Good morning, Bellingham.

Bellingham Parks and Recreation announced that crews will begin work at Bloedel Donovan Park over the next few weeks — installing a new inspection gate to stop aquatic invasive species and removing non-native plants with plans to replace them — while the boat launch will remain open for public use.

Drew Schmidt, owner of San Juan Cruises, and naturalist Emily Lekberg lead whale watching and other tours from Bellingham, offering rides throughout the Salish Sea—boats that follow strict safety guidelines to protect marine life.

The family business, which also runs crab dinner and private party cruises, is a member of the Pacific Whale Watching Association—sharing sightings and best practices with 30 operators.

Greg Ebe, a trained civil engineer and third generation seed potato farmer, is bringing drip irrigation to his family farm in Whatcom County — a change driven by rising agricultural pressures in the region.

The family of a critically injured Lummi police officer has opened a donation fund through the Lhaq’temish Foundation after he was shot early Monday on North Red River Road, and a fundraising dinner was held at Syros Restaurant in Lynden from 4 to 8:30 p.m., with Sheriff Donnell Tanksley saying the 37-year-old officer remains stable after surgery.

During a court hearing last Wednesday, 23-year-old Jesus Penuelas-Agramon was charged with attempted murder, three counts related to controlled substances, money laundering, unlawful possession and theft of a firearm while being held without bail after allegedly shooting a Lummi Police officer 10 times—hitting him 7 times—and he is also wanted in Colorado for violating his probation conditions.

The Department of Ecology said it is now safe to swim at Bay View State Park after high levels of bacteria were found on July 18, but advisories remain at Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park and Little Squalicum Park.

Health officials have posted warning signs at these beaches to protect swimmers.

On July 30, a tsunami advisory was canceled in parts of Washington after an 8.8-magnitude quake struck near Russia, and Dr. Harold Tobin explained that a similar event on the Cascadia Subduction Zone could bring a tsunami with only 10 to 30 minutes for evacuation.

He noted that a Seattle Fault quake would cause strong shaking and a local tsunami in the Sound—forcing residents to seek high ground quickly—while current evacuation plans remain limited.

Today, Whatcom County Health and Community Services took over operating the severe weather shelter in Bellingham after local groups did not respond to requests—staff will be doubled, beds reduced from 80 to 60, and a lease for the shelter’s location is expected in September.

They are also seeking an organization to run another shelter outside Bellingham—job descriptions and training plans will be finalized in the coming months.

Yesterday, the State Department of Health closed recreational shellfish harvesting in Skagit Bay after tests found dangerous levels of PSP toxins that cannot be removed by cooking or freezing — the closure covers clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops while crab meat stays safe though its butter and entrails must be discarded.

The D’vas and Dudes Performance

5-8 p.m. — Skylarks Cafe — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an eclectic mix of danceable tunes blending rock, country, blues, and boogie woogie.

Steve Von Till Live Performance

7 PM — Structures Brewing — $31.09 — Experience intimate solo performances from iconic musicians of the heavy underground.

Insights for Farmer-Parents with Katie Kulla

2-3 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover parenting strategies from an author-farmer and engage with insights for balancing family life on the farm.

Bellingham Bells vs. Nanaimo NightOwls

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Joe Martin Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling collegiate baseball match featuring the local Bellingham Bells.

Bellingham Bells vs. Nanaimo NightOwls

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Joe Martin Field — $3 from every ticket supports Wild Whatcom — Experience a thrilling baseball game followed by a fireworks show.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Featuring Lost at Last

5-9 p.m. — Hotel Bellwether — BBQ available for purchase — Enjoy live music from local band Lost at Last while savoring delicious BBQ and craft brews on the waterfront.

Larrabee Lakes Trail Race

7 AM – 5 PM — Fairhaven Park Pavilion — Join the race series in stunning Larrabee State Park with smooth trails and handcrafted awards.

PRCA Rodeo Event

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center — VIP packages available — Experience the thrill of rodeo with VIP treatment and entertainment.

Introduction to Laser Cutting

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Explore the world of laser cutting and get expert advice from Jason Davies.

Bellingham Off-Road Triathlon

8:30 a.m. — Lake Padden Park — Registration required — Experience thrilling swimming, mountain biking, and trail running around Lake Padden.