WEEKEND EDITION
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday
Sunday, March 14 it'll be time to spring forward. Set your clock ahead one hour because daylight saving time begins. You'll get the hour back November 7.
HELPING THE SUN SHINE BRIGHTLY
posted 03/13/2010
I recently heard on the radio that, on average, 12 newborns are given to
the wrong parents daily. Although I've long suspected that I might have
been one of those babies, I still found the statistic intriguing. So I
began searching the internet. Sure enough, I discovered this statistic on
on a web site that listed some useless information in 2008. However I
noticed that the same statistic showed up on numerous web sites, but they
were worded slightly differently. How curious! COLUMN...
WA Lawmakers go a few more rounds
By Chris Thomas
posted 03/12/2010
Washington lawmakers get the weekend off, but then the real work begins, as the House and Senate General Fund budget plans are cobbled together in a special session that begins on Monday. Both chambers want to raise revenue - the Senate through a temporary sales tax hike; the House with a series of smaller, targeted taxes on things like bottled water and cigarettes. MORE...
EDITORIAL: Say No to NEVs, Yes to Safety
By Sharon Kivisto
posted 03/12/2010
A refrain often heard in San Juan County is: "We should be able to do 'X' because we are unique." It may be a compelling argument for lower ferry fares or jet ski regulations. But as "unique" as we say we are, the laws of physics still hold true. Proponents of using Neighborhood Electric Vehicles on 45 mph are ignoring basic safety. When one of these "enhanced golf carts" is hit by a 6,000 pound SUV going 45 mph, it won't matter how special we said we were. EDITORIAL
GUEST COLUMN
Still time to stop NEV legislation
By Mary Elford
posted 03/12/2010
It's not too late to let Governor Gregoire know how you feel about allowing NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles) on our main roads with speed limits above 35 mph.
It is just plain not safe and the idea of signing the SB 6346 which will basically make San Juan County (and only SJC) exempt from the Washington State law which bans these neighborhood cars/golf carts on roads with speed limits above 35mph. COLUMN...
79 homeless in county
posted 03/12/2010
San Juan County recognized 79 persons as homeless in 2010.
The state-required count was conducted by the County Health &: Community Services on Thursday, January 28, 2010.
Twenty-nine people were classified as unsheltered - living in tents, cars, boats (not equipped with facilities for living aboard) or staying in motels (with money from churches, etc.); and 50 people, including many children, were staying in temporary, unstable living arrangements either with friends or family members – a situation commonly referred to as "couch surfing". MORE...
United Way: $152K raised in 2009, $250K goal set for 2010
posted 03/12/2010
More than $152,600 was raised during United Way of San Juan County's 2009 campaign. As a result of the generous support of Islanders, thirty-one local programs providing essential services for individuals and families were funded. United Way was able to give grants to agencies focusing on education, health and wellness, recreation, mentoring programs and services for seniors, just to name a few. These programs benefit a wide array of island residents; from toddlers to seniors. MORE...
Read up on the Conservation District
The Conservation District Election is March 16, 2010. The state Conservation Commission's WEB SITE has reports from each county's Conservation District. San Juan County's annual reports are available HERE.
Voters cast ballots from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 16, 2010 at 540 Guard St, #150 in Friday Harbor. MORE ...
Events added
Details are on the THINGS TO DO PAGE
- Composting Workshops (March 13)
- CD pre-release party and send-off for Musician Britt Arnesen - March 19
- Horsemanship Workshop - March 20
- Reverse Mortgage Workshop March 25 (registration required)
- Wi Bowling Power Throw-a-Thon Relay for Life team fundraiser March 27
- Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church Easter Week Services (March 28, April 1, 2 4)
- Performing Arts Society Concerts - April 6 and 8
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Gaga for Google and other Island Broadband Projects
Meeting 5 p.m. March 14 at Eastsound Fire Hall
We're on Fire! We want Broadband Now! is the rallying cry of a group of citizens who want Google Broadband Internet in the islands. Bring Google Fiber to the San Juan Islands is the Facebook page with more information. A meeting has been set up for Sunday, March 14 at Eastsound Fire Hall.
Google plans to install between 50,000 and 500,000 individuals with Gigabit Internet access. That is over 1,000 times faster than the typical Island connection.
The discussion will include other options as well Broadbandusa.com. Organizers say, several billion dollars in Federal funding will help the Islands, if we move quickly for example. We might be able to do it ourselves. At the meeting, which will be set up for video testimony, everyone will have a chance to tell their story. For more information contact Orcas Island resident Alex Huppenthal at
425.296.7718.
