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Monday, June 30th
Fire Danger In San Juan County HIGH
Robert Low, San Juan County Fire Marshal, has declared no more burning will be allowed other than recreational fires.
The definition of a recreational fire is 2 foot or less on bare soil, gravel, below tide line on the beach or in an approved fire pit.
Do not burn garbage such as cans, paper plates or plastic wrappers.
FIRE SIZE: 2 foot or less. FLAMES: 2 foot or less. AROUND PIT: 2 feet min. of safe space.
Be sure your fire is completely out by using plenty of water and stirring the embers until the heat is gone.
[link]
Firefighters Assist In Off-Island Wildland Fire
San Juan Island Fire Department dispatched two firefighters and a wildland fire engine left San Juan Island to assist firefighters attempting to contain a 3,000-plus acre wildland fire near Warden in Grant County, Washington that was stared by a car crash on Sunday.
As of this morning, the fire threatened 55 homes and was completely uncontained. The deployment is coordinated through the State Fire Marshal and could last up to 14 days, depending upon fire behavior. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste has authorized mobilizing resources at the state level that include the state Emergency Operations Center.
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Sunday, June 29th
Dr. Dayton Killed In Fall
Dr. Eli Dayton of San Juan Island was pronounced dead after a fall from the roof of his house.
According to reports, Dayton had used a ladder to reach the roof of the house, and then again to reach windows he intended to wash. Something went wrong and he fell from the roof, landing on concrete.
His wife placed a call to 911, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord serves as the SJC Coroner, and is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Dr. Dayton was 65 years old.
[link]
Saturday, June 28th
Fire Season Is Upon Us
(Capt. Rick Anda mopped up the last hot spots using water rather than destroying the natural vegetation with traditional hand tool work)
Orcas Island Fire Department responded to a reported wildland fire threatening a home on Thursday, June 24th. Brush Engine 21, Engine 21 and Tender 26 responded to Sedum Hill Road around noon.
Lt. Jeff Jones arrived first on scene to report a growing grass fire being battled by residents on scene. Firefighters arrived and quickly got the fire under control. It was determined a burn pile of scotch broom got out of control, charring approximately 140 by 80 foot area near 2 residences.
"With the 4thof July celebrations and exceptionally thick grasses due to the long wet spring we could be looking at serious fire danger," said Wildland Fire Division Captain Maxx Jones. A reminder that outdoor burning is closed July 1st.
[link]
Friday, June 27th
Man, Motorcycle, Deer, Accident
San Juan Island resident Gary Bowman received serious injuries Wednesday after his motorcycle struck a deer. Bowman was traveling westbound on Roche Harbor Road near Upper Drive, when a deer bound onto the road directly in the path of Bowman.
The deer was struck by the motorcycle, causing Bowman to be thrown from the motorcycle onto the roadway, resulting in serious injuries.
Emergency Medical Services first responders treated Bowman at the scene.
[link]
SJ Initiative Policy Group Meets
the San Juan Initiative, a public-private partnership has issued a report intended to point out what is working to protect the environment in San Juan County, and what is not; and how can improvements be made to further protect the environment.
The meeting of the Initiative was a Policy Group meeting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27, at Mullis Community Senior Center, 589 Nash St, Friday Harbor. Bill Ruckelshaus, chairman of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council, and Doug Sutherland, commissioner of public lands, were present.
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Tobacco Costs to Employers and Employees
By Martha Sharon
There are many reasons that people quit smoking. Some can quit just because they learn about the dangers of tobacco, or because they have a health scare.
Increasingly, tobacco use has become a workplace issue: in the recent past, the desire to protect workers from second hand smoke resulted in a new state law that banned smoking in, and within 25 feet of any building.
More employers consider the financial cost of smoking employees, as they look to save on health care costs, and elsewhere.
Here are some issues and facts from the Center for Disease Control, www.workingsmokefree.com, and the American Cancer Society.
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Thursday, June 26th
SJI Hospital Commissioners Take Next Step Toward New Facility
Citing the need for increased revenue and the need for a larger facility than the current one, the San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 Commissioners approved a “letter of intent” that will be forwarded to PeaceHealth to “investigate the acquisition and financing of a site” for what is being called an “integrated medical center,” but commonly called a “hospital.”
