Parking lot at Anacortes terminal is full
posted 07/03/2009
The free parking offered by Washington State Ferries for the holiday weekend has proved to be very successful, the parking lot at the Anacortes terminal is full. For the most current updates about waiting times to board the ferries, visit WSF FERRY WEB SITE.
The last ferry sailings of the day have been overloaded the last few days and people have had to wait for the 4:30 a.m. sailings to sail to the islands. So travelers are advised to be prepared for long waits.
Assessor asks Dept. of Revenue to require county to adequately fund his dept.
This story has been updated. The new info is in bold.
posted 07/02/2009
"I am having to consider things I never imagined I would have to consider," San Juan County Assessor Charles Zalmanek told the county council as they considered budget cuts Wednesday July 1, 2009. "I am not willing perjure myself," he said, "And knowing that the value of new construction has not been appraised, I can't make the statement saying that all of the properties in San Juan County are appraised at their market value." FULL STORY
Harbor Seal Pups are coming
By Nadia Rifat and Michelle Barbieri
posted 07/02/2009
Summer is in full swing, and the harbor seal pupping season in the San Juan Islands is underway. For those of you that encounter harbor seal pups on the beach, there are a few things to remember. MORE INFORMATION
We are the Best of Worst Writers;
We are the Worst of Worst of Writers
by Ingrid Gabriel
posted 07/02/2009
Citizens of Washington, this is a proudful event in our literary history and another jewel in the crown for Evergreen State wordsmiths. Federal Way resident David McKenzie has just been awarded the coveted first prize in the 2009 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, also known as the Dark and Stormy Night Contest. To him, we extend a lusty Huzzah! FULL STORY
County council keeps deputy position cuts almost $900K from budget
posted 07/02/2009
San Juan County Council decided not to eliminate a sheriff's deputy position and delayed cutting $21,313 from the Assessor's department before voting unanimously yesterday to adopt an amendment cutting almost $900,000 from the 2009 budget.
The county Administrator and Auditor Milene Henley had proposed cuts totaling $933,121 spread across the County’s 19 departments. A second round of budget cuts are expected in September.
The council's cuts to their own department were discussed. Councilmember Bob Myhr wanted the council to delay any cuts until a decision is made on hiring someone to fill the council clerk position vacated by Ann Larson. She resigned to work for state Senator Kevin Ranker (D-San Juan Islands). The position was advertised more than five weeks ago and final interviews took place last month.
Myhr and Councilmember Rosenfeld spoke about the need for three employees in the council office. The council has a council clerk, a deputy clerk and a departmental assistant. Councilmember Lovel Pratt said the council needs to lead by example and share the pain with the rest of the county departments. Knapp, Peterson and Fralick agreed the council staff should be reduced to two.
Funding Orcas Rec, budgeting for influenza clinic for a H1N1 flu pandemic (instead of special funding later) were discussed but not acted on.
Explanation of Open space farm classification and taxation of current use parcels
in San Juan County
The Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space, farm and agricultural, and timber lands valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use. The Act states that it is in the best interest of the state to maintain, preserve, conserve, and otherwise continue in existence adequate open space lands for the production of food, fiber, and forest crops and to assure the use and enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens. MORE INFORMATION
The World is coming to Friday Harbor
posted 07/01/2009
Dubai, Melbourne, Anchorage, Papua, Bali and Friday Harbor are just some of the ports of call for The World, the luxury ocean residence travelling around the world. The twelve-deck cruise ship has
165 privately-owned residences. Also included for the upscale community are sports venues, fitness centers, a spa, shopping, entertainment, and "either casual or elegant dining are designed into the architecture of the interior to encourage changes in daily scenery."
The World is expected to anchor outside Friday Harbor Sunday and Monday with passengers coming ashore to visit San Juan Island.
4th of July Celebrations planned
posted 06/29/2009
Parades, barbeques, craft shows, fireworks shows and more. Details of the Independence Day festivities
are posted on the THINGS TO DO PAGE and/or CALENDAR
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WSF long-range plan available
posted 07/01/2009
Washington State Ferries long-range plan lacks a key element - a sustainable funding source to fill the estimated $3.3 billion gap during the next 22 years. Half of the gap is from capital expenses. The state legislature has not identified a funding source.
