Wednesday, July 22, 2026

7/22 Coyote, fusion power, carbon capture, Capitol Lake, US energy efficiency, Enbridge pipe, abandoned boats, 6PPD, democracy watch.

 

Coyote [Donald E. Campbell] 

Coyote Canis latrans
At first glance, the coyote resembles a small German shepherd dog, yet its color can vary from animal to animal. Coyotes also have shorter, bushier tails that are carried low, almost dragging the ground, and longer, narrower muzzles than their dog cousins. In Washington, these intelligent and adaptable animals now manage to occupy almost every conceivable habitat type, from open shrubsteppe to densely forested areas to urban areas. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Fire danger heightens; what can be done?

Company secures world-first fusion power license in Washington
The Everett-based Helion is constructing a fusion power plant in central Washington near the Columbia River after receiving a green light from the state. Helion says it’s the first company in the world to receive regulatory licenses for the plant it’s building in Malaga, Wash. in Chelan County. Kendra Chamberlain reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Canada’s promises to capture carbon span almost 20 years, with little gains
Stephen Harper swore by it; Mark Carney is ready to invest taxpayer dollars in it. A Narwhal investigation reveals how Canadian politicians have bought into an unproven technology they tout as a climate fix. Carl Meyer reports. (The Narwhal) 

Why is Capitol Lake so low this week? Here’s what crews are doing
Capitol Lake in downtown Olympia might look a little different this week, as crews with Deschutes Estuary Restoration project team draw down the water levels to check out the shoreline. The work is part of efforts to restore the Deschutes Estuary by ultimately removing the dam for good and building a new bridge over the connected waterway. Ty Vinson reports. (The Olympian

The U.S. Is Pulling Back on Energy Efficiency 
The Trump administration is dismantling a wide array of federal energy-efficiency programs at the same time that war in Iran is raising oil prices, climate change is fueling record heat that is driving up demand for air conditioning and new data centers are straining America’s electricity supply. Brad Plumer reports. (NY Times) 

Enbridge breaks ground on $4B natural gas pipeline expansion
Enbridge is beginning construction on a $4 billion expansion of its West Coast Natural Gas pipeline. The Sunrise Expansion Program will provide up to 300 million cubic feet per day of additional transportation capacity for natural gas in B.C.  Hanna Petersen reports. (CBC) 

How Vancouver’s abandoned boats became everyone’s problem 
As the FIFA World Cup temporarily transformed False Creek, Vancouver’s abandoned boats revealed a deeper story about pollution, bureaucracy and housing insecurity. Anjini Snape reports. (The Narwhal) 

Untangling chemical names and looking back over 200 years of 6PPD history
The tire chemical 6PPD is known worldwide for its deadly effect on salmon, but it also has a complex history. We look at how this history connects to important breakthroughs in modern transportation and medicine and how the unique chemical structure of 6PPD makes it an environmental hazard. Christopher Dunagan reports. (Puget Sound Institute) 

Democracy Watch

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Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  149 PM PDT Tue Jul 21 2026    
WED
 NW wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft  at 9 seconds.  
WED NIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 9 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


Tuesday, July 21, 2026

7/21 Opossum, LNG Canada, US ESA, Canada tariffs, BC battery storage, taming data centers, Waffles dies, Seattle Aquarium bot, Pt Roberts burial sites, democracy watch.

 

Opossum

Opossums Didelphis virginianus
Opossums are marsupials (mammals with a pouch in which they carry their young), a primitive group of mammals found most commonly in Australia. Prior to European settlement of North America, the opossum was found only in Central America and the southeastern United States. During the 1900s, its range expanded northward and westward. Virginia opossums, also known as “possums,” first arrived in Washington in the early 1900s as pets and novelties. Some of these animals, or their offspring, later escaped from captivity or were intentionally released. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Allegiant Airlines set to close Bellingham crew base

LNG Canada’s Acid Gas-Burning Incinerator Keeps Failing
A key tool for protecting Kitimat’s environment and humans has frequently malfunctioned, leaving it unusable for months on end. Zoë Yunker reports. (The Tyee) 

The feds no longer protect endangered species habitat. States say they can’t pick up the slack
The Trump administration is removing protections from the key places where endangered species live, saying states can keep the areas safe. Federal officials framed the decision as a move to give “freedom” to state leaders to manage wildlife without burdensome federal regulations. But experts say states aren’t equipped for the task. Matthew Brown reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol and cheese
President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. (Associated Press

B.C. announces 1st battery energy storage project, to be housed on Vancouver Island
B.C.'s main energy provider says it has chosen Vancouver Island to house the province's first battery energy storage project. The project will be located at the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation near Duncan, according to B.C. Hydro. The utility says it will launch the procurement process for the project by the end of July, with expectations that it will be in service by 2030. Maryse Zeidler reports. (CBC) 

