Which Way Does The Wind Blow? Be A Weather Spotter

The National Weather Service and the SJC Department of Emergency Management are sponsoring a weather spotter training class on Thursday February 8th from 1:30 – 4:00pm at the District 3 Fire Station on Mullis Street in Friday Harbor. There is currently a shortage of trained observers in the islands, and more are needed in order to help increase the accuracy of local forecasts.
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Island Air To Offer Air Ambulance

(Island Air photo)
With the passage of the Air Ambulance Bill , it is once again possible to allow pre-paid med-vac flights. Friday Harbor-based Island Air announced they will be operating a Federal Aviation Administration-approved Air Ambulance service starting in February. Island Air's new air ambulance service will not be a pre-paid service, and is for BLS (Basic Life Support) transport for stable patients with non life-threatening injuries or illness (e.g. broken leg) who do not require extensive medications or procedures.

Their new fixed wing aircraft service will complement the Airlift Northwest helicopter, which provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport for patients with life-threatening injury or illness (e.g. heart attack or major trauma). Airlift's ALS service is usually provided in a helicopter and the patient is flown directly to an appropriate tertiary care hospital.

Island Air's BLS service will be provided in a specially configured Cessna fixed wing aircraft. Ambulance transportation will be arranged at the destination airport before the Island Air Ambulance departs, and will be scheduled to meet the aircraft upon arrival. The ambulance and the aircraft will be staffed by EMTs who will maintain the continuity of care.

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Poster Contest: The World Through A Child's Eyes

The Children's Festival's 2007 poster contest gives San Juan Island children a chance to show off just how they see their world. Official entry forms are available starting February 1 for artists of all ages ready to share their talents in the San Juan Island 17th Annual Children's Festival. Winning entries will be used to promote the May 5th festival and its 2007 theme: CELEBRATE YOUR WORLD.

Prizes will be awarded to the top four entries. The grand prize is a Whale and Wildlife Tour for four aboard San Juan Island's 46-foot Western Prince II. Other prizes include gift certificates from the Toy Box and Osito's.

Poster entry sheets are available at San Juan Elementary School and Island Rec (580 Guard Street). Entries must be submitted to either of those locations by Friday,

March 16, 2007.All artwork will become the property of Island Rec and will not be returned. For more information call Sally at 378-4953.

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Sales Of Tobacco To Minors Continue To Drop

It is estimated that 95 percent of Washington state retailers comply with the law, and this may have helped stop the sale of tobacco to minors. The state has announced the sales to minors has dropped by more than half since 2000, according to a new report. Ninety-five percent of tobacco retailers in Washington are now complying with the law that bans the sale of tobacco to anyone under 18. Officials credit a shift in attitude toward protecting youth from tobacco use, improved education about the legal requirements of tobacco sales, and more cooperation from retailers.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the nation. Tobacco-related diseases kill about 8,000 people every year in Washington - more than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides and fires combined.
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Judicial District Update

Good progress on SJC obtaining the right to elect it's very own judge.

The proposal to the Senate Judiciary committee to modify provisions relating to Superior Court Judicial positions, so as to allow a local judge for San Juan County Superior Court Previous Story , has received no opposition from the committee. The bill received a "do pass" recommendation from the committee, and will now move on to the Ways and Means committee. A time has not yet been set for a hearing.

Judge Vickie I. Churchill has sent a letter to Senators Harriet Spanel and Mary M. Haugen outlining the reasons she believes "it is in the best interest of Island County and San Juan County to take this opportunity to split the judicial district and allow San Juan County to form its own judicial district."

Assuming -as is expected- the Legislature approves the changes, it will be necessary for both the San Juan County Council and the Board of County Commissioners of Island County to approve the change, and so far, both do.

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Should Be A Barn Burner On Wednesday

The SJC Community Theater will be the place to be, on Wednesday at 7:30, when a forum discusses "The Cold War and the Current War on Terror". The forum members are Bill Distler (described as a "peace activist"), Herb Meyer (Former Vice Chairman, CIA Nat Intelligence Council), Gordy Peterson (Columnist for The Island Guardian), and Mike Vouri (historian).

The main topics include "What was the Cold War about and how did it affect U.S. politics"; what if we lost the Cold War; What is the current threat form terrorism; how are we responding, and what is the impact of that response.

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SJC Man Interviewed On KPLU: Windows Vista

If your thinking, and wondering, and thinking… about the new software release from Microsoft, you may find a copy of a KPLU radio interview with San Juan County's very own Mark Anderson to be informative. Mark is asked the question "Is Vista really ready for release?".

Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows Vista, goes on sale today, and the big question is, Who needs it? Clicking on this LINK may allow you to hear the interview, or you can try the webpage where the link lives.

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Charter Bites Back On New Tax

(SJC Auditor Henley and Recording Deputy Diane Timm receive a referendum filing from Alexandra Gavora)

San Juan County citizens may have an opportunity to vote on a new tax. The County Council has authorized a new tax assessment to address storm water impacts, and last Friday, San Juan resident Alexandra Gavora filed paperwork with the Auditor that will start the process of allowing the voters to decide if the new tax should go into effect.

The filing by Gavora "orders that Ordinance NO.20-2006, dated December 12, 2006, entitled, AMENDING SECTION 13 OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTY CODE REGARDING THE COUNTY STORM WATER UTILITY, shall be referred to the people in the next general election to enact or reject in its entirety.". If Gavora can obtain the necessary signatures, the question the voters will have to answer is if they agree with the County Council, that all developed parcels in San Juan County should pay a "tax" to support a Storm Water Utility, even while paying for their own systems.


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League To Lead Discussion On GMA Tuesday

the League of Women Voters of Washington State (The League) will present the findings of a study The League has put together on "the successes and failures of the GMA". Intitled "The Growth Management Act of Washington State" , and then lead a discussion on the topic.