Meeting in a room last night (06-25-08) packed with concerned and curious members of the public and the media, the Commissioners responded to questions from the audience on topics ranging from “how will it be paid for;” “do we need it?” And “what happens if the financial projections are incorrect?;” and some statements of support for moving forward with PeaceHealth to investigate a potential partnership.
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Wednesday, June 25th
FH Business Go To Work On Town Improvements
(Lori & Gordy Petersen adopt-a-tree, Lori at work on planting -SJICC Photo)
Debbie Pigman, Executive Director of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce has announced three new action plans, initiated by businesses in Friday Harbor. The first is an "Adopt a Tree Well" program, and the second is information signs.
The Chamber asked individuals and business to participate by taking responsibility for planting and maintaining the ground areas under the trees in town. Friday Harbor Center, Dominique's Clothing, Chicago Title Company, King's Market and the Chamber of Commerce adopted all of the tree wells on Spring Street.
One of the chamber's objectives is to nourish a healthy business environment. One way to do this is by developing a comfortable and inviting place to do business.
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One Month, One Road, 160Lbs
Litter picked up on a portion of Roche Harbor Road by Trash Masters the on Thursday, June 19.
Roche Harbor Road was last cleaned by the Trash Masters on May 15, so all it took was ONE MONTH for this pile (which weighed in at 160 pounds) to accumulate.
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Tuesday, June 24th
The Governor Is Honorary Chair of Linde Campaign
 (Christine Gregoire)
Governor Gregoire has reaffirmed her choice of John Linde as San Juan County’s first Superior Court Judge by becoming Honorary Chair of the Committee to Retain Judge Linde .
The news was given to Judge Linde by telephone on Monday, when the General Counsel to Governor Gregoire, Richard Mitchell, phoned Judge Linde to tell him the Governor will serve as Honorary Chair of his committee.
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Monday, June 23rd
112' Adventuress Aground Off Bell Is
(Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez, Maritime Services photo)
The local boat Adventuress runs aground near Shaw Island, and both the Sealth and the Evergreen State took part in rescuing passengers off the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard and the private rescue boats of Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez’s were at work to assist the Adventures off the rocks.
The schooner Adventuress is locally owned and operated by Sound Experience, a local nonprofit organization. The Adventuress ran aground at approximately noon in Wasp Pass, between Orcas and Shaw Islands, but according to on the scene postings by Capt. Richard J. Rodriguez , the vessel is “free at last, free at last” at just after 4:00 p.m. on the same day of the grounding
At the same time the Sealth was in the process of loading vehicles and passengers at the Orcas Island terminal for the 12:05 p.m. departure, when the U.S. Coast Guard asked the ferry’s crew to come to the assistance of the grounded vessel.
As luck would have it, Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Kingrey was on a WSF leaving Orcas when he and the crew noticed the Adventuress, and further noted that something did not look quite right.
The ferry dropped one of their small boats and ferried Kingrey to the Adventuress, and then began to off-load the passengers and bring them back to the ferry.
The ferry Evergreen State was also asked to assist as it was heading for a stop at Orcas Island with a full load of vehicles and passengers. Both ferries launched rescue boats to assist the grounded sailing vessel. Five passengers evacuated from the Adventuress were taken onto the Sealth.
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Local Man To Be White House Guest
 Mark Anderson, CEO of Friday Harbor-headquartered Strategic News Service, has been in the news lately with his Project Inkwell, and now he will be a guest of the White House, the State Department and the World Bank this week, as part of an ongoing Australian / American Leadership Dialog.
Anderson recently selected Australia as the country with the greatest promise of the decade. His most recent Future in Review Conference included a live link from this country's most advanced supercomputing/supervisualization lab, CalIT2 at UCSD (University of California at San Diego)
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20 Yrs Service & Still At It
(Carrie Brooks presents award to Steven Dubail -Michael Bertrand photo)
Steve Dubail has been honored by the Town Of Friday Harbor for twenty years of service. Council member Carrie Brooks read and presented a letter to Dubail "to express our appreciation for your twenty years of service" and "your experience, knowledge and dedication has provide leadership to new employees and excellent service to the citizens of the Town and general public."
