Successful Invention Camp

Camp Invention took place this week on the San Juan island when Dori and Kate Sears took on the Director and Teaching positions for this on-hands science based day camp. Camp Invention was developed by the Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation in Akron/Canton, Ohio. It is offered in 44 states and in over 800 sites.

Martha Isbister, had a friend that taught a Camp Invention last year in Idaho, so Martha shared the information with Debbi Fincher, and together they worked to bring the camp to San Juan County.

Dori and Kate have created modules in the 4H Building at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The kids were able to create Planet ZAK were their spaceship crashes, they build amusement park rides, they improve safety features in cars, and they "reinvent" using parts they dismantle from old appliances.

The camp sold out with 31 local kids having an experience of science, fun and friendship. The camp ended with an “Inventor's Showcase”, where the kids had the opportunity to explain their inventions and designs. They kids are even shown how to fill out a patent application!


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“Will The Owner Of The Car Please…”

If you’re like us, there are times when you have forgot where you parked your car. Not uncommon, not a big deal, and nothing to be embarrassed about. That is, unless you’re the county sheriff, and where you parked the car was on the ferry.

Sheriff Bill had a doctors appointment on the mainland, and had walked onto the ferry, picked-up his personal car that had been left on the mainland, went to his appointment, and drove onto the ferry to return home in the car. Bill said he ended up talking to some tourists from England, and when the ferry came into Friday Harbor, he explained to them they needed to disembark off of the car deck, went down with them and.. well, he had walked onto the ferry, right?.

While Bill walked up the street to where he had left his official car (He did not want to take it on personal business) the ferry workers started looking for the dumb tourist that had not come down to the car deck, gave up, and called in the plate number to find out who the owner was. Since Bill always has a radio, that should have been the end of that. But, -we love irony- the ferry workers ran the wrong plate number.

Before they got that one figured out, Bill was reached, and he ran back onto the ferry (through a gauntlet of people clapping -and some making sort of unkind comments) and drove the car off.

The ferry was put off schedule by nine minutes, and Bill said he is very embarrassed and deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused by his lapse of memory. Nine minutes? We don’t think he needs to be too concerned about the time; we are talking about the ferry not being late, right?.

For our part, we could not help but ask if the medical appointment was related to any memory losses. We are glad to report it was not, and that the question proved he still has a well developed sense of humor.

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Bald Eagles: No Longer Endangered?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that if the bald eagle is removed from the list of Endangered Species, as is expected to happen this week, it will continue to be strongly protected by federal law under a series of actions designed to govern management of eagles.

The Service finalized modifications to a regulatory definition under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the primary federal law that will be used to manage eagles if they are removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Also announced are a set of National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines giving landowners and others guidance on how to ensure that actions they take on their property are consistent with the Eagle Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which both protect bald eagles by prohibiting killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs.

In addition, the Service opened a public comment period on a proposal to establish a permit program under the Eagle Act that would allow a limited take of bald and golden eagles while ensuring that populations are not significantly affected.

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Gov. Appoints State Leaders to “Protect and Restore Puget Sound”

Governor Chris Gregoire’ office has announced the names of six citizens that will join San Juan property owner Bill Ruckelshaus on the Puget Sound Partnership . With Gregoire’s appointments, the full seven-member Leadership Council can begin work.. Ruckelshaus was appointed the chair of the Council in May of this year,

The Council is the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership. The governor designates one of the members to serve as chair. The council will select a new vice-chair each year. Founding members will serve terms of different lengths. Successors to the original council will each serve four-year terms.

The Leadership Council will guide Puget Sound clean up efforts by attempting to integrate the work of state, local and federal governments, as well as local watershed planning and salmon recovery efforts. If this sounds familiar, it may be because it sounds a lot like what happened at a recent meeting in Friday Harbor as the San Juan Initiative works toward creating a pilot program for the rest of the state

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Ecology Bans Burning In UGA

Friday Harbor, Eastsound, & Lopez Island are listed by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) on an outdoor burn ban; including yard waste and land-clearing fires. This year the list was expanded to include parts of San Juan County, and more than 100 smaller communities and urban growth areas within the state.. The state's ban now covers all communities with urban growth areas.

The sort of good news is that Ecology is making up to $2 million in grants available to help communities develop alternatives to burning yard waste and other organic materials. The department is encouraging affected communities to apply for the grant money through their local county solid waste programs.

The bad news is that priority will go to urban growth areas with populations of 5,000 or less, and the second part is that applicants must provide 25 percent matching funds. So we the ban, but no money to get rid of the stuff..


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CC To Court On Referendum? Knapp Vote May Decide

(Alex Gavora asks Council to allow the citizens right to vote on stormwater fees)

At the Tuesday council meeting, Councilman Lichter, Ranker and Myhr voted to go to court to stop an election on stormwater fees, Councilman Peterson voted against filing a lawsuit, and Rosenfeld expressed misgivings, stating “We don’t need to rush into it, and a lot of people supported the Referendum…I don’t know, I could go either way”, then abstained from voting. Councilman Gene Knapp was absent from the proceedings.

Failing to get the necessary votes, the Council decided to wait for Councilman Gene Knapp to return to cast the potentially deciding vote. One problem, there is no meeting next week, so it will be at least two weeks before they can take up the matter again.

The question to, or not to, challenge the legally of the Referendum had been discussed by the Council at their Monday staff meeting, and based on comments made by Knapp, it is expected he will vote to authorize the Prosecutor to file a lawsuit.

Alexandra Gavora started the petition drive to place a referendum on the ballot, and she expressed her concern that, even if the court ruled against the County and allowed the election, it might then be too late to have a full exchange of opinions in a public forum, and prepare the arguments for and against, that are necessary to conduct a fair and informed election. She told the Council that they will “cut the legs” from under the referendum process by going to court.

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Missoula Children’s Theatre Presents Cinderella June 30

Missoula Children’s Theatre arrived at San Juan Community Theatre Monday, June 25, for a residency week preparing an original musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Of course, MCT always puts a unique twist on the story. Auditions for students entering grades 1-12 begin at 9:00 a.m.

