SJICC Votes To Spearhead Town Improvement Plan

(Architect Kevin Peterson -foreground- and Chamber members listen as King Fitch gives history of past improvement plans)

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce has voted to “lead the way” in drafting a plan to improve the overall look and use of the streets and sidewalks of Friday Harbor. This is not first time the Chamber has taken on the task, and it is not the first time that the Town has pointed out that major improvements cost money.

Town Manger King Fitch told the Chamber members that previous calls for downtown improvements had resulted in a published study and plan in 1981, but that it had not been adopted by the Town, either as an official or a guiding document. Fitch said the plan was what the Town could have looked like, had there been a political will on the part of the Town. He said that over time the improvements that have been made were inspired by the ideas in the ‘81’ study.

Mayor David Jones asked “who is going to pay” for improvements? He reminded the group that there are major projects scheduled that will be very expensive, and are required to be completed. With that good news as an introduction, Chamber member Kevin Peterson, an urban planner and licensed architect who has worked on large projects throughout the world, presented some conceptual drawings of various ways the downtown streets and sidewalks could be changed. Changes he said, that would make the town more attractive, while also making it more effective in handling vehicles and pedestrian traffic.


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Real Estate Investment Seminar -Free!

A free Real Estate Investment seminar for the public and professionals will be held Thursday, May 3rd, 6:00pm to 8:00, at the San Juan Island Fire Department (Mullis Street in Friday Harbor). The class is sponsored by Pacific Crest Savings Bank and Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands, Inc. Everyone is encouraged to attend this highly informative session designed to educate anyone thinking of, or currently investing in, an individual retirement fund. (Seating is limited so RSVP early to 378-2101).

Similar to stock, one can buy and sell real estate with a Self-Directed IRA account and defer tax payment on the gain. The seminar will show you how all -or a portion of- retirement funds can be invested in real estate. Come to learn how a non-recourse real estate loan is granted to your self-directed IRA to increase your purchasing power.

TYPES of property your IRA can own;
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Fed’s Give Permits For Study Of Tidal Energy

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued preliminary permits to Snohomish County to conduct an investigation into the viability of using tidal energy in San Juan Channel (and six sites outside of SJC) to generate electricity.

As previously reported in The Island Guardian, The Snohomish Public Utility District (SPUD) has proposed hundreds of turbines in tidal currents in the waters of San Juan County, but the recent issuing of permits limits the work to feasibility studies, which, according to SPUD, will amount to a paper study only.

What are the changes that SPUD will eventually installed hundreds of turbines in the waters of Washington?
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Rescue Tug Assists Ship Inbound For Tacoma

(Tug Gladiator -DOE photo)
OLYMPIA - For the 33rd time since 1999, including four times since the start of this winter season, the state-funded rescue tug has been called into service.

Late Thursday, a 758-foot container ship lost electrical power eight miles northwest of Cape Flattery. The Scotland had been heading toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a final destination of the Port of Tacoma.
The U.S. Coast Guard directed the Scotland to move offshore and await arrival of a tug escort. Using its backup generator, the ship changed course to wait a safe distance off the Washington coast.

Within the hour, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) released the rescue tug Gladiator to leave its homeport of Neah Bay and escort the ship to Port Angeles.


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Unanimous Against SJC In Statewide Lawsuit

SJC Prosecutor Randy Gaylord’s decision to join in with other prosecutors from Kent, Auburn and Seattle in a lawsuit against Yes912.com was successful in the lower courts, but when the State Supreme Court reviewed, they came back with a unanimous ruling against San Juan County, and also failed to award any attorney fees to the County.

William Maurer of the Institute for Justice, in their official release, called the Supreme Court decision “a vindication of free speech and freedom of the press, and a direct and clear repudiation of the use of Washington’s campaign finance laws to intimidate and harass media voices with which the government disagrees”.

The lawsuit was rather clever in it’s argument, but had the potential to have major consequences to free speech issues. Issues that would most decidedly have reached the US Supreme Court, had not the State Supreme Court sent it back to the lower court “for further proceeding consistent with” their decision that State Law “excludes from the definition of ‘contribution’ political advocacy for or against a political campaign by the hosts of a regularly scheduled talk show, broadcast by a radio station that is not controlled by a candidate or political committee”.

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Those Damn Bugs Are Coming Back

The San Juan County Health Department wants you to know the following: This is the time of year when mosquitoes become active and people start spending more time outdoors enjoying gardening, hiking and other activities. San Juan County Health and Community Services is once again reminding county residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus.

In 1999, West Nile virus first appeared in the United States in New York City. The virus has been moving west since 1999 and was first detected in birds in Washington State in 2002. Last year the first human cases were detected in our state.
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SJ Initiative To Hold First Public Meeting Fri on SJI

The first round of meetings for the Leadership Sub-Committee of the San Juan Initiative has been scheduled. The first meeting will take place Friday (4-27) morning on San Juan Island, with additional meetings scheduled on Lopez and Orcas Island.

Amy Windrope is the Project manager of the initiative, and said “the public and the community is encouraged to attend”, and there will be an opportunity for some public comment and questions at the meetings.