Dubail is the System Administrator for the Town, and under his leadership brought the Town into the computer age and the internet. After the presentation he returned to work, with no immediate plans to retire.
[link]
RecX Horseshu Ranch Day On SJI
Join Island Rec and Horseshu Ranch on July 8th, 10 am – 3 pm for a day all about horses. You will have a chance to learn basic care and grooming techniques as well as go for a ride on a gentle saddle horse.
The registration date for this program is July 1st, don’t miss out register now. Scholarships are available; inquire about them at Island Rec’s office.
For more information or to register contact Island Rec at 378-4953 or visit us in person at 580 Guard Street or at www.islandrec.org.
[link]
Saturday, June 21st
SJC Ferry Advisory Committee News Release
For the first two weeks of the Summer Schedule commencing on June 22 and continuing though July 6, the 90-car Sealth will operate in the San Juans as a mainland boat until the 144-car Kaleetan arrives on July 7.
The effect will be to reduce daily ferry capacity by roughly 200 spaces during the week days and by 300 spaces on the weekend days.
The assignment of the Sealth to the San Juans for two weeks reflects Washington State Ferries’ critical lack of available boats following the retirement of the Steel Electric Class ferries and during its on-going drydock and maintenance programs.
Westbound from Anacortes, the Sealth will operate on the following sailings during peak hours on weekdays:
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Friday, June 20th
DOE Awards To SJC Sewer Plants
 (Kevin Fitzpatrick from DOE reads award to (L to R):Shawn McKane; Don Reitan; Bill Crosby’ Joe Cheney; Matt Pranger; Kevin Kirk, and Herb Mason -Michael Bertrand photo)
The waters surrounding San Juan County are rated "pristine", and helping to maintain that definition are the sewer plants that serve the county.
In recognition of this, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) selected the Town of Friday Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant as one of four other sewer plants in San Juan County to receive awards. (photo above)
The three other awards go to the Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant and to Orcas Village, both of which are operated by the Eastsound Water and Sewer District, and also on Orcas, the Washington Water Service Company’s Rosario Wastewater Treatment Plant is a first-time award winner, while Eastsound and Orcas Village join Friday Harbor as repeat winners.
Of approximately 300 wastewater treatment plants statewide, the three in San Juan County are three of only a total of 78 that achieved full compliance with its discharge permit in 2007. The awards are based on an evaluation each treatment plant for compliance with its effluent limits, monitoring and reporting requirements, spill prevention
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Uboost Joins SNS Project Inkwell
Friday Harbor based Strategic News Service , a newsletter about the computing and communications industries, announced today that their not-for-profit Project Inkwell’s goal “to accelerate the deployment of appropriate technologies onto K-12 desktops worldwide”, received a boost this week when uBoost joined the project.
Inkwell was the first international industry group organized to design appropriate educational technology at the K-12 level, through cooperative planning with vendors, teachers, administrators, and students.
Today Inkwell is the global leader in the successful implementation of this revolutionary movement to one-to-one computing.
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Thursday, June 19th
Noxious Weed Board Requests Assessment Increase
 State law requires counties to control noxious weeds (such as ivy shown in photo), and while farming counties in Washington have had Noxious Weed Boards in place for years to deal with weeds the state has declared as noxious weeds, San Juan County was until recently an exception.
The former County Commissioners got on board and appointed a board to run a program to meet the state requirements, and on Tuesday the new County Council received a presentation and a request for more money to run the program.
The new fee would charge $8.10 in each parcel of land and 81 cents for each additional acre. She said 93% of the all parcel owners would pay less than $16.21 per year. The current assessment, which raises $75,750 per year is set at $3.25 per parcel plus 32 cents per acre.
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Only 2009 Model "Clean cars" Can Be Licensed
Many new vehicles now must have more stringent pollution controls to be registered for use in Washington. Washington's state's new "clean cars" standards apply to 2009 model year passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles (such as most vans and SUVs).
Licensing Director Liz Luce said, "Before you buy a 2009 model vehicle outside our state, you should be careful to make sure it meets California emissions standards. If the vehicle doesn't meet the standards, it can't be licensed in Washington."
The standards don't apply to vehicles already owned by Washington residents. In 2005, Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington Legislature adopted California's auto emissions standards.