Ranker's top priority bills awaiting governor's signature
posted 03/10/2010
Legislation State Sen. Kevin Ranker, (D-San Juan Island) made his top priority in his freshman year cleared the legislature is headed to the governor's desk. Marine area spatial planning, farm internships, dairy nutrients, greenhouse gases, copper in brakepad linings were four of the topics. The most noticeable to San Juan County residents will be the legalization of 25-mph electric vehicles on all county roads. MORE...
Sport Shopping
posted 03/11/2010
I had a lot of time to think while I was in Mexico this last time. You can't really credit Mexico for that, since most of the Mexicans seemed pretty busy. It's more about the unstructured time, of course. Doing a little soul-searching behind my eyelids between trips to the fridge for another Montejo and trips into the amazingly warm turquoise water, I think I figured it out. COLUMN...
Buy bulbs and plants and support Orcas Island Schools Farm to Cafeteria program
All Students at Orcas Island Public Schools will be taking orders in person or online through March 12 for bulbs and plants for beautiful garden blooms in late Spring through Fall. The items cost $10 to $30. Of the total sales, 50% will go toward funding the Farm to Cafeteria Program.
The fundraiser is through Flower Power Fundraising with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact Madie Murray at 376-3064 with any questions or advice on how to participate.
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Council's answer to solid waste conundrum: Higher fees and property tax increase request
posted 03/10/2010
Closing two of its three transfer stations to reduce costs for its Solid Waste Division was taken off the table for now. Instead the San Juan County Council will raise cash by disposing of 22.6 acres of Lopez Landfill property and 12 acres on Beaverton Valley Road. They will be sold to the county's ER&R fund.
The infusion of cash will buy the county a little time to come up with a permanent solution to the lack of sustainable funding for the solid waste infrastructure. Currently both operations and capital costs are funded through tipping fees. The council agreed to increase tipping fees by 14 percent. A $15 minimum fee was also approved for disposal of garbage at the transfer stations.
Someone taking one can of garbage will be charged $15 (a 87.5 percent increase). If they bring two cans they will be charged $9.12 per can for a total of $18.24. STORY...
Council ignores Rep. Morris, kowtows to Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
posted 03/10/2010
"A sustainable funding source for ferries" has been the refrain councilmembers have been drumming in the state legislators' ears for years. Its been either at or near the top of the council's much discussed legislative priority list. In a March 2, 2010 conference call, Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Anacortes, asked for the council's help in getting legislation passed which would provide for sustainable funding for ferries. Anacortes City government was in favor of it. But the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce had mounted a full-court press against the legislation and help was needed.
There were two bills, which Morris explained, some people were getting mixed up. The Chamber was concerned about one of the bills which they thought would adversely affect the refinery. That was not Morris' bill.
The council discussed writing the letter of support Morris requested. As the discussion proceeded, the council started to grow confused. Councilmember Rich Peterson asked how Anacortes felt about the bills. "We don't want to get cross-wise with Anacortes again," he said. "Remember what happened last time."
The council decided to wait a week and write a letter to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld went to the Town Council on March 4 and apprised them of the situation. He reported back to the county council on March 9.
He said the town council felt the Anacortes Chamber had been so helpful ensuring the Sidney run was kept "that we owe them one."
Rosenfeld told the council the Town Council won't be writing a letter and he didn't think the county council should either.
Council Chair Richard Fralick pointed out to Rosenfeld the council had written a letter in February in support of the bill.
In the end the council decided to take no action on Rep. Morris' request.
$1500 reward for info on Colton Harris Moore
posted 03/08/2010
There is a $1500 reward being offered for the information leading to the arrest of Colton Harris Moore. Please note we are seeking information only for the arrest and that any information that leads to this arrest will be strictly confidential. Call the san Juan County Sheriff's office at 360.378.4151. PREVIOUS STORIES...
County Council hears report today on possible transfer station closures
Faced with news the only avenue left for more funds this year for the solid waste division was through $400 per ton tipping fees, San Juan County Council asked Public Works Director Jon Shannon to return March 9 with a new plan. The plan will show the cost of operation if all garbage and recycling is hauled to Orcas Island Transfer Station. Shannon is on the council's agenda during Administrator Update which begins at 1:45 p.m.
County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord rendered a legal opinion that the county can not collect a parcel fee to cover capital costs of its solid waste transfer stations. That leaves tipping fees as the sole means of funding for the solid waste division. STORY...
Google Me
posted 03/09/2010
Now I'm getting a handle on how Google works, I realize anyone searching the internet for information can be directed to my column. I don't know whether to be flattered or terrified. I remember the first time someone said to me, "Have you Googled yourself lately?" "Excuse me", I answered. "You know, have you Googled yourself?" they said. It had never occurred to me that I could Google myself, nor had I ever wanted to. I chose not to, stuck my head in the cyber-sand, and forgot about it. COLUMN...