The plan, which is available on line, includes:
- Purchasing 10 new vessels to replace retired and retiring vessels
- Preserve and maintain existing terminals and vessels
- Investigate new technology for vehicle reservations systems at Anacortes/Sidney B.C. and Port Townsend/Keystone, and to look at options to incorporate reservations on other routes
- Make transit supportive investments at select terminals
The plan assumes service levels remain the same as they are currently. There would be minor improvements as new vessels replace older vessels.
No more courtesy notices for illegal signs
posted 06/30/2009
Beginning July 6, courtesy tags will no longer be put on illegally placed signs as a notice. Instead the county will use its existing authority to immediately remove the signs. The change in policy is a result of people removing the courtesy tags and leaving their signs in place.
The signs will be held for a period of ten (10) days for retrieval by the owners and will be then disposed of if not retrieved.
Sign owners can pick up their signs at the Annex by the Sheriff’s storage building in Friday Harbor, the Public Works shop at 1395 Mt. Baker Road on Orcas Island or the Cormorant Building on Lopez Island.
Questions about the sign regulations should be directed to the County Code Enforcement office at (360) 370-7580. Complaints concerning illegally placed signs can be filed by submitting a Request for Code Enforcement which can be obtained on the County
WEB SITE.
4th of July Celebrations planned
posted 06/29/2009
Parades, barbeques, craft shows, fireworks shows and more. Details of the Independence Day festivities
are posted on the THINGS TO DO PAGE and/or CALENDAR
What Can I Say???
June 29 – July 5, 2009
Last week brought an awful lot of bad news over the airwaves, including the loss of two icons of our culture. Enough said about that; by the time this column is published, it will either be forgotten about or still talked about. This week brings more surprises as swift thinking Mercury opposed transformative Pluto; this offers not only radically different ways of thinking based on explosive insights, it also could spark arguments over things that were previously ignored. HOROSCOPES
Skagit Valley College offers two-day flagging class
Skagit Valley College will offer a two-day flagging class on Monday, July 27 and Wednesday, July 29 at the Mount Vernon Campus from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Washington State Traffic Control Flagger card that is valid for three years. Students must be 18 years of age or older to receive the flagger card. The fee for this class is $49 and the instructor will be Mike Prindle. MORE INFORMATION
Singing a Dream
Send-off party at Pazzo Vivo Wednesday evening
posted 06/29/2009
Author Richard Ianelli was not thinking of a San Juan Island singer/songwriter when he said, "Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine, a bit of unscheduled plea." However, well-known local musician Devorah is surely the personification of his idea. FULL STORY
CANCER FIGHTING FOODS
posted 06/29/09
Research has shown that people who eat lot's of cruciferous vegetables have a lower occurrence of many cancers. Cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, turnips, arugula and others. These vegetables contain specific two specific compounds that help the body detoxify cancer causing agents. These compounds are indole-3- carbinol and sulforaphane. Indole-3-carbinol has other impressive anti-cancer effects that should be recognized. COLUMN
Written Word deadline July 10
It's time to dust off the old typewriter and send in your newest, latest and greatest poetry, fiction and non fiction for the San Juan County Fair. It is time, once again for the Written Word writing contest.
Please go to the San Juan County Fair website for the on-line Premium Book for details and Exhibitor's Forms or go HERE for more specifics on The Written Word. MORE INFORMATION
Register for booth space for 59th Historical Day Celebration
Vendor and Traditional Craft Demonstrator spaces are still available for the
59th Annual Historical Day Celebration in the Eastsound Village Green. To reserve a space please call 376-4849, or pick up a form at the Orcas Historical Museum next to the Green. 10 x 10 foot spaces for craft demonstrators and non-profit information booths are FREE. 10 x 10 Vendor spaces are $45 each, pay your fee and keep your profit. This annual event benefits the Orcas Island Historical Museum exhibits and programs.
