More government waste on the Horizon?
Permalink +Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 12:28 pm // Larry Horowitz
You don’t need to be Nostradamus to make this prediction: Bellingham city officials are about to waste precious staff time and taxpayer resources preparing an environmental impact statement for Horizon Bank’s Fairhaven Highlands development on Chuckanut Ridge. Shocking, isn’t it? Well, given the amount of warning city officials have received, we should at least be appalled.
The purpose of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is to study the significant environmental impacts of a proposed development. Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), the lead agency has the responsibility to ensure that the EIS focuses on 'reasonable alternatives'. Before an EIS is prepared, the proposed development should be reviewed to ensure it meets the basic legal requirements under applicable zoning ordinances and building codes. If the development application does not comply with applicable law, preparing an EIS would be a considerable waste of time and resources.
In the case of Horizon’s development, neither the original application nor the Improved Buffer Alternative is 'reasonable' because neither meets the transportation prerequisite in the South Neighborhood zoning ordinance to either widen Fairhaven Bridge or build a connector road; nor does either alternative meet the city’s wetland rating ordinance and wetland buffer requirements. In other words, Horizon Bank has not submitted a legally compliant alternative; preparing an EIS on the proposed alternatives would be a substantial waste of time and resources.
Regarding the wetlands, the original proposal submitted with the 2005 application (2005 Submittal) misclassifies five rare and irreplaceable mature forested wetlands. Under the city’s Wetland & Stream Regulations in place at that time, these five wetlands should have been classified as Category I, requiring a minimum wetland buffer of 100’. However, the 2005 Submittal and related wetland delineation misclassify these wetlands as either Category II or III, which require 50’ or 25’ buffers, respectively. The 2005 Submittal, which is based on 50’ buffers for these mature forested wetlands, fails to comply with the city’s requirement for 100’ buffers, twice the size proposed by the developer.
When Horizon Bank submitted its Wetland & Stream permit application on November 18, 2005, its goal was to avoid the more protective requirements of Bellingham’s first Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), adopted by Council only three days later. Under the WA State Vested Rights Doctrine, Horizon Bank would have vested its application under the more lenient pre-CAO Wetland & Stream Regulations if its application was complete and if it complied with existing zoning ordinances and building codes. Unfortunately for the bank, its failure to meet the South Neighborhood transportation prerequisite and the city’s wetland buffer requirements prevents the Fairhaven Highlands application from being vested. Although Horizon Bank had hopes of eluding the important community safeguards provided by the Critical Areas Ordinance, it failed to do so and must now comply with the CAO.
In response to Horizon Bank’s plan to develop Chuckanut Ridge, the five southside neighborhoods – Edgemoor, Fairhaven, Happy Valley, South and South Hill – created the Coalition of Southside Neighborhoods (CSN) in 2005. Recently, the CSN formed its own Chuckanut Ridge Committee to address key issues presented by this development. Members of this committee have met with Mayor Pike twice, and we are encouraged by the Mayor’s willingness to work with us to address these critical issues and to prevent precious staff time and taxpayer resources from being wasted. We have asked Mayor Pike to ensure that this development:
• Complies with the South Neighborhood transportation requirement;
• Properly classifies the five rare and irreplaceable mature forested wetlands as Category I; and
• Meets the wetland buffer requirements and other important safeguards of the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Recently, Mayor Pike has exhibited a keen understanding of financial issues, and we are hopeful that he will require Horizon Bank to submit development alternatives that comply with the Critical Areas Ordinance before the city moves forward with a resource-wasting EIS based on alternatives that fail to comply with the city's municipal code.
As a community bank, shouldn’t Horizon willingly abide by the important safeguards included in the city's Critical Areas Ordinance? Is it naive of the community to expect Horizon Bank to comply with laws designed to protect lives, property and sensitive ecosystems?
On a personal note, I’ll be pleased if my prediction turns out to be wrong!
• What are your thoughts about these issues?
• How do you feel about Horizon Bank’s misclassification of five Category I wetlands?
• How do you feel about the need for Horizon Bank’s development to comply with the CAO (which was specifically adopted to protect lives, property and environmentally sensitive ecosystems like Chuckanut Ridge)?
