The Island Guardain
Locally Owned & Operated
360-378-4900 - PO Box 38, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
The Island Guardian is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists

BY TYLER DURDEN @ Zero Hedge

A company called Holtec has become the voice for restarting the nuclear power revolution in the U.S.

As it becomes clear that the nation's needs for power are far underserved, and will certainly be in the future with the adoption of AI, one company, currently the "top US manufacturer of storage equipment for nuclear waste", is advocating for restarting cold reactors across the country. 

New initiative connects residents with free resources, including experts and tools, to get prepared for fire season.

Representatives from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined San Juan County fire district partners, emergency management, the National Park Service, and San Juan Islands Conservation District on Wednesday for the local launch of Wildfire Ready Neighbors – an initiative to help bolster community preparedness ahead of wildfire season.

“We’re excited to bring this much needed resource to San Juan County because no one is immune from the impacts of wildfire,” said Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz. “The San Juan Islands face a unique challenge as they are a designated wildland-urban interface, where our homes and development intersect with undeveloped and often dry wildland, creating a dangerous situation. With the population steadily growing, the time to make our homes wildfire ready is now.”

By TODD MYERS @ Washington Policy Center

If we want a stark example of Washington state’s needless waste in climate policy, perhaps the best place to look is at the many expensive and duplicative policies on electric vehicles. In addition to the tax on CO2 emissions which caps on how much gasoline can be sold in the state, there is the low-carbon fuel standard which subsidizes installation public EV charging stations, tens of millions in state subsidies for EV purchases, and the state’s 2030 goal to have 100 percent of vehicle sales be electric (which the state Department of Commerce itself says cannot be met).

On top of all that, add Washington’s adoption of California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate which takes effect in 2026. Not only is Washington very unlikely to meet the first required target in 2026, the Department of Ecology may have illegally made the rules more restrictive.

Washington state adopted California’s requirement that 100 percent of new vehicles be electric or plug-in hybrid (EV & PHEV) by the year 2035. The regulation mandates a gradual increase, starting with a 35 percent requirement in 2026.

It is unlikely that the state will meet even that initial goal, and attempting to do so is likely to be extremely expensive. The state’s own analysis shows Washington is behind where it needs to be to achieve the 2026 target.

WHALEN: As per the Land Bank county web page;

What are the benefits of Land Bank ownership to the community?

Public land is a huge benefit for the county in that it:

3. Helps maintain our property values and our visitor/service businesses.

Response: Since when have we had a problem maintaining our property values? There's no problem maintaining our property values. Our problem is how our property values and property taxes are inflated! Where in the Land Bank (LB) mandate does it prescribe to maintain property values or maintain our visitor/service business? Neither of these were inclusive to the LB mandate or approved by voters.

OLYMPIA – Fifteen of Washington’s 115 commercial shellfish growing areas may face harvest restrictions because of increased fecal bacteria levels in the water. Every year, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) evaluates the state’s commercial shellfish growing areas. DOH analyzes water sample data and assesses potential sources of pollution.  A restriction is a change in harvest classification which could lead to a seasonal, environmental, or year-round closure.

Based on data collected through 2023, portions of growing areas in Mason County’s Annas Bay and Clallam County’s Dungeness Bay did not meet the stringent public health water quality standards. The areas remain open, but the classification will be reevaluated. 

The San Juan County Land Bank has had a 34 year run. There’s multiple reasons to say enough is enough. San Juan County Initiative 2024-01 would Reduce Duration of Conservation Area Real Estate Excise Tax. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for copy of the initiative and petition.

The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank is seeking public input on its recently completed Draft Strategic Plan. The purpose of the strategic plan is to guide the Land Bank in conservation efforts, stewardship priorities, and community engagement for the next six years and to assist the Land Bank in meeting its mandate: To preserve in perpetuity areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic or low-intensity recreational value and to protect existing and future sources of potable water.

You can download a copy of the Draft Strategic Plan from the Land Bank’s website by following this link: https://sjclandbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WEB_SJCCLB-2024-2030-Strategic-Plan.pdf

Public Comment Period: April 24 – May 8, 2024

The public is invited to submit comments:

  • Via email to Tanja Williamson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  • Via mail: 350 Court Street, No. 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Please submit your comments by May 8, 2024.