Welcome or Not? BC Communities Plot How to Tame Data Centres
From Terrace to Kamloops, AI proposals have sparked questions from locals and calls for new rules. Lauren Watson reports. (The Tyee) 

Waffles, the baby seal found with gunshot wound, dies
A baby seal found over Fourth of July weekend in Bellingham with a gunshot wound to the head was euthanized Friday, medical professionals said. Waffles, who was around three weeks old, was the third seal in the last year SR3 treated for gunshot wounds. All three have died. Savannah Butcher reports. (Seattle Times) 

Seattle Aquarium's remotely operated robot explores Puget Sound's kelp forests
It's a whole new world right beneath the millions of tourist footsteps along the Seattle Waterfront. So close, yet so far away. Many visitors have no idea what waits below, but the Seattle Aquarium can now show them with its remotely operated vehicle (ROV). George Waldenberger reports. (KOMO) 

Lummi Nation wins preliminary court injunction over disturbed burial sites in Point Roberts 
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction that requires Whidbey Telecom to provide Lummi Nation with 30 days’ notice before conducting future "ground-disturbing activities" in Point Roberts after the tribe said the company's fiber optic cable projects had disturbed ancient burial sites. Stephan Howie reports. (KUOW) 

Democracy Watch
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Here's your tug weather— West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  133 PM PDT Mon Jul 20 2026    
TUE
 NW wind around 5 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 8 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


Monday, July 20, 2026

7/20 Raccoon, imperiled animal protection, Roberts Bank expansion, El Niño, BC wildfire, western WA smoke, bacteria beaches, democracy watch.

 

Raccoon [Wikipedia]

Raccoon Procyon lotor
Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Because their hind legs are longer than the front legs, raccoons have a hunched appearance when they walk or run. A raccoon in the wild will probably weigh less than the urbanized raccoon that has learned to live on handouts, pet food, and garbage-can leftovers. (WDFW)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bellingham celebrates Pride with parade, entertainment

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Reader Don Norman comments on last week's Yellow-rumped Warbler profile: "Yellow-rumped warblers are associated with the coastal shrub wax myrtle in the winter, eating their caloric rich winter berries, making them one of the most abundant wintering warblers in the US, on the east coast associated with Morella cerifera, on the west coast with Morella california.  To birders they are know as 'butter butts'"

US cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
The U.S. Interior Department on Friday canceled a rule meant to protect plants and animals that are determined to be threatened with extinction, the latest step by President Donald Trump’s administration to dismantle key provisions of the landmark Endangered Species Act at the behest of industry. Instead of receiving automatic protections, imperiled species will need individualized protection plans once they are added to the threatened species list. That’s a potentially lengthy process in which companies could seek exemptions for oil and gas drilling, mining and other development where those species live. Matthew Brown reports.(Associated Press) 

‘Industrial sacrifice zone’: the plan to bring oil supertankers to the mouth of the Fraser River
As governments look to expand Roberts Bank, scientists warn one of Canada's most important ecosystems for salmon, southern resident killer whales and migratory birds could pay the price. Shannon Waters reports. (The Narwhal) 

El Niño is here, and it’s already looking like it could be 'mind-blowing'
In order to be considered an El Niño, temperatures in that zone need to be 0.5 C above the average. Ocean temperatures are now close to 2 C above average. And we're not even close to the peak yet. This is the warmest on record that region has ever been at this time of year. Nicole Mortillaro reports. (CBC)

B.C. wildfire tally surges past 100 as barrage of lightning strikes transforms fire season in a flash
Two-thirds of fires in province are out of control, mostly in southern Interior. (Canadian Press) 

Wildfire smoke to roll into Western WA; highs over 90 
Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia is expected to drift into Western Washington this week, when temperatures are likely to climb into the mid-80s and even the mid-90s in some areas. Lulu Ramadan reports. (Seattle Times) 

Bacteria closes several beaches across Puget Sound area
King County Health Department says the beaches are closed due to high levels of bacteria in water, likely caused by fecal matter from people, pets, or wildlife. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach was one of those beaches; high bacteria levels have also prompted closures at Houghton Beach in Kirkland, Mount Baker in Seattle, and Salt Creek near Port Angeles. Heather Bosch reports. (KIRO) 

Democracy Watch

  • DHS boss Mullin warns of possible prosecution for election officials over voter roll access (AP) 
  • Federal agents were told FBI will no longer investigate ICE confrontations  (NY Times) 
Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  143 PM PDT Sun Jul 19 2026    
MON
 E wind around 5 kt, backing to NW in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.  
MON NIGHT  W wind around 5 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  4 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


Friday, July 17, 2026

7/17 Yellow-rumped warbler, Roberts Bank Terminal 2 major project, virtual fences, grizzly management, shot harbor seal, high Cascade toads, whale-watch biz, democracy watch, week in review.

