food Vendors Spotted in Whatcom County

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is raising the alarm about a growing number of unpermitted food vendors operating across the county. Health officials say these vendors lack the basic requirements of any legit food operation: running water for handwashing, toilet facilities, and refrigeration to keep food at safe temperatures. Operators have also refused to disclose where their ingredients come from.

"Unpermitted food vendors pose a real risk to public health," said Dr. Meghan Lelonek, WCHCS Co-Health Officer. Foodborne illnesses linked to unsafe food handling include E. coli, Norovirus, Salmonella, and Listeria. In rare cases, those can lead to hospital stays or worse.

How to spot a permitted vendor: they operate from a food truck, trailer, or push cart (for coffee and hot dogs), and they'll show you their valid Whatcom County Food Establishment Permit if you ask. An unpermitted stand typically operates from folding tables on the ground under a pop-up tent, and is not part of an approved community event.

If you spot an unpermitted vendor, report it to the health department. Read the full advisory here.

Fair Housing Month: Two Free Events Worth Knowing About

Fair Housing Month: Two Free Events

April is Fair Housing Month, and the City of Bellingham has lined up a couple of events to help residents learn about housing protections and recent changes to rental regulations.

On April 22 at 5:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre is hosting "From Redlining to Resilience," a free film screening of "Decade of Fire" followed by a panel discussion on the history of discriminatory housing practices and their ongoing impact in our region. Registration is required to attend.

On April 28 at 3:30 p.m., City Hall is hosting a free rental law Q&A session in Bellingham City Council Chambers. City staff and local tenant and landlord support organizations will walk through recent changes to rental laws and answer questions.

Both events are free and open to the public. Full event details and registration info here.

Heads Up: Lower Trails at Maritime Heritage Park Closing Next Week

Lower Trails at Maritime Heritage Park Closing

If Maritime Heritage Park is part of your regular walking route, plan for a small detour. The City of Bellingham is permanently closing a couple of stretches of the lower trail due to ongoing erosion and safety concerns. Work starts April 13 and runs through April 17.

During that window, park crews will cover gravel trail sections with woody debris and remove bridges, benches, stairs, and native plant signs. The upper Whatcom Estuary trail stays open throughout, so you can still walk through the park. Just stay out of the closed areas.

More details on the trail work and a map here.

Earth Day Is April 22: Bellingham Has Plenty of Ways to Get Involved

Earth Day is coming up on April 22 and there's a good lineup of local events to participate in. The City of Bellingham is running work parties, a recycling drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items (electronics, batteries, documents for shredding), and earth-themed storytimes at the Bellingham Public Library.

There's also a volunteer work party to improve water quality and habitat at Squalicum Creek, and RE Sources is organizing a beach clean-up on April 22.

If you want to explore more Earth Day events beyond those, there's a community-curated list worth checking out. Something for everyone this year.

WWU Celebrates Five Outstanding Alumni at 2026 Awards Ceremony

WWU 2026 Alumni Awards

Western Washington University is recognizing an impressive group of alumni this year. The Foundation for WWU & Alumni announced the 2026 Alumni Award recipients this week, an honoree slate that includes an acclaimed television screenwriter, a nationally recognized demographer, an innovative creator in interactive media, a generous educator and benefactor, and a family whose legacy spans generations of commitment to Western.

"These honorees represent an extraordinary cross-section of achievement, creativity, and service," said Kim Hill, CEO of the Foundation for WWU & Alumni. It's a good reminder of the talent that comes out of this community.

The Alumni Awards ceremony takes place Friday, May 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is open. Full details on the honorees here.

📅 The Upcoming Week