Between 50-60 students will be cast. There are roles for Cinderella and her two stepsisters, the stepmother, Cleo the cat, Fido the dog, various lords and ladies, town criers and the king, as well as beggars, mice and pumpkins.

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BC Orca Recovery Strategy Release Stalls Lawsuit

Washington State and San Juan County are not alone in their concerns and actions on helping recovery of the Orca population in our waters.

After a year’s delay and a threat of legal action, the federal government of British Columbia has released a long-awaited recovery strategy for BC’s endangered Southern resident killer whales and threatened Northern resident killer whales.

Environmentalists, who prompted the recovery strategy’s release by threatening a lawsuit, offered cautious praise. They noted that the most essential component of recovery strategies, identification of critical habitat, had finally been included. Critical habitat cannot be protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) unless it is identified in a recovery strategy.

“We are pleased that DFO has finally released this strategy with some of the killer whales’ habitat clearly identified and mapped,” commented Christianne Wilhelmson of Georgia Strait Alliance. “Without this important part of the strategy, the future of the species would have truly been in doubt.”

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Volunteers Wanted For Dollars For Scholars

Dollars For Scholars San Juan Island (DFSSJ) is a local 501-3c non profit organization. Their mission is to encourage students to become active in community service and to encourage students to pursue advanced training. They teach and encourage volunteerism by offering scholarships to local students who have completed 80 hours of approved volunteer work for local non profit organizations during their high school years.

The Board of Directors of DFSSJ wishes to thank the community and businesses for the ongoing support of their mission. Because of this support, they were able to give out 11 one thousand dollar scholarships this year.

DFSSJ is an all volunteer Board, and 100% of donations go directly to students. The Board also supports the community through fundraising events like our Murder Mystery Dinner, garage sale, Dining For Scholars and Bowling For Scholars.

On Saturday, June 30th the Board will have a planning session for next year. If you are interested in being involved as a DFSSJ volunteer, or in serving on our Board, please call 378-6473.

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”
Derek Bok, President Emeritus, Harvard University.

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Council Hires Attorney As Clerk

The County Council has hired a new County Council Clerk, who just happens to also be a lawyer. Laura Tuttle has been hired to replace Carolyn Morrison, who recently resigned to accept a new job outside of county government.

The Council had advertised both within county government, and outside, and went into executive session to discuss the applicants that made the final list, then held a vote in open session to offer the job to Tuttle.

Tuttle has been attending meetings, observing and taking notes, but will not officially come to work until early July. Although an attorney, Tuttle’s job will not call on her to do legal work, but her training should be an asset to the Council in so far that much of what she will do requires a knowledge of the legal requirements for council actions and procedures. Tuttle is not from San Juan County.

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Stormwater Hearing Rescheduled -No One Is Happy

A public hearing on an appeal of a stormwater fee was scheduled to take place at 2:30 today (Tuesday, June 26), but has been canceled; however, the topic of, when and why, a new date will be set for the hearing, is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. today - if all of the parties show up for the discussion.

The appeal of a stormwater fee was canceled last Friday by Council Chair Bob Myhr, after Myhr received an email from Deputy Prosecutor Karen Vedder, who stated that “Public Works is requesting a continuance of the storm water appeal brought by Gordon and Lori Petersen”.

The email explains that because Vedder had received a copy of the Petersen’s brief (arguments) on Thursday of last week, Vedder -who will represent Public Works at the hearing in front of the Council- did not have the same amount of time to respond to the Petersen brief as the Petersen’s had to respond to her brief. The Petersens’ don’t see it quite the same way.

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SJ Initiative Meeting Monday

The San Juan Initiative (link to history of the Initiative) will hold it’s fifth meeting today, Monday, June 25, in Friday Harbor at 1:15 in the Grange Building (next to the American Legion Post). The public is welcome, and there will be a public comment period near the end of the meeting.

This will be the first meeting for the group after the June 13th meeting when the heads and representatives from various state agencies came to Friday Harbor to discuss how they can help and assist in the goal of restoring and protecting Puget Sound.

The meeting is scheduled to run until 4:30. The agenda follows below”

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Council Passes A “No Brainer”

The County Council has adopt legislation that will allow the County to retain an additional .01% of the sales and use tax that is collected in the county. Little things can add up. The change from the existing .08%, to .09% of the proceeds retained from the tax is estimated by the Auditor to result in “about $43,000 per year in additional funds”.

In making the recommendation to the Council to pass an ordinance allowing the County to keep the additional money, Auditor Milene Henley wrote in the Staff Report that the recommendation was a “no-brainer”.

Henley's report informed the Council that In 1997 the State legislature allowed rural counties that were classified as “distressed” (the term has since been changed to “Rural”) to “retain a portion of the state sales tax for the purpose of financing public facilities. The amount was not to exceed .04% of the state tax of 6.5%.

Henley explained the “.04% was to be taken as a credit against the portion of the sales tax due to the state, so that there was no impact on the individual consumer.”

The money can only be used for “economic development”, and must be used according to an adopted and approved plan, that results from consultation with Friday Harbor and all county port districts. The County has been receiving the funds since 2001. The amount collected for public facilities from 2001 through 2006 totals $348,734.45.


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Dispatches From Bangladesh

The Island Guardian is pleased to publish the second submission of a continuing narrative by Hadley Rose of her experiences living and working in Bangladesh under a fellowship from Willamette University Law School, with the Grameen Bank and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for the banks 30-year groundbreaking project in micro-credit. Rose will be working with the bank for eight weeks.

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The Second Narrative From Bangladesh


By Hadley Rose

Today, I took my first trip to a village in Manikganj. We had an employee from the head office, Mr. Athesham, to accompany us to the village. He negotiated a good taxi price for us and then served as an interpreter for us. The hierarchy of the Grameen Bank is such that people cannot work at the head office until they have worked for 15 years in a branch (village) office. Mr. Athesham had been a branch manager for about 18 years before moving to the head office, so he was looking forward to the trip himself, to be an encouragement and a envoy from the "Big Bank" to one of the "Mini Banks" like where he had spent so many years.


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Friday was “Take Your Dog to Work Day”

The Cartoon above was sent to us by a local artist who said they were inspired by the recent dog attack on a cow ); and informed us that Friday was “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.