The Meeting schedule is as follows:
● San Juan Island : April 27 8:30-12:30
● Orcas Island: May 7th 12 – 5
● Lopez Island: May 21st 12 - 5

On June 14 , there will be an all day session. with a reception, on San Juan Island
Another meeting will be held on June 25 from 1 to 5, but the location is yet to be decided.

[link]

What is the Driving Force On Road Design & Use

”The roads of San Juan County mean much more to our citizens than simply a way to get from one place to another. Our county roads are part of the scenic element and rural character that should be preserved.” -SJC Scenic Roads Manual

The policies and the guidelines for road construction and maintenance that were put in place by past County Commissioners were designed to provide, and protect, the rural roads that wind and curve around the landscapes of San Juan County. The intent was succinctly, and well stated -as quoted above- in the beginning of the SJC Scenic Roads manual.

There have always been, and still is, conflicting forces at work when it comes to, not how roads should be built, but how they should look. And there is a good deal of irony too, some of which is all too familiar to anyone who has lived here for any length of time. Most of our residents are aware of the complaint that too much of what we do here is damaging the very elements that make up the reasons people want to move here. These conflicts abound, and an obvious one is the very roads that allow us to move about on the islands. But there are other less obvious examples of how things can change, and the irony that can accompany these changes.

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The Chip-Seal Season Is Coming

The County Council was informed on Tuesday that PW (Public Works) will soon begin re-surfacing of some road sections on all three major islands. Newly hired PW engineer Rachael Dietzman was introduced as the engineer in charge of the chip-seal program. She told the council that with the the recent purchase of new, smaller, and improved rock, and in by use of a new asphalt emulsion, it is expected the county will soon have smoother, and longer lasting road surfaces. Another difference this year, she said, is that a consultant from the emulsion provider will be on hand to give advice and as the road crew “experiments” with the new rock and application process.

The rock will brought in by barge to LaFarge Beach on SJ; Odlin Park on Lopez, and at West Sound on Orcas. The rock is scheduled to be unloaded during the last week of April. The repair of county roads will begin -weather permitting- on May 14th, and is projected to be completed by the middle of June.

Drivers are reminded that speed limits are reduced on the effected roads until the surface has had time to harden; and that excess speed is not only dangerous, but can do damage to the soft surfacing. There is also the danger of damaged vehicles due to the loose rock. Just to make sure the public gets the message, traffic fines will be double the normal amount in the construction zones

In response from the Council on the impact to the public while the work is in progress, Public Works stated they will give 72 hour prior notice on which roads will be repaired, so that when possible the public can avoid the roads.

Councilman Rich Peterson questioned PW about the purpose of the concrete barriers that have been placed front and center in the parking lot of PW’s repair shop in Friday Harbor, and was told that this year PW decided to use the lot as a drop-off and loading area for the rock that will be used to repair the roads on San Juan.

The tentative CHIP SEAL SCHEDULE is as follows:
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CC Votes To Keep Battleship Island Name

The County Council has decided to recommend to the feds that Battleship Island not be renamed.

Councilman Gene Knapp acknowledged that after 80 years of being called Battleship Island, it is time “to let the name rest in peace”; and anyway, Councilman Howard Rosenfeld said, from a certain angle, the island really does look like a battleship.

Councilman Rich Peterson noted that if one looks on a navigation chart, there is an island in Canada that is in direct line with Battleship Island that has a name similar to the proposed name, and he could see confusion in navigation resulting if both islands had similar sounding names. That was the final salvo that sunk Lichter’s arguments to rename Battleship Island

With only Lichter voting against the motion to leave the name as is, the Council will now forward their recommendation that the name remain as is.

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Grange Wants Action On Noxious Weeds

The Grange tells County Council that a lack of roadside spraying, and a lack of County commitment, has resulted in the spread of weeds to private land.

The San Juan Island Grange would like the County -and Public Works in particular- “to be serious” about controlling Scot's broom; Tansy Ragwort; Knapweeds; blackberry; and weeds in general, that are growing on the county right-of-way.

Paul Barger took advantage of Tuesday’s 10:00 a.m. Citizen Access time to outline the weed problem as the Grange sees it. Barger told the Council that “San Juan County roadside flora has changed drastically in the past 20-25 years”, and asked the rhetorical question: “Why?”. According to the Grange, the answer is a combination of what Public Works is doing, and not doing.

Barger said that one result of mowing and scouring the sides of the roads has the unintended consequence of spreading “noxious weeds” to lands off of the county right-of-way. Barger believes the start of the problem can be traced back to when the County stopped using herbicides to control the intrusion vegetation into the sides of the county chip-seal roads.

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Bowling For Scholars

Bowl between 12:00 and 5:00 on April 25th & 26th and Support Scholarships for 2007 Graduates

Owner Roger Owen, and manager Scott Olinger, of Paradise Lanes, are promoting a Bowling For Scholars week on April: 25, & 26th. Any person who bowls between noon and 5:00 pm on those days, Paradise Lanes will give 25% of the proceeds to 2007 Graduates through Dollars For Scholars.

To help create interest and competition, the Lions Club, The Kiwanis Club, The Rotary Club, The Soroptimist Club, Friday Harbor High School, Friday Harbor Middle School, Friday Harbor Elementary School and the Spring Street School are challenging each other for a certificate and bragging rights.