Since then, the departments of Licensing and Ecology have worked with automakers, auto dealers and licensing agents to prepare for the new standards and for changes in vehicle licensing and registration.
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Airlift Northwest To Return This Summer
(The flight map example of distance/time shows starting times from Arlington)
Airlift Northwest will once again base one of it helicopters at the Friday Harbor airport this summer to expedite emergency services for residents and visitors in the San Juan Islands. 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 Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service begins on June 20 and will run through Labor Day weekend.
“We inaugurated this service last summer in cooperation with the San Juan Island EMS,” said Jeff Richey, Northwest Region Manager for Airlift Northwest. “We were able to provide a quicker response during a time of year when more visitors come to the islands and the need increases for emergency services.”
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Wednesday, June 18th
Council Moves To Formalize Monday Meetings
The County Council allowed formal Public Access for the first time at a Monday meeting, but there was no public in attendance to take advantage of it.
Calling it a “work in progress”, the council is moving slowly toward formally removing some of the differences between their Monday meetings and their Tuesday meetings.
The council has been repeatedly questioned by some members of the media on confused messages as to what the purpose of the Monday Council meetings are, and what may or may not take place at the meetings. The Council has responded by formally stating they will now place public access time on the Monday agenda. They have also put the public and the press on notice that they will be taking some limited action at the Monday meetings.
The question now is, how effective will they be in informing the public -by use of the agenda- as to what actions may or may not take place at a Monday meeting. Because the mere act of discussion has been legally defined as an action, it is unlikely the Council will be able to restrain themselves from bringing up subjects for in depth discussion as it occurs to them, as opposed to putting the item on the agenda for future action (i.e. “discussion”) at the next meeting.
While it may seem too restrictive to define discussion as an action, it is discussion that can -and should- lead to a formal action, such as consent or a formal vote; and the law is clear that the public is to be given notice when a subject is to be discussed.
[link]
Tuesday, June 17th
Fees Increased For Owner-Builder Permits
The County Council held a hearing Tuesday on an ordinance to change the fees "Regarding Building Fees for Owner/Builder Permits, Reactivation of Expired Permits, and Clerical Services."
Owner-Builder permits are not the same as Owner Contractor, in which the owner of a property acts as the general contractor. The Owner-Builder permit allows construction without inspections or permitting of structural engineering, but does require so-called "health and safety" inspections.
The ordinance resulted from a move by Ron Hendrickson last year to "Abolish The Owner Builder Permit!", which went over with the council members like a lead balloon, but they agreed to take a look at an increase of fees designed to cover county costs of processing the permits
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CC Continues Discussion On Stormwater Regulation Complaints
County Administrator Pete Rose told the Council that they need to ask themselves "How do you want to ask the public to respond to their concerns on the regulations?" Rose said the the regulations are based on state guidelines that are 1,100 pages long.
The County Council received a requested briefing and discussed a staff report Tuesday (06-17-08) from staff on the county stormwater regulations.
Rose said the public seems to have responded in a negative way to the regulations because they are now being required to do things they did not have to do in the past, but the regulations have not changed. community development & Planning Director Ron Hendrickson explained that because is department is now fully staffed, they can enforce the regulations.
One of the concerns, Rose said, is that driveways, be they new or existing, are factored into the computations, and the resulting increase in square footage pushes proposed projects into the more demanding set of regulations.
The briefing request resulted from a number of complaints and concerns some council members have received that the current regulations are not appropriate to rural areas, too expensive to install, and the instructions for design are confusing. (Previous story)
Councilman Rich Peterson has expressed his concern that unless they address complaints about the current regulations, the council is going to find that once they write a new stormwater ordinance, it will be a hard sell to the public. Councilman Gene Knapp has repeatedly said the current regulations must be redone.
[more..]
Register for Marine Educators Conference
Educators of all kinds and those interested in learning more about marine education are invited to register for the annual conference of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators, to be held in Friday Harbor July 9-12.
This year’s theme is “Living on an Island: Salish Sea Stewardship.” Sessions will be held at Friday Harbor Middle School, with field trips throughout the island. Single day registration is available.
Learn from educators how to strengthen scientific inquiry and promote problem-based learning. Teachers may opt to earn clock hours through ESD 189. Take in the talks from keynote speakers such as Joe Gaydos, Claudia Mills and Jim Lynch, who wrote the best-selling book The Highest Tide.