Poetry at Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center
-An Introduction through Immersion-
posted 03/09/2010
Skagit Valley College is launching a new course Spring Quarter: Poetry! Professor Robin Meyer-Tate has designed this unique opportunity for the curious who love language, music, beauty, truth, and touching mystery.
Meyer-Tate says her focus during the course will be to "nurture freedom and self-expression, while setting aside fear, literary criticism, and formulaics". MORE INFORMATION
Travels to the Edge, an exhibition of works
and Between Heaven and Earth an artist's lecture March 13 at IMA
posted 03/08/2010
Islands Museum of Art (IMA), opens Art Wolfe's Travels to
the Edge an exhibition of photographs from the award winning American Public
Broadcasting series of the same name. A lecture by the artist Between Heaven
and Earth will be held between 6 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March
13 at San Juan Community Theatre. MORE...
OBITUARY: Cameron Hull Avery, Jr.
April 20, 1938 - February 8, 2010
Cameron Hull Avery, Jr., longtime Island resident, passed away in Seattle on February 8, 2010 due to complications from a stroke he suffered on Christmas Eve. Known to his family and many friends as "Cam" or "Butch," Cameron was born on April 20, 1938 in Santa Monica and grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where he graduated from Van Nuys High School and Los Angeles Trade Technical School. OBITUARY
HOROSCOPE
Scorpio (October 23 - November 22):
Powerful Venus moves into your sector of work/health this week; this is also the sector governing pets. You may be adding a member to the family soon! Passionate Mars comes out of a months long retrograde in your sector of Career, and this will shift the energy at work, bringing a better sense of teamwork and fresh energy to ease boredom or ego trips. No time for egos, you want to just keep on keeping on, so go!
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Legislature votes to extend Comp Plan Update deadlines
SJC's would be 2015
posted 03/08/2010
Counties staff across the state may soon share the same feeling as a student whose term paper isn't finished and teacher puts off the due date. The state legislature adopted legislation to extend the deadline for updates to Comprehensive Plans by three years. For San Juan County the due date for the update would be 2015.
The bill, which passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 94-2, awaits the Governor's signature to become law. MORE...
County Council endorses SJEDC's goal of Transportation Authority for SJC
posted 03/02/2010
Words matter. Something the SJC Council will find out once they realize what the motion they adopted Tuesday, March 2 really means. "Our goal is to have a Transportation Authority in place by the end of the year," San Juan Economic Development Council Board member Patty Miller told the council. The council passed a motion endorsing the goal leaving off the deadline.
So what is a Transportation Authority - it is an entity which operates a transportation system. It can take control of existing transit businesses or contract out to them. It must hire a general manager. It must operate parking facilities, terminals and other such facilities. STORY...
More groundwater on Sutton Road property contaminated
posted 03/08/2010
The town of Friday Harbor received an Early Notice Letter Feb. 26, 2010 from the state Dept. of Ecology that its Sutton Road property is a site known to be contaminated by hazardous substances. Halogenated Organic Compounds, EPA Pollutants -metals and cyanide-, Conventional Contaminants, (organic and inorganic) and Arsenic have been confirmed in groundwater. Pollutants in the same categories are suspected in the soil. MORE...
Real-time vessel watch available
posted 03/06/2010
A beta version of Washington State Ferries real-time Vessel Watch program is now available on the WSF WEB SITE. The images refresh every 15 seconds. Click on a ferry for details about that ferry and a link to a page with even more information.
Conservation District Election March 16
Pick up ballots today if you are going to vote by mail
The San Juan Islands Conservation District election for one position on the Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Anyone wanting to vote by mail, needs to obtain a ballot by Monday, March 8. Otherwise voters cast ballots from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 16, 2010 at 540 Guard St, #150 in Friday Harbor. MORE ...
Fire!
March 8-14, 2010
posted 03/08/2010
The next two weeks will be exciting! Venus (self-esteem) moves into aggressive Aries on Monday, setting us all up for initiating something in our own interest. We will have the energy to do more in less time and to feel confident about our decisions. About time, isn't it? HOROSCOPES...
WATCHAGONNADO?
posted 03/07/2010
It's late on Saturday afternoon. This column will go online sometime after
midnight. That is, if I ever get it written and sent to my editor. So far,
today, I've written three columns besides this one. Unfortunately, all
three need more gestation time and editing before they are ready to be
published. The clock is ticking, yet communication with the muses seems to
have been disrupted if not completely blocked. That leaves one big
question looming in my head. What do I do now? COLUMN...