Here are the team challenge rules:


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SJC & New Judge Implementation

(CC discusses busy Tuesday agenda at Monday Staff meeting -Ranker temporary out of room)

The County Council will take up the question of the “Superior Court Judge Implementation Process” at their Tuesday (4-24-07) meeting, now that the Governor has signed a bill allowing San Juan & Skagit counties to elect their own Superior Court Judge. (original story ) The question is, how do we get a judge prior to the next election. The law clearly states the Governor will appoint, and then at the next election the voters decide -assuming there are more than one candidate for the position; but what happens now?

The problem results from the filing period for the office cannot take place for 90 days after the legislator has adjourned, and that means the filing period will have come and gone. And there is the requirement that the counties must fund the position, and this would normally be completed no later than January of 2008.

So the Governor would appoint a judge. Is this a problem? Depends on who one talks to. What does the Governor know about the counties? Certainly not as much as the voters; but the process for appointing relies heavily on professional research and recommendations to the Governor from the legal community, both at the local and state level, so why be concerned.


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Council To Take Up Renaming Of Battleship Island

The County Council will discuss the proposal to change the name of Battleship island back to Morse Island. Councilman Kevin Ranker has expressed strong reservations about changing the name, primarily due to the costs associated with changing charts, publications, maps and the like, that would be necessitated by a name change.

Councilman Alan Lichter, while uncertain as to the history of the name, said he is in favor of the change; and suggested that local Tribes be contacted to determine what the original name might have been, but it was pointed out that the question before the Council is not do they have suggestions, but only do they support the request by a citizen to change the name .

The Council cannot change the name, only the federal government can do that, but the U.S. Board on Geographic Names is asking for a review and recommendation from the Council, which it is expected will be made today (Tuesday, 4-24-07) at the regular scheduled Council meeting.


[link]

Overall, Good News In Real Estate Values

By Merri Ann Simonson

In reviewing the first quarter results for 2007, the real estate market volumes on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez. and other islands. are overall lower than the same period in 2006. However, here are the current median price numbers:

On San Juan island, median sales price for a single family home on less than five acres for the annualized period ending March 31, 2007 is $522,500.

On Orcas, the median sales price is $492,000.

On Lopez, the median sales price is $422,500. Countywide the median home price is $483,250.

The median sales price for a home on less than 5 acres in San Juan County for year 2006 was $450,000. Decreased volume doesn’t necessarily equate to reduced sales prices as long as the market has a balance of supply and demand (the median is a typical market price where half of the homes or lots sold for more and half sold for less).
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Lecture: “Cancer and Our Environment.”

Islanders for the Environment (IFE) is presenting the second of two spring lecture/discussions to learn about possible causes of cancer and other chronic diseases and what one can do, individually and together, to protect ourselves.

In San Juan county, known for its natural beauty, the idea seems incongruous; but, in fact, most recent figures show that within Washington state, which has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the US, San Juan is county #2. Remarkably, we are also county #1 for leukemia; the leukemia incidence is over twice that of the US average.(from www.statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/ (Note: in the web site, select Washington State and incidence, not death rate)

On April 29th, IFE will present a talk by Pamela Tazioli, Washington State Coordinator of the breast Cancer Fund, a nationwide organization unique in its focus on environmental causes of cancer. She will speak and lead a discussion on “Cancer and Our Environment.”

Pamela Tazioli’s talk, sponsored by the Mullis Center and IFE, is Sunday, April 29th, 2pm at the Mullis Community Senior Center.

As an aid to discussion following talk, light refreshments will be served. This event is free, and donations will be accepted. The Breast Cancer Fund’s website is: www.breastcancerfund.org


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Guest Editorial

Another View on Global Warming

Another View on Global Warming
by Charlie Bodenstab

The global warming debate has given rise to two camps; One denies human activity as a significant factor in the current warming cycle. The other camp dogmatically says that we have mega problems directly due to human activity via CO2 emissions that will have catastrophic consequences unless we take drastic action now. I have a serious problem with both groups.

There is little doubt that the globe is in a significant warming trend, but the relative contribution of human activity vs. natural cycles is far from fully understood. Moreover, many of the “true believers” in both camps have disseminated false or misleading information coupled with an attitude of smug certainty in their frantic efforts to convince the public to their view.

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For The Nature-Computer Game Lover

Starting April 23, fans of massive multi-player online games who are also interested in nature will get a chance to try out a new system developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Texas A&M University.

The new online game allows players to earn points by taking live photos using a remotely controllable robotic video camera and classifying the wild birds they see. It is free and and open to the public at: http://cone.berkeley.edu/

Craig Newmark, founder and customer service representative of craigslist, one of the most popular online communities in the country, is hosting the robotic video camera project from the back deck of his home, which overlooks Sutro Forest in San Francisco.

"This is a new kind of massive multi-player online game," said Ken Goldberg, a UC Berkeley professor of engineering and co-principal investigator of the project. "Rather than aiming a gun at virtual enemies,
players aim a camera at live wild birds."