[more..]
Monday, June 16th
Armed Forces Plates Available To Family
Thanks to Senate Bill 6237, Washington family members of eligible veterans and military personnel can now purchase Armed Forces License Plates for their vehicles beginning this Thursday.
The Washington Department of Licensing began issuing Armed Forces specialty plates in Jan. 2006, offering six separate designs, each representing a different branch of the armed forces to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and WA National Guard.
Since the passing of the armed forces and veterans license plates law during the 2005 legislative session, sale of the plates has been restricted to active duty, reserve, retired, or honorably discharged veterans, or surviving spouses. During the 2008 legislative session, at the request of a number of families who wanted to honor the service and sacrifice of their sons, daughters or other family members currently serving in the military, those restrictions were broadened to include family members.
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Saying Goodbye to BJ
Family, Legionaries, Lions, and friends gathered to remember and say goodbye to BJ
 They hosted glasses in a toast to Betty Jane (BJ) Miner at the American Legion Post on San Juan Island in appreciation for the honor of knowing her, and in respect to her service to our country.
Betty Jane (BJ) Miner was born October 19, 1922 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She died peacefully May 12, 2008 at home surrounded by family and friends. She was the youngest of six sisters who have all preceded her in death. BJ graduated from St Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in 1943 and joined the Navy Nurse Corps in 1945 serving at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. (Full Obituary )
[link]
SJ Septic Service Under New Ownership
San Juan Septic Service Inc., San Juan Island’s septic pumping specialists, is under new ownership. The company was purchased by Friday Harbor couple Ted Leiker and Dolly Salazar, who took over the reins on April 1st from former owner Craig Starr. “I’m happy to welcome Ted & Dolly to our local business community. I think they’ll do well,” Starr said. Read Full Story.
[link]
Saturday, June 14th
New CC Chief Of Staff Takes Over
The six county council members have a new Chief to help them get organized and on track as they struggle to work though their list of priorities, and their mandated day-to-day work load.
Ann Larson has returned to San Juan County after working in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, where she worked for a year as a research assistant and field manager. The return to the states was not completely voluntary, but necessary, Ann said, “due to an infection that nearly claimed my life. I fully recovered from the infection, but the majority of my healing began with my return to the San Juan Islands.”
In addition to overseeing the council office, and helping six independent council members prepare for meetings, keeping piles of documents properly recorded and preserved and making sure the public is fully advised as to upcoming meetings and council actions, Larson also plans to finish her Master degree this fall in environmental policy.
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Whidbey Island Bank Merger Off
Washington Banking Company has announced that it has withdraw from a deal to merge Whidbey Island Bank with Frontier Bank. Frontier Financial Corporation is the holding company for Frontier Bank. Washington Banking Company is the holding company for Whidbey Island Bank. The two corporations will however still be talking to each other, but the talking may be in court.
Frontier and Whidbey are both making claims resulting from a $5 million fee due to whomever breached the merger agreement that both parties had agreed to. Whidbey pulled out first, but they claim they did so because an audit cast doubt on compliance issues that govern mergers such as the one the two corporations had embarked on.
There is some good news coming out of this for some. Whidbey is reported to have started to shed administrative staff in anticipation of the merger, but are now looking to hire back those that have not already moved on to other companies There are also some sighs of relief in the main offices of the corporations, and in the branch offices, that jobs will not be eliminated as a result of the merger.
There were no sighs of relief from those who had bet shares would continue to rise due to the merger. After the news broke that the deal was off, the stock fell by over 20%’ which brought it back in line where some brokers said it would had been had not speculation over the merger inflated the stock
[link]
Friday, June 13th
Orcas FD Lends A Hand
( Left to Right: Patos Island Fire Dept. Members: Jason & Sherri Maderios, Chad Kimple, Jeff Jones, Alicia Harris, Max Jones, Nick Teague and Nicol O¹Neill. Not pictured: Dave Mowrey and State Park Ranger Ted Schlund.)
The Orcas Island Fire Department volunteers teamed up with the Federal Bureau of Land Management and Washington State Parks in the Patos Island Lighthouse 100th year birthday party preparations.