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Real-time vessel watch available
posted 03/06/2010
A beta version of Washington State Ferries real-time Vessel Watch program is now available on the WSF WEB SITE. The images refresh every 15 seconds. Click on a ferry for details about that ferry and a link to a page with even more information.
Lucky Person
posted 03/06/2010
I am a very lucky person, recently broken back notwithstanding. Twelve years ago I joined the Yellowstone Club in Montana as the Director of Skiing, and 9 years ago we started building our dream home on the side of a ski run here in Montana. I can lie in my bed between drug ingestions and watch skiers and snowboarders sliding by within a hundred feet of our bedroom window.
COLUMN...
We Were Toyota Guinea Pigs!
posted 02/09/2010
In the 1990s, my wife and I were retired teachers. We spent part of our time driving around the U.S. selling books that she and her former teaching partner had written and published for the kindergarten curriculum. As the books became more and more popular, we would drive farther and farther east with heavier and heavier loads. We would sign up for an exhibit table at a convention, arrive a day early to set up, and spend two or three days selling books. In our ten-year-old sedan we would haul as many as a thousand pounds of books to far-off cities like Dallas or Nashville or Boston. We decided we needed better transport. COLUMN...
Dispatches for Spring Street International School Students
For the past 15 years, since its inception, Spring Street students engage in enduring experiential education projects during February. Middle school students focus on Shakespeare and travel to Ashland. Younger high school students left for Peru Sunday, February, 15, 2010 for three weeks of homestays, language classes, and volunteer work in an orphanage.
Older high school students are either pursuing internships such as working for a public health project in Ghana, or traveling to Thailand and India on a six-week expedition that includes service projects, cultural immersion, and lots of personal growth. DISPATCHES...
It is 2010 and it is time to stand up and be counted!
posted 03/05/2010
Like many of you, I was unaware of the importance of the census. It wasn’t until last October when I started my job with the US Census Bureau that I fully grasped its’ significance. With the census coming soon, San Juan County and its residents will only benefit by knowing the facts about the census and by completing our census forms.
MORE ...
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Conservation District Election March 16
The San Juan Islands Conservation District election for one position on the Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.
There are two candidates running, Ed Kilduff of Lopez Island and incumbent Henning Sehmsdorf, also of Lopez Island. Candidate statements are published on the SJI Conservation District home page: www.sanjuanislandscd.org MORE ...
Orcas Island girls fall in state tourney opener
Wahkiakum (13-7) topped Orcas Island 63-45 Wednesday, March 3 in
the first round of the Girls Class 2B State Basketball Tournament in
Spokane. The Vikings (12-5) next play in a loser-out game at 12:30
p.m. Thursday, March 4 against the loser of a game between Colfax
(17-3) and DeSales (16-4).
Buy bulbs and plants and support Orcas Island Schools' Farm to Cafeteria program
All Students at Orcas Island Public Schools will be taking orders in person or online through March 12 for bulbs and plants for beautiful garden blooms in late Spring through Fall. The items cost $10 to $30. Of the total sales, 50% will go toward funding the Farm to Cafeteria Program.
The fundraiser is through Flower Power Fundraising with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Cntact Madie Murray at 376-3064 with any questions or advice on how to participate.
It is 2010 and it is time to stand up and be counted!
posted 03/05/2010
Like many of you, I was unaware of the importance of the census. It wasn’t until last October when I started my job with the US Census Bureau that I fully grasped its’ significance. With the census coming soon, San Juan County and its residents will only benefit by knowing the facts about the census and by completing our census forms.
MORE ...
Hypnotist Scott Keoloha at Turnbull Gym March 6
Class of 2010 grad night fundraiser
Hypnotist-Extraordinare Scott Kealoha returns to Friday Harbor on Saturday, March 6, 2010. This always popular family-friendly show promises non-stop laughter and good times for all!
Tickets are available in advance for only $7 each; to purchase stop by Coldwell Banker (105 Spring St.), or contact bsnow@rockisland.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10 each. More information on THINGS TO DO PAGE (March 6)
Conservation District Election March 16
The San Juan Islands Conservation District election for one position on the Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.
There are two candidates running, Ed Kilduff of Lopez Island and incumbent Henning Sehmsdorf, also of Lopez Island. Candidate statements are published on the SJI Conservation District home page: www.sanjuanislandscd.org MORE ...
25 mph vehicles close to being legal on all county roads
SB 6346, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, will allows residents of San Juan county to operate neighborhood electronic vehicles (NEVs) and medium-speed electronic vehicles (MEVs) on all county roads. NEVs are designed to drive at speeds of up to 25 mph.