It seems like there is a day dedicated to everything, and today, June 22 is the day to “Take Your Dog To Work”. It is not a “national” day, not even an “official” day. but rather a day that was picked back in 1999 by Pet Sitters International to be the day to haul the dog off to work, and perhaps not always find a warm welcome when you got there with pet in tow.

What it really seems to be is a clever advertising tool, with an estimated 300 or so companies that get involved in it; but it also has been used to push information about pet adoption programs, and that is a good thing. (Related Story on the 25th year of the Animal Protection Society in Friday Harbor) )

San Juan county, being sort of relaxed and laid back, has a long history of pets at work, including dogs in County offices (The island Guardian has a cat that “owns” the building on Blair Avenue, where she puts up with us). Sooo, just thought it was interesting, and posting it beats the hell out of trying to make some sense out of the two day Nantucket workshop that was held in Friday Harbor these last two days, and attended by about 75 people. We will post photos and a story next week. after we go through our 5 pages of notes.


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MedVac Helicopter Based On SJI This Summer

(The flight map example of distance/time shows starting times from Arlington)

A helicopter owned by Airlift Northwest will be based at the Friday Harbor airport this summer. Airlift Northwest Regional Manager Jeff Richey explained the move will expedite emergency services for residents and visitors in the San Juan Islands. By basing a helicopter at Friday Harbor, the response times will be shortened, not only to Friday Harbor, but to all the islands as well. The helicopter will be at the airport during the day on alternating weekends.

“This move allows us to provide service more quickly during a busy time of year,” Richey said, and added that “The summer months bring more visitors to the islands and the need for more emergency services. .”

“We experience increased need for air medical transportation during the busy summer season,” said San Juan Island EMS Chief Jim Cole. “We appreciate Airlift Northwest recognizing this need. This is a very positive relationship that provides superior service for people on the islands who experience a critical medical or traumatic emergency.”


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Public Trashes Proposal To Move Dump

(Chris Clarke addresses how existing site can be expanded)

The recent Transfer Station meeting was intended to hear what potential environmental issues may need to be addressed for the proposed sites on San Juan Island. Things did not go well.

From the start of the meeting, a number of those attending made it quite clear that they were opposed to the current site being moved; did not trust the information presented by Public Works; believed that Public Works had already decided a new transfer station would be built at a new location, and in general that the whole process was “a waste of time and money”.

Todd Peterson has been retained by Public Works to structure and lead the meetings, and while he is skilled and experienced in moderating meetings, he was finding it difficult to keep the meeting focused on the subject at hand. Peterson insisted that the process is open and no predetermination has been made. For each objection presented against moving the site, Peterson would remind the group that the point of the meeting was to inform Public Works as to what the potential areas are that need to be looked at, and what data gathered, to complete an environmental impact assessment for each site.


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Will Council Try & Stop Referendum Vote?

The certification of the first referendum in San Juan County may come under attack by a legal challenge if the Council decides to take it to Superior Court. The Council was told by John Cain, Deputy Prosecutor for SJC, that the referendum may not stand up to a legal challenge if it can be shown that the underlying issue is a Growth Management land use issue, as opposed to a funding issue. Cain asked if the Council wanted to pursue the matter.

During the following discussion, Councilman Rosenfeld said that strormwater management was required by GMA, so it seemed to him that fact showed the referendum was not legal. Councilman Peterson said that as he understood it, the referendum was about the funding of the strormwater ordinance, and did not address the requirement that there be a stormwater ordinance.

Peterson asked if the council could simply let the election go forward without going to court, and let the voters decide. Depending on how the election turned out, he said, there may be no reason to have gone to court. Peterson suggested that the council could also address the concerns of those who signed the petition, and “fix the problem” by re-structuring how we fund the stormwater ordinance.

Cain said he would do research on the various questions the council raised, and would return in a week.

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Guest Editorial

Thoughts On SJI Hospital Proposal
Lest I be labeled one who is trying to nay-say the experts, let me say first that I am a Registered Nurse with decades of experience as a hospital staff nurse, a Public Health Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and California. I have been many places and worked in many settings. Only the first year of my work was in a city, San Francisco; the rest has been in rural health. I have observed rural hospitals, health clinics and public health facilities throughout my nursing career, and I hope the citizens of this county will recognize I have something valid to say.

I have also been involved with San Juan Island going back to 1970 when my father bought property here. I remember remarking to my father, when the hospital district (a district with taxing powers) was proposed and voted in, that the day would come when someone would think it's a good idea to build an acute care hospital on San Juan Island.
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Buyer’s Club Co-Op Being Formed

A San Juan Island Buyer’s Club Co-op is being formed that will order regional organic dry goods and make them available to members of buyer’s club. Organizers Cloud McCauley and Maureen Marinkovich plan to have a membership drive once they complete talks with the SJC Health Department, and secure a lease agreement for a building to house the co-op.

The space they plan to lease will be located in the Surina Business Park off of Malcolm Street. A turn key 300 sq ft unit located on the west corner of the business park will be the start up location.

McCauley and Marinkovich said that while the rent for one year, and the simple equipment costs, will be covered by a private donor, the co-op will still need to pay for town utilities and provide “volunteer help to get things up and running”. They plan to ask for a suggested, but not required, yearly donation of $50 - $75 per family unit, depending on ability and/or some volunteer time at the members convenience.

The plan is to place an order whenever the combined order meets the required $500 minimum. In the beginning this may be once a month, but will increase with demand.

The lease agreement, Heath Department regulation talks, non profit business permitting and membership organization all will be negotiated and should be settled by July. They hope to place orders beginning in August.


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Skyhawks Multi-Sports Camp On Orcas

This program allows participants to gain experience in several sports. Play soccer, baseball, and basketball in a day-program setting. There is no pressure, just lots of fun, while young athletes participate in all three sports through unique Skyhawks games.

This popular sports camp has been part of the San Juan Island and Lopez Island summer programs for several years and have had terrific success. Visit www.skyhawks.com for more information.
Bring: Lunch, snack, water (labeled), cleats, shoes for basketball and baseball, shin guards, soccer ball (we have some, as well), hat, sun protection.