Members of the fire department have volunteered over 300 hours of labor in 2006, and have recently been named the Patos Island sponsor in the Washington State Adopt-A-Park Program
[more..]
Going Green Requires National Commitment
 By David L. Bibb
No single individual, organization or government entity can clear the path to a pristine environment or American energy independence. But the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is taking advantage of its unique position as the federal government’s purchasing arm to clear some of the obstacles.
Let’s look at an average day through the eyes of a fictitious government employee we’ll call Bob. Bob’s first job each morning is to drop his kids off at a GSA-managed daycare center. GSA runs about 110 centers, nearly all accredited by the toughest daycare rating organization, and most equipped with environmentally friendly features. “Tundra Tykes” in Alaska, for instance, has motion sensor faucets, cabinetry made from recycled materials and a playground built from recycled plastics and recycled wood fibers.
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Thursday, June 12th
New Orca Protection Statute
Following a San Juan County lead, State Legislators strengthened protections for the state’s official marine mammal earlier this year by passing a bill that prohibits boats and vessels from coming within 300 feet of an orca whale.
The legislation goes into effect today, June 12. State Representative Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon) modeled the bill after an ordinance passed by San Juan County in 2007 and says the timing is a perfect way to highlight Orca Awareness Month, which Governor Chris Gregoire proclaimed last year.
HB 2514 creates a 300-foot protection zone around orcas and prohibits vessels from remaining in the path of an orca, failing to yield to an orca and feeding an orca.
“Most boaters are very responsible, but we needed to make sure there was a way to protect these beautiful animals from the few bad actors,” said Quall. “We now have the tool to do that.”
Puget Sound’s orcas are considered endangered and their numbers have been declining due to shrinking salmon runs, pollution, boat traffic and more. It’s why numerous local groups have spent years pushing for legislation to protect the animals from reckless boaters.
“These creatures are living and playing essentially in our backyards. They’re amazing,” says Quall. “But they’re also vulnerable and need our help. I encourage people to learn more about the actions we can all take to protect these animals.”
[link]
Friday Harbor Centennial Celebration
February 9, 2009 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Town of Friday Harbor’s incorporation. Plans are still underway for the year-long celebration that will commemorate Friday Harbor’s 100th year, and the Centennial Committee urges the community to participate in the celebration.
The Centennial Celebration will kick-off at the San Juan County Fair 2008 and conclude one year later at the 2009 County Fair.
The Centennial Committee wants to see this list of events grow and is urging involvement from local businesses, organizations, families and individuals to participate in the celebration. Creating special events, publications, projects and programs that honor Friday Harbor’s past, celebrate our present and imagine our future is the mission of the Centennial Committee.
All ideas are welcome including already popular annual events that may have a Centennial focus this particular year. As well, any potential contest or game suggestions would be helpful. If you have an idea which you are unable to sanction yourself, but think it would be a worthwhile opportunity for someone else, please let cotact the Town, but the deadline is June 30.
Events currently sanctioned include:
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Wednesday, June 11th
Aquatic Reserve Coming Back ?
Chairman Howard Rosenfeld told his fellow council members on Tuesday that he would like to “get a quick consensus from the Council to “set aside two hours in July for a DNR representative Richard Doenges to “start to answer questions that the Council has, and that the public has” about the Aquatic Reserve program
Rosenfeld said the DNR Manager would like to come up and address the Council about “what he thinks were misconceptions about the aquatic reserve.” Rosenfeld was quick to say “there is nothing pending”, and then added that while the council is not being “offered to participate in this again, but it is a possibility for the future, perhaps in two years.”
Rosenfeld did not explain why the proposal may be coming up again in two years, but as the County learned in the last go-around, anyone, or any group, can nominate an area to be a candidate for inclusion into the Aquatic Reserve Program, and once in, a County cannot withdraw unless DNR agrees to remove the designation. (related story)
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Ecology begins statewide rulemaking for rainwater collection
To clarify regulations governing the collection and use of rainwater, Ecology is seeking the public’s help in drafting a statewide rainwater rule.
Ecology doesn’t require homeowners to obtain water right permits to collect and store small amounts of rainwater. The new rule for the first time would define how much rainwater can be collected and used before a permit is required. The rule isn’t intended to regulate storage and release of rainwater when no “beneficial use” will be made of the water.