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Wanted: Heavy Metal --- A Special Collection of Mercury

The County Solid Waste Division is participating with several other Washington counties in an effort to collect MERCURY-bearing consumer products for safe disposal and recycling. The statewide plan is to use the occasion of Earth Day to remind people of the dangers of mercury exposure and to provide collection of the following items:

* fluorescent light bulbs
* CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps)
* high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
* fever thermometers
* automotive switches
* non-digital thermostats (round)
* button cell batteries w/ mercury
* elemental mercury, amalgam
* barometers

A FREE collection of these products will be held in conjunction with our next hazardous waste collections at the solid waste transfer stations on these islands:
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Done Deal: SJC Will Get Own Judge, If...

(Governor signs Spanel's bill to create a new judge position for Island and SJ county)

With the signing of the bill authorizing San Juan County to split the current judicial district into two new separate districts, it is now possible for SJ County to start electing it’s own judge; that is, assuming San Juan County Council and the Board of County Commissioners of Island County approve the change, and so far all indications are that will occur.

The bill that was signed yesterday by the Governor changed the provisions relating to Superior Court Judicial positions, so as to allow a local judge for San Juan County Superior Court (Previous Story).

Judge Vickie I. Churchill spearheaded the effort, and Senators Harriet Spanel and Mary M. Haugen moved forward in making the changes necessary to allow a separate judgeship for the county. Judge Churchill stated at the time that she believed "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."

Senate Bill 5247 divides the current Island and San Juan Counties joint judicial district into two separate districts. The bill assigns the two current judges to Island County and creates a new judge position for San Juan County. This new position would become effective only if both counties approve the additional position and provide funding.

As with other superior court positions, the state would pay for half of the judge’s salary and all of their benefits. The local boards of county commissioners must also approve the position and agree to pay the remaining costs of adding the judges from county funds.

Many groups supported this legislation, including members of the Superior Court bench and the Island and San Juan County Board of Commissioners.

“It is in the best interests of both districts to split the Island County and San Juan County Superior Court District into separate judicial districts,” Spanel explained. “Not only will this new position allow our courts to keep up with their caseloads, it will save approximately $20,000 by eliminating the need to pay travel expenses for judges to come in from outside of the district to work on cases.”

The only remaining question is will the Governor appoint the judge, or will there be a local election. The County Council will decide what they think should happen, and their opinion, along with recommendations from other individuals and groups will be presented to the Governors office.

So far only local attorney John Linde and County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord have said they are interested in being either appointed, or elected, as the next Superior Court Judge.

Full text of the bill follows:

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New Septic Maintenance Program Proposed

(Example of a failing septic system)

A Draft Plan for the Operation and Maintenance of septic systems in San Juan County is now ready for public review, and public meetings have been scheduled to receive input. The time and places are as follows::

● Lopez - May 1, 2007 6-8 pm (Lopez Center)
● San Juan - May 2 6-8 pm (District 3 Fire Station on Mullis)
● Orcas - May 9 7-9 pm District 2 Fire Station in Eastsound)

In 2006 San Juan County Heath and Community Services formed a citizen advisory committee to develop an operation and maintenance program plan. The committee was formed in response to the State Board of Health requirement that the twelve Puget Sound Counties develop and submit an On-site Sewage System Management Plan to the State Department of Health by July 1, 2007.
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Have A Salmon Recovery Project Proposal?

Private citizens, non-profit organizations, local, state, and tribal governments, and special districts are invited to apply for funding for protection and/or restoration of salmon habitat.

Grants are awarded by the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, through the a local Lead Entity, based on a public competitive process, which weighs the merits of proposed projects against established program criteria.

For information and application materials, contact the San Juan County Lead Entity Coordinator, Barbara Rosenkotter, at BarbaraR@co.san-juan.wa.us or at 360-370-7593.

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CC Discusses Financial Incentives To Travel

The question of additional money for those council members who volunteer for travel to meetings to represent San Juan County, has become a continuing topic of discussion among the Council. (past story) The possibility of a per diem, or as Councilman Howard Rosenfeld suggested, “a financial incentive” be offered to encourage council members to travel on behalf of county business, was once again raised by Rosenfeld at the Tuesday council meeting.

It is will known that Councilman Ranker has spent large amounts of time in Olympia (see story below), and Rosenfeld told the council that with “some financial incentive” I might be interested in “getting my feet wet down there [Olympia]...by tagging along [with Ranker]. Rosenfeld said “I am in a position to do it; and I might enjoy it”; but Rosenfeld said he is concerned that his Friday Harbor business may be impacted if he spends time related to county business on the mainland.

Councilman Myhr said “I find it important to show my face down their”; and Ranker said ‘it is not necessary for all of them to attend, perhaps it is only necessary to have just one person’ make the trip.

Councilman Gene Knapp acknowledged that Ranker will not always be around as a councilman, and so it was important to look at some mechanism, as Rosenfeld suggested, that will define the issue of off-island meetings. Myhr agreed that it was important to know “how we are going to address our priorities in Olympia”.

The Council agreed to continue to look at the question.

[link]

County Counts Successes at State Capital

In January the County Council, with support from their County Administrator, developed a large list of legislative priorities , from which their top priorities were identified for action (they later moved ferry related issues to the top of the list).