 

Yellow-Rumped Warbler [Bird Watching HQ]

Yellow-Rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata
Two subspecies of this warbler exist in Washington. They are can be distinguished by their throat patch, which is yellow in Audubon’s Warblers and white in Myrtle Warbler (pictured above). Yellow-Rumped Warblers are an active species known for catching insects in midair. They visit feeders with sunflower seeds, raisins, suet, and peanut butter during winter. They also eat winter berries. Yellow-Rumped Warblers often search for food in trees but will venture to the ground to forage in leaf debris, and they’ve even been known to pick through seaweed in coastal areas! [Bird Watching HQ]

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Bellingham Herald union members ratify new contract after strike

Federal government refers Port of Vancouver strategy to Major Projects Office
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 considered potential 'project of national interest' (Canadian Press) 

This technology is being called the ‘future of grazing in the West’
Barbed-wire fences changed the western US in the 1800s. Can virtual fences change it back? K.C. Mehaffey reports. (Columbia Insight) 

Feds propose rule shifting management of grizzly bears toward states
The proposed rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not remove the grizzly bear from the Endangered Species list (though it notes the agency is considering a separate determination related to the listing) or change geographic boundaries of the management plan. Instead, it is the first step towards increasing state management of grizzly bears. Micah Drew reports. (Washington State Standard) 

Harbor seal pup with gunshot wound recovering after rescue from Bellingham beach 
A harbor seal pup is receiving treatment after it was discovered with a gunshot wound in the Smith Gardens tidal flats north of downtown Bellingham. The pup was stabilized and transferred to SR3’s Rescue Center in Des Moines, Wash., two days later. Hannah Edelman reports. (Bellingham Herald) 

Watch: The fascinating sex lives of high Cascade toads
Oregon scientist studies the wondrous lifecycle of Western toads. Jule Gilfillan reports. (OPB) 

Whale-watching company Eagle Wing Tours acquired for $24M
Pursuit, a Colorado-based attractions and hospitality company, has taken over the Victoria whale-watching company. Michael John Lo reports. (Times Colonist) 

Democracy Watch
  • Trump administration caps how long international students can stay in the US (AP) 
  • Multiple investigations refuted Trump’s claims that fraud altered the outcome in 2020 (NY Times) 
Salish Sea News Week in Review 7/17/26: Emoji Day, ESA rollback, Microsoft emissions, Trump's climate skeptic, national monuments shrunk, ESA suit, First Nation major projects opposition, five million frogs, Roberts Banks Terminal 2 project of national interest.

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your weekend tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  141 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026    
TODAY
 E wind around 5 kt, backing to NW this afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds and W 3 ft at  12 seconds.  
TONIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt, easing to around 5 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 10 seconds and W  3 ft at 15 seconds.  
SAT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt, rising to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 9 seconds.  
SAT NIGHT
 W wind 10 to 15 kt, easing to 5 to 10 kt after  midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft. Wave Detail: W 5 ft at 8 seconds.  
SUN
 S wind around 5 kt, veering to NW in the afternoon. Seas  3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.org. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


Thursday, July 16, 2026

7/16 Yellow Island, tribes sue re ESA, chiefs oppose Carney projects, millions of frogs, Skagit hazards plan, democracy watch.

 

Yellow Island Preserve [WDFW]

Yellow Island Preserve
Yellow Island Preserve is an island in the San Juan archipelago. The entire island is a preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy. The abundance of native grasses and wildflowers make this park a rare ecological gem, and attracts some special species of birds as well. This is a fragile area so visitors are asked to take special care by not bringing any pets or food onto the island. (Washington Trails Association)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Let it go brown: The changing landscape of NW summer water conservation


Washington tribes sue to save endangered species habitats nationwide
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Squaxin Island Tribe are suing the Trump administration to save endangered-species habitats nationwide. John Ryan reports. (KUOW) 

First Nations chiefs vote to oppose Carney government's proposed major projects reforms
Assembly of First Nations chiefs on Wednesday unanimously resolved to oppose the Carney government's sweeping proposed reforms aimed at streamlining major project approvals, if those reforms weaken environmental protections or sidestep Indigenous rights. Brett Forester reports. (CBC) 

Five million frogs have been relocated for industry in B.C. No one knows how many survived
Translocation mitigation has been standard in the province since 2010. Sixteen years later, researchers aren’t sure if it’s working. Santana Dreaver reports. (The Narwhal) 

Skagit County approves updated hazard mitigation plan
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved Monday a long-awaited update of its countywide hazard mitigation plan. The plan was last updated in 2020. Ironically, the plan’s completion was delayed by the December 2025 Skagit River flooding and recovery work. Emma Fletcher-Frazer reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) 

Democracy Watch
  • It’s official: WA voters will get to weigh in on new income tax (Washington State Standard) 
  • Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus of Thursday's national address (AP) 
Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  246 PM PDT Wed Jul 15 2026    
THU
 W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 4 ft at  7 seconds. A chance of showers in the morning, then showers in  the afternoon.  
THU NIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt, backing to SW after midnight.  Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 8 seconds. Showers likely  in the evening.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

7/15 Yelloweye rockfish, ESA rule revision, outdoor guides, Comox sewage, democracy watch.