Under state law, beneficial uses include recreation, irrigation, residential water supplies and power generation. The new rule won’t affect the current rainwater permits in San Juan County. Beginning this fall, island-wide water right permits will be issued in San Juan County where some island residents use rainwater for their water supply.
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Washington Grants fund waste management
San Juan County has receive two two-year grants from the Department of Ecology (Ecology).
Ecology awards the grants every two years to local governments. The funds come from a tax paid by wholesale distributors of petroleum and other hazardous materials, under the voter-approved Toxic Cleanup Act of 1989. San Juan County:
San Juan County Health and Community Services will use a $78,167 grant to resolve questions and concerns from the general public, elected officials, and other organizations regarding proper solid waste handling and illegal dumping.
The County will offer technical assistance to property owners who are victims of illegal dumping. The County expects to respond to 100 inquiries and 40 illegal dumping complaints. The County will also review and inspect 5 permitted solid waste facilities and 2 closed landfills.
San Juan County Public Works will use a $128,811 grant for the collection and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) in San Juan County. Annual collection events for HHW take place on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands, which have ferry service to facilitate transportation. Residents of other islands may bring their HHW items to these collection events. The County expects to collect more than 90 tons
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Tuesday, June 10th
SJ Council & Land Bank To Discuss Wetland Purchase
Lincoln Bormann, Executive Director of the Land Bank, will make a presentation at 3:00 p.m. to the County Council on Tuesday on a potential land acquisition and wetlands restoration project in the Beaverton Marsh area near the town limits of Friday Harbor.
David Dehlendorf is a member of the San Juan Trails Committee , and he points out that “this project has several features, one of which is the potential for a loop nature trail through the property and connected to the town through the new ball fields at the end of Carter Ave.”
Dehlendorf is urging those who support the building of trails to “comment about it during the public comment period immediately following Lincoln's presentation”. The Trails Committee is “working to create long-distance trails between existing trails and places of interest on the island.”
[link]
County Council To Formalize Their Monday Meetings?
The County Council has become a bit schizophrenic of late when it comes to their Monday morning staff meetings. For years the meetings were brief work sessions with staff members to set the agenda, and deal with staff issues, prior to the “Regular” scheduled meeting held on a Tuesday. A "regular" meeting is a ” a recurring meeting held pursuant to a schedule fixed by statute, ordinance, or other appropriate rule”
The public open meetings act in Washington sets firm rules on when a council can take “action” and, and what constitutes a “final action”, and in the past the council has made attempts to not cross the line during the Monday staff meetings.
But somewhere along the line of going from a three member commission, to a six member council, the meetings started to include more general discussion and council positioning on policy then had previously been the case, and it has become increasingly clear to some the council is taking action at the Monday meetings, but, so far, not voting on actions, but are reaching consensus on actions.
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Rollins Withdraws From The Race For Ranker’s Seat
The race for the District One County Council seat has one less participant. San Juan Island resident Gayle Rollins has withdrawn his name from the list of contenders for the position currently held by Kevin Ranker.
With the departure of Rollins, there are now four candidates still in the running for the District One position.
[link]
4-H Schedules All-Island Cleanup Of Fairgrounds
4-H club members from all islands in the county will converge on the county Fairgrounds July 26 to clean, repair and paint buildings used by 4-H, and clean up other areas of the Fairgrounds.
This workday reflects 4-H’s commitment to the Fairgrounds, which is used for 4-H activities throughout the year, culminating with the San Juan County Fair event itself.
With more than 700 San Juan County youth involved in 4-H programs, the effort should show considerable improvements at the Fairgrounds as it readies for the annual Fair August 13-16th. A higher percent of school-aged youth are enrolled in San Juan County 4-H than in most Washington counties. Our 4-H program has the second highest enrollment in the state with 28% of all school students enrolled.
The day’s work plan includes painting inside all 4-H buildings, upgrading the swine barn’s water system, weed-eating the fairgrounds, as well as cleaning and repairing the horse barn and large livestock pen, and the rabbit and poultry cages.
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Monday, June 9th
Local Assistance For Veterans
The recently established San Juan County Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) has completed its initial planning and is pleased to announce the availability of San Juan County’s Veteran’s Assistance Fund (VAF).