The law applies only to San Juan County. State law previously would not permit these vehicles on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The bill passed 92-5.
Since the bill was amended in the House it will return to the Senate for concurrence prior to arriving on the Governor's desk for her signature before it becomes law.
New today
Like what you see?
Become a virtual subscriber
Virtual subscribers receive email updates of breaking news and help support San Juan Islander. Subscriptions can also be purchased with Visa or Mastercard SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Amended Farm Internship bill heads back to Senate
SB 6349, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, establishes a farm internship program for smaller farms throughout the state. Ranker believes farm internships are a way to inject youth into a pivotal, but aging sector of the state's economy.
"With significant help from farmers and labor we were able to create a pilot that will help us ensure we preserve family farms in to the future," Ranker said.
"The average age of a farmer in Washington is 57 years old," he said. "If we're serious about promoting agriculture in Washington, we're going to have to encourage younger people to get into the farms and get their hands dirty."
In order to qualify for the program, farmers with gross annual sales of less than $250,000 must submit a written application to L&I for certification and include the nature of work and how it will provide the intern with vocational knowledge and skills.
SB 6346 passed the house 95-2. Since it was amended in the House after passing in the Senate, it returns to the Senate for concurrence prior to arriving on the Governor's desk.
County may shut down Lopez and SJI transfer stations
Faced with news the only avenue left for more funds this year for the solid waste division was through $400 tipping fees, San Juan County Council asked Public Works Director to return next week with a new plan. The plan will show the cost of operation if all garbage and recycling is hauled to Orcas Island Transfer Station.
The stations on Lopez and San Juan Islands would be closed. Mandatory roadside pickup would be enacted on those islands. It would include recycling.
The council had previously considered a parcel fee to be used for capital needs instead of relying on the tipping fees for both operations and capital facitilies. The idea was everyone in the Solid Waste Utility District benefits from having the such facilities. Property values are increased when such infrastructure exists.
County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord changed his opinion about the legality of a parcel fee and the news backed the council into a corner.
Chapter 36.58 of the state's RCWs deals with Solid Waste Disposal Districts. RCW 36.58.140 states: A solid waste disposal district may levy and collect an excise tax on the privilege (emphasis added) of living in or operating a business in a solid waste disposal taxing district sufficient to fund its solid waste disposal activities.
There must be an exemption for any property producing commercial garbage where the owner is providing for collection and disposal. The excise tax shall be billed and collected at times and in the manner fixed and determined by the solid waste disposal district according to the RCW.
The council is pursuing increasing tipping fees to $400 or shutting down transfer stations because they believe the excise tax option does not exist.
45-foot boat sinks at Port of FH
Photos by Sharon Kivisto
The live-a-boards on this boat were off-island today when their boat took on water.
Friday Harbor Marina Harbormaster said it was only about a half hour before it was in this condition.
Port Staff and rescue workers tied the boat to the breakwater and saved some furnishings from the boat.
A boom to contain any fuel and oil leaking from the boat was deployed by port staff.
Chance for 6 to learn to grow vegetables
During the upcoming growing season Washington State Extension Service Master Gardeners will be providing a practical, hands-on series of workshops for islanders who are interested in learning to grow their own vegetables. Synergy Farm is sponsoring the course with the SJI Master Gardeners. MORE INFORMATION
Still searching for Colton Harris-Moore
Colton Harris Moore is 6'5" tall and weighs 205 pounds.
Call 9-1-1 if you actually see him.
San Juan County law enforcement personnel are still on the lookout for Colton Harris-Moore. Deputies responded quickly to an island airport when they heard an aircraft prepare to take off at 11:30 p.m. (Due to voluntary noise restrictions, it is unusual for pilots to fly late at night.)
It turned out not to be Harris-Moore. He is the prime suspect in two airplane thefts in the island. PREVIOUS STORIES...
New street vendor ordinance considered to replace one adopted in July 2009
A draft street vendor ordinance will be presented by Deputy Civil Prosecutor Karen Vedder for a 'second touch' by the San Juan County Council during the Administrative Update time between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. The ordinance would replace the one the council adopted seven months ago. Councilmembers had received numerous complaints about Gary Franco selling strawberries in Eastsound.
The 2009 ordinance imposed fines of $250 an hour for violations, required permission of adjoining business owners and a $50 a day permit from the county. He filed suit against the county after the ordinance was adopted.
Welcoming a new columnist
We'd like to introduce a new columnist - Cynthia Burke. She's well known to many islanders as Cynthia's Of Course has catered many events. Her cooking column, appropriately titled Cynthia's OF Course, will appear every other week on Tuesdays. We figured the day before the King's ads is perfect timing :)
We're very happy to have her join our family of columnists and hope you enjoy her writing and recipes.