Lessons From My Dog Part Two - Fergie Does Yoga
posted 06/30/2009
Once I realized Fergie had lessons to teach about the art of napping, it occurred to me that perhaps there might be other things he could teach me. So I started observing. He licks a lot of places I could never reach, nor would I want to. Any lessons there? No, I don't think so. He likes to dig through the trash and tear to shreds anything he finds of interest. Any lessons there? Can't think of any. But there is one thing he does each and every day that might be the source of some inspiration for me, and it is the first thing he does upon rising. Fergie does yoga. COLUMN
SJC Dramatists Group Roundtable June 30
A free roundtable discussion for dramatists, writers and the public - From the Absurd to the Surreal: Featuring the works of Samuel Beckett and Sarah Ruhl takes place from 5:15 to 6 :45 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at the SJI Library Meeting Room. The discussion will be led by J. Chris Westgate and is sponsored by the San Juan County Dramatists group. MORE INFORMATION
Learn about Elephant seals Wednesday
Dr. Joe Gaydos presents the first lecture in this season's Whale Museum Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. His topic is Elephant Seals. MORE INFORMATION
New today
BUNDLED BLOSSOMS
posted 06/28/2009
Have you seen the wonderful flower bouquets at the local farmers' markets?
Some are bold with vibrant colors. Others are delicate and subtle.They are
all beautiful, and they are selling almost as quickly as August tomatoes.
Last week I stood by the buckets of bouquets trying to decide which one to
buy. I considered the blues and purples, but ended up selecting a bunch of
red, yellow, and orange flowers. Everyone who passed me as I carried the
bundled blossoms home commented on their aggregate beauty. It made me
smile. COLUMN
Future firefighers visit ES firestation
posted 06/27/2009
Kiyomi Farish and 25 other pre-school students from Children¹s House visited
the Eastsound Fire Station this last week as part of Fire Prevention
Education. The "Junior Firefighters" learned about life at the fire station,
the special gear needed to stay safe and the emergency response vehicles.
Parade entries due June 27
Also still time to sign up for Historical Days Celebration
Entry forms for the Orcas Island Juy 4th parade are due Saturday, June 27.
Vendor and Traditional Craft Demonstrator spaces are still available for the
59th Annual Historical Day Celebration in the Eastsound Village Green. To reserve a space please call 376-4849, or pick up a form at the Orcas Historical Museum next to the Green. 10 x 10 foot spaces for craft demonstrators and non-profit information booths are FREE. 10 x 10 Vendor spaces are $45 each, pay your fee and keep your profit. This annual event benefits the Orcas Island Historical Museum exhibits and programs.
Family Golf
posted 06/27/2009
A giant, mega-billion dollar corporate invasion was recently blocked on our small island. It happened when our golf course was put up for sale. The golf course is really appreciated by the people who live here and sometimes cursed by wandering tourists because most of the holes are on the side of a hill. Your ball is either below your feet or above them, almost every time you try and hit it. There is also not much rainwater for the fairways, so they have to make do with whatever rainwater collects in the three small ponds on the course.
COLUMN
Beach access as close as a county road end
posted 06/26/2009
Public access to the shoreline is greater than it appears from looking at a map. There are more ways to legally enjoy a walk on the beach or picnic on a bluff than in a county, state or federal park. Every paved or gravel county road that dead-ends at the shoreline creates public access to the water.
It is against state law for the county to vacate (sell) the road ends. Some landowners on adjoining parcels have made it look like the roads ends belong to them, but according to the county prosecutor and public works staff, no county road ends have ever been sold.
The public works staff investigates cases where someone has blocked off the road. On Blanchard Road on Orcas Islandfor example, large boulders have been placed on the road end. The beach is still accessible but the rocks reduce the available parking space.
Three Farm Walking Tour and Picnic Dinner
Fundraiser for permanent Farmers Market
posted 06/26/2009
Join us behind the scenes for a personal tour and picnic dinner with friends. Stroll the back trails of San Juan Island's picturesque West Valley, while visiting adjoining Mitchell Bay Farm, LaCrover Farm and Sweet Earth Farm. Both Mitchell Bay and LaCrover farms will offer local tasty tidbits to keep you energized, culminating with a picnic dinner and wine at Sweet Earth Farm.
This special evening begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th, at Sweet Earth Farm. Tickets are $50 each and proceeds go towards the Permanent Farmer's Market Project. Tickets can be purchased at the Farmer's Market, Griffin Bay Bookstore or The Market Chef.
Anyone interested in more information, please contact Elaine Kendall at 378-6690 or Mark Madsen at 378-0902.
