Taking action to save lives
posted 09/02/2010
A wildland fire engine sits in the fire hall on
Obstruction Island, both building and engine courtesy of "firefighter of the world" John Bartleson. STORY
No penalty for some not farming
but taking Farm/Ag tax break
posted 09/02/2010
It's a high priority of the San Juan County council to revise the public benefirt rating system for the Farm/Agricultural Conservation System. This program will give owners of property that may one day potentially be used for farming to receive at least a 30% break on their taxes. STORY
REVISED: Building permit sure,
property tax bill - maybe
posted 09/02/2010
There have been 1,505 permits issued for new single family residences in the San Juan Islands in the past nine years. Some of the homeowners are not paying taxes on their homes, some are paying taxes on only a percentage of the house's value and some had a few year's of no property tax bill on their home. FULL STORY and LETTER FROM ASSESSOR
Lopez Island Prevention Coalition awarded $625K federal drug-free communities grant
By Martha Sharon and Georgeana Cook, members, LIPC
posted 09/01/2010
Have you heard about the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition (LIPC)? It is a diverse group of Lopezians who are working to help prevent substance abuse, and support healthy choices for Lopez youth, and all ages. The coalition has been meeting for two years to build a collaboration of individuals, agencies, and organizations for this mission. MORE
Action taken by SJC Council
$5 fee for recycling
Long range solutions considered include no transfer stations in county
Free recycling will end in San Juan County as of October 1, 2010. The program costs the county more than $150,000 per year. The charge will be $5 per trip regardless of the quantity. The idea of charging for the service has been discussed since 2001 as a way to help the cash-strapped utility. FULL STORY
Watch the County Council meeting online
The Council meetings are streamed ONLINE. They are also available for three months on the same WEBSITE
WSF: Plan ahead for Labor Day
Little extra service
Reservations for Labor Day weekend on the Sidney, B.C. route should be made as soon as possible. To make reservations call 1-888-808-7977 (WA & BC), 206-464-6400, or 5-1-1.
Plan ahead for heavy traffic this Labor Day weekend, especially westbound Thursday, Sept. 2 and Friday, Sept. 3, and eastbound Monday, Sept. 6.Walk-ons are encouraged, instead of taking vehicles. Paid parking is available at the Anacortes terminal.
The routes will operate on the normal summer schedule with one exception. On Monday, September 6, the inter-island vessel will operate on a Sunday schedule.
SETTING A NEW RECORD
posted 08/29/2010
Some weeks are busier than others. This week, however, seems to set a new
record for busyness - even for an overachiever like me. Now I'm totally
bereft of the energy or the desire to do anything else. I slept later than
usual this morning. I even took an afternoon nap. Still, I found myself
standing in the middle of aisle 6, staring at my grocery list, unable to
decide if I was done shopping. So what has made this week so difficult? COLUMN
Dreaming of Snow
posted 08/29/2010
Until the early 1950s, a summer without skiing was a lot different than it is today. Summer, in earlier times, meant frequent trips to the garage to check on whether or not your skis had warped or twisted in the heat. The skis were all made out of laminated wood and didn't have plastic bottoms.
COLUMN
Workshop on Solid Waste funding Aug. 30
San Juan County Council will hold a workshop on August 30 to discuss solid waste funding. The agenda and related materials will be available three days prior to the meeting on the County Website or from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Council offices at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor. For more information please
contact the Clerk of the County Council at 360.370.7470.
Watch the County Council meeting online
The Council meetings are streamed ONLINE. They are also available for three months on the same WEBSITE
Wooden Boat Gathering in Deer Harbor in Sept. 7 and 8
The Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Rendezvous begins on Tuesday, September 7, the day after Labor Day. This two-day annual event typically hosts 40 to 50 wooden boats hailing from Washington and British Columbia. The public is invited to all events.
Tuesday afternoon the Rendezvous kicks off with a mostly-for-fun rowboat race at 4 p.m. around Fawn Island, followed by the most popular event of the Rendezvous, the backyard barbeque held in the lawn of the Deer Harbor BoatWorks on Channel Road from 4 to 7 p.m. Details on the THINGS TO DO PAGE...
NEW today and last few days:
Support San Juan Islander and receive news updates
Become a Virtual Subscriber - receive email updates of breaking news.