Now, a Word regarding Asparagus
posted 03/02/2010
Like an emcee announcing the arrival of spring, the spriggy asparagus ranks amongst the forerunners with daffodils and hyacinths. Flitting in and out of our grocery stores shelf, its brief season assures that we rarely tire of its succulent appeal. Growing asparagus is an admirable notion and the tall, feathery ferns create a beautiful sight bending in the breezy afternoons. COLUMN
Chance for 6 to learn to grow vegetables
During the upcoming growing season Washington State Extension Service will be providing a practical, hands-on series of workshops for islanders who are interested in learning to grow their own vegetables. The course is jointly sponsored by Synergy Farm in cooperation with the Master Gardeners of San Juan Island.
Be careful what you wish for
Over the summer, Washington State Ferries held a public meeting to get the sense of the community concerning ferry service. They wanted to find out what was on our minds, what we liked and disliked. I was off island and unable to attend but I wish that I could have participated because the Reservation System raised its ugly head again. Had I been there, I would have taken a stick to it! Now I see that it's back and that council member Rosenfeld has proudly announced its arrival! As Hans Solo used to say, "I have a bad feeling about this!"
COLUMN
Volunteers needed to protect and restore marine habitat
Training March 15
posted 03/01/2010
Friends of the San Juans seek volunteers interested in shoreline habitats and species to assist with their Eelgrass Protection and Restoration Boater Outreach Project. Volunteer roles include research, outreach with local and visiting boaters, event planning and the development and distribution of educational materials.
Volunteers are needed March 15- November 1, 2010. Work will occur on multiple islands throughout the county. MORE INFORMATION (March 15)
Peterson running for re-election
posted 03/01/2010
Rich Peterson, Second District County Councilmember, has announced that
he will be a candidate for an additional term. He is hopeful that he has
earned the trust of voters in the second district and their support for
his re-election.
Orcas Island girls to return to state hoop tourney
posted 02/27/2010
Orcas Island girls basketball team edged rival La Conner
36-31 Friday, Feb. 26 at Chief Leschi High School to earn a return trip
to the Class 2B State Tournament.
Lopez Boys Basketball team season ends in close game
The Pateros High School Basketball team beat the Lobos 33-31 at the Class 1B Boys State
Basketball Tournament in Yakima Friday, Feb. 26. The loss ends the Lopez Island High School team's season. The Lobos beat Oakville 62-50 in the second round of the tourney after losing to top-ranked Rosalia in the first round.
BRACKETS
Stellium in Pisces
March 1 - 7, 2010
posted 03/01/2010
We begin the month with the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus in the sign of Pisces. In general, Pisces rules religions and spiritual endeavors. This sign also rules the ankles and feet, so when there is a crowd of planets in this sign, people can be prone to injuries.HOROSCOPES
Harris-Moore gains notoriety
As Colton Harris-Moore continues to elude law enforcement officers his notoriety increases. Facebook pages are created. Bob Friel of Orcas Island wrote an article for Outside Magazine entitled The Ballad of Colton Harris-Moore.
As entertaining as some may find his exploits, it's important to remember stealing planes, boats, firearms, and committing burglaries are obviously crimes. If anyone in San Juan County actually spots Harris-Moore, call 9-1-1. If you notice suspicious activity, call 378.4151.
HAVE CAMERA, WILL TRAVEL
posted 02/28/2010
The voice on the phone said, "I grew up watching your ski movies in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and that is why I just graduated from U.C.L.A. film school. I wondered if I could stop by and meet you before I go back to Massachusetts and try and get a job?"
It was spring, and I was not yet into the eighteen hour days of my new, annual ski movie so I said "Sure, why not?" COLUMN
Eaton appointed Superior Court Judge
posted 02/26/2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Don Eaton to the San Juan County Superior Court. Eaton now serves as a San Juan County Superior Court Commissioner, and replaces Judge John O. Linde, who died late last year.
"I was impressed with Don the moment I met him," Gregoire said. "He has a history of being honest, fair and compassionate, and has the respect of his community and colleagues. He brings extensive legal experience to this position which will greatly serve the citizens of San Juan County." MORE...
National Monument status affects
only federal land
posted 02/26/2010
If the San Juan Islands end up being designated a National Monument, the only areas affected are federal land - Bureau of Land Management land and National Parks. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar asked DOI bureaus to what areas might be worth considering for further review for possible special management or Congressional designation. The list, which included the San Juans, was the result of the brainstorming session. Kendra Barkoff, Secretary Salazar's press secretary said Salazar believes new designations and conservation initiatives work best when they build on local efforts to better manage places that are important to nearby communities. MORE...