Monday - Friday, June 25-29; 9:00 - 3:00 or 9:00 - 5:00; @ Buck Park
ages 7-12 - cost: $128 (ending at 3:00), and $150 (ending at 5:00)

Note: The sports camp ends at 3:00. Children who need childcare until 5:00 will have supervision until then. Please bring an extra snack, a book, and perhaps something to do. Otherwise, the camp organizers will supervise the children as they play at the park.

Multi-Sport participants will receive a Ball, a T-shirt, and a Merit Award

Register at www.orcasrec.org or pick up forms at the public school, public library, or the Orcas Island Recreation Program office in the Senior Center.

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It Worked! Baby Bluebirds on SJ Island

The lyric “hold your head up high, Till you find a bluebird of happiness” was appropriate advice for the San Juan Islands Audubon after they released eight pairs of Western Bluebirds last March on San Juan Island.

With the birth of three Western Bluebirds in the Bailer Hill area of San Juan Island, there is some hope that the attempt to reintroduce the birds to San Juan County may be successful . These are the first juvenile bluebirds seen in the San Juans since about 1965.

The parents are one of eight pair of Western Bluebirds translocted from Ft. Lewis, Pierce County, Washington, in March of this year. (Previous story) Some of the birds flew back to Ft. Lewis, but both of the parents of these new birds remained, survived, and were seen feeding the fledglings insects caught in the short grasses of Garry Oak habitat.

Many volunteers spent the early winter months building and placing nest boxes throughout San Juan County in classic bluebird feeding and breeding habitat. Western Bluebirds were once common in the San Juans but were not able to compete with non-native European Starlings for nest sites in tree cavities and disappeared about 1965. The current nest boxes have entrance holes too small for starlings but will allow bluebirds.

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Host British Soccer Coaches this summer!

Island Rec (San Juan Island Park & Recreation District) has announced that one of the most respected and experienced soccer training organizations in the US, Challenger Sports British Soccer Camps is coming back to Friday Harbor this summer.

One of the most popular elements of The British Soccer Camp program is that the coaches for our camps will stay with local families. In return for hosting a coach the hosting family receives a rebate of up to $80 toward the cost of the camp but more importantly they will enjoy a unique week learning about the UK, learning about soccer and building lasting friendships.

Island Rec is in need of several families to host a coach this summer for the weeks of July 8-13 and August 19-24. Contact Sally Kerr, Recreation Director at 378-4953 to take part in this unique opportunity.

For more information about British Soccer Camps, and all of the Island Rec summer programs, stop by Island Rec at 580 Guard Street to pick up a summer program guide or visit www.islandrec.org .


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Council Signs Transborder Island Agreement

The Islands Trust, British Columbia and San Juan County, Washington, representing the interests of more than 642 islands within the Howe Sound, Georgia Basin and Puget Sound, have renewed their "Transborder Agreement" ..

The Islands Trust is the local government responsible for land use planning and regulations for 470 islands situated in the Georgia Basin and Howe Sound.

“Our islands share airspace, watersheds and a marine environment,” said Kim Benson, Islands Trust Council Chair. “Within and immediately surrounding these islands, the population is expected to increase from six to 8.5 million by 2010. We believe that growth and the associated environmental issues transcend physical and political boundaries and that sharing information and coordinating activities among all levels of government, island communities and other organizations is crucial to addressing these issues.”

“Managing the projected growth and its impacts will require timely development and implementation of effective strategies, while preserving and protecting the unique qualities of these islands,” said Bob Myhr, San Juan County Council Chair. “This agreement recognizes our spirit of partnership and friendship in meeting the challenges ahead.”

The two agencies share common values, such as protecting significant terrestrial and marine environmental features, preserving the unique quality of life on the islands, managing the impact of population growth and development in a manner consistent with the values of island communities and encouraging island communities to achieve and maintain a viable economy.

The agreement focuses on identifying current and emerging transboundary issues; sharing information; undertaking research and policy development projects; promoting communications and public education; and, supporting cooperative initiatives with other organizations, government agencies and the private sector.

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Voters May Decide On Stormwater Fee

The first referendum filed under the new Charter form of county government has been certified. 1,655 voters in San Juan County signed a petition asking the County Council to repeal an ordinance that imposes a stormwater “service charge” on developed property in the county.

San Juan County is mandated by the State to develop a storm water plan, -that is not optional. However it became apparent to those collecting signatures for this referendum, that the level of understanding as to the problems to be addressed, and the proposed means for mitigation by the Storm Water Ordinance, was minimal.

Given the level of desire to re-visit this issue (15% of the registered voters signed the petition), the County Council can decide to repeal the ordinance, which would make the vote unnecessary, or they can do nothing and wait to receive the results of the November election when the voters in the county will decide if the service charge -which some are calling a tax- will continue to show up on their property tax bill.

The decision to collect the money by use of the property tax bill was done without the approval of county taxpayers. After receiving a recommendation from a committee appointed by the Council to make a recommendation, the County Council passed an ordinance last year that required the tax assessor to include the charge on the property tax bills sent out to all developed property in San Juan County. According to the petition organizers, putting the issue back before the public was the purpose of the referendum.


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Performing Arts Society’s Concert, Wednesday

Melodic and mesmerizing sounds of the cello will ring through the air at the next Performing Arts Society’s concert, Wednesday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Benefit Players Theater. Music courageously provided by Sally Browne with the marvelous assistance of Jenepher Reeves and Katie McDonald, PhD. Music of Bach, Bartok, Faure, Mozart and Saint-Saens will be played.

The Performing Arts Society aims to foster the growth and appreciation of the performing arts in our community, as well as to provide performance opportunities for the island’s remarkably talented performing artists, featuring new compositions, vocals, acoustic instrumentation, chamber ensembles and piano works.

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Dispatches From Bangladesh

(Reianna DaRosa photos)

The Island Guardian is pleased to publish the first submission of what we hope will be a continuing narrative by Hadley Rose of her experiences living and working in Bangladesh.

We first heard about Hadley at the local Rotary Club when her father, County Administrator Pete Rose, said how proud he and wife Cynthia were that Hadley had won a fellowship from Willamette University Law School, where she had just finished her second year, to intern at the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.