Three ways to help Cancer Patients
...by Soroptimists
posted 06/26/2009
There are three different projects on San Juan Island that can assist our local cancer patients. The Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Support Mission, the San Juan Eagles flight services, and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. MORE INFORMATION
Pelindaba Lavender Farms leases FHHS kitchen
posted 06/25/2009
The scent of lavender will be wafting through Friday Harbor High School this summer as Pelindaba Lavender Farms employees use the kitchen to manufacture the farms products. The San Juan Island School District Board agreed to lease the kitchen facilities to the business during the summer. The business's production building was destroyed in a fire earlier this month.
SJISD signs agreement with Island Rec for levy to pay for sports program
posted 06/25/2009
Last night San Juan Island School Board members approved an agreement with Island Rec which calls for a $.07 per thousand dollars of assessed value property tax levy to pay for the school's sports program. The district would pay for maintenance of the facilities. Island Rec would have first rights to use the facilities for its recreational programs - in line after the school's use and after traditional community use. In other words the school's programs of course come first.
The whole agreement is contingent upon successful passage of the Island Rec levy in the November general election. The 7 cent levy amount will be part of the Island Rec Levy request to the voters.
Business up at Port of FH
posted 06/25/2009
Boat nights are up 200 compared to last year at this time, Port of Friday Harbor Harbormaster Tami Hayes told the Port Commissioners yesterday. Good June weather was likely a factor the commissioners agreed.
County spends $28K to settle lawsuit against Seattle Radio station
posted 06/24/2009
San Juan County taxpayers contributed $27,690 to pay a settlement for a lawsuit brought against the San Juan County and the cities
of Seattle, Kent and Auburn in 2005. The case involved the 2005 political campaign against the gas tax. San Juan County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord told the county council the county should join the lawsuit. San Juan County Commissioners Alan Licther, Rhea Miller and Kevin Ranker gave Gaylord the permission to proceed.
The cities had filed it to compel the political campaign opposing the gas tax to disclose the names of contributors and amounts of money or
in-kind contributions. The issue revolved around whether the radio deejays had to list their air time as in-kind contributions. FULL STORY
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Pratt asks council to change planning process for CAO
posted 06/24/2009
Two years of citizen advisory committee meetings and staff work resulted in the updated Critical Areas Ordinance. The draft CAO was presented to the community at three informational meetings. The normal course of events would be a public hearing at the planning commission. The commission would forward their recommendation to the council which would hold its own public hearing and adopt the ordinance as written or modify it.
San Juan County Councilmember Lovel Pratt, a former planning commissioner, convinced the council to change the procedure. The next step will be a council workshop where the council will tell the planning department staff what they want "to get out of the ordinance." FULL STORY
Cantwell contacting Coast Guard about ferry schedule
posted 06/23/2009
U.S Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard regarding touring watches and their effect on the ferry service in the San Juan Islands. She is the chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard has ordered Washington State Ferries to cease using touring watches - crews work one shift/sleep onboard/work a second shift. This will adversely effect service to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route starting in the fall of 2009.
State Senator Kevin Ranker (D-San Juan Island), county officials and the ferry advisory committee contacted Cantwell asked her to intervene.
Safety Improvements at SJI Transfer Station
May cause some delays
posted 06/24/2009
The San Juan County Solid Waste Manager Steve Alexander reports that the county has corrected all of the employee safety hazards that were identified during a Washington State Labor and Industries health and safety consultation visit at the San Juan Island Transfer Station in April. Documentation of the corrections has been submitted to the agency for approval. MORE INFORMATION
County considers reducing hours some offices open to public
Due to lower staffing levels, San Juan County Council is considering reducing the number of hours
county offices are open to the public. The move would allow the remaining staff to work uninterrupted for part of the day and for departments to accomplish more with less employees.
The proposal:
- Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer offices and legislative building: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Health and Community Services, Community Development and Planning: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment
The topic is on the agenda at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The agenda is available on the CALENDAR
Peddling Ordinance on track
for July 14 hearing
Lopez Island farmer Gary Franco sold strawberries from Skagit Valley farms at his strawberry stand on the corner of Main Street and North Beach Road in Eastsound June 22.
posted 06/23/2009
People who want to peddle their goods and wares would need permits to do so on publicly-owned property in activity centers and Urban Growth Areas in San Juan County once the proposed peddling ordinance is passed. San Juan County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord presented the draft to the council at their June 22, 2009 meeting in Eastsound. In addition to the public place use permit, the vendor would also need the consent of the adjoining property owner. MORE INFORMATION
Four ferries sold to California recycler for $200K
Quinault, Illahee, Nisqually and Klickitat
Islanders celebrated the Illahee's 75th birthday in 2002.
posted 06/23/2009
PRESS RELEASE: Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) has sold four 1927-built Steel Electric class vessels to Eco Planet Recycling, Inc. of Chula Vista, Calif. The total combined sale price for all four ferries is $200,000. MORE INFORMATION
Coast Guard suspends search for missing ferry passenger
at Bainbridge Island
posted 06/23/2009
PRESS RELEASE: The Coast Guard suspended its search at 10:32 p.m. for a woman who went missing from the Washington State Ferry (WSF) Tacoma Monday, June 22, 2009.