Volunteers needed to protect and restore marine habitat
Training March 15
posted 03/01/2010
Friends of the San Juans seek volunteers interested in shoreline habitats and species to assist with their Eelgrass Protection and Restoration Boater Outreach Project. Volunteer roles include research, outreach with local and visiting boaters, event planning and the development and distribution of educational materials.
Volunteers are needed March 15- November 1, 2010. Work will occur on multiple islands throughout the county. MORE INFORMATION (March 15)
ONLY AN EXCUSE
posted 02/28/2010
I've always used word clues to remember things. For example, I remember
from 8th grade history class that Elias Howe invented the sewing machine
because our chorus teacher was Mrs. Howe, and she was a singer. Get it?
Singer sewing machines? As an adult, I'm often reminded about what the
word "ASSUME" makes out of "U" and "ME." I've also heard it said that
"EGO" stands for "Edging God Out;" and we're all familiar with the "KISS"
formula. There are dozens of others, but I won't bore you except with one
more. COLUMN
OBITUARY: Theodore Paul Lehn
August 17, 1949 - January 3, 2010
Lover-of-life, father, husband, brother, son, and friend, architectural designer and builder,
finish carpenter, environmentalist, volunteer, world traveler, gardener, and gourmet cook.
Ted loved to laugh and make people happy, usually by surprising them with something new. Whether it
was with music, food, stories of adventures in exotic places, important discoveries, an especially good
book, or a beautiful work of art, Ted lived life more abundantly than most and was eager to share his
many joys whenever he could. OBITUARY
Coalition: New revenue too little, new cuts too deep
WA House and Senate Release Budget Proposals
posted 02/24/2010
Budget-balancing resembles high-wire juggling for Washington state lawmakers lately. Both the House and Senate released their budget proposals on Tuesday; both include raising similar amounts of revenue - under $1 billion - to close a budget shortfall of $2.8 billion. BUDGET
GIS Team releases Polaris instructional videos
posted 02/24/2010
San Juan County's GIS Team has released its first set of Polaris Instructional Videos for its Polaris Mapping Application. The newly released instructional videos are intended to assist users in learning the tools and functionality of Polaris. There are four videos - navigation tools, search tools, the identify tool, and map contents. MORE...
Comments NOAA received posted
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has posted all of the comments they received concerning NOAA Fisheries' proposed vessel regulations to protect the southern resident orcas. They can be viewed at ONLINE.
Because of the large number of oral and detailed written comments, considerable time will be needed to thoroughly review all of the comments, follow up on offers to provide additional information, incorporate new information and comments into the environmental assessment, and continue to meet with stakeholder groups in developing a final rule.
Don't plan on being inspected March 12
Due to training in the upcoming 2009 I-Codes, San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department will not be performing Building Inspections on Friday March 12, 2010. People are asked to please schedule their inspections accordingly.
More ADU permits than applications- no lottery necessary
posted 02/23/2010
The county's annual Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit lottery, which evolved from a frenzied telephonic circus to an organized drawing in recent years, won't be held in 2010. The number of permits available for ADU's exceeds the demand.
Community Development and Planning (CDP) Director Rene Beliveau said only five qualifying applications were submitted before the deadline. Three are for new construction and two are for conversions.
There are nine permits total available for 2010. The remaining four can be used for new ADUs or for conversions and will be available on a first-come first-served basis from the CDP.
Co-mingled recycling begins on Lopez Feb. 24
posted 02/09/2010
An estimated $30,000 a year will be saved by switching to co-mingled recycling at Lopez Island transfer station. Currently Lopez Island residents separate their recycling and it is sold. It cost the county $83,000 and brought in $11,000 in revenue. It'll cost the county $42,000 a year to process recycling with the co-mingled process.
Besides the cost savings, more types of plastics can be recycled. The recyclables will be hauled to Orcas loaded into long haul trailers along with the commingled material collected on Orcas. All this material is transported to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Woodinville. The MRF then does the separation, baling and brokers the material.
Co-mingled recycling began May 9, 2002 on Orcas and San Juan Islands.