Many will recall that the Grameen Bank and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for its 30-year groundbreaking project in micro-credit. Rose will be working with the bank for eight weeks.

The following is the first narrative, of Hadley Rose’s first day in Bangladesh; and we particular like the comment that “road signals or signs are just a suggestion”; seems there is at least one thing we have in common with the drivers in Bangladesh.
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Transfer Station: Improve Existing Or Move It?

A community meeting to receive public comment is scheduled for Tuesday June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor.

County planners invite citizens to comment on what should be taken into account in assessing the environmental impact of constructing a new solid waste transfer station for San Juan Island. The transfer station would be constructed either at the existing site near Sutton Road or at a new site.

San Juan Island’s current transfer station does not meet regulations, at least not in the area where the waste is dumped, because it is an uncovered area that allows rain to fall directly onto the garbage, creating potentially contaminated runoff.

The area was covered, but had received damage to the supporting members over the years, and PW Director Jon Shannon chose to remove the protection, but did not replace it, thereby creating a violation of environmental and public health regulations. Ed Hale, Utilities Manager at the Public Works Department said that the Island’s current solid waste transfer station is too small for the number of customers and the volume of garbage and recyclables coming in. It’s also too small, Hale said, to provide some of the services Island citizens requested be a part of the transfer site, such as materials exchange.

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State & Feds Come To Hear & Help

(Bill Ruckelshaus welcomes the group to the meeting)

Say what you want about the San Juan Initiative (SJI), but one thing is clear: They got them some clout! What is less clear is how they will become a state “pilot program”, and how an “action plan” will be created by next year that will accomplish the stated state wide goal of “Restoring Puget Sound by 2020”.

They have money, they have state and federal contacts and influence, and they have a whole bunch of charts to guide them. But based on the last three meetings -and the Wednesday meeting in Friday Harbor with the heads of some of the most powerful departments in the state on board- it seems that all they need now is to stop talking about where they are going to go, and get the boat moving; and to do so before the crew either starts to abandon ship, or falls asleep at the oars.

It has been painful to observe the process to date, and almost impossible to report on it, since nothing much can be said about nothing, since each meeting -and there have been four so far- seems to be a warm-over of the last one, with only a few minor new additions added to spice it up, but at the Wednesday meeting there was some slight progress, and a call for action.


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Legal Waters Found Deep For Orca Protection

(Prosecutor presents draft ordinance to County Council -Slide shows a “No Go” zone when near whales)

The county Council reviewed draft two of the proposed Ordinance regulating the operation of vessels in proximity to the Southern Resident Killer Whale”, and were told by Prosecuting attorney Randy Gaylord that there are difficulties and potential liabilities in adopting regulations that would replace existing voluntary guidelines.

The key word here is “voluntary”. It is one thing to ask, but quite another to demand. The problem is compounded given existing federal, state and international laws that little San Juan County has to understand and take into consideration as they try and draft an ordinance that will not conflict with the existing body of controls and agreements that relate to vessels in San Juan County waters.

As he did in the first presentation of the draft, Gaylord once again used a Power Point presentation as a basis for outlining the history and current status of laws, regulations and international treaties that may have the potential to come into conflict, if not limit, any regulations the County may enact to control movement on the waters around San Juan County.

If SJ County was not so close to an international boarder, and was not surrounded by waters that have been subject to international treaties, and subject to maritime laws -some of which go back to a treaty with Great Britain in 1846- it might be a bit easier for the Council to regulate vessels in San Juan waters.

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Took A Few Years, But Rosario Has A Plan

The County Council (CC) approved the Rosario Master Planned Resort ordinance at a special meeting on Monday. Councilman Myhr was once again absent, and while Councilman Lichter continuing to be opposed to passage without additional discussion, the Council was able this time to muster the necessary members necessary to approve the Plan; and action that brought a burst of applause from an audience made up of supporters.

Lichter made an attempt to introduce new correspondence (and read by at least some of the Councilmen) into the process, but his motion to re-open public comment to allow formal acceptance and discussion of the material failed to receive a second. With that out of the way, the Council voted to approve the Plan; with Lichter casting the lone nay vote.

While the Plan is just that, a plan, and not an application for any development, it is a long list of conditions and restrictions that will structure and guide the review of actual development permits when, and if, they are submitted.

One additional thing the Plan is not, is the approval of the development of an expanded marina at the resort; a point that Councilman Ranker took aims to underscore when he ripped the cover off of the report because it showed an enlarged marina, which Ranker said could be misleading to the public that the County in someway approved of the proposal.

Any marina expansion will, just like any landward development, still have to be submitted, reviewed for compliance with the Plan, and then move forward through the normal permitting process. A process subject to all land use and construction regulations, in addition to those contained in the Plan. And yes, such a process has a provision for public comment, and appeal.

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CC Clerk Moves To Town Position

Having just been promoted to the interim County Council Clerk, Amy Taylor will now be the new Town of Friday Harbor Clerk. Mayor Jones announced today the appointment of Amy Taylor to the position of Town Clerk.

Taylor will replace Kelle Wilson who served has served in that position for the past 9 years.

“I am pleased to fill this important position with someone who had all the necessary qualifications” Mayor Jones explained after making his announcement.

The Clerk keeps an accurate account of all Town Council proceedings and is responsible for the maintenance and safekeeping of all essential Town records. Ms. Taylor will receive a salary of $44,000 a year.

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Legion Team Work For A New Patio

When you have the best view in town, you may as well take full advantage of it, and on Saturday, June 9, a work party showed up at American Legion Post 163 to help prepare the ground and form up for the pouring of cement for a new patio that will allow fuller use and enjoyment of the land in front of the Legion building.

The drippy, cool weather did nothing to dampen the cooperation as Legion members went to work.
Ed Rouleau brought his back hoe to get the party started. Then Glen Hargrove, John Goulter, Curt VanHyning, Larry Larson, Roger Loring, Randy Lindsey, Roger Falls, Norm Hanson, Dave Ross, Jeff Gull, David McCrillas, Jim Knych, Steve Cotton and Bubba Walters of Raw Construction began the hard work of clearing, grading, and setting the forms. Scott Clark, Mark McCutcheon, and Jeff Peacock brought a dump truck to haul away the broken cement and debris.