Yelloweye Rockfish


Yelloweye Rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus
Yelloweye rockfish are among the longest lived of rockfishes, with maximum age reported to be up to 150 years. This species also is very slow growing and late to mature. Although conservation measures like fishing bans have been put in place in Puget Sound, recovery from threats such as past overfishing and continued bycatch will take many years due to the life history of yelloweye rockfish. The Puget Sound/Georgia Basin distinct population segment (DPS) in Washington State is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (NOAA)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Indigenous cultural center aims to immerse visitors in Coast Salish history

WA tribes, conservation groups sue over Trump endangered species rule 
Northwest tribal nations and conservation groups sued the Trump administration Tuesday, challenging a new rule that aims to eliminate habitat protections for imperiled species. The new rule, rescinding the longstanding definition of “harm,” would make it legal to kill and injure ESA-listed species by destroying habitat. Isabella Breda reports.(Seattle Times)

Outdoor guides struggle as Washington’s rivers shrink amid drought 
Washington is in its fourth straight year of drought, and many rivers are running much lower and slower than normal. This impacts fishermen and farmers. It is also a problem for outdoor recreation, as the changing conditions make some activities more difficult and dangerous. Bellamy Pailthorp reports, (KNKX) 

Independent investigation into major Comox sewage leak recommended by regional district staff
On May 26, up to 6,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage gushed into the Comox Harbour, a sensitive marine ecosystem. Staff at the Comox Valley Regional District on Vancouver Island have recommended an independent investigation into a major sewage leak in May after residents called for one. Maryse Zeidler reports. (CBC) 

Democracy Watch
Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  210 PM PDT Tue Jul 14 2026    
WED  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft  at 9 seconds.  
WED NIGHT  W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 7 seconds. A chance of rain after midnight.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told


 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

7/14 Yellowjacket, nat'l monuments reduced, Ross Dam fish passage, SnoCo PUD battery storage, Cooper's hawks, Santa Barbara pipeline, democracy watch.

Yellowjacket


Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket or yellow jacket is the common name in North America for predatory social wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. They can be identified by their distinctive markings, their occurrence only in colonies, and a characteristic, rapid, side-to-side flight pattern prior to landing. All females are capable of stinging. Yellowjackets are important predators of pest insects.(Wikipedia)

Today's top story in Salish Current:  Island Allies: Building respectful relations on the San Juans

 Trump reduces size of 2 national monuments in Utah as Republicans reshape land management
President Donald Trump on Monday sharply reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by former presidents on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah have ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits that state officials want made available for development. Matthew Brown and Savannah Peters report. (Associated Press) 

Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it?
Fish passage at Ross Dam could involve blasting a new road. Is it worth it? Sophia Gates reports. (CDN) 

Snohomish PUD prepares to open first battery storage site in Arlington
Washington’s first battery energy storage facility is set to open this fall in Arlington. The facility will store up to 25 megawatts of energy when it is abundant and discharge it to the grid during peak times each month to help reduce costs. Taylor Scott Richmond reports. (Everett Herald) 

On the hunt: the ferocity and precision of Cooper’s hawks
A pair of Cooper’s hawks made their home in one photographer’s backyard. Over the last 18 months, he’s watched these wild birds adapt their routines to urban living. Photos and story by Paul Gains. (The Narwhal) 

This California Oil Pipeline Was Dormant for 11 Years. Trump Reopened It. 
The move in Santa Barbara by the Trump administration has made residents anxious in a region prized for its gorgeous beaches and ocean views. (NY Times) 

Democracy Watch

Have you read the Salish Current? 
Independent, fact based news for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Community supported, free from ads. Read the latest weekly newsletter here.

Here's your tug weather— 
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  315 PM PDT Mon Jul 13 2026    
TUE
 W wind around 5 kt, rising to 5 to 10 kt in the afternoon.  Seas around 3 ft. Wave Detail: W 3 ft at 7 seconds.  
TUE NIGHT
 W wind 5 to 10 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. Wave Detail: W  3 ft at 8 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato.  To subscribe? Questions? Email msato(at)salish-current.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.





Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told