Coast Guard Sector Seattle received word at approximately 4:15 p.m., Monday, of a car left unattended on the ferry Tacoma after it had arrived at its Seattle facility from Bainbridge. MORE INFORMATION
Historic Orca capture news clips will be unveiled at June 23 forum
Orca Network is joining the Seattle Aquarium and Puget Sound Partnership in sponsoringa a forum at 6:30 pm June 23 at the Seattle Aquarium. The topic will be "Southern Resident Orcas Then and Now: What Have We Learned?
A look back at the Southern Residents, threats to their population, and current population status will be discussed.
The event provides a look back at our relationship with Southern Resident orcas over the decades, and a chance to continue to look forward to how we can help others in the coming years. MORE INFORMATION
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Return to aspects of former
type of county government?
posted 06/21/2009
"It used to be a councilmember could put the shoulder to a department head," said building contractor Tom Nolan during a discussion at at the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights meeting last week in Friday Harbor. The charter form of government, voted in by citizens, makes pressuring the Planning Department Director more difficult. Nolan told the group he has been successful with another method.
In March he approached the council during public access time questioning the director's interpretation of the Unified Development Code regarding building accessory buildings prior to the main building. The director was asked to explain. He said nothing had changed regarding the code or the interpretation.
The council placed the item on a future agenda. On April 14, they asked for the UDC to be amended to allow accessory buildings to be built before the main buildings and to be allowed in the interim.
"It's effective to go in and write a focused letter to the county council," Nolan told the CAPR group.
"I tested the accessory decision with an application for a kayak shed." he said. However, he wasn't successful with that application since it fell under the shoreline management act which falls under state regulations.
Another builder is taking the same approach regarding the director's ruling about 50 percent frontage rule of buildings on the shoreline. The council discussed his application during its June 16, 2009 meeting.
The CAPR group decided to present clearly worded requests during every citizens access time. The next one takes place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 22 at the American Legion Post 93 at 793 Crescent Beach Drive in Eastsound during a county council special meeting on Orcas Island.
The Philosophy Of a Global Community
June 22 - 28, 2009
Since my transition from an island community to a huge city in Mexico, I have watched the radical changes occurring Stateside and how the fallout affects others. These shockwaves are massive, and for the first time, many of us can't see forward; we can't see the future or prepare for the long term. While we Boomers have our jaws on the floor regarding what we've created, the next generation faces an uncertain future but armed with technological skills unheard of even ten short years ago.
HOROSCOPES
Summer ferry schedule in effect
The Washington State Ferries summer sailing schedule began> Sunday, June 21 and runs through September 26, 2009. The schedule is red in color and can be found on all vessels and at all of the terminals. It is also available ONLINE.
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MY NEW CAMERA
posted 06/21/2009
I am the proud owner of a new digital camera. With Father's Day
approaching, several well known camera companies were promoting sales. I
carefully noted the model numbers and looked online for reviews. As one
might expect, I found decent reviews for all of the cameras with minor
complaints about each one. No single camera stood out from the others, and
the sale prices were the same at most retail stores. So, with very little
knowledge, I did what most consumers do, I asked a clerk for her opinion. COLUMN
It's back, Hiyu returning
Reduced inter-island capacity
for at least one week
posted 06/20/2009
The 34-auto ferry Hiyu will operate on the San Juan inter-island route for approximately one week beginning Saturday, June 20 while maintenance on the 144-car Kaleetan is completed. MORE INFORMATION
OBITUARY: Larry LeRoy Flinn
Larry L. Flinn died peacefully in Tacoma on June 2, 2009. He was born January 25, 1920 in Bellingham WA. He served in the U.S. Navy as a signalman during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Tatnuck in the Aleutian Islands.