Elizabeth Davis is the Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the League of Women Voters of Washington State, and was a member of the writing subcommittee for the report. She will be at the San Juan Island Library Conference Room, Tuesday, January 30th, at 12:15 to present the study, which "included talking to planners, government officials, lawyers, non-profits, developers and ecologists, to discern the successes and failures of the GMA. Several local people participated in the study." The public is invited to attend and bring a lunch to engage in this all-important discussion.

According to the study, a number of the local people who participated in the study were either staff members of the Friends of The San Juans, or members of the Friends; and four studies by the Friends are cited as sources of information for the League study.

The public is invited to attend and bring a lunch to engage in this all-important discussion. The presentation is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans, and additional information can be obtained by contacting Local League President Amy Trainer at amy@sanjuans.org.

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New Director Of The Whale Museum

Jenny L. Atkinson takes over from Dr. Rich Osborne as the director of the Whale Museum. Osborne will be moving to Port Angeles, but will continue as a participant in the Museum's Stranding Network and other research projects.

Atkinson comes to the Museum from the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center based in Nashville, Tenn. For more than six years, she was the special projects coordinator seeking to raise awareness of First Amendment issues and rights through programs, musical events and exhibits. Prior to that, she was the founding executive director of Leadership Brevard (a community leadership organization in operation since 1985) in Brevard County, Fla.

Atkinson is also a nature photographer who has had a long attachment to Southern Resident orcas, other marine mammals and the sea. She has been a long-time supporter of The Whale Museum's Orca Adoption Program. Atkinson began her tenure as director of The Whale Museum on Jan. 1, 2007.

Founded in 1979 by Mark Anderson and Ken Balcomb, The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. In addition to providing exhibits, the Museum also provides programs including: the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline. The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.

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Horsemanship Clinic & Western Swing Music

He does it all, and he will do it on SJI this Saturday, starting with a horsemanship clinic, followed by a full concert with the Rough Riders Band Saturday night at the SJC Theater. Yup, Montana's singing cowboy, T.J. Casey, brings his brand of saddle-bred wisdom and western swing music to San Juan Community Theater for a concert with the Rough Riders Band, Saturday, January 27. (Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.), and while he is here, he is being hosted by the Bits and Spurs 4-H club for a horsemanship clinic Saturday afternoon at the Horse Shu Ranch at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $10. (For more information or to RSVP for the clinic, please call Ginny Beaudoin at 378-5041)

Casey is a working cowboy who has spent two-thirds of his life in the saddle on ranches all over the west, and he devotes a lot of time to working with schools and 4-H clubs to teach western heritage, cowboy culture and cowboy poetry to young people. He also has 30 years experience as an entertainer, sharing his cowboy poetry and western swing music with audiences across America. He has shared the stage with the likes of Ian Tyson, Merle Haggard, Dirks Bentley, Ty Herndon and the Everly Brothers.

The concert will include selections from his recordings "Pure ‘D' Cowboy" and "Blue Montana Skies," as well as the hit single "Cowboy Don't Change Your Ways" (a number one title on the western music charts in 2006). Samples of his music can be accessed from this web site: www.tjcasey.net.

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Friday Harbor S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Bee

The Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands annual Spelling Bee contest will be held at the San Juan Community Theatre on Tuesday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m. The annual contest features 4th through 8th grade classroom champions from local schools, including Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School, Paideia Classical School, and Spring Street International School.

This year, the 1st place winner will receive a personal award of $75, an award to their classroom literacy program of $150, and an award to their school literacy program of $300. The second place winner will receive a personal award of $50, $100 to their classroom, and $200 to their school.

Doors at the theater will open at 3:00, admission is free, and parents, family members, and the public are all welcome to attend. For more information, please call Mike Close at 378-5699.


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Seniors-4-Seniors

by Chris Sly-Prochnow

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS) has announced a new community outreach program for 2007, called: "Seniors-4-Seniors", and will make a full presentation in Friday Harbor, at the Mullis Center luncheon on Monday, January 29.The new program is based on the simple fact that every year the APS takes in more adult cats than they can place in available homes.

Unfortunately many of the older cats are overlooked when it comes to the possibility of permanent adoption, because "kittens are cuter". This creates challenges when housing these animals, as the APS is a "no kill" facility. This means that they do not euthanize adoptable animals in order to make space for new arrivals. More often than not APC finds they are at, or above, the capacity of the shelter to receive animals; and this causes extreme stress for the animals; as well as for the staff and volunteers.

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Guest Editorial

ARC Stands Up For Farmers

By Eliza Habegger

I want to spread the word about the good work that the Agricultural Resources Committees (ARC) is taking on. This relatively new group was created by the former County Commission to protect and encourage island agriculture, both by advising local government and through its own initiatives. ARC members are now rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

People may wonder why we need a local committee dedicated to agriculture. What exactly are the benefits of having a robust agricultural community and economy? Are local farms really under threat?

The benefits are simple but profound. Local agriculture ensures an accessible supply of fresh, healthful food, even in times of emergency. When land stays in agricultural use, treasured island views are preserved - picture Crow Valley on Orcas, or the rolling fields of Lopez. Well-managed farmland makes good environmental sense. Agriculture contributes to the local economy through job creation, sales, and supporting businesses.

Farms can also provide unexpected economic benefits. For example, financial studies conducted in dozens of communities nationwide have consistently found that farms and open lands generate more tax revenues than they receive back in public services. This holds true even when the land is assessed at its current agricultural use. In comparison, residential land use consumes more public funds than it generates.
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"San Juan County Employee Appreciation Week" Thank You For Your Help

Vice-Chairman Howard Rosenfeld represented the full County Council in reading and presenting a Proclamation from San Juan County to all of those who helped to keep the County operating, and providing service to the public, during the storms that hit San Juan County this winter. An if you're wondering about the pizza boxes in the left foreground of the photo, those do contain pizzas: each of the Councilmen kicked in $20.00 to buy pizzas for those who showed up for the presentation. The wording of the Proclamation follows:
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A Few Bumps In Presentation By PW On Roads

Public Works Director Jon Shannon went before the County Council on Tuesday, and gave the Council a background course on Chip-Seal he entitled "Chip Seal 101", billed as a chance "to Learn what seal coating is and why we do it".

At the end of the presentation it became fairly clear that most, if not all of the Council members already had an understanding of what chip seal is and why we use it on county roads, but what they really wanted to know is Why are the roads so rough, and why are the rocks (the "chips") coming loose?

Given some of the statements made and questions asked by the council after Shannon's Power Point presentation, his opening Bill Cosby quote that "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody", was perhaps not well advised, since the only people he ultimately had to please were the members of the council, and the loose rocks and rough road surface was clearly something they had concerns about.

Shannon told the Council that a balance of competing public desires is what your job is all about, and that smooth roads has not been a stated priority by the County. He said his department is guided by the Scenic Roads standards, and that there is nothing in there about smooth road surfaces. He handed out a copy of "Section E. Shoulder Contrast" that states "gravel or crushed stone shoulders offer good contrast to the bituminous pavement".

It was not made clear that how a road shoulder is to be constructed gave guidance as to how road surfaces should be constructed, and the council did not follow up on it; although Councilman Gene Knapp at the end of the presentation did ask Shannon "What is the significance of the term "Scenic Roads?" Shannon responded "I don't know".
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Planning For A SJI Natural Grocery Co-Op

A grassroots movement to create a Cooperative Natural Foods Grocery on San Juan is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:30 in the Friday Harbor Grange. The organizers ask all community members who "are looking for a sustainable grocery shopping experience to come and join in an initial planning meeting for an Island Community Co-op", and state that "This is your opportunity to help shape this cooperative"..

According to a press release, "The cooperative would seek to combine the produce from local island farmers with other quality organic produce, and to offer organic sustainable grocery items along with local value-added island goods. The consumer-owned cooperative would be a traditional not- for -profit organization that would put profits back into local community structure. It would be run by a Board of Directors that would base action on the community's needs communicated by its members."

The stated goals of the proposed cooperative is to provide the following:

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Rough Road Ahead

(New road surfacing showing delamination and uneven surfaces)

Why are the new road surfaces so rough? Not just a little rough, but a whole lot rough. If you have lived here for only a few years, you may have come to expect it, but those with long memories recall that it was the resurfacing of a portion of Roche Harbor Road some years ago, back when Darcy Nielsen was a County Commissioner, that the problem of new road surfacing seemed to have. "surfaced". Commissioner Nielsen both noted it, and repeatedly questioned why the roads were worse after they were "improved". She cited rough surfaces and uneven spots that, while new, seemed to be in greater need of repair then they did prior to the resurfacing.

The problem has continued, and for many drivers the problem seems to have become worse than before (See Letter To The Editor). County Administrator Pete Rose will give a "County Chip Seal Update" today (Jan 23), and Public Works Director Jon Shannon will present a PowerPoint explanation to the County Council that, according to Mr. Shannon will explain the reasons for the perceived problem.


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Robert F. Buck Family Sells Land For Affordable Housing

( One Third of the 46 Acre Parcel outlined in blue will be made available to Home Trust)

Robert F. Buck's three children and their spouses have agreed to sell one-third of their 46 acres to a supporter of the Home Trust, and to collaborate on the creation of permanently affordable housing. The San Juan Community Home Trust announced the new partnership with Vincent and Jane Buck, Carolyn and Bob Norman, and Jai and Bequin Boreen. The land is adjacent to the former gravel pit, and within several blocks of Friday Harbor Elementary school.

The vision shared by the Buck family and the Home Trust is for a high quality mixture of detached single-family homes, town homes and co-housing, with an emphasis both on fitting in with island traditions and green building techniques. The goal would also be to provide for a diversity of family incomes and ages, including homes specifically for seniors. Both the Home Trust and the Buck family are interested in cooperating with the Trails Committee to provide a pedestrian access route from town to both the future park on the gravel pit site and Jackson Beach.

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SJI Firefighters Honored for Dedicated Service

(from left to right:Brent Johnson, Doug Maya, Michael Henderson, Jerry Henderson, Jack Casey, Jason Wood, Robert Demar, David Howitt, Albert Olson and Tom Odegard)

Two weeks ago the Friday Harbor Firefighters Association held their annual Year End Awards Banquet , and this week the San Juan Island Fire Department (SJFD) held theirs.

Father and son took home two of the major awards at the SJFD's 22nd annual banquet held at the Roche Harbor Pavilion. Nearly 100 firefighters and their guests paid tribute to the 2006 contributions of all of the firefighters and their support staff.


(Photo left) Jerry Henderson was named Officer of the Year and his son Michael Henderson was named the Rescue Technician of the Year. Rescue techs acquire additional training for responding to motor vehicle accidents and operating the Jaws of Life.

The following other firefighters were honored for their service in 2006:

● Firefighter of the Year – Doug Maya
●Rookie of the Year – David Howitt
●Support Volunteer of the Year – Tom Odegard

The following firefighter of the year station awards were given:
● Station 31(Mullis St.) – Doug Maya
● Station 33 (Little Mountain) – Jack Casey
● Station 34/35 (Sunset Point/ Roche Harbor) – David Howitt, Jason Wood
● Station 36 (Eagle Crest) – Brent Johnson
● Dave Smith received the Smokey Bear Award for all of his work in public education, including transporting the Children's Safety House to and from Burlington.

In another tribute, Peter Kilpatrick was honored for serving with the department for 20 years and Chris Guidotti for 10 years of service. Robert Demar recently retired after 17 years with the department, while Albert Olson was recognized for being in the fire service overall for 40 years.

The San Juan Island Fire Department would also like to recognize the Friday Harbor Fire Department for providing a crew covering an initial response in case of a call during our banquet.

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CC Tells Rose Not To Attend State Meeting Of Officials

Each year the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) holds a meeting for county officials to come together, to meet, share, discuss and learn about common interests, and hopefully to do some good for their constituents back home.

This will be the first year San Juan County will have a County Administrator (CA) who could attend the meetings, and while CA Pete Rose has attended past meetings when working in other jurisdictions, this would be the first time for him join some of the County Councils members in representing San Juan County as the person in charge of the administration of San Juan County.

Or at least it was assumed that would be the way things would go. Assumed that is, until Council Chair Lichter and Councilman Ranker told Rose in a public meeting, in no uncertain terms, that "It would be inappropriate for you to attend" because, Ranker said, Rose is not elected, and does not make policy. The message was pretty clear that while his work for the county was important, the county would best be served if Rose stayed in San Juan County, and did not hobnob with other County officials who were elected. Lichter informed Rose that he had a lot of work to do here, and he should not join the Council members at the meeting..

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Still Time To Get Influenza Vaccine!

Flu is in the southeast (Florida, Alabama, and Georgia) and it is headed our way. So far this year Washington and British Columbia have reported sporadic flu activity, but we are starting to see flu in the San Juan County preschool population. Typically flu hits hardest in the cold months of February and March. However given our warmer fall, the flu season has had a late start.
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Leadership San Juan Islands Class III Begins

Leadership San Juan Islands Class III met for their first of six sessions on January 19 at Skagit Valley College San Juan Center. Fifteen islanders from Lopez, Orcas and San Juan received an overview of community leadership and emerging issues in the islands led by Ralph Hahn, Ron Zee, Gretchen Krampf and Liz Illg.

Leadership San Juan Islands is now a certificate series offered in conjunction with Skagit Valley College San Juan Center. A total of six, day-long seminars will explore leadership and San Juan County's "systems" of governance, education, economics, environment and community/health. Morning "systems" classes are open to the general public for a fee. Contact Denise King, Skagit Valley College San Juan Center, 378-3220, for more information.

Class III participants include:
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Saturday is "San Juan Leo Day"

Mayor David F. Jones is shown presenting the Official Proclamation to San Juan Lions' President Jim Carroll, prior to Thursday night's Town Council meeting. Mayor Jones has declared Saturday, January 20,2007 as San Juan Leo Day for the Town of Friday Harbor. The proclamation acknowledges the new Charter Leo Club.

The new club is sponsored by the San Juan Lions for the island's youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years, and is intended to provide community service, and Leadership, Experience & Opportunity; the acronym for LEO.

Induction Ceremonies will be held at the San Juan Island Yacht Club on January 20,2007 for over 21 initial Charter Members from Friday Harbor High School and Spring Street International School. 100 attendees, consisting of local Lion Cub Members, as well as the Lions District Governor, visiting Lions, Orcas Island Lions, students and parents will be present.

San Juan Lions is the only Lions Club in their Zone (H-7) to date, to have formed a LEO CLUB thanks to past San Juan Lion President, John Towson for initiating and spearheading this Charter for the past year.

For additional information regarding membership to the San Juan Lions Club, the San Juan LEO CLUB,
contact John Towson at 360-378-3843.


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Community Leadership Series Starts

Skagit Valley College is proud to announce the January 19th opening session of a Community Leadership Series being offered in conjunction with Leadership San Juan Islands.

The first session will provide an extensive overview of community leadership while also highlighting a variety of emerging issues in the San Juan's. Subsequent sessions will explore the islands' systems of governance, education, economics, environment, community and health. All six sessions (Jan. 19th, Feb. 19th, Mar. 9th, Mar. 30th, Apr. 20th and May 4th) are open to the general public from 8:25 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.

Participants may register in advance for as many sessions as they like at the San Juan Center, 221 Weber Way (by the airport). For more information please contact Denise King, Skagit Valley College, 378-3220.

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Progress On New Judge

A bill has been introduced in the State Legislature to allow San Juan County to have a superior court judge that will serve only San Juan County. Currently SJC shares judges with Island County, but if the recent legislation sponsored by Representative Quall, Strow, Bailey, Morris and Kenney, is passed, and signed into law by the governor, and accepted by both Island and San Juan counties, then the idea will become a reality.

As previously reported in the Island Guardian -Judge Churchill. Who currently serves both Island and SJ County- is the president of the Superior Court Judges Association, and in that capacity has been instrumental in having the proposed legislation introduced.

It is assumed by knowledgeable sources that the legislation to create the new judgeship will not meet resistance, either from the Legislature or from the governor. There is, however, always the possibility that something could go wrong at the local levels, since the change in the law would go into effect "…only if: (1) San Juan county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and … (2) Island county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval and its agreement…

For those in favor of the proposal, the good news is that Judge Churchill has obtained the blessing of SJ and Island Counties for the change, so unless some new objection is raised that changes the current commitments, House Bill 5247 will become the law of the land, and the governor will appoint a new judge to serve San Juan County until the next election, at which time the voters of SJC will make the "appointment" by voting.

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FHFF Association Annual Awards

(left to right: om Eades-Whispering Pete Award; Zaim Melic-Outstanding Firefighter of the Year; Tony Smith-Driver of the Year; Matt DelGrosso-Rookie of the Year; Ron Garner-Outstanding Service Award; Dave Moorhouse-Community Service Award)

Friday Harbor Fire Fighters Association held their annual Year End Awards Banquet last weekend at the Peppermill Restaurant. Attending, among others, were the Mayor of Friday Harbor, members of the Town and County councils, past fire chiefs, Thrift store employees, firefighters from both town and district three, and many friends and guests.

The crowd was informed and entertained by slide shows and a presentation on the Town fireboat and its value to the community. Most recently the fireboat helped the port save the sinking Friday Harbor Seafood boat in Friday Harbor

Barb Low is the first person to be selected as the Firefighter of the Month for 2007. Barb Low serves with the Friday Harbor Fire Department

Some think that here on San Juan Island only men don fire gear and rush into burning buildings. Barb Low is proof that that is not so! Barb joined the Friday Harbor Fire Department in 2002 and when asked why, she replies, "I wanted to help my community, give back, and make a difference." It was sentiments such as these that brought her and her husband, County Fire Marshal- Bob Low, to the island in the first place. They came to San Juan to aid Bob's aging grandparents who were experiencing poor health, and decided to stay.

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"Good Ol' Boy" Government, Or Charter Government?

The full six member County Council is at work on one of the same questions that would not go away after the three member County Commissioners became County Councilmen under the Charter: To wit: "Who's in charge here"?

Even before the Charter was passed, Lichter, Myhr and Ranker, sitting as commissioners, made it clear they did not take kindly to a county administrator form of government, but have repeatedly stated they would work to make the transition as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

At a Tuesday council meeting this week, one part of the transition debated at various times throughout the day, was the role of the concept of council liaison assignments, and are they appropriate under the Charter; and to what extent it was appropriate under a county administrator form of government to have individual council members representing the Council to various department heads.


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Whale Museum Offers Marine Naturalist Training

Registration for Marine Naturalist Training Program, presented by The Whale Museum will begin on January 23. Sessions will take place on five Saturdays and one Sunday beginning April 7, ending on Sunday, May 6.

The object of this popular program is to provide a learning experience that assists adult graduates to be qualified regionally as professional or volunteer naturalists. Certification is an option with a five-hour practicum. Continuing education credits and teacher clock hours are also available.

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Time For A Hospital On SJI?

WAIT! DON'T HANG UP! Your voice can be heard in a telephone survey that will be conducted starting January 17th and continuing until the 28th.

A group of islanders has come together to explore the possibility of creating a small community hospital on San Juan Island. As part of a feasibility study, 560 county residents will be phoned and given the opportunity to help shape the final proposed by responding to a number of questions. The organizers ask that if you are called, please take a few minutes to talk with the surveyor.

The following are a series of rhetorical questions sent out by the organizers, that may help answer some of the questions the proposal raises:

Why do the islands need a hospital?
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Should Battleship Island May Be Re-named "Morse Island"?

In 1925 a survey team working in San Juan County was told the name of a small island (now a State bird sanctuary) located just north of Henry Island was "Battleship Island", because "a warship had once fired a gun salute to it". The survey team duly labeled the small three acre island as such on their survey, and went on about their business.

But according to the seven hundred strong members of the Morsed Society, Naval records in D.C., and the Northwest National Archives in Seattle indicate that "Battleship Island" had been named for William H. Morse, US Navy, 1841, when the Brig PORPOISE conducted an exploring expedition in the early 1800's.

The Morsed society has requested the name be changed back to Morse Island, stating "The Navy named it…so just change it back".

In response to the request, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names sent a letter to Mr., Stafford-Ames Morse of Seattle, informing him the request would be processed, but pointed out that "Even thought a feature had a different name historically, the existing name often has become well established on maps and in the literature, and changing it (even to the historical form) can be confusing".

The next step is for the US Board on Geographic Names to "seek the recommendation of the county government", pointing out that "the most important policy is local use and acceptance"

If you would like to comment on the proposed change, you may contact

WASHINGTON STATE BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES
P.O.Box 47030,
Olympia WA 98504-7030 ,

A simple statement "In favor of"; Opposed to"; or "Have no objection to" the proposed change may be made, and the public is also encouraged to explain the reasons for their statement if they so wish.


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Report Lists Troubles In Puget Sound

(Christine Gregoire)
The Governor has some simple goals for Puget Sound, and a report released by the Puget Sound Action Team details continuing declines in the health of Puget Sound that underscores the Governor's call for action, and the budgeting of $424.7 million money to support action into the year 2020.

The State of the Sound 2007 documents problems with fresh and marine water quality, toxic contaminants in fish and wildlife, increasing impervious surfaces and ongoing loss of habitats. The report goes on to state the identified "problems are reflected in the precarious health of orcas, salmon and marine birds, and resulted in last year's first-ever consumption advisory for Puget Sound Chinook".

"The goals for Puget Sound cleanup are pretty simple. I want families to be able to swim in it, fish in it, and dig shellfish from its beaches," said Governor Gregoire. "This report reinforces that we still have work to do. That's why I have proposed aggressive action on the Sound before it's too late. It will take all of us recognizing we are part of the problem, and working together, we are all part of the solution."

"While the past two years have seen some good news and some positive trends, the future of Puget Sound is still at risk," said Brad Ack, chair of the Action Team. "The main driver of this silent crisis is the pace and style of growth in the region, with ever-more pavement, a stew of harmful pollutants and less and less of the native forests, prairies and natural shorelines. Climate change is rapidly emerging as another important trigger of unwanted change. While Puget Sound appears as beautiful as always, its web of life is in danger."

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FH March Planned To Honor MLK

An event has been organized for Monday to honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. A press release announcing the event recognizes him as a "legendary visionary! He clearly saw a world of equality, of respect for every individual. In his honor, we gather to carry forth in our own ways this magnificent vision of humankind!" A gathering in his honor will take on Monday January 15th at 5 pm on the courthouse grounds under the old walnut tree.

The organizers ask that the public join them as "Our hearts will join in unity, our minds in shared vision, and our voices in song as we stand in a circle of community intent. Then –Come with us! – we march along together past the post office, back along Spring Street through our beloved little town of Friday Harbor , by Memorial Park, and on to the Grange. We'll have fresh-made cocoa, homemade cookies and share together as we hear readings from MLK, music from the professionals among us, and resolve again to add our hearts, our spirits to the great journey that MLK has so powerfully led. See you all there!"

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The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank is a book that everyone should read, and today is an opportunity to see a dramatic presentation by the FH High School Group as they present Wendy Kesselman's adaptation of the Frances Goodrich-Albert Hackett play. The play is based on the diaries of the young Holocaust victim Anne Frank. The Diary of Anne Frank Sponsored by Coldwell Banker. Tickets are $14 for adults; $7 for student reserved. $5 student RUSH is available at the door for each performance.

When Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Anne's father moved the family to Amsterdam, and then later they went into hiding. In 1944 the family was found, arrested and sent back to Germany, first to occupied Poland, and later to the Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Anne and her sister died in the camp from typhus in March of 1945.

Anne Frank's diary was found, and after the war was given to a surviving family member. The diary was published in 1947, and has became one of the most widely read books in the world.

The FHHS Drama Group presents their most ambitious drama production ever – The Diary of Anne Frank. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker. Tickets are $14 for adults; $7 for student reserved. $5 student RUSH is available at the door for each performance.

Tickets can also be ordered through the ONLINE BOX OFFICE , or by calling the box office at 360.378.3210


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Ice On The Roads

Friday Road Check - 4 a.m. report:: All major roads are cleared of snow, but are covered with ice -not "black ice", but solid ice. Major problem is stopping and turning, as some intersections need sand, or additional sand. Heavy use and regular sanding have made main roads in FH passable.
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Gov. Gregoire Calls for Fed Disaster Funding

Governor Chris Gregoire today asked President Bush for federal disaster aid for December wind storm damages to public facilities in 19 Washington counties, including San Juan county.

"Washington sustained severe damage from these wind storms, especially to our utilities, and we need federal assistance to fully repair all of these facilities," said Governor Gregoire. "I urge President Bush to act quickly on this request so that we can start work to return life to normal in Washington."

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Sunrise On First Storm Of '07'

(Piet Visser photo)
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Storm Related Fatality

An Orcas woman lost her life on Wednesday when the car she was driving slid off the road that is next to Cascade lake, plunged into the water and trapped her in the upturned car. Witnesses said there was little they could do, as the depth of water was to great to wade out to where they believed the car may have come to a rest, and divers had to be called in to reach the car.
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No 100% Increase In WSF Fares

The 2006-2007 WSF (Washington State Ferry) Tariff Review Committee met yesterday in Seattle to make recommendations, to yet another committee, who will then forward their decision on to the Governor, who will in turn make the final decision.

The dire predictions of huge increases of as much as 100% (no one seems to know where that number came from, but it has never been an official number) may happen far into the future as the companions of inflation and adjusting income do what they historically do: increase. By that logic, just about everything will someday cost 100% more than today, but for today, expect to see only a small increase. A side note of interest is the 10% decline in ferry ridership that has contributed to a loss of revenue to the system, and the system continues to operate in the red.

But for now the official predictions of a 2.5% increase to fares look be the reality, and are expected to be approved by Governor Gregoire, who has already included the 2.5% increase in her budget. The increase is projected -all things being equal- to raise $600,000 in the last two months of ‘07", and as much as 3.4 million in 2008.

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Bailer Hill Open! No, Wait! Oh What A Mess!

1-10-07, 5:30 A.M. UPDATE: Emergency Management Director Brendan Cowan has announced that Douglas Road and Bailer Hill Road on San Juan are now open in both directions. A blast of early morning snow has not been helpful to the OPALCO crew, but they have restored power.

Original Story:
As if the closing of Bailer Hill road for 24 hours due to flooding was not enough, the road was no sooner opened to through traffic then a large tree came down across power lines today (1-9-07), taking out a total of five poles and all of the overhead lines with it. There have been no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

It is assume that gusting winds have caused the 5 power poles, and a number of trees to blow down, blocking Douglas and Little Roads and limiting access to "The Oaks", which of one of the most densely populated areas on San Juan island outside of the Town of Friday Harbor. Residents of the Oaks may use Wold and False Bay Road driving as close to the Oaks as possible, park their cars and walk into their homes. There is a plan to build a ramp that hopefully will allow car access to the Oaks.

Currently, OPALCO and the County Roads Department, San Juan Fire District 3, and the Sheriff's Office are on the scene working to clear the roads and get power restored to the area, but it may be a day or more before power is restored, although it is hoped it can back on as soon as 10 or 12 tonight. The road is expected to once again be closed for at least late tonight as crews work to restore power..

Those residents that are without power and may need a place to warm up, or a shelter space are asked to call the Sheriff's Dispatch Office at 378-9932.

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New Elected Officials Sworn In

(Court Clerk Joan White Takes Oath of Office)
With standing room only in the county court room, friends and supporters showed up to witness the swearing in of the recently elected public officials. As is the custom, a judge performs the ceremony, and this year Judge Stewart Andrew did the honors, asking each of the officials to come forward and take the oath of office appropriate to their particular office.

In his introductory remarks, Judge Andrew reminded the newly elected officials, and the members of the public, that they were about to forge yet another link in an unbroken chain that started 200 years ago, by completing a smooth and continuous transfer of authority. An act, he said, that reflected the success of the greatest experiment in the history of government, the continuing success of the American form of government.

Each official then came forward, read the oath of office, thanked the public for electing them, and promised to live up to the voters expectations. The newly elected officials are: County Council members: Gene Knapp, Robert Myhr, Richard Peterson & Howie Rosenfeld. Auditor: Milene Henley; Assessor: Charles Zalmanek; Clerk: Joan White; Prosecutor: Randy Gaylord; Sheriff Bill Cumming; and Treasurer: Jan Sears


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Counties Upset Over Loss Of Oil Spill Council

San Juan, Challam and King County have sent a letter to the office of the governor stating that they are "disappointed" that Governor Gregoire has decided to "disband the independent Oil Spill Advisory Council" that was created by the State Legislature in 2005.