After the comment period closes, Land Bank staff and commissioners will review comments. An overview of comments will be provided at the May 17, 2024, commission meeting.

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Land Bank Office: 360-378-4402.

Contact: Tanja Williamson, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 360-378-4402

 About San Juan County’s Land Bank

San Juan County’s Land Bank, funded by a 1% real estate excise tax paid by purchasers of property at closing, acquires and preserves areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic, or low-intensity recreational value. The department offices are located at 328 Caines Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Land Bank, visit www.sjclandbank.org.

San Juan County Manager, Mike Thomas retired in February. The three member SJ County Council immediately appointed Mark Thompkins as the interim manager during the search for qualified candidates is made. Mark is qualified and up to the task of the duties of the manager, but he has clearly stated that he does not want the job permanently. He has also agreed that he will fill in until the right candidate is found.

The County Manager is a key position in providing an accountable and responsive government through effective, efficient and economical administration in accordance with the County Charter, the Washington State Constitution and other applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as County policy. Protocol is that council members are to establish policy and expectations with the manager who will communicate and oversee the staff to implement that policy. In order to do that he must work closely and be compatible with the elected council members.

Two incumbents on our three-member county council have stated they will not run for re-election. Cindy Wolf announced publicly that she will not run and Christine Minney has reportedly told several people that she does not intend to run. And yet, a three-member council with two “Lame Ducks” plans to hire a county manager.

County Manager is the most important decision the county council makes. It is vital to make sure the new manager will be a good fit for San Juan County and can work well with ALL of the council members. In order to hire the right person for the job, the three council members must be in sync about their expectations for the manager. The final decision for hiring should be made after the election when the two new board members can join the remaining incumbent to interview finalists and make a consensus decision about a county manager who will be best for San Juan County.

Cindy and Chritine, I urge you to do the right thing and defer the decision on County Manager to the newly elected council members who will take office in January 2025.

That’s my two cents worth. What's yours?
Minnie Knych

San Juan County Council appointed Dr. Herbie Duber as the County’s new acting Health Officer. Dr. Duber is the Washington State Department of Health Regional Medical Officer for Northwest Washington. In this role, he supports the development of healthcare policy and programs across the state and serves as a key liaison between local public health in Northwest WA and the Department of Health. 

“Dr. Duber’s CV speaks for itself,” said Councilmember Cindy Wolf in reference to his extensive medical experience. “Having watched him at the Board of Health, I’m very comfortable appointing him.”

Responsible for maintaining the health and wellness of the community, the County’s Health Officer works with local organizations such as schools and medical centers, to ensure the health and safety of county residents. The Health Officer conducts outreach programs and provides counseling and education on various health topics.

Dr. Duber will serve as the acting Health Officer as the County recruits a permanent replacement.

“I feel we are very fortunate to have him in this interim position,” said Council Chair Jane Fuller before approving the motion to appoint Dr. Duber.                 

Dr. Frank James, the outgoing Health Officer, announced his resignation after 31 years of service at the March Board of Health meeting. Dr. James’s last day as Health Officer will be Apr. 20, 2024 and his years of service will be recognized at a future date. 

Contact: Kyra Jahanfar, Program Coordinator – Emergency Preparedness & Communications, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 360-370-7502

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services    

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.

b0ff478c aba2 cc2f f19e 27a98fdc4301Scientists have proposed two new species of killer whales which are currently considered a single species. Bigg’s killer whales (seen here), also known as transients, would be designated as Orcinus rectipinnus and resident killer whales as Orcinus ater. Photo: Copyright Melissa Pinnow, used with permission

By: Christopher Dunagan
Originally Posted Here

A scientific paper, published on March 27th, spells out the unique physical and genetic characteristics that should make each group a separate species, with the proposed scientific names Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.

Since the 1970s, scientists in the Puget Sound region have been studying the differences between two types of killer whales: the so-called residents, which eat salmon, and the Bigg’s or transient killer whales, which eat seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. Even though the two groups of whales have different behaviors, vocal calls and social structures — along with distinct body styles and genetic traits — the two types are still considered a single species, Orcinus orca.