27 tons of electronic equipment recycled in past year from SJC
Recycled e-waste part of Olympic medals
posted 02/22/2010
PRESS RELEASE:
It's been a year since Washington State began one of the most successful recycling programs for waste electronics. In 2009, 39 million pounds of electronics were collected and recycled in our state free of charge to households, small businesses, charities, schools and small governments. MORE INFORMATION
Moving Toward Spring
February 22 - 28, 2010
posted 02/22/2010
We were very lucky this year to have the El Niño effect bringing us a mild winter, and we are also fortunate to be able to watch the Winter Olympics live from next door. This may not seem like a big deal, but to me it is, having lived in the other extreme of very limited choices and being in a state of always uninformed until the last minute for over half a decade. We are very lucky indeed. HOROSCOPES
Anacortes-Sidney B.C. Reservations being taken now
Washington State Ferries is now taking vehicle reservations for the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C. ferry. Ferry service to Sidney, B.C. begins with the spring schedule on March 28. To make reservations, please visit WSF WEB SITE or call 1-888- 808-7977.
GUEST COLUMN Fields of Opportunity
March 12 deadline for farmers to apply for EQIP Organic funding
posted 02/20/2010
Increasingly, organic farming and ranching is impacting agriculture and the rural economy. The steady, significant growth of organic production in Washington cannot and should not be ignored. Recently the USDA demonstrated their renewed commitment to organic farming and ranching by announcing another $50 million in funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative, which provides a 75% share of the cost of implementing organic conservation measures to those who qualify - 90% for beginning, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. COLUMN
Gov. suggests new sources of revenue
Charging sales tax on candy, adding an excise tax to bottled water and carbonated beverages, closing tax loopholes, increasing sales tax on cigarettes, closing B & O exemptions are some of the ways Governor Gregoire is suggesting the state can increase revenue.
Her nine-page letter - A Balanced Approach for Hard Times - to state legislature leaders outlining her plan states:
In December, I presented an "all-cuts" budget to address a $2.6 billion shortfall in our state's two-year spending plan. As I said then, I cannot support that budget due to its devastating impact on the people of Washington. In January, I submitted to the Legislature a list of programs that I propose to restore. These programs, which I believe are vital to the health and recovery of our state, cost $768.5 million to fund.> Below I outline how I propose to fund these programs.
The entire text can be read in a
PDF ONLINE
Auditor cautions County Council on deficit spending
San Juan County Auditor Milene Henley spent more than an hour Tuesday, Feb. 16 updating the council on the county's financial condition. "One of the concerns I have, we are making choices to spend money we don't have. Planned deficit spending, the courthouse remodel to move the prosecutor's office," she said. " in an already negative fund, we are choosing to make it more negative. FULL STORY
Uptick in planning and permitting revenue could be misleading
posted 02/17/2010
San Juan County Planning and Permitting revenue was up last year Auditor Milene Henley told the county Council yesterday. At $1,025,940, it came in 113.35% of budget. FULL STORY
Ranker's farm internship bill for farmers passes Senate 46-0
posted 02/16/2010
PRESS RELEASE: Senate Bill 6349,6349, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, would allow internships for aspiring farmers – providing firsthand experience in their future line of work. MORE INFORMATION
Tom Pasma running to replace Quall as 40th District State Rep.
posted 02/16/2010
PRESS RELEASE:
Tom Pasma announced his bid for the state legislature at Double S Quarter Horses, Pasma's ranch in Bow that he runs with his wife Sue Sultze, after hearing that longtime incumbent Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon) was not going to seek re-election. MORE INFORMATION
$1K reward for information
A $1,000 reward is offered for
for information leading to an arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for a burglary on Beaverton Valley Road the night of Monday, January 25, 2010. Call the San Juan County Sheriff's office at 378.4151. Callers can remain anonymous.
Do You Really Need Microsoft Office Small Business at $231.99 A Pop?
Or Would You Be Willing to Try OpenOffice.org for Free?
posted 02/16/2010
Most of the world seems to be wedded to Microsoft Office for word processing. This may be a case of, It's on the computer, I use it mentality. This column will review Microsoft Office 2010 (for Mac (MS Office Suite) & PC) and OpenOffice.org (for Mac & PC) COLUMN
Books on Demand
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
posted 02/16/2010
It started back in late September. Customers at Harvard Book Store were able to buy in minutes books that once would have taken weeks or longer to find. The service came courtesy of a new printing machine, the Espresso Book Machine, produced by On Demand Books. And in January University of Washington Bookstore joined Harvard (and University of Arizona) in offering this service. COLUMN
Notice from Sheriff Bill Cumming
posted 02/15/2010
Even in 'normal times', basic security of your property should be practiced. We all know we have not been in 'normal times' for some time now, both locally and nationally. I am asking our entire community to stop and access your personal practices when it comes to protecting your property. MORE INFORMATION
| 
Tillie Sherman, Melissa Guard, Ron Cuellar, Captain Jack Hamstra, Robin Scott, Patti Bjarnason, Ron Garcia, BE KIND TO: