WSF Sets New Course With Hammond On Board

(Official WSDOT photo)
Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond was charged by the Governor to make some waves, if necessary, to wake up the Washington State Ferry (WSF) staff, and get the ferry system on a course that will avoid the current administration and financial course the system has been on.

Hammond felt compelled yesterday to make some obligatory positive statements on the resignation of Sam Kuntz, Ferries Division Director of Finance and Administration, stating “Sam has served the ferries well over the five years he has been with WSDOT and we wish him well;” and then added “He has been focused the last two years exclusively on launching the new electronic fare system and serving on the Smart Card implementation board.”

If WSF would have been better served if Kuntz had broaden his focus a bit, she did not comment on; but did say “We are committed to bringing the Ferries Division more into alignment with WSDOT business practices and that includes an evaluation and reorganization of ferries management and organizational structures.”

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Rescue Tug To be Pulled From Service

In spite of repeated efforts by the County Council and environmental groups, the state-funded emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay will be taken out of service for the 2007-08 winter season on Friday, March 7.

Since 1999, the state has contracted to have an emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay during the stormy winter season; but not year around. In August of 2006 the County Council agreed one of their priorities was to convince the legislator to provide funding for year-round tug protection.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she supports having a tug stationed year-round at Neah Bay, as a way to prevent oil spills from disabled ships in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the outer coast at all times.

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New (Improved?) Stormwater Ordinance Launched

The County Council released their long awaited draft stormwater ordinanceTuesday. On first read the draft appears to be a stripped down, leaner, and -some will argue- still mean, version of the original ordinance that was rejected by a tsunami of votes last year

The funding ordinance the voters rejected last year set an annual countywide fee of $42.60 for all developed property, plus a 50% surcharge inside unincorporated Urban Growth Boundaries.

The new ordinance sets a “A Basic Stormwater Fee” of $6.00 a year on all parcels; with the exception of classified forest and timber land. All other land, developed or not, and regardless of any mitigation that may have been installed by the landowner to offset the impacts of stormwater, will be subject to the fee.

That is the basic idea, but early on the ordinance makes it clear that it is to be a dynamic document subject to change. The introduction to the Guidelines for Storm Water Fees ends with the open ended phrase “..and may include the following”.

To those experienced in the ways of government, this sets off alarm bells that the fees may (will?) start to expand just about the same time some of the money is spent “paying all or any part of the cost and expense of …planning, designing, establishing…any or such facilities” related to stormwater.

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Response Tug Does It Again

The Gladiator, the state-funded seasonal emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay, was dispatched at 3:30 a.m.yesterday after a 651-foot bulk carrier ship lost propulsion while entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The Star Indiana's fuel pump failed. The Norwegian-owned ship had left Los Angeles on Feb. 23.

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port dispatched the Gladiator as a precautionary measure. The vessel eventually regained propulsion and continued on to its port of call in Canadian waters.

The Captain of the Port ordered the vessel to retain a tug escort for the rest of its trip in U.S. waters. At about 6:40 a.m., the Gladiator was relieved by the Crowley tug, Hunter, west of Port Angeles. The Star Indiana arrived at Constance Bank, British Columbia, about 9:30 a.m. for assessment and repairs.

The state has contracted to station a standby emergency response tug at Neah Bay since spring 1999.

Since then, the tug has stood by or assisted 40 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transporting oil and other cargo along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil.


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Council Makes A “Refined List” Of Priorities For SJC

(Only two members of the public showed up for the workshop)

Retreats and work sessions are designed to allow a free flow of ideas and solutions to the how San Juan County should be governed, and the Council decided last year to hold a retreat to look forward, twenty or more years, as they prioritized a long list of things they had identified as important

Last year the Council decided that a list of initiatives and prioritized set of goals would, among other things, help the Council get some things done.
Exactly one year after the 2007 Retreat, the Council and County Administrator Pete Rose, held their 2008 workshop, and come up with a list of priorities, called a “refined List” of Core Initiatives.

To get there, the council spent most of the day making a list under key categories, then “voted” on them by each member ranking them one to ten. That process generated a “Refined List”, which was in turn ranked and prioritized.

The refined list -in order of rankings, a sort of “Top Ten Reasons” of what the County needs to do, and when- may surprise the public.

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Saving the Farm Without Breaking the Bank

By Tim Clark

Do you enjoy the clean air, fresh water, and healthy food that your land produces? Would you like to pass that on to future generations? Perhaps you are considering donating your development rights to reduce your income taxes. Possibly your heirs will benefit from lower inheritance taxes. Or you may just like the feeling of knowing your farm will never be carved into pieces and developed. So how do you go about it?

There are two main steps: 1) Decide what you want, and 2) Contact a local land conservation organization to work out the details. Telephone numbers and websites are listed below. The organization will want to meet you on your farm if it sounds like protecting your land will fit their mission. This site visit will allow everyone to evaluate your land, and to clarify wishes and concerns.
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Ecology Partial Certifies a “Wave Power” Project

Finavera Renewable photo

The State’s initial approval of two aspects of a proposal for a wave energy pilot project in Makah Bay may forecast how the Department of Ecology (DOE) will act on a tidal energy project that has been put forward for the waters of San Juan County.

The Makah Bay project has received two important go-aheads from the DOE. One approval certifies the project detailed in Vancouver Canada based Finavera Renewable’s application for their project won’t violate Clean Water Act regulations and, and the second states the project is consistent with the state’s Coastal Zone Management Program.

This determination gives Finavera the green light to move the project forward. The company must still receive other necessary state and federal permits before constructing the project; and it is in the final stage of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing. It is the first project to receive a power purchase agreement from a Public Utility.

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How To Protecting Your Home From Wild Fires

(Residents of the Misty Isle Firewise Community, one of the newest ones on the Island, protecting their community from wild fires. -Ron Garner photo

The South Cady Mountain Firewise Community will be hosting an introductory meeting to discuss these issues and the logistics of becoming a Firewise Community on February 26 at 6PM. It will be held at the San Juan Island Fire Department’s headquarters at 1011 Mullis St. Tom Pence will also discuss the progress they have made to protect the Gerry Oaks in their neighborhood.

Many Island neighborhoods are becoming Firewised to protect themselves against wild fires. The Firewise USA program is designed to help Islanders understand the potential threat of wild fire, what to do before one starts, and how to react when one comes to their area. Actions such as cleaning gutters, keeping access roads open for fire vehicles, and dealing with ladder fuels may help save ones home.

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County Council In 2008 Retreat

(File photo of 2007 Council Retreat-Workshop)

The County Council will hold a Retreat-Workshop on Monday (Feb-25. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the Commons Room UW Labs in Friday Harbor. The meeting is open to the public.

The Council held a similar meeting last year, and this year the topics include -among others things- a discussion by each member of two or three things they have accomplished over the past year that they are most proud of. Once that is out of the way the Council will get down to a discussion of where they are, and where they believe they need to go.

The meeting will also include a "facilitated discussion" of: what remains, is in process, and needs to be included by the Council to best serve the county. The full agenda for the Monday meeting (and the Tuesday Lopez meeting) can be accessed by: Clicking Here!
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Port of FH Aviation Museum Dedicated

The San Juan Aviation Museum was officially opened on Sunday. February 24. 2008, in the Roy Franklin Terminal at Friday Harbor Airport, and was attended by what FH Port Director Marilyn O’Connor called the “largest crowd to ever be in the building”

The Museum consists of wall displays and a glassed fronted cabinet that will be used to house various aviation displays that will be changed and added to through out the year. The Museum has ostensibly been established to portray the history of aviation in the San Juan Islands since the 1940s, and in so doing it becomes clear the aviation history in the county is in large part the history of one man, Roy Franklin.


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Survey Results "Varied"

(Pete Rose responds to a question at a community meeting at Roche Harbor)

The results of a survey conducted by San Juan County District 2 Count Councilman Rich Peterson are in, and while the results are varied and interesting. Peterson said that “common themes emerged - challenges in dealing with bureaucracy, disappointment about unfair regulations, concern that the Council is distracted by issues not locally critical, and so forth.”

The public was able to take the survey on-line (it will be available until the end of the month), and also at a community meeting Peterson held on February 16th

As of last week there were a total of 58 respondents, many of whom offered comments in addition to filling in the appropriate blanks. Peterson found the “comments were relevant, perceptive, and, in some cases, profound. You can be assured that I have read everything you submitted and that your views will have widespread circulation in the County.”

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St. Patrick’s Extravaganza, Dinner and Auction

(Becki Day & Jack Woolsey at last years dinner)

The Ninth Annual St. Patrick’s Extravaganza, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, will take place Saturday, March 15, 6pm at the San Juan Island Yacht Club.

This year there will be one Dinner Seating at 6pm. View and bid on the Silent Auction, raffle drawings, enjoy the always delicious full Holiday Dinner, lively Irish music and fun Live Auction. Live auction begins at 7:30 following the Silent Auction announcements. A cash bar will be available. Tickets for the 6pm dinner seating cost: Adults $20, Seniors(62 plus) $15 and Children (under 12) $10.


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Help out at the K-9 Carnival!

Island Rec is looking for volunteers to help out at our K-9 Carnival on Sunday, March 30th. Volunteers can help out before with set-up, during with parking, fee collection, and activities, or after the event.

The K-9 carnival is a chance for dogs and their human companions to spend a day making new friends and having a good time. Come help out a little and have a lot of fun! For more information or to volunteer contact Abby @ 378-4953.
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A Gift of Land On Orcas

The San Juan County Land Bank has received a bequest of 36 acres on Orcas Island from William H. Halpenny of Riverside, California.

The parcel adjoins the Land Bank’s Entrance Mountain Preserve, expanding the protected natural area to over 120 acres. In the coming months, the Land Bank will complete ecological assessments and incorporate this acquisition into the Entrance Mountain Preserve Stewardship Plan.

Like other portions of the Preserve, the Halpenny addition has rugged, steep topography and is heavily forested. Of particular note is the prevalence of Sitka spruce and scattered areas of mature big leaf maple.

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Solar Still Too Expensive To Be Viable

Despite increasing popular support for solar photovoltaic panels in the United States, their costs far outweigh the benefits, according to a new analysis by Severin Borenstein, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business and director of the UC Energy Institute.

"Solar photovoltaic (PV) is a very exciting technology, but the current technology is not economic," said Borenstein. "We are throwing money away by installing the current solar PV technology, which is a loser."

In his January working paper, "The Market Value and Cost of Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Product ," Borenstein also found that, even after considering that the panels reduce greenhouse gases, their costs still far outweigh their social benefits.

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BC To Pump Some Money Into Sewage Treatment

the BC government has made a commitment to initial funding of sewage treatment for Victoria's Capital Regional District. But environmental groups are still calling on the BC Premier to go one step further and include innovative investments in the recovery of heat and energy from liquid and organic solid waste as a part of his upcoming plan to respond to climate change.

The groups note that that a growing number of cities are demonstrating the benefits of such "resource recovery", which can contribute greatly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For example:

Sequim, Wash., recovers water from its sewage that meets reclaimed water standards; amd an Edmonton treatment plant provides 1 million litres/day of water to a nearby oil refinery; Stockholm, Sweden, heats 80,000 homes with heat reclaimed from sewage.
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House & Senate Water Down Stormwater Regulation

With the House passing House Bill 2558 by 96-0, and the Senate voting 48-0, the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) has moved closer to removing at least one “regulatory burden without environmental benefits.”

The action by the House and the Senate was in response by a request by DOE to “correct the unintended consequences of additional workload for local governments” that resulted as a result of a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that applied to construction projects that disturb one or more acres of land.

HB2558 exempts certain minor new construction associated with construction storm water general permits from the state environmental policy act.

Until 2005, construction projects that disturbed less than five acres of land were exempt from obtaining a construction stormwater permit from Ecology, and were not required to comply with the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

All that changed in 2005 when Ecology adopted a new construction stormwater permit designed to meet more stringent federal stormwater requirements, but in doing so, the exemption from SEPA for construction projects that disturbed less than five acres of land was not updated.

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A Dog Park Planned for San Juan Island

The recently formed San Juan Island Dog Park Steering Committee has submitted plans for a San Juan Island dog park for County approval. Thanks to a generous offer by the Browne family to lease land for five years at a dollar per year, the dog park has a temporary home.

The proposed park will be located on an undeveloped parcel of land between Browne’s Home Center and the fire station. “If the county approves the conditional use permit and fund raising goes as well as we expect it to, we could have a really excellent dog park as early as the middle of summer,” commented community activist Jim Stegall.

The park will consist of a large fenced area where dogs and owners can both be safely exercised and socialized. A separate area for small and elderly dogs will allow all to enjoy the facility. Adequate parking and benches will be provided.


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CC Not Meeting This Week

The County Council will not be meeting the week of February 18, 2008.

On Monday, February 25, 2008 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The San Juan County Council will hold a Special County Council meeting as a "Council Retreat" which will be a Workshop discussion of the Future Directions and Policies of San Juan County. The meeting will be held at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs Common Room, on San Juan Island, Washington. The meeting is open to the public, and there may, or may not, be an opportunity for the public to comment.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2008 a Special Council Meeting will be at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, at 204 Village Road, Lopez Island, Washington, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

on Monday, March 3, 2008, beginning at 12:30 PM there is to be a subcommittee charter completion meeting with the Ferry Advisory Committee at the County Legislative Building.

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New Ferries On The Horizon

Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed Senate Bill 6794, which authorizes the construction of up to three new 100 car ferries to serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route in April 2009

In a county press release, Council Chair Rosenfeld is quoted as stating, “in her statement, the Governor unconditionally reconfirmed her commitment to the long-planned construction of the three new 144 car ferries that we expect to provide the most benefit to San Juan County.”

According to the Governor’s spokesperson, the Governor does not intend to allow the construction of the smaller 100 car boats to delay the construction of the larger ferries needed to replace the aging and ailing fleet that services San Juan County.

Councilman Ranker said he joined Chairman Rosenfeld in being "cautiously optimistic,” and that “I am greatly pleased to see the Governor so clearly focused on the needs of the Ferry system.” Rosenfeld concluded. “The battle for the funding to rebuild the ferry system that our islands depend upon has just begun, but I am feeling much more hopeful now than I was just a few weeks ago.”


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UW Study: Regulations Raise Housing Costs

It is not news that many in San Juan County have said one reason for the lack of affordability of housing in SJC is due to the ever increasing regulations.

But even they may be surprised by a new study that shows regulations can add a lot to the cost of a home: as much as $200,000.00 in Seattle.

Former County Commissioner John Evans and others have repeatedly testified to any group that will listen that the effect of removing the amount of land that can be used to construct a home on, is also driving up the cost of construction on the remaining undeveloped land.

For those who have sounded the tocsin that the county is in danger of becoming a home for only the well-to-do, they have just received support from a member of the economic faculty at the University of Washington.

Professor Theo S. Eicher (photo above -UW photo), a R. R. Richards Distinguished Scholar and the founding director of the UW's Economic Policy Research Center has produced a study entitled “Growth Management, Land Use Regulations, and Housing Prices: Implications for Major Cities in Washington State” “Growth Management, Land Use Regulations, and Housing Prices: Implications for Major Cities in Washington State”, which is scheduled to be published in the Northwest Journal of Business and Economics. His paper sets out compelling arguments for understanding the true costs of regulations.


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Guest Editorial

One at a Time … One on One

(Found on only one stretch of one island road)

By Marcy Hahn

So often social issues are addressed to the masses through ads and letters to the editor. I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps the issue of improper disposal of cigarette butts needs to be broached one smoker at a time, one on one.

On a recent weekend, while waiting for the ferry in Anacortes, I observed a bearded gentleman in a gray sedan (you know who you are) smoking and flicking cigarette ashes out the window. I continued to watch because I guessed he would be dropping the butt on the ground below - I was correct. I sat a few minutes and the more I thought about it, the more incensed I became about his behavior.


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SSIS Seeks Host Family Volunteers

Spring Street International School on San Juan Island is seeking to expand their boarding offerings to include host family stays for both international and U.S. boarding students for the Academic Year 2008 - 2009 (Sept. – June) . In addition to their dormitory, they are looking to place international full-time boarding and U. S. weekday boarding students in host family environments.

Host families will be compensated for their services with a monthly payment per student, based on full or part time boarding. Full student profiles will be provided and host family interviews will be required. Please note that host families are eligible for a modest tax deduction for every month of hosting.


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DOE: Put Drain Pipes On A Fat-Free Diet

It’s not something we think about when we pour leftover grease down the drain, but health departments -wastewater treatment plant operators- across the state wish folks would put their pipes on a fat-free diet.

The Department of Ecology (DOE) points out that most blockages in septic and sewer systems can be traced to the presence of fats, oils, and grease, creating sewage spills and sewage overflows both onto private property and into city streets. It can also mean more frequent pumping of septic tanks; and that means more expense to the home owner..

“Cleanups are difficult and costly,” explained Lynda Jamison, a water-quality specialist with the Washington Department of Ecology. “Blockages can cause raw sewage to back up into streets and possibly even into homes and businesses.”


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County Moves To Legalize Rainwater Catchment

The County Council has voted to apply for a “general permit” that will result in the legalization of rainwater catchment systems; something the County has been allowing and encouraging for sometime, even though it has been illegal to do so without having proper state permits.

Because Washington State decided years ago that they “own” the rainwater that falls on the state -in the same way they own the water in the ground- a permit from the state is required to capture and use water.

The SJC Environmental Health department had in the past been opposed to the use of rainwater catchment systems, due to obvious potential health concerns and the requirement for a state permit, but over the years they have been directed by every Board of County Commissioners, the current County Council, and the new Board of Health, to permit the use of rainwater for domestic use, provided a county permit is obtained that approves the design and use of the water.

On Tuesday the department joined in with other groups and committees in support of the County applying for a state permit than will solve the legal issue.

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Turtleback Management Plan Available For Review

The San Juan County Land Bank is inviting public comment on its Draft Stewardship and Management Plan for Turtleback Mountain Preserve.

Comments will be accepted through March 31, 2008, and may be submitted in writing or by attending one of three public meetings. Written comments should be directed to the Land Bank at 350 Court St. #6, Friday Harbor, 98250. All meetings will be held from 6 – 8 pm as follows: March 4 at Lopez Library; March 10 at Orcas Senior Center’s Lundeen Room; and March 12 at San Juan Island Mullis Center.

The Draft Plan elaborates on the theme of Turtleback as a natural area that will be managed to protect the land’s native species, habitats, and other noteworthy features, and to enable low-impact, compatible public use.

Once finalized, it will replace the existing Interim Management Plan. It will direct stewardship of the Preserve for years to come. The Draft Plan is available for download on the Land Bank’s website ( http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/land_bank/turtle_back.html ) or by calling the office at 378-4402.

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Westcott Bay Institute Awarded Grant

The Westcott Bay Institute (WBI) of San Juan Island has been awarded a two-year $20,000 grant from the Norcliffe Foundation in Seattle. The grant will support the WBI Arts Education Programs

The award is in recognition of the Institute’s continuing efforts in arts education, and supports its Family Art Days, Artists in Action, and Adult Workshops programs for 2008.

The award is granted in two parts; the first part was received in December 2007 and the second will be received in December 2008.


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2nd Council District Community Meeting Scheduled

Second District County Councilman Rich Peterson, , has announced that he has scheduled a community meeting on February 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Roche Harbor Pavilion. He hopes that residents with an interest in issues affecting them will attend the meeting and offer their views.

Rich has been in office slightly over a year and is interested in feedback on perceptions of the council’s general effectiveness during this period as well as his specific performance.

This meeting will also serve as an opportunity for residents to help shape the council agenda for the future. Rich will provide a survey which he hopes many of the attendees will complete in order to assist him in developing priorities for the future and best serving the interests of the second district and the county as
a whole.

The 2nd District encompasses roughly the north half of the island, excluding the Town of Friday Harbor. Interested members of the community outside the district are also welcome to attend.

Hard copies of the survey will be available at the County Council Office and may be downloaded from the County website at Survey

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Council Agrees on “Provisional” Logo, Do You Agree?

A new logo has been proposed by the County Council. The new logo (bottom right above) has been informally accepted as the new County logo, which would replace the three different logos now used by various County departments; pending a period for public comment.

The public comment period resulted when the Council was asked why they were making a decision without public comment. It was then decided that there would be an opportunity for the public to review and “vote” on a logo.

When asked what was wrong with the current logo, County Administrator Pete Rose Communications Program Manager Stan Matthews said there were currently three logos being used, and noted the need for developing a single logo that would be the official county logo for business cards and for the new county website ( www.sanjuanco.com ).

Matthews worked with a local graphic designer (Angie Roberts of Graphic Details), to develop the logo but, Matthews noted, “We had a lot of input from the Council, County employees and a lot of informal input from members of the public. Every element of the logo was modified, rearranged or swapped out – many of them several times.” One could be excused for thinking that while now the public may weigh in on the logo, there is some locking in by the County on the proposed design

Matthew states “the provisional logo emphasizes the natural beauty of the county, including islands with green hills, a sailboat, an eagle and a prominently featured Orca whale. The actual whale used was drawn by Council Chair Howie Rosenfeld, after he and other Council Members expressed concern that in an earlier version of the logo, the whale did not look authentic. Rosenfeld is a well known marine artist.”

The public can view and comment on the new logo, and view copies of older county logos at: www.sanjuanco.com/special/logo.aspx.


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FAC & Council Members Meet

The Ferry Advisory Committee met on Monday in Friday Harbor with County Council Chair Howard Rosenfeld and Councilman Bob Myhr to discuss how the Committee should function, and a general discussion on how they and the Council should relate to each other. Later in the morning the Council also took up the matter.

They agreed on a number of issues, one was that communication should flow both ways, and that the Council needed to be active. One of the FAC members asked that the when the Council is in communication with WSF, or goes to Olympia, that there be communication with the FAC so that the Council may benefit from the expertise of the FAC membership.

“The government is doing a lot of stupid things” one member said, and complained that when Councilman Ranker goes off to D.C. to talk to Senator Cantwell’s office, and goes to Olympia, the Council does not communicating with the FAC before, or after. There were given as examples of the lack of communication from the Council to the FAC.

Chair Rosenfeld said “that is a very good point,” and Myhr said that “it is a two way street”, then added “Or should be.” As if on cue, FAC Chair Sutton asked Rosenfeld to give a recap of his recent conversation with the governor when council members recently went to Olympia to meet with the governor and legislators about -among other things- ferry issues.

Rosenfeld said “the bottom line in talking to the governor is that this year is going to be a matter of stop gaps, they will do what ever they have to do to patch the whole thing together.” And that “there is no plan for the long term funding of the ferries.”

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New WSF Director May Be Good News For SJC

David Moseley is the new Washington State Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for the Ferries Division, and he is no stranger to County Administrator Pete Rose. After a council meeting that discussed ferry related issues (see story above) Rose said that Moseley “has the backbone needed to get things done.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Moseley to replace former director Mike Anderson. who retired in 2007. Moseley was the Vice President for the Institute for Community Change in Seattle, and had been Federal Way city manager from 1999 to 2006. Rose was a city manager of Woodinville.

When Gregoire appointed Moseley she stated that she was “pleased to. ..launch a new day and a new direction for the Washington state ferry system,” and said that. “over the next 18 months, I have asked Secretary Hammond and her new ferry system assistant secretary to transform the state ferry system so during these changing times it will remain the safest, most responsive, and highest caliber system in the world.”


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A Historical Day

(State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander prepares to administer the oath of office to Judge Linde)

History was made on Friday when veteran judge John Linde received the oath of office from state Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander. In the 135 year history of a county court system, Judge Linde thus became the first Superior Court Judge to be solely dedicated to a San Juan County district

The Superior Court room was overflowing with supporters, friends, politicians, and curious citizens who had come to be a part of, and a witness to, the historical event. But it was not just the public that showed up, so did the judicial branch of government.

Eleven judges were in attendance for the oath of office and the ceremonial robing, representing King, Island, and Skagit counties, and of course the State was represented by Chief Justice Alexander.


(L to R: Judge Dave Needy, Skagit County Superior Court; King County Superior Court Judge Greg Canova; King County District Court Judge Barbara Linde; Skagit County Superior Court Judges Mike Rickert and Susan Cook; Island County Superior Court Judges Alan Hancock & Vickie Churchill; State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, and Stewart Andrew, San Juan County District Court Judge.

Linde is not unaccustomed to the wearing of a robe. He was appointed San Juan County District Court Judge in 1977, and held the judgeship for twenty-two years, winning five elections in a row for the position before choosing not to run for the term that began in January 1999.

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National Trust Honors Friday Harbor

Calling Friday Harbor "One Square Mile of Perfection", the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Friday Harbor, Washington one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

So how why did the Trust include Friday Harbor in the top dozen destinations? Well, "Friday Harbor boasts nearly 150 historic buildings reflecting the community’s civic, commercial and residential history. Friday Harbor is one of Washington’s few seaport villages to survive the turn-of-the-century fires that engulfed early Seattle and other cities. Its authentic downtown streetscape and postage-size Memorial Park are the gateway to discovering the rich history, rural character and pristine marine environment of the San Juan archipelago."

“With its distinctive Pacific Northwest heritage and seaside activity, Friday Harbor is an inviting destination no matter what you look for in a vacation,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “In the face of ever-increasing tourism pressure, it has successfully preserved its historic fabric and safeguarded its natural environment to retain its authentic sense of place.”

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Caucus Results

(Democrats head off to caucus rooms -Note: two photos merged as one view-Ed

The San Juan County Democrats and Republicans caucused Saturday, and both broke previous attendance records.. While both parties had assumed the participation would be larger than in 2004, it was the Democrats who showed up in overwhelming numbers.

The Democrats filled the SJI School Commons room for a general meeting, and then as they filed out of the room to caucus in various classrooms, it was an impressive swelling sea of humanity that filled the width and length of the long hallways leading to the class rooms.
The Republicans met in the SJI Grange building, and while the turnout was greater than in 2004, it was a far less number than the Democrats had been able to generate.

San Juan County has a history of not always being in lockstep with the rest of the state when it comes to voters issues, but on Saturday the county very much seems to mirrored the rest of the state in voter preferences.

The 1600 voting Democrates went big for Barack Obama
The Breakdown by Island:
San Juan Hillary Clinton 11 delegates Barack Obama 56 delegates Uncommitted 1

Orcas Hillary Clinton 7 delegates Barack Obama 35 delegates D. Kucinich 3

Lopez Hillary Clinton 4 delegates Barack Obama 19 delegates D. Kucinich 1

Shaw Hillary Clinton 1 delegate Barack Obama 2 delegates

Waldron Hillary Clinton 0 delegates Barack Obama 2 delegates

The Republicans were split, but McCain was the winner
Orcas ------------ Huckabee 4; McCain 7; Paul 4; Romney 3; Uncommitted 4

San Juan ------- Huckabee 4; McCain 14; Paul 5; Romney 10; Uncommitted 3

Lopez --====== Huckabee 2; McCain 4; Paul 1; Romney 2; Uncommitted 0
(No results available for Shaw and Waldron)

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American Cancer Society Offers Transportation Assistance

Left to right: Personal Health Services Manager JoAnne Campbell; Debbie Hanson of the American Cancer Society, and Kathy Hagn of SJC Health & Community Services collaborate to help cancer patients with transportation costs)

San Juan County Health and Community Services has received funding from the American Cancer Society for transportation assistance for San Juan County residents receiving cancer treatment on the mainland.

The emotional and economic toll that cancer takes on individuals and families is enormous. Bearing the cost of off-island transportation adds to an already daunting series of tasks facing local cancer patients as they proceed with treatment. It is fortunate that organizations such as the American Cancer Society recognize the need for support with this issue and provide assistance.

For more information about this program and other cancer treatment transportation resources in San Juan County contact Kathy Hagn, San Juan County Health and Community Services, 370-7514 or 378-4474.


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Gladiator Tug Aids 918' Ship Headed Our Way

The Gladiator, the state-funded seasonal emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay, will help escort the 918-foot container vessel APL Australia part way through the Strait of Juan de Fuca this evening (Feb 7). The container ship lost its secondary hydraulic steering system, but its primary steering system is functional.

Due to high winds and other unfavorable sea and weather conditions, the Coast Guard today issued a Captain of the Port order requiring a tug escort for the container ship all the way to its destination in Seattle.

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SJI National Park Draft Plan Available

Three alternatives have been examined in a draft general management plan and environmental impact statement for San Juan Island National Historical Park; and one of them has been declared the “preferred alternative”; but the Park Service is required to receive any public input that is offered, before final action is taken.

Thursday, Feb 7, from 4 to 6 p.m.& 7 to 9 p.m. two public meetings were held on the Draft Plan at the Mullis Senior Center in FH to explain the plans and to take public comment..

The National Park Service (NPS) draft plan is a response to planning requirements and to issues identified during a completed scoping process. These alternatives address visitor use and the preservation of cultural and natural resources to protect and interpret the sites of the American and English camps, and of commemorating the historic events that occurred from 1853-1871 on the island in connection with the final settlement of the Oregon Territory boundary dispute, including the so-called Pig War of 1859.


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Knowledge Bowl - 2008

The results are in, and the three year running champs of knowledge, the mighty Rotary Club, has fallen.

This year the winner of the San Juan Public Schools Foundation Knowledge Bowl 2008 is the 11th & 12th grader team of Kate Fyrquist; Kara Dunn; Otto Schmidt; Cody Price; Theo Pratt and Angela Gossom; who won with a grand total of 86 points.

CLICK HERE for the full story and photos of the event
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San Juan County Declaration & Resolution on Climate Change

Councilman Kevin Ranker was the first to bring it up, but it was Councilman Alan Lichter who pushed and worked to commit San Juan County to taking a stand, and some action, on how the county can “take steps for climate stabilization” to reduce climate change; at least at a local level.

First thing to do is pass an ordinance that sets out the problem, some action items, and some recommendations. After many discussions and drafts, and with a plastic water bottle sitting in front of each council member, the Council was at long last able to pass a Declaration & Resolution on Climate Change.

The next step will be for the County Administrator to figure out how to take the action, follow the recommendations, and find the money to put in the budget to accomplish the directives the ordinance requires the County to do. And the ordinance also includes "ten actions that San Juan County residents and businesses can take" as well.

The full ordinance is as follows:

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Historic Preservation Review Board Members Needed

The Town of Friday Harbor is accepting nominations for one open position on the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).

HPRB members are volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor and Town Council for terms of two-years, and are charged with carrying out the historic preservation elements of the Town of Friday Harbor’s Comprehensive Plan. The HPRB meets twice monthly, at 7pm, the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: architecture/architectural history, historic preservation, landscape design, construction, planning, design review, historical research, real estate, and local history. Membership in the San Juan Historical Society is preferred, but not required.

For information about board duties and responsibilities, visit www.fridayharbor.org or contact Sandy Strehlou, Historic Preservation Review Board Coordinator, Town of Friday Harbor, 378-2810, sstrehlou@fridayharbor.org, or PO Box 219, Friday Harbor.

Interested candidates should provide a resume and cover letter. Application materials may be hand-delivered, mailed or emailed c/o Historic Preservation Review Board, but must be received no later than 4pm, Wednesday, February 13th.


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New Program Helping 7th & 8th Graders Set Their Sights On College

Washington middle-school students who dream of going to college but worry their families won’t be able to afford it have a new promise from the state: Work hard in school, keep your grades up, stay out of trouble, and a four-year scholarship could be yours.

The College Bound Scholarship offers an incentive for students and families who otherwise might not consider college an option because of the cost. The scholarship covers college tuition, fees and books for students from low-income families who sign a pledge in 7th or 8th grade promising to graduate from high school and demonstrate good citizenship, and is guaranteed for students who meet the eligibility criteria.

About 56,000 students are eligible to apply this year. Eighth grade students must apply by June 1, 2008, while this year’s seventh graders will have until June 1, 2009. Family income must be 65 percent or less than the state’s median family income at the time the student graduates from high school. (Currently, 65 percent of the median family income is $47,000 for a family of four).

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Ribbon Cut For New Administrative Building

(County Council joins in for cemermonil ribbon cutting -we have no idea what the hats were for)

In early 2006 the Council made the decision to purchase the Carlson Building, and by late summer they voted to move the Council and admistrative offices into the new building

After 1.7 million to purchase, and nearly $800,000 in costs to re-model and develop office and meeting room space, Council Chair Howard Rosenfeld cut a red and gold ribbon Tuesday morning to officially open the building and the new high-tech hearing room in the County’s new legislative building



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Public Display Of Support For MacLeod

(Grand opening of new Council Meeting room filled with unhappy citizens)

Approximately 20 people showed up for Citizen Access on Tuesday with testimony and a petition in support of Alex MacLeod, the former chairman of the Ferry Advisory Committee.

The petition was signed by nearly100 citizens, and submitted to the County Council as a stream of voters took to the podium to express their anger at the commissioners for not only removing MacLeod, but also the manner in which it was done.

There were, as one might expect, some common complaints that connected all of the testimony of the dozen or so who took to the stand, but there were also some unusual statements made in support of MacLeod.

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Election 2008: How It Works In Washington

By Milene Henley

San Juan County voters have the opportunity this month to participate in one of the most spirited presidential races in recent memory. Ballots for the Presidential Preference Primary were mailed last week, and are due February 19, the official day of the election.
As of this writing, there is no clear candidate from either party. Depending on the results of yesterday’s “Super Tuesday” primaries, Washington voters may be in a position to determine the final candidates who will face off in November.