The goal of the council was to "foster a long-term partnership" and reach a consensus among government and industry, and to review and advise the State on oil spill prevention programs, with the aim of a "zero-spill strategy to prevent any oil or hazardous substances from entering waters of the state"; and to be involved in "any other activities necessary to maintain the state's vigilance in preventing oil spills".

The Council is made up with a wide representative cross section of members, ranging from tribal to oil facilities representatives, and almost everyone else that might represent industries or groups that could be impacted by oil spills, such as representatives from parks, tourism, and ports, to name a few.

The letter asks the governor to reconsider her decision to disband the advisory council. The letter also asks that as representatives of their counties they be included in a summit this year that the governor has requested the state Department of Ecology hold on oil spill program priorities that have been made, and may be made.

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Vacancy On The Land Bank

With the swearing in of Gene Knapp as one of the three new County Council members (see story above), a vacancy has been created on the Land Bank Commission. In addition, one of the other Commission members, Amanda Azous, will have to resign from her current position as a representative from Orcas, since she no longer lives on Orcas. Azous has asked to be named as a "member at large".

Councilman Ranker told the County Council that he had researched the law, and found that it would be inappropriate to simply appoint Azous to the position without going through the process of asking for other volunteers to serve in the "at large" position.

Ranker suggested the Council accept a letter of resignation from Azous, then advertise the position, and, he said "If we end of picking the Azous, then since the other three applicants to be on the commission are all from Orcas, this should all work out".

Anyone interested in applying for a position on the Land Bank Commission (or for more information on the Land Bank) may go to their website at http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/land_bank , or call 378-4402.


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Public Is Welcome on Turtleback Mountain

The San Juan County Land Bank has announced that Turtleback Mountain Preserve is officially open to the public for pedestrian access. The purchase of Turtleback on November 16 was the culmination of a six month, $18.5 million fundraising campaign, a partnership between the San Juan Preservation Trust, the Land Bank, and the Trust for Public Land.

Visitors can expect a steep, rugged hike, exceptional views, and tranquility. Two trailheads provide parking for about 4 cars each. From the parking areas, pedestrians can ascend the mountain on improved gravel roads leading to rustic trails. Signage and maps mark each trailhead, with occasional wooden markers indicating trails. There are no toilets, garbage cans, or other facilities. Minor trail work is anticipated over the next few months.

The Preserve is open to foot-traffic only. In addition, no fires, camping, or hunting are allowed; dogs must be leashed; take nothing and leave no trace. With many neighbors living near the trailheads, everyone is asked to respect private property boundaries.

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Bailer Hill Road Remains Closed

The road is expected to remain closed for at least the next 24 hours.
County Public Works crews have been struggling to keep warning signs in place- apparently they are being removed by passing motorists. Numerous cars have stalled out in the flooded area, or have had engine problems soon after passing through.

There have been several examples of a motorist watching someone else drive past the "CLOSED" signs and deciding that they could make it and becoming stuck.


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Seafood Store Sinks

(Marc Forlenza photo)

Assumed to be storm related, but in any case Eric and Brenda's Seafood Store was sinking this morning ( Monday Jan 8th.) before the fast acting Friday Harbor Port personal organized with others to stabilize and re float the little barge.

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Will SJC Have A New Judge…and A New PA??

As previously reported in The Island Guardian ( "A Local Judge For SJC?" ), San Juan County has a good chance of having it's own judgeship, and already names are being mentioned as potential candidates for the position.

One might expect the position would be filled by one of the local judges, such as current District Court Judge Stewart Andrew; former judge -and still an active attorney- John Linde; Pro-Tem and Juvenile Court Judge Don Eaton; or past Municipal Court Judge for Friday Harbor (back when they had a judge) Carla Higginson. So far both Linde and Eaton, have expressed a strong interest, and have told The Island Guardian they are exploring the possibility and researching how the new judgeship would be operated and funded.

It is not necessary to have judicial experience to seek the position. Any attorney is eligible to step forward and say "select me!", and to the surprise of some, and to no surprise to others, current SJC Prosecutor Randy Gaylord has done just that. Gaylord has said he is interested in being the new judge; and according to some sources is already actively working toward that end. If Gaylord does end up being either appointed -or elected- to the position of judge, SJC will need a new Prosecuting Attorney, and that position would be filled by direct appointment from the six sitting member County Council (one of whom, Gene Knapp, is himself a former SJC Prosecuting Attorney).

Gaylord's interest in the position raises some interesting questions
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What Water Shortage?

County hit by heavy rains, and more predicted this weekend. County road culverts are not the only ones not up to the task as above average rainfall in a short period of time has caused flooding of property and private driveways in many areas. The problem was compounded when overnight freezing resulted in "black ice" on many roads
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Winter Ferry Sailing Schedule Starts Sunday

There are some changes in the schedule starting Sunday (Jan 7) when the Washington State Ferries begin the Winter Schedule that will run through March 31, 2007. There will be a weekday and a weekend schedule; and a major change in the good old "red-eye" trip that is sure be a lot of fun.

The ferry system wants to remind us that their winter season is also a slow season for the ferry system, so changes in service are made to save money. This is the fourth year in a row for these seasonal cuts, which saves the system approximately $500,000 each winter season.

The Anacortes/San Juan Island routes experience the most change during the winter schedule. During the winter, service between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C. is canceled, while the normal four boats will run in the San Juan Islands Monday through Friday and three boats on weekends during the winter schedule. This results in their being two schedules, a weekday and a weekend schedule.

The biggest change in the schedule is the following:

The 5:15 p.m. inter-island sailing from Friday Harbor will move to 5:25 p.m. and will not sail to Anacortes as it did in the Winter 2006 schedule. Friday Harbor, Orcas, Shaw and Lopez customers who used this boat to go to Anacortes in the past will now catch the inter-island boat at 5:25 p.m. at Friday Harbor, or 6:10 p.m. at Orcas, or 6:25 p.m. at Shaw and sail to Lopez where they can disembark at 6:45 p.m. and catch the 7:20 p.m. sailing to Anacortes, arriving at Anacortes at 8 p.m. There are a number of minor time adjustments on the schedule earlier in the day to accommodate this change.