Erickson Building Project Easement Fails on Minority Vote
posted 08/26/2010
Four votes are required for the San Juan County Council to take any action, and Tuesday the fate of the Land Bank's purchase of a historical easement on the Erickson Building in Friday Harbor was sealed when - on the County Prosecutor's recommendation - Council Member Lovel Pratt recused herself from the discussion and vote because of an apparent conflict of interest. MORE...
Sailboat rescued Thursday in Griffin Bay
Photo by John Brookbank
Undersheriff Zerby is on the back deck, Sheriff Cumming is at the helm.
Citizens called the San Juan County dispatch center after seeing a boat in distress off of Pear Point in Griffin Bay Thursday, August 26. Sheriff Bill Cumming and Undersheriff Jon Zerby responded in the sheriff office's boat Guardian. They pulled the sailboat off the rocks and towed it away.
The Whale Trail - network of land-based viewing sites - opens to public
20 Sites in Puget Sound and coastal waters of the Pacific NW
posted 08/27/2010
PRESS RELEASE:The Whale Trail, a project to establish Washington State's first network of viewing sites for whale watching, celebrates its official opening on August 31, 2010 with a celebration at Salt Creek Recreation Area on the Olympic Peninsula. MORE
GUEST COLUMN Politics and Fear
by Gilbert Hetherwick
posted 08/27/2010
Fear has always been a very powerful and destructive social political tool.
In the 1968 election Nixon's famous "southern strategy" was to not worry about the registration of black voters as he was sure that the FEAR of blacks voting would drive whites in much larger numbers to the polls to vote Republican. And it worked. COLUMN
Jensen Shipyard celebrating 100 years
Everyone invited to party on Sept. 18
Nourdine and Albert Jensen - 1946
Albert Jensen & Sons, Inc. (aka Jensen Shipyard) has been in business at 1293 Turn Point Road, Friday Harbor since 1910.
"To the best of our knowledge, we are the oldest family owned business operating at the same location, open for consecutive years of business, in the County," says Jeri Lynn Ahrenius, the granddaughter of founder, Albert Jensen. MORE
Islanders Bank's Gear up for our Schools campaign
Every year teachers are found buying school supplies for their students who can't afford
them. To help eliminate the burden on teachers and help classroom learning, Islanders
Bank Teams are sponsoring "Gear Up For Our Schools" 2010-2011 Campaign from August
17 - September 16.
Collections Bins can be found at the Islanders Bank Branches and at these
business locations.
Friday Harbor:
-
Kings Market
- Market Place
- Friday Harbor Drug
- Office Center
Orcas Island:
-
Office Cupboard
-
Island Market
-
Ray's Pharmacy
Lopez:
-
Village Market
-
Island Pharmacy
-
Paper Rock Scissors
Teams hope to collect:
(PRINTABLE LIST)
-
#2 Wood Pencils with erasers
-
Erasers, Rulers & 8" Scissors
-
Three hole college & wide ruled
notebook paper
-
Spiral wide ruled notebooks
-
Black/Blue pens
-
Graph paper
-
Glue sticks
-
Highlighters: green, pink, yellow & blue
-
Fine tipped colored markers & pencils
-
Crayons
-
Pencil/supply boxes & pouches
-
Water based markers & paints
-
3 ring 1" & 2" binders
-
Divider tabs
-
Pencil sharpeners
-
White-out
-
Green & red correcting pens
Locally grown fun at the county fair
Photos by Matt Pranger
The 2010 San Juan County Fair wrapped up Saturday night after four days of competitions, exhibitions and eating. PHOTOS
Peterson and Fralick vote down Brickworks project
posted 08/24/2010
"You are taking a knife and stabbing it in the heart of Friday Harbor," said Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld. A resolution to finalize a previously approved San Juan County Land Bank acquisition of a historic conservation easement on 150 Nichols Street failed by one vote to obtain approval.