Related Links:
-> An Open Letter to Horizon Bank from 800+ members of its community-> Comments from the Community to Horizon Bank
Comments (6)
To add a comment, click here to login or register.
g.h. kirsch // Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 4:10 pm
One would hope that any member of the community would respect the community’s expressed will when rules like the CAO are adopted and not want to loophole their way out of it.
Mr. Horowitz may be a bit naive though when he asks, “As a community bank, shouldn?t Horizon willingly abide by the important safeguards included in the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance?”
The operative word there is “bank” not “community.”
For the uninitiated, it is not a promising undertaking to try and slide on the details when taking on Mr. Horowitz and his friends.
Development may not be stopped entirely, but I guarantee there will not be one square inch more built on than is unequivocally allowed.
Dick Conoboy // Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 8:05 pm
You need to go no further than the zoning codes to find that the city will cherry pick that which it intends to enforce and justify it by saying it lacks personnel, money or whatever the excuse du jour happens to be.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Mar 02, 2008, 12:36 pm
Greg,
Thanks for your insights. I have modified the article and added a question about being naive to think that Horizon Bank might actually consider doing the right thing regardign compliance with the CAO.
Here’s a question for you: What does “community bank” minus “community” equal?
While the intuitive answer would be “bank”, the reality is likely quite different, more like “no bank”.
A community bank is so dependent upon support from its community that it’s unlikely to survive without it. Back in September 2005, more than 800 members of Horizon Bank’s community sent a strong message when they signed an open letter to the bank stating:
“The community members listed below strongly oppose Horizon Bank?s Fairhaven Highlands development. We are both surprised and disappointed that Horizon would risk alienating a large segment of our community whose residents contribute a substantial share of your profits. Continued pursuit of the Fairhaven Highlands development will have an adverse effect on your reputation, as well as our future banking decisions.
We urge Horizon Bank to immediately withdraw the Fairhaven Highlands development application and to embrace a strategy that will preserve this environmentally sensitive and ecologically rich land for future
generations.”
I have included links below the article to this “Open Letter” and to excerpts of individual comments from community members.
g.h. kirsch // Mon, Mar 03, 2008, 2:31 pm
Well, perhaps to demonstrate that I am the most naive of all, let me respond to your rhetorical question with another.
What does “community bank” minus bank mean?
I would discount the real threat community displeasure, at the scale this project will create, and point out that the bank’s valuation of its asset is more important to them.
The fact is it’s the bank’s, and most people’s, definition of community that needs to change. They only measure the effects of their actions on their immediate interests, and minimally are concerned with the repercussions on others.
Nowhere is their any recognition that the community includes the land, the forest, the fish and other animals that rely on the web of life, or concern for the generations to come who can not represent their interests.
But everywhere this is the short sighted calculus of our economy and our politics.
Larry Horowitz // Mon, Mar 03, 2008, 2:50 pm
Again, thanks for your comments Greg.
Based on Horizon Bank?s remarks in their own annual statements, I?m not sure that Horizon Bank execs would agree that the measly value of its investment in Chuckanut Ridge is ?more important? than the support of their local community. They rightfully understand that future profits of community banks depend on strong relationships with their customers and their community.
At the same time, I agree with you that their actions are currently speaking louder than their words, and it appears they are more concerned about the short term return on Chuckanut Ridge than the real value of these long term relationships. If Horizon?s reputation continues to sour, it won?t be long before their financial results are adversely impacted for the long-term. Personally, I?d love to hear the opinions on these issues of Horizon?s new CEO, Rich Jacobson.
Regarding Chuckanut Ridge, the community has overwhelmingly supported the preservation of this ecologically rich and environmentally sensitive urban forest and wetland ecosystem. Many supporters live nowhere near this property and understand that their community is impacted even if they are not directly affected themselves. This behavior is in contrast with your description of people in our community as being concerned only with their immediate interests. If nothing else, Chuckanut Ridge supporters demonstrate the true meaning of community, much as do those citizens involved in the fight to save Squalicum Mountain.
In my opinion, these selfless actions are cause for hope, not pessimism.
Ham Hayes // Mon, Mar 03, 2008, 10:07 pm
Larry, I think you’ve made a good point. As our society places increased value on environmental and social stewardship, can banks, corporations and governments really ignore their customers for long? It is likely some of these organizations have waited too long and the tipping point has been reached on what is an acceptable position with regard to the environment and development. Those institutions that don’t embrace this shift in values are not likely to last for long.