He was a successful business man in the floral industry in both Seattle and Tacoma. After selling his business he retired to San Juan Island, a place he had always loved.
He is survived by his wife Marijane, daughter Nancy (Bill) Nolan, son Steve, brothers Del and Jim, three grandchildren and numerous other family members. He was loved and will be missed.
Memorial service were held at Gaffney Funeral Home, Tacoma, on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:00 am.
Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home.
SENIOR CITIZEN GOLF
posted 06/20/2009
The other day I was asked to play golf with some friends of mine, after they had exhausted calling all of the good players they usually play with. Since the local golf club only has 70 members, good players sometimes have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to make up a foursome during the week. Now, I can catch salmon near my house, so I can't always go out and play golf at the drop of a fishing pole, but that time I did.
COLUMN
20 percent of SJC stores checked fail tobacco compliance check
posted 06/17/2009
In May, a 17-year-old girl, working for the WA Tobacco Prevention Program, was able to purchase cigarettes at three stores in San Juan County. She was asked at each store for her identification which clearly showed she was 17. Twelve other stores refused to sell cigarettes to her. The resulting 20 percent non-compliance rate gives San Juan County the second worst record in the state.
Martha Sharon PHN, coordinator SJC Tobacco Prevention & Control Program says because we have fewer stores it takes fewer sales to increase our rate of non-compliance to the law. However, it is unacceptable that any sales are made.
The law exists because tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S., and if people do not start smoking as teenagers, they usually do not start. 80% of smokers started as teens. Most of those people want to quit, but because of high levels of the most addictive substance in existence, nicotine in the cigarettes, most of them fail.
The habit takes an average of 15 years off of one's life, and one's last years can be spent battling cancer, emphysema, and heart disease caused by tobacco. In addition, at today's prices, tobacco addicts are enslaved by it: One store charged $9.50 for the pack. A pack a day habit would be $3,200/year. Over 20 years, that would mean $64,000 spent on cigarettes; probably more, as they will continue to rise in price.
Free parking at Anacortes Ferry Terminal July 3-6
posted 06/17/2009
For the second year, Washington State Ferries offers free parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal for the Fourth of July weekend.
This free parking, limited only by available space at the time of arrival, will be in effect at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 6. This time period covers all sailings from July 3 through July 6.
For all other dates, payment is required for vehicles located in the lots at the Anacortes ferry terminal. Orcas Island and San Juan Island have reasonably priced, seasonal shuttle service for ferry walk-on passengers.
County Council votes to begin lay-off process
posted 06/16/2009
San Juan County Council voted unanimously to notify five county workers they are being laid off due to budget cuts.
The public hearing on the $930,000 in budget cuts was continued until July 1, 2009. A sixth position expected to be laid off, was not included in the vote because it was in the council office. Since the council clerk's last day is June 23 and interviews for her replacement take place June 19, the decision was made to hold off on that possible notification until the reorganization of the office is completed.
The layoffs include one departmental assistant from Community Development and Planning Department, two department assistants from Health and Community Services, a part-time dispatcher from the sheriff's office and one part-time attorney from the prosecutor's office.
Council wants another meeting on CAO on San Juan Island
posted 06/16/2009
San Juan County Councilmember Lovel Pratt requested a second meeting about the Critical Access Ordinance
since last night's meeting had an overflow crowd. County Administrator said the Community Development and Planning Department staff was in agreement and a meeting will be put together. FULL STORY
Public encouraged to contact Coast Guard
posted 06/15/2009
Faced with a fall ferry schedule with reduction in service caused by the U.S. Coast Guard's requirement to eliminate touring watches; Washington State Ferries officials agreed to forward letters to the Coast Guard. Others at the June 11 meeting aboard the Sealth believed it would be more effective to contact the Coast Guard directly. The Seattle Coast Guard office has an EMAIL FORM posted. The mailing address is:
Coast Guard Headquarters
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard,
2100 Second Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20593
Senator Maria Cantwell (D - WA)
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3441
Web Form email
Senator Patty Murray (D - WA)
173 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-2621
Web Form email
U.S Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2nd)
Web Form email
Orcas Fire Dist.will pay cost of primary
This story has been corrected since first posted.