The winter schedule (blue in color: No. 203) can be viewed by clicking on the picture of the ferry at the top of this page: "WSF Updates".

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Last Hurrah On Guest Houses? Unlikely.

At some point, the regulations that govern ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units, aka: Guest Houses) will be, as they say "settled law", but that time has not yet come, and a long ongoing appeal of the regulations on Guest Houses will once again take place on Orcas (1-5-07) in front of the GMB (Growth Management Hearings Board) (Past related story)

The appeal of the Guest House ordinance between the County (and the Friends of the San Juans) on one side, and a group of citizens on the other side, may settle some of the arguments, but is unlikely to be the end of the battle.

The two groups are scheduled to make their case before the GMB, and the County and the Friends will be squaring off with a group of citizens who have appealed last years passing of an ordinance that contains major changes and new restrictions on the construction of ADUs in San Juan County.

There are a number of issues, but the common thread that now seems be holding all of the arguments together for review, is the basic question of the fairness of the public process. Did the County follow proper procedures, acting in a good faith and in an open manner that allowed full discussion of all of the issues -and do so in a timely way- or, as those who have appealed imply, did the County make a back room deal with the Friends, and then simply push through the ordnance in a piece-meal fashion in violation of both state and county regulations, and did so without a full understanding of some of the potential negative impacts on the environment.

The appealing parties point out what they believe will show the missteps and failure of the County to follow the proper sequence of steps, and a failure to move forward in the full light of public review and participation. The County says they did everything according to the law.

Depending on how the basic issue pf proper procedure gets settled, some finality may be reached if the GMB finds the County acted according to law, or if they should find the ordinance was not passed in a manner as required by law, it may open up the ordinance to both legal and public inspection of the content; and continue to call into question the wisdom of many of the regulations contained therein. (Past related story)

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PC Review Of Hearing Examiner Rules Delayed

The review by the PC (SJ County Planning Commission) of the SJ Council's proposed rules on appeals of HE (Hearing Examiner) decisions has been delayed again. (Background Story) The first go at PC review was canceled due to the December storm, and the expected review on Wednesday, January 10, 2007, has been canceled due to a lack of proper advertising.

Another item of interest to many will be taken up by the PC on the 10th, when they review the current Comprehensive Plan, and related Development Codes, to determine if they believe any recommendations should be made for changes in either document on Affordable Housing. The possibilities are many, and should lead to an interesting discussion on goals, policies and if changes are made, what regulations would be necessary to effect them

Because the agenda topic is for discussion purposes only, the public will not be allowed to comment (although the PC reserves the right to ask questions of any member of the public or staff as an aid to their discussion). If the County Council were to vote to make changes, there would then be an opportunity for public input prior to a final vote by the CC, and if changes were approved by a vote of the CC, there would be an appeal period that would allow members of the public to challenge the legality of the changes. An example of this process is the so-called Guest House ordinance that has been challenged, and a hearing by the state Growth Board is scheduled to he held this week on Orcas to hear arguments from the County and those who have appealed the ordinance

A work session on the "Rosario Resort Master Plan and associated redesignations" will also be conducted on Wednesday the 10th.

The Planning Commission will meet in the Friday Harbor branch of Key Bank, in the Garden Room, (downstairs). The meeting will start at 10 a.m.

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A New Year Resolution Some Should Make

By Bill Cumming

There is no question that one of the many reasons we live here in the San Juan Islands is the pristine beauty of our islands. I don't think there is a person living here who doesn't feel a sense of violation when they see roadside litter, wondering either out loud to their family or friends, or quietly to themselves, "Why would somebody deliberately do that?"

We have all seen the beer bottles and cans, cigarette butts, cardboard boxes, batteries, and other trash alongside our roads and in our roadside ditches. This question we ask, and the outrage we feel, are not only appropriate, but are also welcomed as a community statement.

Personally, I am continually amazed at this type of behavior. Is it immaturity? Is it anger? Or are those who litter simply making a statement about themselves and the community they live in? If you observe someone littering, I urge you as a member of our community to report it to the Sheriff's Office so it can be dealt with in a way that will hold the individuals accountable for their deliberate actions. They have no excuse for littering our community with their trash. Fines that range from $194 to as much as $5,000, depending on the circumstances, speak to just how expensive littering can be.

There is another type of litter alongside our roads that we can all do something about. Self-hauling recyclables and household refuse to our solid waste facility is a popular activity among most of our island population. Those of us who go to the dump, and I am one of them, need to realize that one of the biggest sources of roadside litter comes from self-haulers who fail to properly secure their loads. It doesn't take much for part of your load to fly off the back of your truck, and onto the roadway, if you don't have it properly loaded, secured, and covered.

The San Juan Island Anti-Litter Initiative has mobilized a variety of community groups and individuals to remind us that it is our responsibility as drivers to ensure the proper loading of any material into our pick-up trucks or other vehicles, and to critically assess whether or not the load should be secured and covered. You should always err on the side of safety and use a cover if there is any question about the possibility of losing part of your load.

Sheriff's deputies and solid waste staff have begun to remind all of us who carry these types of loads of the laws and our responsibilities when doing so. Browne's Home Center has generously stepped forward to help in this effort by providing 25% off coupons for cargo nets that deputies and solid waste staff will be handing out when they encounter drivers with loads that need to be secured.

Let's all do our part in keeping our island pristine. Secure your load, and report to the Sheriff's Office (378-4151) any person throwing litter out a car window or driving with an unsecured load.


(Bill Cumming is the San Juan County Sheriff)


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