Mayor Linville Raids City Budget Funds To Subsidize Private Development
Mon, Jun 17, 2013, 6:00 am // Wendy Harris
In what is becoming a hallmark of the Linville administration, the mayor is seeking funding for an off-site wetland mitigation program that has not yet been approved.1 comments; last on Jun 17, 2013
NWCitizen Stands With Edward Snowden
Mon, Jun 10, 2013, 1:53 pm // John Servais
Edward Snowden is a very courageous patriot, in the opinion of the publisher of NWCitizen.3 comments; last on Jun 14, 2013
Village Books
Intersection Art Comes to Happy Valley
Sun, Jun 09, 2013, 10:37 pm // John Servais
Intersection art - the painting of a design on the actual streets - is being developed in the Happy Valley neighborhood.
1 comments; last on Jun 15, 2013
Riley On An Astounding Practice by the Herald
Sat, Jun 08, 2013, 4:21 pm // John Servais
Over at the Political Junkie, Riley Sweeney has a report on one criteria the Herald uses to reject letters to the editor.1 comments; last on Jun 10, 2013
Bellingham Passes Fireworks Ban
Mon, Jun 03, 2013, 10:05 pm // John Servais
City Council passes long-debated ban 4 to 3. It is effective in 2014.0 comments
As Goes Slaughter, So Goes Coal
Sun, Jun 02, 2013, 1:41 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein various comments are compiled and compounded, and citizens encouraged to act
2 comments; last on Jun 11, 2013
County Slaughterhouse Proposal Moves Closer to Enactment
Fri, May 31, 2013, 7:20 pm // Wendy Harris
Ideologically Stubborn Council Majority Ignores Existing Industrial Zoning for Slaughter and Meat Processing Operations2 comments; last on Jun 01, 2013
Caught In The Whatcom Court System
Fri, May 31, 2013, 5:43 pm // John Servais
Luba Pekisheva has been given a confusing run around in our Whatcom County courts for over three years. Judges, prosecutors and clerks have all participated.0 comments
Safeguard the Southfork
Fri, May 31, 2013, 12:01 am // Guest writer
Jeffrey Margolis urges us to request the Nooksack South Fork Valley be included in the Coal Port environmental study.
3 comments; last on Jun 02, 2013
Our Water - War or Pieces?
Fri, May 24, 2013, 1:18 am // Guest writer
Marian Beddill provides a general guide for the public, with a look at the history of water rights in Washington state.
4 comments; last on May 26, 2013
Demonically Possessed Slaughter Crazed Ideologues Wrecking Rural Whatcom
Wed, May 22, 2013, 11:12 am // Guest writer
By Guest Writer Nicole Brown. This is a call to action for county citizens as the county tries to ram through the slaughterhouse rezones.7 comments; last on May 26, 2013
Skip the Fireworks - Send Money to Support Our Troops
Mon, May 20, 2013, 12:48 pm // Dick Conoboy
You can give your money, normally dished out to fireworks manufacturers and distributors, to organizations that help our disabled veterans. Change the way we celebrate Independence Day.0 comments
Who is filing for elective offices???
Fri, May 17, 2013, 5:44 pm // John Servais
Tuesday morning and nothing in today's Bellingham Herald. Nor online. We provide the basics to fill in this latest omission by our "daily" newspaper.
9 comments; last on May 23, 2013
The Myth of Waterfront Public Process
Thu, May 16, 2013, 12:55 pm // Wendy Harris
The public process on the revised waterfront plans is an empty charade1 comments; last on May 17, 2013
Watch What You Say, Bellingham
Wed, May 15, 2013, 11:23 pm // Wendy Harris
The political censor police are listening to you5 comments; last on May 16, 2013
University Ridge Dormitory, The Infill Tool Kit and Our Neighborhoods
Mon, May 13, 2013, 3:50 am // Dick Conoboy
Some very important issues with respect to the University Ridge private dormitory project in the Puget Neighborhood will not be considered in the approval process.9 comments; last on May 30, 2013
Notes From The City Planning Commission Meeting
Fri, May 10, 2013, 10:22 am // Wendy Harris
The City Planning Commission Advocates "Free Market Capitalism" Approach to Waterfront Planning.1 comments; last on May 12, 2013
Silver Lake Geese Remain At Risk
Fri, May 10, 2013, 12:07 am // Wendy Harris
A recent letter by the Parks Department fails to contain reassurance that the geese will be safe from extermination this year.0 comments
Update on University Ridge Student Dormitory Development
Wed, May 08, 2013, 9:53 am // Dick Conoboy
Ambling University Development has proposed building private, off-campus dormitory buildings in the Puget Neighborhood. Their revised proposal was submitted on 29 April.