Councilman Kevin Ranker recently presented a summary of the successes of San Juan County in the state capital during the 2007 legislative session;

Throughout the 2007 legislative session in Olympia, some members of the County Council spent a combined total of 31 days at the state capital testifying in hearings; working with legislators and staff; and meeting with WSAC (Washington State Association of Counties)..

Councilman Kevin Ranker has taken upon himself to travel to Olympia to ensure representation of San Juan County in discussions that may affect San Juan County, and has noted that he “spent every Wednesday through Friday in Olympia”. Ranker told the Council that together with the dozens of citizens who wrote letters, and also traveled to Olympia, the “community’s efforts showed some great successes.”

“Unless there are last minute, drastic changes in Olympia, we have much to be thankful for,” said Ranker. “We had twelve major priorities and were successful with ten of them. Ten out of twelve is pretty good,” he continued.

Ranker highlighted some of the highlights of San Juan County’s successes, which included:
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Is Your Name On This List? If so, There Is $ For You

What do Roche Harbor Resort, Key Bank, AT&T, Global Computer Supplies, and other companies, have in common with a long list of private citizens in San Juan County?

Perhaps a number of things, but one thing in common is that San Juan County has money to pay them. One person is owned $363.03, which is only a little less than Roche Harbor, at $301.56. And then there is Curtis Tucker, who can collect the grand total of $4.35 from the County. All any of them have to do is step forward and say "Pay me!"

Those who are eligible need to step forward, and they need to do so soon. "Warrants have been issued by the Auditor's Office for all claims against San Juan County and the various Special Purpose Districts within the county during calendar years 2001 - May 4, 2006; and some of the warrants have not been presented for payment by those who are entitled to collect the money."

In other words, some folks are due some money, but they forgot about it or "whatever", and now is their last chance to get there money, or else the County will simply cancel the debt and keep the money.

"RCW 36.22.100 allows for such warrants to be cancelled if not presented for payment within one year of the date of issue; and warrants, issued from the funds so designated, will be legally cancelled if not presented for payment by May 4,2007"

You can check and see if your name is on this List of Names, and also find out how much you may be able to claim. ( Word document)
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Rosario Master Plan One Step Closer To Approval

(Moran Mansion -Rosario Resort photo)

After seven years, seven million dollars, and twenty-one public meetings, the County has voted to approve- in substance- a Rosario Master Plan that will affect just over 100 acres of the resort. The final approval will move some small acreage from “Rural Farm Forest” to “Master Planned Resort”, will increase total housing units (vacation & employee housing) by 190 units, and increase the size of the marina.

The Council made the decision on Orcas, on Monday, after deliberations on the modified plan, as pesented by Rosario, and recommended for approval by CD&PD (SJC Community & Planning Department) and the SJC Planning Commission.

While the Plan has 78 mitigation measures -and according to the Friends of the San Juans- involves over 40 shoreline issues, the applicants will still have to go through construction planning and approvals from the Federal, State and County agencies when construction permits are applied for. And there is, as always, the opportunity for individuals and groups to appeal the votes or decisions made to approve construction permits, prior to final approval to begin actual construction of the new units, the marina expansion, and the remodel of the Moran Mansion.

Once CD&PD have addressed lingering concerns from the Council about the project, the Council will once again pick-up the Master Plan, and based on the Monday vote, finalize their approval of the Plan.


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Additional $ For Tug Rescue On Hold

Councilman Kevin Ranker was interviewed Friday on KPLU by Liam Moriarty, about the recent action by Sen. Harriet Spanel to remove portions of a bill that would place a state tax on crude oil, and instead substituted language calling for further studies on funding sources, and “request that federal agencies with jurisdiction seek to require or fund the stationing of a response tug at such location, and seek reimbursement for the funding provided by the state for this purpose commencing with the fiscal year 2008 costs to the state”.

The original bill simply taxed the providers and transporters of transport crude oil & petroleum products, and this change in the bill by Spanel worries Ranker that there is the danger that a funding source may be held up, as the “feds look to the State for the funding, and the State looks to the Feds for funding”.

Ranker stated In an email that “It is likely that US Senator Maria Cantwell will introduce legislation in Congress later this year to fully fund the Rescue Tug and other recommendations of the Washington State Oil Spill Advisory Council.” But as Ranker told KPLU : “in the meantime “we are in great risk” of a spill that will devastate our marine environment, and, our multi-million dollar tourism economy that is based on that environment”.

Currently there is some funding for a tug this year. If Cantwell is unsuccessful in obtaining money, it is expected the state will once again find a source to continue funding a tug.
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Imagine No Litter!

(Roadside Cleanup map at Market Place in Friday Harbor)

You can sign up to help rid our roads of litter-- either as an individual or as part of a group (e.g., a family, a neighborhood, a business, a club) -- by mailing in the form included in the flyer that is being sent this week to all island residences, or by calling or e-mailing Lori Stokes (378-4643, lori@rockisland.com), or by marking the map that is on display at Market Place from April 14-28. Read the full story on the Imagine No Litter! campaign
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The “Firewise” Program Is Back

(Volunteer “Chippers” who worked to clear brush on a recent Firewise project)

“Firewise” is a program designed to assist neighborhoods in achieving both smart and safe, maintenance and landscaping practices, aimed at reducing an area’s vulnerability in the event of a wildland fire. Unpredictable by nature, a wildland fire will travel according to weather conditions and available fuels.