In the mean time, Sam Cotton, Carlys Allen, Jenny Moore, Tori Patterson, Nancy Vejvoda, Donna Greenway and Minnie Knych kept the coffee brewed and prepared a hot lunch for the work party. In between the breakfast and lunch, we organized one of the storage closets and cleaned the grill in the kitchen.

At the end of the day, Lou Dickenson came by to assess the electrical needs on the patio and Evelyn Lee checked in after work to make sure all was ready for the cement pour on June 23.

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SJCFD #3 Makes Choice On Fire Chief

San Juan County Fire District #3 Commissioners have made their choice of the candidates for Fire Chief, and have offered the position to Steve Marler, Interim Fire Chief of the Sonoma Fire Department

While the Commissioners felt they were fortunate to have several well qualified candidates to interview, they stated that it was their opinion that “Marler would bring new ideas, leadership, and experience to the position”, and pointed to his “his extensive involvement in his current community” as an indication that “he will be a valuable asset to our community and to the department.”

Assuming that Marler accepts the offered contract, he will take over as Chief within 30 days.


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Auditions June 18-19

San Juan Community Theatre announces auditions for the John Ford Noonan comedy A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking, directed by Dorian Oliver. Auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, June 18 and 19, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Theatre.

There are roles for two women (ages 30-60) in this popular friendship play about a traditional suburban housewife and a retired Texas cheerleader. Hailed at its premiere as “an unusually smart sitcom,” this script helped launch the careers of Susan Sarandon, JoBeth Williams, Ann Archer and Dixie Carter.

Perusal scripts are available at the Theatre box office with a $10 refundable deposit. The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 11 to 2, and one hour before any performance.

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CC Takes Up Rosario & Orca Ordinances On Monday, Then It Is Off To Canada

There will be a special County Council (CC) meeting on Monday to continue work on the proposed Orca Whale Protection Ordinance, and to continue deliberations on the Rosario Master Planned Resort Ordinance. No regular meeting on Tuesday, then on Wednesday it is off to Canada.

Typically the Council meets on Mondays for staff meetings only, but this Monday the council will hold a formal meeting on Monday, then skip the normally scheduled Tuesday meeting.

At 10:00 a.m. on Monday the CC will take up the ongoing deliberations to adopt the Rosario Master Planned Resort ordinance. After Councilman Lichter voted nay on a motion to pass the ordinance at last Tuesday council meeting, and because Councilman Kevin Ranker and Bob Myhr were absent from the meeting, the Council did not have the necessary numbers to pass the ordinance. Based on past comments from Ranker and Myhr, it is expected the ordinance will be quickly passed on Monday; but then, given the long drawn-out history of the Rosario proposal, maybe not..

At 12:30 P.M. the CC will continue work on the Proposed Orca Whale Protection Ordinance.

After skipping the Tuesday meeting, Four of the six Council Members (and county staff) will be traveling together on a private boat to Pender Island, B.C. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 for a Thursday, June 14, 2007 Islands Trust , where the Council members will take part in a two hour agenda item labeled: “San Juan County Liaison: Areas of Mutual Interest & "Transborder Agreement" . What this may mean for San Juan County is explained in a joint SJC and Islands Trust two page publication entitled “Trans-Border Cooperation” .

Because at least four of the six council members will be going on the trip, it is necessary to have at least one of the staff members present, since four members constitute a quorum.

Another special meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 18, 2007, and the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council will be held at the normal time on Tuesday, June 19, 2007.


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Well Child Health Screening Clinic

Well Child Health Screening clinics are scheduled by the San Juan County Health and Community Services Department to assist parents who wish to check their child’s health status in preparation for school entrance and for those in need of an annual check up or sports physical.

This will be a physician clinic conducted by County Health Officer, Frank James, M. D., and public health staff. The examination consists of a physical assessment and screening tests on blood, vision, hearing, and development. Immunizations needed for school entry will be available. A special fee of $40 or a current medical coupon is requested for the examination, and $15 for each immunization needed. A sliding fee scale is available.

The clinics will be held at the Public Health Office in the Courthouse Annex in Friday Harbor on Monday, June 11. You may call 378-4474 for an appointment, or for further information

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SJI To Hold Major Meeting On Ecosystem Protection

The public is invited to attend a San Juan Initiative (SJI) meeting on Wednesday, June 13th (12:30 pm at the Mullis Senior Community Center in Friday Harbor) that will have representatives from State and Federal Agencies, Tribal Leaders and San Juan County, meeting to hold a shared strategy session on local and regional ecosystem protection opportunities; that is: “identify ecosystem priorities for the County and region that would benefit from cross-jurisdictional efforts.”.

According to a press release from SJI, “This will be the first of several meetings over the next two years to improve ecosystem protection programs and improve efficiency between the governmental agencies, tribes and non-profits. The San Juan Initiative is coordinating the effort to generate solutions to local and regional ecosystem problems and to create a forum for implementation of ecosystem-based solutions”.


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Nantucket Planner In Friday Harbor On June 20 & 21

“Is San Juan County following the same path as Nantucket, Massachusetts; where hundreds of workers, teachers, and service people commute daily, and the median home price is $1.8 million?” That is the question being asked by some; and by the County.

Councilman Alan Lichter is one of those asking the question, and with acceptance of his suggestion to the CC (County Council) that they invite John Pagini to come our from the east coast and share his experiences on Nantucket as a planner, the council hopes to find some answers to the basic questions of how best to manage and control growth in San Juan County.

Pagini will be at a workshop in Friday Harbor on June 20th and 21st (9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m for both days) to discuss the principles of “smart growth” as they relate to specific issues such as housing, tourism, managing growth, and environmental protection. Panel discussions and small group work-sessions are planned, with an opportunity for questions from the audience. The idea of the workshop is to “open a discussion of the parallels between Nantucket and the San Juan Islands”.

The program will look at what worked, and did not work, in Nantucket from 1995 to 2005. Pagini served for 10 years as Director of the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and is now a certified land use planner in private practice. He has over 32 years of experience as a municipal and regional planner.