0 comments
In Memory of Paul deArmond
Mon, May 06, 2013, 2:40 am // Guest writer
Paul deArmond is remembered by his sister Claire. He was a Republican-at-Large.
2 comments; last on May 08, 2013
Coal Trains and Unhealthy Air - Any Connection?
Sun, May 05, 2013, 3:45 pm // John Servais
Help fund a scientific study looking for links between diesel locomotives, coal trains and unhealthy air.0 comments
Help Save Larrabee Elementary School
Sat, May 04, 2013, 1:09 pm // Guest writer
Wendy Scherrer reminds all who support modest sized grade schools to try and attend the meeting Wed, May 8, in the evening.3 comments; last on May 10, 2013
Herding Dogs May Be Too Late To Save Silver Lake Geese
Fri, May 03, 2013, 11:16 pm // Wendy Harris
The Humane Society is bringing herding dogs to control Silver Lake geese, but it is not an optimal situation for success.0 comments
Questioning County Park Funding Priorities
Wed, May 01, 2013, 11:31 pm // Wendy Harris
The County Parks Department has allocated funding for playground equipment, but has not allocated funding for wildlife management planning.1 comments; last on May 03, 2013
Krugman Spells It Out In Plain English
Sun, Apr 28, 2013, 10:30 pm // John Servais
New York Times columnist, Paul Krugman, has a masterful short article that explains why austerity is not working.3 comments; last on May 23, 2013
County Parks Department Releases “National Enquirer” Style Memo On Geese
Wed, Apr 24, 2013, 7:05 pm // Wendy Harris
The only urgency underscored by the Silver Lake geese is the urgency of enacting a comprehensive wildlife strategy.4 comments; last on Apr 29, 2013
Cascadia Weekly Tribute to Paul de Armond
Wed, Apr 24, 2013, 11:58 am // John Servais
The Gristle in today's Cascadia Weekly is devoted to a tribute to Paul de Armond. Tim Johnson gets it right.0 comments
Freedom Academy Comes to Whatcom County
Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 6:52 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley attends Tea Party training and runs afoul of Rep. Overstreet
1 comments; last on Apr 22, 2013
Paul de Armond has passed away
Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 1:59 pm // John Servais
Well known political writer has died.
5 comments; last on Apr 23, 2013
ACTION ALERT: Death Sentence Hangs Over Silver Lake Geese
Sat, Apr 20, 2013, 11:52 am // Wendy Harris
There will be no due process for the Canada geese, or the public, before the County Parks Department lethally removes the geese from Silver Lake4 comments; last on Apr 24, 2013
Who’s Selling Who Down What River
Sat, Apr 13, 2013, 9:19 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein we see how the Ds do the work the Rs can't get away with7 comments; last on Apr 17, 2013
The Waterfront Will Be Safe. Trust Me!
Sat, Apr 13, 2013, 3:47 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the people who call capping a clean-up say toxics safe enough for day care.1 comments; last on Apr 25, 2013
Waterfront Plans Fail to Protect Historic Buildings
Wed, Apr 10, 2013, 11:24 pm // Wendy Harris
The Waterfront District Sub-Area Plan needs policies that favor adaptive reuse and preservation of historic waterfront structures0 comments
Notice of Defect
Mon, Apr 08, 2013, 12:56 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein we complain about the City and Port stealing from the public6 comments; last on Apr 13, 2013
Status of the Move to Ban Fireworks in Bellingham
Sat, Apr 06, 2013, 3:59 pm // Dick Conoboy
Dangerous fireworks likely to continue being sold in Bellingham for this 4th of July
1 comments; last on Apr 06, 2013
City Proposes New Economic Development Policy
Sat, Apr 06, 2013, 2:06 pm // Wendy Harris
The city's proposed new Economic Development Chapter is based on an outdated economic theory1 comments; last on Apr 06, 2013
County Slaughterhouse Rezone: Dumb and Dumber
Fri, Apr 05, 2013, 4:59 pm // Wendy Harris
New slaughterhouse proposal "wishes away" current agricultural zoning restrictions.10 comments; last on Apr 21, 2013
Is That Apple Hard Drive Really Yours?