Working together to prepare your neighborhood for the possibility of a wildland fire, increases the likelihood of a safe recovery of property. “After the fire has started to spread, there may not be much we can do to help. But before the fire even starts, there is a lot you can do to save your home.” said Ron Garner of the San Juan Island Fire Department’s Firewise program, adding, “A Firewise community is a place to start.”


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Fire Codes Prevent A Potential Hotel Fire

(Firefighters at the Friday Harbor House hotel)

Strict restrictions on the use of inflammable products in commercial buildings helped to prevent what could have been another major fire Friday in downtown Friday Harbor. Guests at the Friday Harbor House hotel had -for whatever reason- placed two cushions from the room against the propane fire place. When the guests then left the left the room, they also left the fireplace on, and the left the cushions against fireplace.

Sometime later when housecleaning showed up and opened the door to the room, they were greeted by billowing smoke. This resulted in a 911 phone call, and one can imagine what happen next: smoke filled room in a hotel in the middle of town.

First responders were quickly on the scene, located the source of the problem, removed the cushions, pack of their equipment, and returned to their normal day job.

[link]

FH Burn Ban Lifted!

"What 'Burn Ban'" you ask? There has been a statewide “Burn Ban” for urban areas since January 1, 2007. The Town Council has elected to temporarily lift the ban -at least for Friday Harbor.

Burning of “STORM DEBRIS ONLY”, will be allowed starting April 18, thru June 3, 2007. Those wishing to burn are required to obtain a “Burn Permit” at the Town Hall main office. There is no charge for the permit.

Friday Harbor Fire Chief, Vern Long, encourages this clean up in order to lessen the danger of fires that could be fueled by the storms dried and seasoned debris. He reminds residents to burn safely and responsibly. If residents have any questions in regards to the burning requirements, they are encouraged to call the Town Fire Department at 378-4183.

[link]

Guest Editorial

Securing Your Vote in a Mail-in Election
By Milene Henley

San Juan County is committed to conducting our elections in an open manner, accounting for every ballot received, and protecting the security of each vote. To those ends, in 2005, San Juan and Grays Harbor Counties participated in a pilot project for an audit program that tracks envelopes and ballots in a vote-by-mail election. The goal of the new software was two-fold: to improve the reconciliation of voted ballots, and to allow voters to verify that their votes had been counted.
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FH Animal Protection Society’s 25th Anniversary

The Animal Protection Society -Friday Harbor got it’s start in 1982 when a small group of concerned individuals decided that something needed to be done for unwanted pets. It may come as a shock to learn that because there was no animal shelter on San Juan island, unwanted dogs and cats (and their offspring) were left in cages at the local dump. (The cat is named “Gabby” and is up for adoption)

In 1983 rented facilities became a reality, and then as a result of hard work, and financial and “in-kind” donations, a permanent shelter on leased land next to the FH airport was constructed in 1992. With active fund raising (by then the group had obtained 501c3 status), the underlying debt was retired in 1995.

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Island Air Ambulance Celebration Sunday

(File photo-“lifeport stretcher demonstrated by EMTs)

The public is invited to join in a celebration of the new Island Air Ambulance service to be held on Sunday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Island Air hangar at the Friday Harbor Airport. Rep. Rick Larsen, state Sen. Harriet Spanel, and Councilman Kevin Ranker have also been invited to attend.

Island Air’s specially configured Cessna aircraft and the FAA-certified Lifeport Stretcher will be on display and will be demonstrated by the flight-certified EMTs. The many islanders who have supported the development of the air ambulance service will be recognized, along with the government officials who facilitated the licensing process.

This event is the formal inauguration of the Island Air Ambulance. This service provides faster transportation from the San Juan Islands to mainland hospitals for stable patients with non life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be served.


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Is The County Liable For Bicycle Accidents?

(SJI Trails Committee Photo)
Are county roads too narrow, too “rough”, and should the county -or anyone- invite bicycle riders to the county; and if so who, if anyone, is liable? A lot of questions are being asked of the County, and by the County.

If you Google: “bicycle trips, san Juan county, wa”, the first hit that comes up is Biking in the San Juan Islands. The link that takes the web searcher to a SJC Public Works webpage called: “Bike Smart”, which does everything it can do -short of saying “Danger, Do not come here!” -to inform and caution those who may wish to take a bicycle ride in the San Juans. In doing so, it states “Riding a bicycle here requires constant attention to the condition of the roadway”, a fact that will come as no surprise to anyone traveling county roads; even when in a car. The site also explains that ”As beautiful and inviting as our roads are for bicycling, they are also: narrow, winding, hilly, without shoulders, and often not paved.”

But in a web search, one also finds: “San Juan County Brain Injury Lawyer / WA Wrongful Death Attorneys”. It is a website for personal injury attorneys, who helpfully point out that, one of the leading causes of brain injury is bicycle accidents.