Council members Richard Fralick and Rich Peterson voted against the resolution. Four votes are needed to pass measures under the county charter. Council member Lovel Pratt was advised by Prosecutor Randy Gaylord not to participate even though she did not have any financial interest in the project. STORY
Man rescued from burning boatPhotos by Traci Walter
A man was pulled out of the water by crew from a fishing boat after his boat caught on fire near Griffin Bay off of San Juan Island Sunday evening. The man was wearing a wetsuit and was uninjured. Friday Harbor Fire Dept. fire boat Confidence extinguished the fire. Clothing was provided for him by the Friday Harbor Thrift House. MORE PHOTOS
GUEST COLUMN: Voters' intent clear
By Dan Selak
Land Bank Commission Chair 1994-2001
posted 08/23/2008
Dan Selak served as Chair of the San Juan County Land Bank from 1994 through September of 2001 when he relocated due a family health problem. Along with the copy of the email he sent to the county Council (posted below) he sent this message: "I feel I have a a deep understanding of the functioning of this appointed board. I also have a clear understanding of what the voters of San Juan County intended when they approved the establishment of the Land Bank in 1990.
GUEST COLUMN
Islanders take second in men's and women's division of Island Loop Race
Susan Stehn finished second today, and in 2009 and won the women's division 2008.
Susan Stehn finished second today, and in 2009 and won the women's division 2008.
R.B. Wick of Bellingham won the Island Loop 8.8K race Saturday morning, crossing the finish line with a time of 33 minutes and 27 seconds. Gaylene Donner of Newcastle won the women's division with a time of :38:42. STORY and PHOTOS
Politics threaten to erode Land Bank
posted 08/16/2010
San Juan County Land Bank, set up to be free as possible from politics, faces an historic occasion August 24, 2010 if perceptions, misinformation, negative attitudes and misleading petitions prevail. STORY...
Bomb/Bong threat aboard Yakima Friday
A reported bomb threat onboard the Yakima when it was near the Lopez terminal at 4 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2010 evolved into a "bong" threat. An intoxicated man told three young people he was a terrorist, had a bomb in his bag and asked them to watch it while he went out on the deck.
They told their parents, who informed the crew. The captain called the San Juan County Sheriff's dispatch center. They called the bomb squad and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Meanwhile all the passengers were moved to one end of the ferry. the crew talked to the suspect, a resident of Langley, B.C., who now denied saying he had a bomb. His new version was he had a bong.
The Yakima left Lopez for Friday Harbor.
The sheriff's office wasn't informed immediately of the new status and when they called back to the terminal were surprised to learn the ferry had left.
The Yakima was met by deputies and Undersheriff Jon Zerby. The suspect's backpack was searched and no bong was found. Information about the incident was forwarded to the F.B.I.
4-H Still Life exhibition wins Black & White Award
Cindy Gauthier's and Alice Hibberd's teamwork reaped major kudos for the county's 4-H program with recognition from the state Fair Board in the form of prestigious Black " White Award. The 4-H Still Life exhibition in the Marie Boe Building received the award. The exhibit consists of anything 4-H members do that doesn't move or eat, Gautier said. STORY
It's Nou and Johnson in
the race for Sheriff
posted 08/19/2010
With 130 ballots left to count, it is now certain that Brent Johnson came in second in the primary election in the San Juan County Sheriff race. He will face off against Rob Nou in the General Election Nov. 2 2010.
The totals released at noon on Thursday, August 19 are:
- Rob Nou
2,181
32.84%
- Brent D. Johnson
1,310
19.72%
-
Brad Fincher
1,202
18.1%
-
Jeff Asher
1,174
17.68%
-
Felix Menjivar
775
11.67%
Complete election results are on the SECRETARY OF STATE's WEBSITE
Johnson maintaining lead over Fincher and Asher
posted 08/18/2010
Brent Johnson has 1,247 (19.58) votes, Brad Fincher has 1,151 (18.07%), Jeff Asher has 1,121 (17.60%). Felix Menjivar has 735 (18.07%). Rob Nou has 2,086 (32.76%).
There are approximately 300 ballots in the office remaining to count and perhaps another 100 or so ballots expected in the mail.
Nou in, Menjivar out, too close to call on rest
Rob Nou is leading the race for San Juan County Sheriff with 1,495 votes, Brent Johnson is second with 1,066, Brad Fincher is third with 956, Asher fourth with 945 and Menjivar is fifth with 618.
Auditor Milene Henley says Nou is definitely in the general election, whether it will be Johnson, Fincher or Asher as his opponent is too close to call at this point.
Henley estimates there may be 1,200 more ballots to count once they are all returned. On election night, there were 400 still to be counted. Ballots will be counted on Wednesday with updated results released at 5 p.m.
Orcas School Bond fails
Voters defeated the Orcas Island School Bond for the second time with a vote of 858 to 716.
Myhr and Stephens top two in Lopez Council Race
Bob Myhr received 363 votes, Jamie Stephens 337 and Jerry Gonce 249 in the San Juan County Council District 6 election. County Auditor Milene Henley says the numbers are far enough apart for the result to be final.
Unopposed Prosecutor may be opposed
Randy Gaylord, running unopposed for re-election as San Juan County Prosecutor, received 3,264 votes. There were 307 write-in votes in the race. If any single candidate's votes total 1 percent of the votes cast in the race, that candidate will will advance to the general election.
Politics threaten to erode Land Bank
posted 08/16/2010
San Juan County Land Bank, set up to be free as possible from politics, faces an historic occasion August 24, 2010 if perceptions, misinformation, negative attitudes and misleading petitions prevail. STORY...
Parking across from Fairgrounds
Friday Harbor High School Band Families & Friends will be hosting parking at the Fair,
Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday, August 19 for just $5, directly across from the Main Entrance on
Argyle. MORE INFO
Zucchini Anyone?
If you grew a bumper crop of zucchini stop running out at night and leaving it on stranger's doorsteps. Instead please bring it to the Zucchini 500 booth at the county Fair. There is always a need for some extra zucchini for racers who lack the vital ingredient needed to qualify in the most exciting event at the fair - (OK we may be a bit biased.)
Concours d'Elegance 2010 revs up August 29
posted 08/12/2010
This year's Concours d'Elegance is on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at San Juan Vineyards located at 3136 Roche Harbor Road. The event is from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. This is an annual event and is organized by the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands in association with the Rotary Club of San Juan Island. All sports, classic and special interest automobiles are invited to participate. If someone is interested in registering an automobile for the event, the schedule and registration form may be downloaded at www.sanjuanconcours.org. You may also call 360-370-5531. MORE...
NEW today and last few days:
Support San Juan Islander and receive news updates
Become a Virtual Subscriber - receive email updates of breaking news.
Update on WSF reservation plans
On July 8, the Washington State Information Services Board approved WSF's investment plan and authorized the release of funds to acquire the technology for a vehicle reservations system. MORE
Port of Orcas awarded $378K
posted 08/16/2010
The Port of Orcas has been approved for FAA AIP funding to cover engineering scope and fee
approval, and funding was awarded in the amount of $377,948.00. The project will provide funds
for the design phase services for rehabilitation of RW 16-34, the full length parallel taxiway and four
connector taxiways with asphalt overlays, rehabilitation of the tiedown apron at the south end of
the airport with both an asphalt overlay and selective full-depth pavement reconstruction, and the
installation of subsurface edge drains along all aircraft pavement edges. MORE
Incoming!
August 16-22, 2010, 2010
posted 08/16/2010
On Monday the Sun, Moon and Neptune for a second T-Square in the Heavens; this will only occur on Monday but it could have long reaching effects due to the fact that an outer planet is involved. It should create a real “wow” moment for many across the globe in one way or another. Added to the already life-altering Saturn/Uranus/Pluto T-Square, we are ushering in a very intense time with plenty of energy to go around so let's use it well.HOROSCOPES
No bail required in vehicular homicide case
Trial set for Nov. 1
posted 06/01/2010
Dana Richard Kempton, 24, entered a plea of not guilty to one count of vehicular homicide in San Juan County Superior Court Thursday, August 12, 2010. John W. Parrish died as a result of injuries sustained in a May 31, 2010 car crash. Kempton was the driver. A jury trial is set for November 1 and is expected to last four days. STORY
Farm/Ag Conservation public benefit rating ordinance set for Planning Commission hearing August 20
posted 08/13/2010
The San Juan County Planning Commission will have a second shot at reviewing a draft ordinance for revisions to the public benefit rating system for the county's Current Use Farm/Agriculture Public Benefit Rating System at their August 20 meeting. They emphatically decided earlier this summer they did not want to make changes, believing instead a review of the entire Current Use (previously called Open Space) program was in order.
