Good morning, Bellingham.

Bellingham Public Works crews have hung nearly 300 new light pole banners around the city center (funded by overnight lodging taxes) while the Farmers Market starts today at Depot Market Square with a cabbage toss by Mayor Kim Lund at 9:45 a.m. Community life continues with Little Squalicum Pier opening as a public waterfront spot (1,248 feet long), a 5K on April 19 at the Police Department, and the CASCADIA Women’s International Film Festival running from April 24 to 27 with an art exhibit through May 26.

Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s nursery in Everson will close at the end of June because of funding problems and increased costs—online orders will stop at the end of April and storewide sales will run through June 30.

The center will continue providing distribution and processing services after the nursery closes.

A 37-year-old female employee was arrested after an investigation found over $28,000 in unauthorized draws from a Whatcom County business—she could not explain the deposits—and her arraignment is set for April 11.

Nooksack Valley School District thanked donors of the Youth Support Fund during brunch—efforts that help the district meet students and families' needs beyond classroom work.

State lawmakers are considering whether striking workers should get unemployment benefits as healthcare workers in Bellingham prepare to hit the picket line — the SB 5041 bill would give up to 12 weeks of benefits after two weeks on strike and passed the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Marcus Riccelli, faces its final committee hearing in the House on Monday while more than 900 union members at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center have started voting on a strike.

Rep. Rick Larsen and six other members of Congress demanded answers after ICE raided Mt Baker Roofing on April 2—37 workers were sent to a detention center in Tacoma after ICE officers allegedly pointed guns at them, and the representatives said they will watch the investigation closely to ensure the law was followed.

State lawmakers are reviewing SB 5041 which would give striking private sector workers up to 12 weeks of unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line.

The Senate passed the bill and it will have its final House committee hearing on Monday while over 900 unionized employees at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center have begun voting on a strike.

Lynden School District refinanced its municipal bonds — saving taxpayers over $1.3M over nine years.

The district completed a $13,650,000 public sale on April 2.

The Kraken will begin their final road trip tomorrow night against the San Jose Sharks while women’s Final Four games are underway in Tampa and men’s tip-off is set for tomorrow; WWU Vikings softball won today’s opener in their four-game GNAC series, which will continue on the road. Seattle’s Blake Snell was burglarized on March 26 and this case follows an armed robbery at Richard Sherman’s home—authorities are investigating any links.

Richard Widerkehr & Barbara Bloom: Missing the Owl

3-4 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate Poetry Month with engaging readings and delightful treats from local poets.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Pricing varies — Master vector graphics using Inkscape to create art and cutting files.

BAAY Presents: Out of the Woods

7 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — Ticket details available online — Experience a whimsical apocalyptic tale where imagination reigns as beloved characters find their way back to creativity.

The River Only Runs One Way Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate award-winning poet Mary Lou Kayser's newest collection that explores love, loss, and the passage of time through evocative poetry.

Páscoa Rhythms: Easter Brunch with Jovino Santos Neto

Celebrate Easter with Páscoa Rhythms at Hotel Leo—a festive brunch buffet featuring dishes like coconut chicken thighs, prime beef sirloin, and brunch classics paired with live piano by three-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto. Sip Novo Fogo caipirinhas crafted for the occasion, with a portion of proceeds supporting rainforest reforestation; $68 per person, half off for kids 12 and under, and 10% off for seniors.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free to members — Get expert advice on your laser projects from seasoned designer Jason Davies.

Swan Lake - A Timeless Masterpiece

7-9 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting ballet “Swan Lake” performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

LinuxFest Northwest

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Bellingham Technical College — Free entry — Explore free and open source technologies with presentations and exhibits for all skill levels.

April Brews Day 2025

3-8 p.m. — Waypoint Park — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate local brews with great friends and craft beverages.

Intro to Vector Graphics

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Cost varies — Learn to create art and cutting files using Inkscape in this hands-on workshop.