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Council Presented Draft Rules on Whale Watching

The County Council may take a first look today at a “Draft - For Discussion Purposes” from the Friends of the San Juans, that is an attempt to protect Orca whales in San Juan waters from harassment or harm by boaters. The draft regulations are seen as an “interim ordinance” until the “National Marine Fisheries Service rule regulating vessel effects to Orcas becomes effective”

The following regulations have been presented to the Council as a draft for possible discussion:
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SBA Offers Windstorm Aid to Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses that suffered business interruption losses as a result of the severe windstorm that occurred December 14 and 15, 2006. The declaration makes these loans available to small business owners in San Juan as well as 15 other Washington Counties.
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Large Turnout For Second Marine Workshop

(San Juan Island workshop at the SJI Yacht Club)

The second of four Marine Stewardship Area Workshops put on by the MRC ( Marine Resource Committee ) was held Saturday on San Juan island. The workshop opening remarks were given by Karen Vedder, and if there was some disagreement during the course of the meeting as to what was, or was not, most important to protecting the marine environment, everyone seemed to agree that Vedder had given voice to the reason a marine stewardship plan was worth their review (Read Vedder’s “Host Remarks” )

The next workshop will be on a Saturday, April 14, 9 am to 1 pm on Lopez (Center for Community and the Arts); and the final one will be held on Orcas (Madrona Room at Orcas Center, Saturday, April 21; 9 am -1 pm). The first workshop was held on Shaw Island, and according to Councilman Kevin Ranker and FH Port Commissioner Barbara Marrett, there was a large turnout from Shaw and Waldron’s residents. Ranker put the number as “somewhere around 100 participants”.

The meeting on San Juan also drew a large number of participants, who represented a strong cross-section of islanders. The public was asked to visit a number of “Listening Posts”, and then to discuss the ”threats and strategies” the Draft Marine Resources Area plan has thus far identified. The public was asked to comment on a number of questions, and to list their “priorities” by the use of colored stick-it dots to rank the importance of the strategies from “least supported” (red dot), to the “most supported” (green dot).
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Will Council Ask For More Pay?

Even before the Charter form of government was approved, the CC (County Council) expressed their unhappiness over the possibility they would receive a substantial pay-cut if the voters decided to pass the Charter. The reason for the potential loss of income was directly related to a requirement in the Charter, that the County would hire a professional county administrator, to manage the county.

It was generally believed -correctly as it turned out- that, since the County Administrator would be running the county, and the Council would meet to set policy and legislate, the San Juan County Salary Commission (SC) would reduce the future salaries of the CC.

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SJC Girls: 2,3 & 4 In Sportsmanship

It is worth noting when a school receives an award for sportsmanship, and it is truly newsworthy when all of the school districts in a county rank in the top four, out of a total of twenty three northwest schools, as displaying sportsmanship in all aspects of the game.

Bob Phalan is a member of the Northwest Board of Basketball Officials, which represents high school girl’s basketball officials in our area. In addition to their normal job of officiating games, they also rate schools on their display of sportsmanship. At the end of a game, the three officials get together, and rate not only the teams, but also the coaches, the fans, and the athletic director.

Mr. Phalan wrote in to say he was “pleased to see that the island schools placed very highly on the sportsmanship award ballots of the officials”. The area served by the Northwest Board include schools from Coupeville to Blaine, and from Concrete to the San Juan islands. This works out to approximately 600 games that were rated in the last year

Phalan pointed out that “Of the twenty three schools Orcas placed 2nd, Lopez 3rd & Friday Harbor placed 4th. They were separated by mere hundredths of a point. This is a testament to the dedication of the coaches and athletic directors of each school in San Juan County in the focus they place on sportsmanship”. He added that “As a parent, fan and official of the game, I want to thank each of them.” ”

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SJ Historical Museum Awarded Grant

The San Juan Historical Museum has $10,000 more toward the Museum’s capital campaign for a Barn Project, thanks to a grant from the Norcliffe Foundation. This is the first grant the Museum has received from the Norcliffe Foundation Norcliffe Foundation.

the Barn Project involves an extensive redesign and upgrade of the Museum’s existing barn, built onsite in 1982, to make the building architecturally integrated into its 19th century setting, while bring it into compliance with public-access standards. The new barn will be the premier exhibit space for the Museum’s important, large-scale industrial exhibits on the subjects of fishing, farming, lime quarrying, and logging, and will be the new home of the Jim Crook Collection of rare hand-fashioned wool processing equipment. Plans for the expanded site also include fun hands-on exhibits for children and families, and new lecture and workshop programs.

The Norcliffe Foundation grant brings the Museum closer to its overall $75,000 fundraising goal for the project, of which nearly one-half has been pledged or raised to date, including a matching grant from the Washington State Heritage Resource Center. The Barn Project is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

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Priority Loading For Farmers & County Nixed

The County Council has made ferry issues their top priority, but even their own Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) members do not agree with them on the issue of priority loading for agricultural and County vehicles. FAC member Mr. deGavre has informed the County Council that it was the “unanimous decision of the committee” to not support priority loading for agricultural and County vehicles.

In response to questions and concerns expressed last year by the Council on the need to grant special status to certain commercial vehicles (similar to the current health related system), Jayne Davis from WSF (Washington State Ferries) came to the Council to explain that such a change would have to occur at the legislature level, and suggested the Council prepare a report, send it to the WSTC (Washington State Transportation Commission) as the first step toward reaching the legislature.

