In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing gun violence, Washington State has taken a decisive step by implementing a comprehensive assault weapon ban. The measure, which has gained significant attention and support, seeks to restrict the availability and possession of certain firearms known for their high…
Washington State Implements Comprehensive Assault Weapon Ban
The Return of Drama Productions
The pandemic put a roaring stop on drama productions throughout the state, as folks could no longer gather to watch and be entertained, but Gerry Large wants it to make a comeback. Large, Whatcom Community College’s Visual & Performing Arts Department Lead, had decided that this quarter his actors would…
Whatcom County Introduces New Alternative Policing Programs
Whatcom County has implemented two new crisis response systems: the Alternative Response Team (ART) and the Sheriff Co-responder Team. These programs, introduced at the beginning of 2023, aim to enhance the handling mental health emergencies by involving behavioral health specialists. According to a study by the Treatment Advocacy Center, “People…
Tenant Protections in Whatcom County
A Brief Look Into Rent Control, Assistance and Landlords by Sorrel Thoerner, Simon Shultis, and Ian Degnin. Renters in Whatcom County are collectively exhausted with the cost and quality of their rental units. Prices of units are on the rise and the quality of units is steadily decreasing. Rent control is…
ChatGPT: The AI That Took the World by Storm
Since ChatGPT’s release, it has gained global popularity, with around 100 million users using it monthly. Schools around the U.S. have implemented policies regarding using generative artificial intelligence tools for schoolwork. OpenAI released ChatGPT on Nov. 30, 2022, as a successor to InstructAI, their previous AI model. ChatGPT unlocks new…
Volunteers Aid Students in Their Goal to Learn English
By Nathan Welch and Miles Vander-Vennet An English-Language Learners class led by Catalina Hope ended in celebration, as students and ELL volunteers alike came together after the class successfully completed their English assessments for the quarter. During the class’s celebration, students spoke amongst their classmates, family members, and instructors, eating…
Community Garden to Make a Return in Spring
As spring slowly enfolds this year, WCC’s community garden is in the process of being transformed from a nearly barren space to a vibrant collection of plants. According to James Spaich, a professor in WCC’s English department and co-founder of the community garden, “Last year was the first year for…
New Sculpture Arrives on Campus
Local Squamish artist James Harry oversaw the installation of his sculpture on Whatcom Community College’s campus this Monday, just outside of the Phyllis and Charles Self Learning Commons building. Titled “ININYAX’A7N” or “Thunderbird,” this sculpture was designed by Harry not only to bridge the gap between modern and Salish art,…
WCC’s Pickleball Club Faces Off at Volli
Written by Nathan Welch and Miles Vander Vennet. WCC’s own Pickleball Club hosted an event in conjunction with Volli, a private recreation center just across the way from Cedar Hall that is dedicated to pickleball and a few other games. With attendance close to a dozen at this event, members…
Sustainability Club Hosts Clothing Drive at WCC
The foyer at Syre Center saw use last Wednesday for a clothing drive, as a way for the Sustainability Club to not only give back to the community, but also Whatcom Community College’s student body. Two long sets of tables piled with clothing and shoes were stationed at either end…