Single Parent House Holds

This image of Bellingham is color coded to show the areas with the highest percentage of households run by single mothers who have children between the ages of 1-17. 

The darkest blue is the 9-18%, light blue is 7-9%, and white is 6-7%, the yellow is 3-6%, and last the red is 0-3%.

To see this map larger click here.

This second map shows the households with single fathers who have children between the ages of 1-17. 

To see this map larger click here. 

As the map show there is a larger population of single mothers however, there is still a high percentage of single fathers.  

For more information visit Rebound of Whatcom County or drop into there offices located on McLoad Road. 

November Elections and School Bonds

The November elections end on the fifth and the big question is what will happen with the school bond?

The school bond is being purposed to help raise money for the improvement of a number of schools in the Bellingham area and to help improve a number of different aspect with in the school system. 

Among the list the of things the $160 million bond promises to address is roof replacement on all schools in need, the rebuilding of the Sehome High School and the Happy Valley elementary school. For more information on the projects the bond will take on check out the Bellingham Public Schools Bond page.

With the reopening of Birchwood Elementary School in the fall of 2014 this bond will affect many issues with in the new school as well. Such as the safety and kitchen aspects of the bond, as well as the upgrade being made to environmental learning. 

The projected bond rates are estimated to increase by 49 cents per $1000 assessed value in 2014. By 2019 the tax rate is estimated to be 26 cents above the current tax rate, which would still be among the lowest in the county. For more information about the projected tax increase check out the Bond Information pdf. 

For more information about the other items on the ballot for this year's elections in Whatom County check out the Whatom County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet. 

Green Buildings and Low Impact Developments 

Bellingham is known for its environmentally friendly approach to city life. From going bag less, to its public transit system, to the many bike lines around the city, it is no surprise that Green buildings through Sustainable Connection are popping up all over the map.

In the Birchwood neighborhood alone there are six Green buildings and more low impact developments on the way.

Sustainable Connection is an organization dedicated to the sustainable and environmentally friendly practices of everyday life.

Dan Welch, a board member on the Birchwood Neighborhood Association, knows first-hand what goes into making one of these buildings. He, in conjunction with Sustainable Connection, are currently in the process of constructing one and have invited the public out for a workshop on what sort of practices go into making a building green.

This workshop will help to teach people how to fix common problems in their homes to help them become more efficient and low impact.

For more information about Green buildings and Sustainable Connection please visit their website at sustainableconnections.org.

The Birchwood Neighborhood

This blog site will be a look into the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham. This residential area is home to one park, a golf course and country club, two public school, as well as the Bellingham Technical College.

I am writing and maintaining this blog for my Journalism 307 class in hopes that it will help me develop a better understanding of news reporting and hyper local news.