The programs gives property owners tax breaks by calculating their taxes at a lower percentage based on current use.
The 'public benefit' must equal at least 30 points. The points then turn into the percentage points, the property taxes are reduced.
The public may benefit from the view they can see from the ferry or the road of the property. Or points may be given for the animals that inhabit the land. Sometimes points are given because schoolchildren from private schools in Seattle are allowed to visit the property once a year. STORY
First 2010 UDC Amendment Proposals ready for review
The San Juan County Council will hear its first formal staff presentation on a set of proposed amendments to the appeal provisions of the Unified Development Code at its August 24, 2010 meeting. They are the subject of aPlanning Commission public hearing at 8:30 a.m. August 20 in the Legislative Hearing Room at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor. It is tentatively scheduled to follow the public benefit rating system hearing.
A copy of the work plan which summarizes all proposed UDC amendments can be viewed at ONLINE.
The purpose of these amendments is to improve consistency between the UDC and the County Charter. These amendments were carried over from 2009, and will be a part of the first set of UDC amendments to be considered by the Council in 2010. MORE
Sheriff's race: Field of five must narrow to top two
Correction: the date Brad Fincher moved to the islands is of course 1997 not 2007. We apologize for the error.
posted 07/28/2010
In 1986, San Juan County's population was about 8,5000 and seven people were running for sheriff including a Vietnam War combat veteran Bill Cumming. Skip ahead 24 years, the county's population is about 15,000, Cumming is retiring and five people are vying for sheriff. After August 17, the race is down to two with the final decision made by the voters on Tuesday, November 2. MORE...
EDITORIAL: Best choice for Sheriff
- Brent Johnson
By Sharon Kivisto
posted 07/29/2010
We have five candidates for San Juan County Sheriff. One stands out as the best to head the department at this time and two others would be fine choices in the future. The person to vote for in this election is Brent Johnson. ENDORSEMENT
THREE LADIES IN A LABYRINTH
posted 08/01/2010
The voice on the phone was determined. "We're across the street from Lowe Construction. You
have a labyrinth. How do we get there from here?" I gave the requested directions, and went
back to work. In less than five minutes three women marched past my office window, making a
beeline toward the labyrinth entrance. Then, one at a time, each of the women marched into the
labyrinth. Clearly they knew what they were doing. Or did they? COLUMN
Software changes may allow Chetzemoka to begin service
New sea trials set for week of Aug. 16
posted 08/12/2010
PRESS RELEASE: Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division said today that changes to software controlling the propeller system on the new Chetzemoka ferry may provide a temporary solution to vibration issues first discovered last month. MORE...
How's your memory?
posted 08/12/2010
Do you remember specific glitches about last winter's ferry schedule? San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee is beginning work on the 2010 winter schedule and will work on including as many fixes as possible. Their email is fac@sanjuanco.com
Federal funding awarded to Whale Museum and SeaDoc Society
posted 08/12/2010
SeaDoc Society and The Whale Museum will receive Federal funding again next year to study marine mammal strandings and diseases through the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Stranding and Rescue Assistance Grant Program. Since 2002 the SeaDoc Society has worked with the Whale Museum to study marine mammal strandings and disease and has learned important information about diseases that can impact local marine mammals and even people, including the bacterium Brucella and the fungus Cryptococcus gattii.
Planets align for the Perseid Meteor Shower on Thursday
posted 08/11/2010
You know it's a good night when a beautiful alignment of planets is the second best thing that's going to happen. Thursday, August 12th, is such a night.
The show begins at sundown when Venus, Saturn, Mars and the crescent Moon pop out of the western twilight in tight conjunction. All four heavenly objects will fit within a circle about 10 degrees in diameter, beaming together through the dusky colors of sunset. No telescope is required to enjoy this naked-eye event.
The planets will hang together in the western sky until 10 pm or so. When they leave, following the sun below the horizon, you should stay, because that is when the Perseid meteor shower begins.
FULL ARTICLE ON NASA.GOV
Concours d'Elegance 2010 revs up August 29
posted 08/12/2010
This year's Concours d'Elegance is on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at San Juan Vineyards located at 3136 Roche Harbor Road. The event is from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. This is an annual event and is organized by the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands in association with the Rotary Club of San Juan Island. All sports, classic and special interest automobiles are invited to participate. If someone is interested in registering an automobile for the event, the schedule and registration form may be downloaded at www.sanjuanconcours.org. You may also call 360-370-5531. MORE...