For further information, or to RSVP to this event (sponsored by the San Juan County Council, the Visitor’s Bureau, the Friends of the San Juans, and others) please e-mail debbiee@co.san-juan.wa.us or call 370-7401.

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CC Moves To Protect Orca In SJC Waters

The County Council has agreed to “fast track” the process to approve an ordinance designed to add local regulations for the protection of killer whales. Those involved in the study and protection of the Orca have become concerned that voluntary guidelines are not sufficient to protect the Orca from harassment and, in some cases, injury.

The CC (County Council) had responded by asked County Administrator Pete Rose, and County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord, to research the issue and present a report to the CC. On Tuesday Gaylord presented a draft ordinance that incorporated -in part- the voluntary “Whale Wise” guidelines, and added language necessary to create an enforcement ordinance.

Councilman Lichter asked Gaylord who, exactly would provide the enforcement if an ordinance is passed. Gaylord said the Sheriff’s office;, and added it was his belief that state officials could also enforce the regulations. Gaylord indicated that there are state agencies that are interested in what we might proposed, and there was some movement on the part of the state to also draft regulations. Gaylord said it was his intent to forward the draft to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for their comment and review.

Councilman Rich Peterson asked Gaylord to explain why the current laws are not seen as sufficient to allow regulator protection, and used the recent whale harassment case as an example. Gaylord said the burden of proof under the current laws are difficult, and the regulations in the draft ordinance will be easier to enforce, and will therefore be more effective.

Councilman Kevin Ranker, while wanting to move quickly on the passage of an ordinance, said he would like to pursue bringing other counties onboard.

Amy Trainer, in-house attorney for the Friends of the San Juans, was one of the first to bring the matter Orcas protection to the Council, by asking that local regulations be drafted to protect the Orca. In response to Ranker’s comment, she testified that “we can have ‘buy-in’ to the program by others”, but that it was important to move quickly to have enforceable protection for the Orca, and gave as example the new Orca calf that is now in San Juan waters.

She also stated that it was her understanding that the CC could “provide a commission to federal and state officials” that would allow them to enforce county regulations.

The Council agreed to move as quickly as legally possible to hold hearings and pass a final ordinance. The first draft language of a possible ordinance follows, but it will no doubt be subject to many additions, deletions and changes before, and if, it comes to the Council for a vote.


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CC Appoints CAO Committee

San Juan County government loves a committee, and yesterday a new citizens committee was appointed to “assist in development of the CAO (Critical Areas Ordinance) ”.

The appointed members are:

• Planning Commission member. Barbara Thomas (Lopez).
• One member selected by the Agriculture Resource Committee: Todd Goldsmith (Lopez)).
• One member selected by Friends of the San Juans: Stephanie Buffum-Field (Shaw)).
• One member selected by the Builders Association: John Evans (Orcas)).
• One member selected by the Realtors Association: Fred Munder from Orcas.
• One member to represent land development interests: Stephanie 0' Day.
• One member selected by the Marine Resources Committee: Jim Slocomb (San Juan).
• Two "at large" members: Steve Hussey and Ryan Drum

Additional appointments may be made in the future, The new group will be in addition to the San Juan Initiative committee that will, as part of their work on -among other things- salmon recovery , also give input into the CAO process.

The Critical Areas Ordinance Public Participation Plan was adopted by the passage of Resolution 56-2006, and as part of the resolution, a Council appointed Citizen Review Committee will work with, and advise SJC Long Range Planning, and any “technical advisers”, as to what should or should not be included in the CAO. (some information about the CAO is available on the county web site under “ “Items of interest” ”)


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Checking Finger Prints, But 10K Could Solve Case

Evidence in the grave desecration case on Orcas is being checked for finger prints. Sheriff Bill Cumming said that evidence from the scene is being analyzed for clues to who may have committed the crime, but that simply having the prints will not help unless there is a matching set in the national records. On the other hand -so to speak- if they are not able to match a print to a data base, it will be helpful to be able to match the prints to suspects.

Speaking of suspects, Cumming said that he believes the $10,000.00 reward may cause someone to come forward with information. And that it is important to publicize the reward. In the meantime, Ken Schramm of KOMO-4 has indicated an interest in coming to the island to install more flags on the graves, and to help focus attention on the case.

In a column, Mr. Schram stated that “I plan on going to Woodlawn Cemetery around the 4th of July to put new flags on the graves of those veterans.” And then went along to invite others to join him: “I'm hoping some people 'like me' will want to come along…. As we get closer to the 4th of July, I’ll contact everyone who’s indicated they want to participate with the specifics of when we’ll head out there and where we can meet up.”

However not everyone likes the idea: one member of the cemetery district on Orcas said that “we do not need anymore publicity”, indicating that what has occurred has only brought negative publicly to San Juan County.

With some luck -and a $10,000.00 reward- maybe the case will be solved before the 4th of July.
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Whale Harassment Case Settled For $540.00

( Contributed Photo

While the County Council is ready to take a hard look at turning existing Whale Watching Guidelines into regulations, the question is also being asked: Is a change needed in the current state court schedule that allows bail forfeiture in wildlife cases?

County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord thinks so. Gaylord told The Island Guardian that the State Prosecutor’s office is working with Fish and Wildlife to remove the ability of someone charged in a wildlife case to simply forfeit bail postings as a way of avoiding a full trial.

Gaylord explained that bail forfeiture has allowed the paying of a fine as a way of avoiding having to show up for a trial, and then possibly being fined. Times have changed, and now that ability to pay and walk, may also be due for a change.

The current procedure came to the publics attention when Corey A. Mendoza, age 51, of Stanwood, Washington, forfeited bail for operating a 36-foot motor yacht in the path of the southern resident killer whales. Prosecutors charged Mendoza with violation of the state wildlife laws which make it unlawful to maliciously harass an endangered species, a gross misdemeanor.

Mendoza posted the required bond of $540.00, and then did not show up in court to contest the fine, thus forfeited the money, and that was the end of it.

Background of the case follows:

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SJC Hires Communications Manager

San Juan County has hired Stan Matthews as its first Communications Program Manager. Matthews brings a strong background in communications to the job. His 25 year career in public and commercial broadcast journalism includes reporting, writing, photography and producing. In addition, he served as staff for a state governor and as co-owner of a software company.