Thu, Apr 04, 2013, 12:48 pm // Dick Conoboy
It seems that for Apple products, you do not really own that hard drive... as a journalist recently discovered.
2 comments; last on Apr 13, 2013
The GPT Scoping Summary Report Released
Mon, Apr 01, 2013, 4:00 pm // Wendy Harris
Government agencies responsible for the GPT project have completed review of the scoping comments.0 comments
Coming Soon to the Waterfront: More Dioxin and Toxic Waste
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 10:36 pm // Wendy Harris
A beneficial reuse provision in the Waterfront District Sub-Area Plan would allow construction materials that are contaminated with bioaccumulative toxins.0 comments
Waterfront “Planned Action Ordinance” Limits Restoration and Public Input
Tue, Mar 26, 2013, 9:59 pm // Wendy Harris
The City Planning Department has included a technical document in the waterfront proposal without disclosing important impacts.1 comments; last on Mar 30, 2013
Read All About It! Cattlemen want slaughter.
Sun, Mar 24, 2013, 4:01 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the Cattlemen define 'small scale' as an unlimited number of facilities of up to 50 million live pounds per year.3 comments; last on Mar 26, 2013
Living Wage and Working Waterfront 101
Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 11:53 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the rate base gets a soaking while officials keep big-bubble toking7 comments; last on Apr 08, 2013
No City Housing Hearing on March 20
Tue, Mar 19, 2013, 10:05 am // John Servais
The Bellingham Herald article today is wrong. There is no hearing tomorrow, March 200 comments
Valuable Article in the Whatcom Watch
Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 9:42 pm // John Servais
Wendy Harris writes about the proposed $8 million concrete bridge along the Bellingham waterfront - using Greenways funds to build.
3 comments; last on Mar 20, 2013
University Ridge Height Variance Hearing Postponed
Tue, Mar 12, 2013, 11:50 am // Dick Conoboy
Several complaints to the city seem to have occasioned a postponement of a height variance hearing until a complete development proposal is submitted.1 comments; last on Mar 12, 2013
Closing Arguments in Defense of the Reconveyance
Mon, Mar 11, 2013, 7:37 am // Guest writer
Guest writer Shane Roth writes in favor of the reconveyance of Lake Whatcom land back to the county.1 comments; last on Mar 11, 2013
Again, we must “vote for the forest”.........or should we?
Fri, Mar 08, 2013, 1:54 am // Guest writer
Delaine Clizbe guest writes. Whatcom County has 7,100 acres of park land, with 1,900 acres actually developed. Yet we keep adding land, and not developing our parks.
16 comments; last on Mar 12, 2013
Obamacare and the Coming (Not Again?) Wealth Transfer
Wed, Mar 06, 2013, 11:05 am // Dick Conoboy
You are not likely to escape the coming transfer of $billions from your pocket to the health insurance industry. You will get little, if anything, in return.
4 comments; last on Apr 05, 2013
Legislation and Sausage
Tue, Mar 05, 2013, 4:20 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein it's even worse when the legislation is about sausage0 comments
Support our Troops - Ban Fireworks
Sun, Mar 03, 2013, 5:17 pm // Dick Conoboy
Do we need to recreate the sounds and sights of the battlefield when doing so brings pain and suffering to our combat veterans?
0 comments
Marine Sanctuary Standards
Sat, Mar 02, 2013, 9:03 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the ironies of life are explored and the necessities of life are contemplated2 comments; last on Mar 12, 2013
Troubling Implications of Variance Request
Fri, Mar 01, 2013, 5:19 pm // Wendy Harris
A variance request pending before the City could create a loophole for developers seeking to avoid compliance with development standards.5 comments; last on Mar 07, 2013
PeaceHealth Merger Threatens Women’s Health in Whatcom County
Tue, Feb 26, 2013, 7:39 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley details upcoming merger between PeaceHealth and a much more conservative entity
1 comments; last on Feb 26, 2013
University Ridge Student Housing - What is it?
Mon, Feb 25, 2013, 7:54 pm // Dick Conoboy
There is a private sector development proposal to house approximately 600 students in the Puget Neighborhood on 11 acres to the east of Nevada St.
