News in Brief

Sikh Temple planned for Birch Bay
Public comments on a conditional use permit request are being accepted until September 30. Gurmit Singh and Satpal Sidhu are applying to build the Millennium World Peace Park on a 38-acre site at 4052 Birch Bay Lynden Road, approximately 800 feet from California Creek.
The project is envisioned to take place in three stages. The first stage will involve the construction of a 9,865 square foot temple, 1,340 square foot caretaker’s home and the conversion of an existing 3,880 square foot building into a dining hall. Phase two involves the construction of buildings totaling 7,140 square feet while phase three involves construction of buildings totaling 9,326 square feet for a total square footage of 31,551 when all is said and done. Parking, driveways and walkways would total 166,124 square feet. The combined improvements would comprise 12 percent of the total land area.
Construction would begin in 2004 and be complete in 2014. The temple will illustrate the historic life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru. The park will incorporate a scaled map of 16th century India with ponds representing the Indian Ocean and swales denoting the sacred rivers of India. The religious center will incorporate a prayer hall, dining hall, library, museum, gathering hall and restrooms.
Comments should be directed to Marilyn Bentley, senior planner/land use specialist, Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, 5280 Northwest Drive, Suite B, Bellingham 98226.

Workshops planned
Whatcom County is hosting two public workshops and expert panel discussions on proposed changes to the county’s critical areas ordinance and shoreline management programs. The workshops will allow the public to learn about the issues as well as provide input to staff.
The workshops will be held September 30, 6 – 9 p.m., Bellingham high school, 2020 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham and October 6, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Lynden community center, 401 Grover Street, Lynden.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Hartsoch at 676-6907 or by email at ehatsoch@co.whatcom.wa.us.

Parks plan to be discussed
Blaine city council will be holding a public hearing Monday, September 27 at 7 p.m. to hear testimony on the parks and recreation plan. The plan will determine the goals and the direction to be taken by the Blaine park department.

Keep in touch
Hey, parents of freshman through senior students – do you need a weekly update of what’s happening in high school? If so, Rick Shockey is your man. Each week he sends out a mass email letting folks know such things as sign-up deadlines for trips or when the PSAT will be taken, when college fairs are happening, what games are upcoming – basically all that you need to know to be connected (and not dependent upon your teenager’s moonstruck memory).
To receive your update, email rshockey@bsd.blaine.k12.wa.us or call 332-6045, extension 1323.

Crabbing closed
It’s hard to believe but crabbing has closed down just six weeks after it opened. According to the state department of fisheries, the sport harvest has reached or exceeded the recreational crab harvest allocations in marine sub-area 7-east and 7-north as of 7 p.m. September 22. This includes all waters north of Bellingham including Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts.
The closure effects both Dungeness and red rock crab. So put away your traps until next year.