At that time the Council decided a large committee should be formed to work with staff to draft a proposal for the Council to review, and then, through the public process, work toward a formal request to the State.

So what happen? According Mr. deGavre’s report, the FAC was unable to locate a legitimate problem in the existing system that needed to be addressed. The FAC’s research indicated there was insufficient reasons found for action. It was pointed out that there are rarely overloads on the inter-island runs, and as for the mainland trips, he suggested the County use the existing reservation system that exists.

Councilman Rosenfeld asked that the Council be provided with a list of priority loading that is supported by the FAC; and suggested to the Council they continue the discussion after reviewing the list.

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Want To Help? List Of SJC Committee Vacancies

The County Council is soliciting applicants from San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. The following is a list of current vacancies:

● 2 Vacancies Agricultural Resources Committee
● 1 Vacancy Fair Board
● 6 Vacancies Health and Community Services Advisory Board
● 3 Vacancies Open Space Advisory Team
● 1 Solid Waste Advisory Committee Vacancies

If you are interested in volunteering or would like additional information regarding these vacancies, please contact our office or see us at http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/bocc/vacancies.asp. To be considered for appointment, a Letter of Interest and brief resume must be submitted via email or U.S. Post to the office listed below:

San Juan County Council
350 Court Street, No. 1
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378 - 2898
Email council@co.san-juan.wa.us


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"After Work" Citizen Access To Council

Responding to external and internal criticism of the prohibition on the Council responding to questions and issues raised by the public during the citizen access time, Councilman Alan Lichter had suggested at the Council “work session-retreat” that the County Council enact new rules, and some new opportunity, that govern when, and where, the public can directly address the Council.

In a parallel move, in deciding to start holding occasional meetings on Lopez and Orcas, the Council will now also attempt to provide at least one Citizen Access period each month on those islands by extending their meetings past the normal quitting time of 4 p.m., to 5 p.m. This is intended to allow the public a chance to address the Council after work, as opposed to the normal 10 a.m. time at the regular scheduled meetings on Tuesday.

The normal 10 a.m. morning slot, when the Council starts their meetings, will still be the norm, but times, they are a changing. There was a late day “open mike” on Orcas when the Council held a meeting there last month, and there will be a late Citizen Access time on San Juan on April 10th, and then again on Lopez on May 15th.

The new guidelines are as follows:

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Register Spring Quarter at Skagit Valley College

For individuals who wish to enroll in Spring Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College, registration with instructor permission is going on this week, and students are encouraged to register this week. Spring Quarter began March 27 at the San Juan Center in Friday Harbor.

SVC offers many professional/technical career training options. In addition, SVC offers academic transfer pathways, job skill upgrades, and personal enrichment workshops, as well as courses in basic skills, English as a Second Language, GED, and citizenship preparation.

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Nantucket Planner May Come To SJC -For A Day

Councilman Lichter has a friend, who has a friend -one Mr. John Pagini- who lives on the east coast, is as an architect and a planner, and was the director of the Nantucket Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission. Mr. Lichter would like to have Mr. Pagini come to San Juan County to give a one-day presentation about his experiences helping Nantucket through their comprehensive planning process.

Mr. Pagini also has experience in another area that may sound familiar to county residents. He is a board member of the 1000 Friends of Connecticut. There is a connection here with the northwest, in that the original 1000 Friends movement started in Oregon in 1975, as a response to a large population growth that was expanding into “open space” (which, contrary to what the words say, includes forest land, as well as open fields)

Pagini has given a number of talks in the past about his experiences in controlling and directing growth, an Councilman Lichter and his friend (who offered to pay the tab on getting Pagini to Washington) would like the council to invite him to share his experiences in land-use with the Council.

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Keeping Kids Safe Online

Attorney General Rob McKenna has the following advice: Start by talking with your children or teenager about the importance of online safety. Next, take simple but crucial steps to help kid-proof your home computer.

Your ground rules should include:

* Protecting personal information. Never use your real name online; always use a screen name. Your child's screen name should not refer his or her age, sex, school, nickname or other identifying information. Don't provide your address, phone number or birth date to anyone you met online, post personal information on a personal page, or fill out a contest form that asks for personal information. Discourage your child from exchanging photographs with online "friends."
* Personal safety. Never agree to meet someone in person unless a parent has approved and attends the meeting with you.
* Computer safety. Ask permission before you download software or open an e-mail attachment. Teens aren't always aware that screensavers, music files and other free software they download can be bundled with unwanted programs that can cause annoying pop-ups, tamper with computer settings or even spy on your computer's contents.

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Forum Scheduled On Global Warming

Spring Street International School (SSIS) and Navigating Our Future, will co-sponsor a Community Forum April 15th, featuring two experts on climate change. Scientist Dr. Richard Gammon from U of W, who worked on the International Panel on Climate Change study, will explain the findings of the study, and answer questions from the audience. Dr. Yoram Bauman was the lead economist of a study on the potential social and economic impact of climate change on Washington, and he will also answer questions following his talk.

According to Larry Greene, one of the organizers of the forum, the focus of the forum is to “engage the citizens of our community in dialog about what we can do about global warming in our community....and more specifically what makes the most economic sense....because many of the actions required to meet the global warming challenge can, in fact, have many other benefits--economic and health-related.”

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