5 comments; last on Feb 27, 2013
Petition to Establish a Bellingham Art Market
Mon, Feb 25, 2013, 6:51 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein artists have to eat, too!
0 comments
Senator Ericksen Displays His Colors
Fri, Feb 22, 2013, 4:01 pm // John Servais
Riley Sweeney has posted a great video clip of Sen. Doug Ericksen flouting rules and legal procedures at a Senate hearing in Olympia.0 comments
City Controls Chuckanut Park - Not New Park District
Fri, Feb 22, 2013, 3:47 pm // John Servais
The election created a new park district with taxing power - but with NO control over Chuckanut Ridge - the 100 acre woods.1 comments; last on Feb 23, 2013
Waterfront EIS Revised Without Public Process
Tue, Feb 19, 2013, 10:40 pm // Wendy Harris
An "Updated Preferred Alternative" reduces the number of waterfront jobs and expands the boundary of the waterfront district.
0 comments
New Links
the OatmealCurrent Interest
Community Wise BellinghamFriends of Whatcom
Guardian Unlimited
Lummi Island Quarry
Reconveyance Challenge
Whatcom Elections
Publisher Recommended
GlobalPostGuardian Unlimited
League of Women Voters
Paul Krugman - economics
Sweeney Politics
Local Blogs & News
Bellingham HeraldBham Herald Politics Blog
Bham Politics & Economics
Bob Sanders
Cascadia Weekly
Citizen Ted
Ferndale Record
Friends of Whatcom
Get Whatcom Planning
HamsterTalk
Jack Petree
KGMI
Latte Republic
League of Women Voters
Lynden Tribune
MikeatthePort
Northern Light
Sweeney Politics
Twilight Zoning
Wally Wonders
Western Front - WWU
Whatcom Watch
Local Causes
Bellingham Police ActivityChuckanut Community Forest
Chuckanut Mountains
Citizens of Bellingham
City Club of Bellingham
Community Wise Bellingham
Conservation NW
Cordata & Meridian
Facebook Port Reform
Futurewise - Whatcom
Jail - local mega plans
Lake Whatcom
Lummi Island Quarry
N. Cascades Audubon
NW Holocaust Center
RE Sources
Reconveyance Challenge
Reduce Jet Noise
Salish Sea Org.
Save the Granary Building
Transition Whatcom
WA Conservation Voters
Governments
BellinghamPort of Bellingham
Skagit County
US - The White House
WA State Access
WA State Elections
WA State Legislature
Whatcom Auditor
Whatcom County
Whatcom Elections
Weather & Climate
Cliff Mass Weather BlogClimate Audit
NW Radar
Two day forecast
Watts Up With That? - climate
Leisure
Adventures NWEdge of Sports
Entertainment NNW
Famous Internet Skiers
Sailing Anarchy
Good Links
Al-Jazeera onlineAlaska Dispatch
AlterNet.org
Antiwar.com
Arab News
Asia Times
Atlantic, The
Common Dreams
counterpunch
Crosscut Seattle
Daily Kos
Daily Mirror
Doonesbury
Drudge Report
FiveThirtyEight
Foreign Policy in Focus
GlobalPost
Guardian Unlimited
Gulf News
Haaretz
Huffington Post
Innocence Project, The
Intrnational Herald Tribune
James Fallows
Jerusalem Post
Joel Connelly
Juan Cole
Le Diplo
Media Matters
Michael Moore
Middle East Times
MoveOn.org
Nation, The
New American Century
News Trust
NMFA
numbers
Online Journal
Palestine Daily
Palestine News
Paul Krugman - economics
Personal bio info
Portland Indy Media
Progressive Review
Project Vote Smart
Reuters
Sea Shepherd
Slate
Talking Points Memo
the Oatmeal
Tom Paine.com
truthout
War and Piece
Washington Votes
WikiLeaks.ch
ynetnews.com
NwCitizen 1995 - 2007
Early Northwest CitizenInternet At Its Best
TEDQuiet, Offline or Dead
Bellingham RegisterCarl Weimer
David Hackworth
N. Sound Conservancy
No Leaky Buckets
Northwest Review
Orcinus
Post-Oklahoman Confessions
Protect Bellingham Parks
The American Telegraph
The Crisis Papers