Currently, he is a journalism consultant working on international media projects for organizations funded by the US Agency for International Development, training journalists in Armenia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia on investigative reporting, basic reporting skills, producing political debates and covering elections.

Along his career track, Matthews has developed a resume that includes several individual or team national journalism awards, including DuPont-Columbia and George F. Peabody Awards and several regional Emmy’s. His broadcast career is also highlighted by leadership posts in the journalistic community.

The Communications Program Manager position, approved in the 2007 budget, will serve the County organization in several ways: by improving responsiveness to citizens; by coordinating a customer service program; improving information for the public on the County web site; assisting in a variety of public outreach needs; developing an on-line news & information letter; and assisting with media relations.

Stan Matthews moved to San Juan Island in February with his wife, Susan Matthews, who is the Program Coordinator for the San Juan Island Community Foundation. He will begin service to the citizens of San Juan County on July 2.



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CC Briefing Tuesday On Stormwater Appeal Procedures

The County Council will receive a briefing Tuesday, (10 a.m. in the court house) from Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Cain, on Stormwater Appeals procedures. The briefing on how to go about hearing an appeal is presumably in response to an appeal that has been filed. The appeal by Gordon & Lori Petersen requests a “tax” refund on a stormwater fee that is showing up on some tax bills from the SJC Assessor’s office.

The Petersen’s had filed an appeal to Public Works (PW) to the fee, as required by the Stormwater Ordinance, but it was rejected by PW. The next option available to them was to file an appeal directly to the County Council. Their appeal will be heard by the Council later this month.

While all this is going on, the petition drive to get the funding source for the stormwater ordinance put on the ballot is still moving forward, as supporters work to obtain the required number of signatures to qualify as a ballot measure, which will require a vote of the people -as opposed to the past vote by the council, to approve the current stormwater funding amount and method of collection.


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Guest Editorial

(The following Guest Editorial is in response to a petition drive that will allow the voters to decide if an existing new fee for the stormwater utility should be approved, or rejected, by an election)

By Steve Hussey

I’m writing this as a private citizen responding to the claims made by various people who oppose the funding mechanism for the stormwater utility. In my professional capacity I am grant-funded by the state to promote stormwater management, particularly Low Impact Development. I was also a member of the advisory committee that determined how best to fund the county’s obligations. Before joining the committee I received EPA training on the legality and fairness of various funding mechanisms.

The process was entirely funded by grant money, was managed by an outside facilitator who determined the agenda and managed the process. The county staff member (Matt Zybas) did not direct any of content but was present to answer questions and provide data.

The committee was formed from representatives of the environment, conservationism, private home owners, business owners, and the builders association. These were all recognized as key stakeholders in the process.

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Time To File For Elected Office!

By Dan Gillespie

The time for Candidate filing has been changed by the Washington State Legislature. In the past, filing week was the last week of July. Beginning this year, filing week will be the first week of June.

Interested persons may file for election to offices that will be placed on the November 6, 2007 ballot. The offices on the ballot this year are Commissioners and Directors of local public service districts, the Town of Friday Harbor and local school districts.

In order to file for office, the prospective candidate must be a registered voter in San Juan County and be a resident of the district represented.

In-person filing will be conducted:
Monday, June 4, 2007, 8:00 a.m. to Friday, June 8 at 4:30 p.m.
Filings will be accepted by mail from Friday, May 18 through Friday June 8.
All filings must be in the Elections Office by 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 8.

Following is a list of Offices subject to election in 2007:
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Coast Guard Busts Illegal Immigrants

The United States Coast Guard made a boarding of a boat in San Juan County on May 21, and took eight illegal immigrants into custody.

Rumors have been circulating about the incident, and there have been fears by some of the undocumented workers on San Juan Island that a sweep was about to be made by immigration officers from ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The concern caused some of them to leave their homes and stay at other locations until the extent of the enforcement action was known. According to one rumor, a boat was returning concrete construction workers from one of the outer islands to Roche Harbor when the boat was stopped by the Coast Guard, and some of the workers were found to have been here illegally.

According to Lorie Dankers of ICE, the vessel “Merganser” was approached by the US Coast Guard when it appeared that it was overloaded with passengers. The boat was stopped, and found to have eleven people on board, and after an identification check was made, eight of the passengers were found to be Mexican citizens who were unable to prove they were in the country legally.

The eight were taken into custody and transported to Roche Harbor, where they were turned over to Border Patrol officers. They were processed, and then taken to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. One of the men posted bail on the 25th of May, but the rest are in custody awaiting a hearing to determine if they may remain in the country.

Dankers said that a hearing date will be set, and each case will be reviewed by an Administrative Judge who will determine what action is appropriate. As to the question of are there, or will there be, further investigations under way to locate other persons that may be in San Juan county illegally, Dankers said that ICE does not comment on ongoing investigations, or potential investigations.


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2nd Attack By Dogs (aka: Family Pets) On Livestock

(Veterinarian Susan Besel treating dog bites with an antibiotic)

On Wednesday cows were attacked by two dogs on San Juan Island. The owner of the livestock said that one of the cows was repeatedly attacked by a pair of dogs. Claudia Mills of San Juan Island said the attack was the second time it had happen in the last nine months; and notes that in the 20 years she has owned cows, there has not been a problem until these two incidents occurred.

Mills has written an Open Letter to the public in an attempt to educate dog owners as to what can happen when they allow their dogs to run free.

Dog attacks on livestock has always been a problem in San Juan County, and in response it has always been the right of a livestock owner to kill -if necessary- dogs attacking their animals. At one time there were warning signs posted to inform the newcomers and tourists that it would be wise to control their animals, but at some point the signs were removed, but the problem of dog attacks continued.

Last year the problem was taken up by the County Council when Councilman Bob Myhr’s repeated concerns resulted in the drafting and passage of a new “Dog Ordinance” that once again brought the problem to the attention of the public. Since then there has been an effort by the farmers and the Agricultural Resources Committee to educate the public on the need to not allow dogs to run at large (previous Guest Editorial on the subject).


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