SVCA’s Rules & Regulations state that a burn ban automatically goes into effect for Sudden Valley when Whatcom County declares a burn ban. On June 15th, the South Whatcom Fire Authority implemented a Stage One burn ban, triggering this requirement.

The SVCA Rules & Regulations explain that when a burn ban is in effect, no outdoor fires except properly enclosed cooking fires using gas or charcoal as fuel will be permitted. All other outdoor fires (open flames, including recreational fires) are prohibited for the duration of the burn ban.

Sudden Valley’s rules are more restrictive than those of the County. Even though recreational fires are still allowed by the county, SVCA rules are clear that no recreational fires with open flames will be allowed. Violation of the burn ban can result in a fine of $250. The fine increases to $500 if there is a subsequent violation.

NOTE: Primary Roads – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, All Day. Specialized Pavement Marking (SPM) will be on site painting center lines on primary roads.

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 / Time: 1 PM

The Sudden Valley Community Association is preparing for its 2025 AGM election, a crucial event that will determine the future leadership and direction of the community.

Positions on the Ballot

• Board of Directors (open seats)
• Nominations & Elections Committee
• Architectural Control Committee

What Members Will Vote On

• Proposed 2026 Budget
• Bylaw Amendments (if any)
• Community Resolutions (if any)

New for 2025: Vote by Mail or Electronically

This year, members will have the option to vote electronically or by traditional mail-in ballot. Members can still vote using a paper ballot as in previous years, or choose the new electronic option, which offers secure and confidential voting.

Details about the electronic voting process will be published in the next edition of The Views and posted on the Sudden Valley website.

All members are strongly encouraged to vote by completing and submitting their ballots according to the instructions provided. A summary of voting procedures will also be shared in The Views article next month.

Get Informed, Get Involved

To make informed decisions, members are encouraged to:

• Attend Candidate Forums and Town Hall Meetings (Dates to be announced)
• Review the Association’s budget and financial documents
• Join or observe Board of Directors and Committee Meetings
• Ask questions of leadership via email or in person

Your vote helps guide the direction of our community. Participating in the election is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard.

How to Apply as a Candidate

Application Period: July 7 – September 2, 2025

Applications will be available at:

• The Welcome Center (1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd)
• The Sudden Valley Website

Submit completed applications in a sealed enveloped in person at the Welcome Center or by mail to:
Sudden Valley Community Association
Attn: N&E Chair
1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd
Bellingham, WA 98229

Dear Sudden Valley Members,

We appreciate your feedback and understand the concerns regarding recent pool wait times and capacity guidelines. Our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all members.

Our operations are primarily guided by Washington State regulations. Additionally, the number of patrons allowed in the pool is influenced by factors such as pool size, available lifeguards, and safety considerations.

We acknowledge that recent wait times have been longer than usual. This is partly due to staffing challenges common during the early season. As the season moves forward, more lifeguards will have availability and capacity levels will be higher. 

We recognize the importance of clear communication. Moving forward, we will:

• Provide timely updates on pool operations and any changes to guidelines.
• Ensure transparency regarding the guidelines we follow and the reasons behind operational decisions.
• Prioritize SVCA Residents & Monthly Pass holders over non-resident Day Pass purchasers.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to continuous improvement. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Contractors performing work that generates noise beyond their property are seasonally restricted to specific hours during the year.

Contractor Work Hours (May 1 – Oct 31)
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 6PM
Saturday: 8AM – 5PM

Concrete Mobilization & Placement Hours (May 1 – Oct 31)
Monday – Saturday: 8AM – 6PM
Work crews may begin preparation no earlier than 30 minutes before starting time. Review the AC Policies page 22 for specific information regarding concrete placement. Administration may make exceptions on a limited basis.

Sunday, Holiday, and Evening Work is limited to activities that exclude all machinery noise (examples: nail guns, chainsaw, excavators, jackhammers, and other power tools, etc.) unless the noise cannot be detected beyond the property.

These hours are corrected from a prior announcement. 

Due to the high volume of tree debris in Gates 3, 9, & 13, Maintenance is a few days behind schedule. The week of May 12^th Maintenance will be working in Gate 1, as well as working to complete Gates 3, 9, & 13. 

2025 Firewise schedule:

• Gate 5 (Maintenance Zones 51, 52, 53) – COMPLETE
• Gate 3 (Maintenance Zones 3, 4, 5, 6) – In Progress
• Gates 9 & 13 (Maintenance Zones 1, 2) – In Progress
• Gate 1 (Maintenance Zones 10, 11, 12, 14, 15) – Set out debris by May 12
• Gate 2 (Maintenance Zones 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) – Set out debris by May 19

Pickup for each gate will take place over the course of a week starting on the above dates.

To view the Maintenance Zone Map, click here!

To better serve our members and support effective communication, Sudden Valley Community Association asks all property owners to review and update their contact information at least once per year, or any time your information changes.

Why This Matters

Accurate owner contact information helps us:

• Send important notices and Association updates
• Distribute meeting and voting materials
• Ensure your participation in SVCA’s hybrid Board of Directors election and initiative ballot system, which includes both paper ballots and secure online voting

What to Update

Please make sure we have your:

• Current mailing address
• Preferred phone number
• Updated email address (essential for online voting access)

How to Update

Updating your contact information is easy:

• Use the Resident Contact Information Form available on our website
• Or contact the Administrative Office at (360) 734-6430

⚠️ Note: If your contact information is not current, you may miss critical updates and be unable to participate in upcoming elections or community decisions.

Thank you for helping us keep our community connected and informed!

Did you know only 3% of us donate blood each year? Summer blood shortages are real, and you can help save lives in our local hospitals by rolling up your sleeve. To celebrate your blood donation this June, you can enter for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card.

SUDDEN VALLEY BLOOD DRIVE

Mobile Bus – Sudden Valley Welcome Center | 1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Bellingham, Friday, June 6, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

To book your one hour appointment, call Bloodworks NW at 800-398-7888 or click this link bloodworksNW.org/giveblood.

Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience. Same-day appointments available at most locations. Photo ID required. For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.

Would you like to help mitigate the invasive Fragrant Water Lilies on Lake Louise? Join like-minded people at one of two meetings to organize and plan. The content will be the same at each meeting. A presentation will be made about why invasive lilies are a problem and what can be done, followed by a Q&A session. Forming a club to help maintain the natural environment of Lake Louise and the surrounding area, and to educate residents about the lake environment, will also be discussed.

Wednesday, April 23, 7 PM – 8:30 PM, Room A at the Dance Barn.

Saturday, April 26, 2 PM – 3:30 PM, same location.