Gadgets Galore!
After my last column I received an e-mail from Joy Sevier at San Juan Wireless. Imagine my surprise when I realized I'd missed an island business dealing with cell phones, Clear Broadband, DirecTV, and DISH Network. Thanks for the e-mail Joy, now let's get down to business. COLUMN
24% turnout so far
posted 08/10/2010
As of Tuesday, August 10, 2,744 ballots or (24 percent) had been returned to the county Elections Office. Elections Supervisor Doris Shaller expects a 60 percent turnout.
Council votes no on advisory ballot
Moves forward with draft gate fee ordinance
posted 08/10/2010
San Juan County Council decided to drop the idea for now of an advisory ballot about solid waste funding. "It's too messy," said Council member Howie Rosenfeld, referring to the proposed language in the two samples. He had suggested asking the voters for advice at a meeting on Lopez last month.
The council has been incapable of making a decision on how to stop the enterprise fund from continuing its downward slide. Staff has informed them the present model - operating three separate transfer stations with free recycling and self haul financed solely on tipping fees does not work.
At its Tuesday, August 10, 2010 meeting, the council voted to hold a public hearing on August 24 on a gate fee ordinance. People would pay a $3 fee to enter the facility. It is estimated the fee would raise enough to bring the solid waste operations back into the black by the end of 2011.
Council member Rich Peterson made a motion to move the draft ordinance forward to a August 24 public hearing. People dropping off noxious weeds, beach debris or roadside litter would be exempt from the fee. A sunset clause was added to the gate fee and another option to make up the estimated $325,000 shortfall - increase the garbage fees - was included.
The vote was 4-2 with Rosenfeld and Councilmembers Bob Myhr and Rosenfeld voting against.
Time for public to review draft plan for county parks, trails and natural areas
posted 08/09/2010
After a year-long planning process, the draft plan for San Juan County parks, trails, and natural areas is ready for public review. The plan identifies five top-tier priorities for the county: Trails, Land Protection, Water Access, Stewardship and Maintenance, and Funding. Nearly $15 million in capital projects and a range of specific actions to meet community needs over the next six years are included in the plan.
The public may offer suggestions and comment on the draft plan until August 27, 2010.
More information on the
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS WEBSITE
Countdown to the 2010
San Juan County Fair
 is for CLUMSY LOVERS. The group will wrap up the fair with a performance of their mix of fiddle and banjo-fuelled, bluegrassified Celtic rock at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 21 on the main stage. The Orlando Weekly said: Some people see this Vancouver combo as a messed-up bluegrass band. Others see a messed-up Celtic group. Still others see a messed-up rock band. With a little something for everybody, the one consistent element the Lovers bring to every show is a riotous good time. Blending all the aforementioned influences into a ripsnortin' and rootsy performance, these guys (and girl) are absolute road dogs and it shows in their powerful live shows." — Orlando Weekly Check out their WEBSITE for more info and some sample tunes.
COUNTDOWN
Road news: Striping delay, Orcas Island road work, Lopez storm drains
A nationwide shortage of paint used for striping roads means a delay. The county road crew plans work on 2,000 feet of Crow Valley Road and a storm drain will be installed along Tower Drive and Washburn Place in Lopez Village. Both projects begin in mid-August. MORE INFORMATION...
THE TUXEDO
posted 08/07/2010
Twenty-five years ago, I was scheduled to be a guest speaker at a black-tie fundraising dinner in Portland, Oregon. I didn't have a black tie, nor did I have the tuxedo to go with it. After half a dozen phone calls to tuxedo renting companies, I discovered that it was too expensive to rent one in Los Angeles for the three day weekend, so I decided to wait until I got to Portland and just rent one for the night.
COLUMN
SeaDoc Society seeking bird risk factors
There are 172 bird species that use the Salish Sea marine ecosystem and unfortunately many are in serious decline.
The SeaDoc Society just launched a project to study the factors causing marine birds to decline. This cutting edge science will first determine which species are in decline throughout the ecosystem and then find out the reasons for the declines.