Where there were no candidates for Eastsound Sewer and Water District Commissioner #3 last week, there are now three. Harvey Aldort, Gregory M Ayers and Dave Page all filed during the special three-day filing period ending June 12, 2009. Orcas Island Fire District has three candidates - Henry "Duff" Andrews, Clyde Duke and Jonathan Loop running for Commission #2. A primary election must be held to winnow the fire district race down to two candidates. All three candidates for ESW district commission will be in the general election since they filed during the special election period.
Bulldozer, 4 fire departments, sheriff's boat needed to fight Crow Valley fire
Dozer Operator Bill Hoyt cuts fire line through thick brush to
stop fire spread
posted 06/11/2008
A burn pile on a neighboring property ignited a 3.5 acre wildland fire at 25 Bobby Ann Road off of Crow Valley Road on Orcas Island Wednesday afternoon. THe fire was contained and a home saved due to the combined efforts and skill of firefighters from the Orcas Island, Lopez, San Juan Island and Friday Harbor fire departments.
The sheriff's boat, Guardian transported seven firefighters from SJI District #3 and four from Lopez. The Friday Harbor firefighter happened to be on Orcas Island and responded to the call for more manpower. MORE INFORMATION
Fire danger raised to moderate
The San Juan County Fire Marshal has raised the current fire danger to moderate. This
means all fires must be OUT by no later than noon. Outdoor burning closes
Tuesday June 30th at noon at the latest unless fire danger is increased earlier.
Significant changes in the
proposed Fall Ferry schedule
Posted schedule clarified
Arrival and departure times now listed.
posted 06/09/2009
All ferries serving the San Juan Islands must tie up in Anacortes overnight. This is due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations putting an end to touring watches, crews cannot work more than 12 hours in any 24 hour period. Crews had been allowed for example to work/sleep overnight onboard the ferry/work and then have 24 hours off.
It is posted here. (It was not available in the traditional format). FULL STORY
Significant changes in the proposed Fall Ferry schedule
WSF meeting June 11 onboard inter-island ferry
posted 06/09/2009
All ferries serving the San Juan Islands must tie up in Anacortes overnight. This is due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations putting an end to touring watches, crews cannot work more than 12 hours in any 24 hour period.
The ramifications to the ferry schedule are evident in the proposed 2009 Fall schedule. We have converted the schedule to (we hope) an easier to read format than what was available.
It is posted here. (It was not available in the traditional format).
Ferry riders' chance to voice their opinions occurs on Thursday, June 11 when Washington State Ferries holds a meeting onboard the Inter-Island ferry.
Depart Friday Harbor 11:40 a.m.
Orcas 12:30 p.m.
Shaw 12:45 p.m.
Lopez 1:05 p.m.
The agenda is posted on the CALENDAR.
10-acre fire in Crow Valley fought by firefighters from three islands
posted 06/09/2009
Orcas Island firefighters were assisted by six Lopez Island firefighters and one Friday Harbor firefighter
in fighting a 10-acre wildland fire in Crow Valley. More details will be posted later.
Lopez Island book wins national awards
posted 06/09/2009
Hands at Work
Portraits and Profiles of People Who Work with Their Hands was named an Outstanding Book of Year by Independent Publisher at its 13th annual book awards competition (IPPY). One of 3,380 books entered in the national contest, Hands at Work was awarded a gold medal in the "Most Life-Changing Book" category. MORE INFORMATION
Pelindaba Lavender Farms fire was accidental
San Juan County Fire Marshal's office has determined that the early morning fire that occurred at the Lavender Farm on May 31, 2009 was accidental and initially started in the dryer and then spread throughout the rest of the complex.
Correction and a
Farmers Market project update
posted 06/08/2009
In the story about the proposed paid parking in Friday Harbor, Lovel Pratt's title was incorrectly listed as county Councilmember. She is one, but on that particular occasion she was wearing a different hat. She is the project director for the San Juan Island Agricultural Guild's Permanent Farmers Market Project. The guild has identified the former Friday Harbor Brick and Tile Company Building at 150 Nichols Street as the number one location for the farmers market. MORE INFORMATION
CAO: Separating fact from fear
posted 06/08/2009
Unbuildable lots, expensive studies, no flower beds - those are the rumors about the proposed updated San Juan County Critical Areas Ordinance. The reality: the number of undeveloped lots that may have difficulty meeting the new requirements: 155. And 2,500 square feet of development is allowed with no special studies. STORY
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