In fact, killer whales in every ocean of the world are grouped together as a single species. Until now, scientific discussions and debates have yet to resolve whether any orca population or group is different enough to be declared its own species.

This single-species convention could soon undergo a decisive change, thanks to advanced genetic techniques used to discern evolutionary patterns. Following years of study and consideration, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have proposed two new species of killer whales, Orcinus ater for residents and Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg’s.

Solar Plant
On March 13 Opalco filed a notice of application with the County for a permit for a power plant at the corner of Douglas and Bailer Hill rd. The property is just under 20 acres and their proposal calls for a 20% coverage of the property with solar panels and misc. support structures. There will be a non-permeable pad that is 115ft x 135ft (15,525sq ft.) for batteries and transformers that will be surrounded by a 10ft. cyclone security fence. The entire property will also be fenced and screen landscaping is planned along the roads. The two pairs of Bald Eagles that call the large firs on this property their home and hunting grounds are not mentioned in Opalcos' 110 page application. Their roosting Fir trees are to be removed.
 
This property is the SE corner of the San Juan Valley and it is designated for Ag use. The county has determined that this power plant fits the Ag zoning designation because the panels only cover 20% of the surface of the property. The AG zoning also calls for the county to take into account the aesthetic implications of a proposed project such as this one. Opalco has not really addressed the visual impacts that the project will have on the area or on the views across the entire San Juan Valley. This project will have the “charm” of a penitentiary and will most certainly ruin the aesthetics of this well traveled corner.
 
The public comment period lasts for the next 3 weeks and closes on April 3. The project then goes before the Hearing Examiner for approval on April 24th. We are not given much time for our consideration!


ig WhiteWater 2 250

Pet of the Week

Pet of the Week WinnieABOUT

Age: ~5 months old
Sex: Female
Breed: Terrier/Chihuahua Mix
Origin:Central Washington
Weight: ~7.5lbs
Personality: Curious, Energetic, The Type Who Can Hold Their Own
Energy Level: Peppy, as any pup should be!
Likes: Cross-Organizational Collaboration, Pinecones, Taste Tests
Dislikes: Bug Spray, Overeating, Speed Bumps

Application: Canine Application

San Juan County Announces Resurfacing of Nearly 16 Miles of Roads this Summer

San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road resurfacing schedule to chip seal nearly 16 miles of roads on San Juan and Orcas Islands. Chip sealing is a pavement treatment that extends the life of the road surface. Learn more by visiting the County Roads Program webpage at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads and see the schedule and map below for a complete list of projects.

Sections of roads to be resurfaced this summer: 

  • The week of May 13 on Orcas Island: Orcas Rd, Killebrew Lake Rd, LaPorte Rd, Dolphin Bay Rd, Enchanted Forest Rd, Terri Ln, Michael Ln, Sunset Ave, Matia View Dr, Olga Cemetery Rd, Buoy Bay Rd, Willis Ln. Only sections of these roads will be resurfaced - see the map below or linked here for more details. 
  • The week of June 3 on San Juan Island: West Side Rd, Beaverton Valley Rd, Cattle Point Rd, Little Rd. Only sections of these roads will be resurfaced - see the map below or linked here for more details. 

Council to Consider Three Finalists for County Manager Position (none from San Juan County)

San Juan County nears the end of the County Manager hiring process after interviewing three finalists. The County Council will deliberate during a closed session at the May 14 Council meeting where they will select a County Manager or determine next steps for further recruitment.  

Process Recap:

The County’s core hiring committee consisted of the Human Resources Director, Interim County Manager, and County Council, assisted by the recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR). The job posting yielded 39 applicants from around the country that were screened and vetted via resume reviews, video interviews, and written responses.

After a thorough interview process, three finalists were invited to San Juan County for in-person interviews:

 

  • Ana Cortez, City Manager of Carnation, WA
  • Jessica Hudson, Director at Fairfax County Public Library
  • Sri Krisham, Deputy Director of Finance & Administration at the City of Kirkland

Auditor Seeks Writers of Argument against SJI Library District and LI School District

San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the San Juan Island Library District and Lopez Island School District ballot measures for the voters’ guide.

In order to ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees to write voters’ guide arguments both for and against the proposition. If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor. 

Censorship is a --------- Thing

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