Scientist Ignacio (Nacho) Vilchis, who just finished his PhD at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (U.C. San Diego), will work with numerous partners in the US and Canada including Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Wildlife Services, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, University of Washington, US Forest Service, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine which bird species are declining, which are stable and which are increasing. He then will assess the risks for being in decline.
In two years SeaDoc will be able to tell you the risk factors for bird species in decline as well as the factors for bird species that are doing well. Ultimately this information will allow us to improve the factors causing declines, which will help recover multiple bird species.
New high risk health insurance pool begins enrollment
posted 08/05/2010
Washington residents who've been uninsured for at least six months and who have a pre-existing medical condition can now apply for coverage under the new, federally funded Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan. MORE...
Planning Commission and Hearing Examiner legal notices posted
The most recent notices for hearings before the county Planning Commission and Hearing Examiner are posted.
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on the proposed ordinance for the public rating system for the Farm/Agriculture Conservation Land Current Use program on Friday, August 16. This is during the county Fair which has the theme: Locally Grown. NOTICES
WSDOT Ferries Division appoints new Deputy Chief
posted 08/04/2010
Capt. George Capacci has been named Deputy Chief of Operations and Construction with the Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
He will oversee operations, terminal engineering, and vessel maintenance, preservation and engineering. He will start on Aug. 16 and report to Assistant Secretary David Moseley. MORE...
Back to school prep should start with immunizations
Protect your children from vaccine-preventable diseases
posted 08/03/2010
It may seem early to think about summer break ending, but its time for Washingtons children to get ready for school. With outbreaks of whooping cough, flu, and chickenpox in our state in the last year, and a large measles outbreak just across the border in Canada, parents should make sure their kids are protected by being fully immunized. MORE...
Report: WA Not Immune to Oil and Gas Disasters
Chris Thomas
posted 08/03/2010
From the April fire that killed seven workers at the Tesoro Corporation's Anacortes refinery to a Puget Sound oil spill six years ago linked to a ConocoPhillips tanker, Washington has seen its share of oil- and gas-related accidents. So has every state in the country, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) that catalogs fossil fuel incidents over the past 10 years. MORE...
Public Works looking to relieve backups at SJI Solid Waste drop box
posted 08/02/2010
PRESS RELEASE:
40 cars were already backed-up up from the entrance to the San Juan Island solid
waste station when it opened at 10 a.m. on Friday morning July 16, 2010. Workers reported that the backup
persisted all day as 490 self-haul vehicles came through the station. It was a rough start on the
first week of a new operating schedule at the transfer station. MORE...
Act like you're on the mainland,
lock your car
Undersheriff Jon Zerby is advising people to to put your valuables out of sight, lock you car and take your keys.
Zerby says, "I have nooticed a big increase in theft from vehicle reports and vehicle thefts, on all islands, recently. There are lot more people here, in case you haven't noticed, With all these people there is a lot more traffic. Be sure you talk to your children about traffic safety, especially crossing the street, walking along the roadway and bicycle safety, including wearing a helmet. Neighbors keep an eye on each others property and report strange goings on. Let's all work together to make this a safe and fun summer. Enjoy."
Journey Stories, a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit in Eastsound opens July 17
posted 06/10/2010
Orcas Island Historical Museum, located on Main Street in Eastsound, has been chosen to host Journey Stories, a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit from July 17 to August 29, 2010.MORE...
Make sure Elections knows your address
The ":Yes for School": Committee is posting flyers to remind voters to make sure their mail-in ballots will get to them when they're mailed out in July.
On the ballot is the Orcas Island School District's Capital Bond issue for $27 million dollars, among other issues. The Orcas Island School District Board is requesting authorization of the bond to pay for needed repairs to the elementary and high school buildings and rebuild the middle school, cafeteria, library, OASIS high school and shop classrooms.
County Elections Supervisor Doris Schaller reminds voters that their ballots will be sent to their registered addresses and will not be forwarded by the Post Office. If voters know they will be at another address when the ballots arrive at the end of July, they are asked to call the Elections Office at 378-3357 and inform them of the correct address to receive their ballot.
To register, or to check your registration and mailing address, go to www.vote.wa.gov,
| 
Bruce and Luanne Hoeller