Washington’s presidential primary was created by citizen initiative in 1989, driven by a frustration with the party caucus system. Only 2% of registered voters attend caucuses, yet those caucuses determine how our state’s political party delegates are selected. Presidential primaries were held in 1992, 1996, and 2000, with successively increasing turnouts. The State Legislature cancelled the primary in 2004, and considered cancelling it again in 2008.

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Council Holds First Meeting In Legislative Building

(County Council meets in new room for first time)

The County Council held their first “shake down” meeting Monday morning in the new Legislative Hearing Room at the Legislative Building (aka The Carlson Bld - across from the court house) and will have a Grand Opening on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. (see story above) followed by a Grand Opening Celebration (free food paid by you, for you) at 12:00 p.m.. All are, of course, welcome.


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Farmland Preservation 101A

By Tim Clark

In 1954, San Juan County had 50% more farms than today, and these farms were over twice as large. What does this mean?

It means that we now have only 27% of the farmland we had then. Within the memory of the average county farmer, farmland has shrunk from two out of every five acres to one out of nine. We lost 9% of our farmland just from 1997 to 2002. It’s no wonder the County Council named agriculture a top priority in 2008.

We all know why this is important. “Food Security” sounds like fashionable phrase, but it means we can feed ourselves when ferries break or transportation costs rise. In this century of global warming, sustainable farming practices can sequester tons of carbon in the soil. Once farmland is developed, it is lost forever. For those involved in our tourism industry, who will come to look at our glorious views of housing lots?


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Marine Resources Committee Sets Goals for 2008

The San Juan County Council has approved an ambitious Marine Resources Committee Work Plan for 2008, which works toward implementing the strategies for the Marine Stewardship Area. Established by the County in 2004, the Stewardship Area identifies special management areas throughout the county that allow sustainable use of marine resources while protecting and restoring sensitive marine species and habitats.

Highlights of the 2008 Work Plan include outreach efforts to help foster a stewardship ethic in residents and visitors, maintaining and improving research and monitoring efforts in the Marine Stewardship Area (MSA), developing an aquatic reserve proposal, and providing extensive assistance to the County to develop programs and policies that support the MSA strategies.


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Senate Bill To Charge Fee To Appeal CAO

A new bill ( SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6493 )is working it’s way through the Senate that would allow the collecting of a $400.00 filing fee to appeal a critical areas ordinance (CAO), and then allow a “city to sue the complainant and receive up to twice its attorneys’ fees” if the appeal is found by the court to be “frivolous.”
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SJI Agricultural Guild To Work Toward Farmers’ Market

A formation of a new group was ratified at a public meeting on Monday (February 4) to form a San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild.

The meeting was held in the Community Room at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor, and was scheduled to run from 1-4 PM, but it did not take that much time for the assembled group to agree on the need and the structure of the group.

For more information on how to become involved, the public may contact Eliza Buck, ARC Coordinator; who will be acting as a staff contact until funding can be obtained to hire a dedicated staff person. Buck may be reached at: e.buck@sanjuanislandscd.org or by calling 378-6621.

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Chris Ogle Found Deceased

(2-2-08, 8:10 p.m.)Chris Ogle, 46 years old, was found deceased late afternoon on Saturday. Mr. Ogle's body was in his partially submerged pick up truck in a small pond located just north of Egg Lake Road, off of Beaverton Valley Road.

Mr. Ogle's pick up truck was discovered by a Seattle resident working part time on an island building on San Juan Island. Circumstances as to how the vehicle ended up in the pond, which was isolated and not accessed by any road remain under investigation.

Mr. Ogle was last seen on January 01, 2008 in Friday Harbor, WA. According to the Sheriff's office there has been no bank or cellular activity since January 02, 2008.

An autopsy is being scheduled to be conducted by the Snohomish Medical Examiner, a normal procedure when questions exist as to the cause of death.

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Washington Orcas Return To California Waters

( From left: L-88, L-78, L-105, L-67, and L-72 off Cypress Point, California. -Photo courtesy of Nancy Black/Monterey Bay Whale Watch)

By Ken Balcomb

In spite of the rough winter weather in California, the Puget Sound Orca (officially known as Southern Resident Killer Whales or SRKW’s) once again traveled more than six hundred miles down the Pacific coast to Monterey Bay in search of their favorite food – Chinook salmon, now scarce in Washington State.

Nancy Black, of Monterey Bay Whale Watch, forwarded us this photograph taken yesterday of L67,72,78,88,105 and many other L pod whales off Cypress Point near Carmel, heading south. Part of a pod of about 43 whales, they were last confirmed in Puget Sound on 14 December 2007 by researchers from the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA).

Subsequently, we have reports of at least one L pod whale (L57) near the San Juan Islands on 13 January, a large group of killer whales heading west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on 14 January, a pod of killer whales going south past Depoe Bay Oregon on 17 January, a pod of killer whales heading south off Fort Bragg California on 20 January, and a pod of killer whales heading south off Gualala, California on 21 January.
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