With an estimated 2,500 veterans in San Juan County, the County Council determined a need for an organized program to assist indigent veterans and their dependents in time of need. The VAB was established earlier this year with the guidance of Councilman Alan Lichter, himself a veteran, who serves as the VAB’s Chair. There are nine members of the VAB, all veterans themselves, who come from San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands.
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Crowded Field Of Candidates
The final list of 2008 Candidates is complete as of Friday. The office is followed by the names of the candidates:
San Juan Superior Court (San Juan)Judge Position 1
Nonpartisan office (4 Year Initial Term)
Randall K. Gaylord
PO Box 1376
Eastsound WA 98245
(360) 376-3076
randy@rgaylord.org
6/2/2008
John O. Linde
PO Box 542
Friday Harbor WA 98250
(360) 378-2234
linde@rockisland.com
6/2/2008
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Sunday, June 8th
Judge Linde Will Stand For Election
 Judge John O. Linde has announced he will stand for election as the SJC Superior Court Judge. Linde is the current sitting Judge, having been appointed to the position by Governor Gregoire. The following is his announcement:
The honor of being appointed Superior Court Judge of the newly created judicial district for San Juan County came with a condition. Governor Gregoire made it clear that, as her appointee, I would be expected to continue to serve well beyond the initial one year appointment. To do that I assured the Governor that I was prepared to stand for election this year.
To fulfill my commitment to the Governor and my commitment to the justice system in San Juan County, I am pleased to announce that I have filed my declaration of candidacy to retain my position as Superior Court Judge. The matter will be decided in the primary election to be held August 19th.
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Employee Recognition Ceremony
(Joh Zerby receives 20 service pin)
The County Council presented service pins to some County employees, for service ranging from thirty years to five years.
Those receiving pins this were:
Dick Jenison, Public Works, 30 Years of Service
Gerald Todd, Public Works, 30 Years of Service
Jon Zerby, Sheriff’s Office, 20 Years of Service
LeRoy Lehman, Public Works, 15 Years of Service
Laurie Hauser, Public Works, 15 Years of Service
Brian Webb, Public Works, 15 Years of Service
Linda Begnal, Treasurer’s Office, 15 Years of Service
John Ridge, Assessor’s Office, 15 Years of Service
Michelle Novak, Auditor’s Office, 15 Years of Service
Christine Miller, Fair Department, 10 Years of Service
William Pterson, Jr., Health & Community Services, 10 Years of Service
Gerald Rivas, Public Works, 10 Years of Service
Diane Timm, Auditor’s Office, 10 Years of Service
Susan Nielsen, Public Works, 10 Years of Service
Kenneth Jennings, Public Works, 10 Years of Service
Didier Gincig, Parks Department, 10 Years of Service
Michael Jennings, Juvenile Court, 10 Years of Service
Richard Pederson, Assessor’s Office, 5 Years of Service
Judy Jackson, Extension Office (Noxious Weed), 5 Years of Service
Eliza Habegger, Land Bank, 5 Years of Service
Jose Domenech, Auditor’s Office, 5 Years of Service
Jo Anne Bastron, Health & Community Services, 5 Years of Service
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Friday, June 6th
SJI School Directors Briefed On Education Funding
A few members of the public, the Board of Directors and some staff members of the San Juan Island School District attending a meeting, Friday (6-6-08) at the School District Office, to hear a presentation from the legislative liaisons of the Washington Association of School Administrators and the Washington State School Directors Association.
The cost of bringing the legislative liaisons to the meeting were paid for by Valmark Inc. of Friday Harbor. Information presented on historic and current legislative initiatives regarding basic education funding in the State of Washington. Information was also presented on current lawsuits filed regarding the adequacy of the state "basic education" funding.
Those who attended listened and had a opportunity to ask questions as the information was presented, but no formal action was taken by the board.
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Free Check-Up Courtesy Of The Lions
The Lions Health Screening Unit (LHSU) will visit San Juan Island on June 6 & 7, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) from 10am to 4pm each day. The purpose is to screen the public for vision and hearing acuity, glaucoma and diabetes detection, and blood pressure screening.
Sponsored by the San Juan Lions Club, these screenings are available for free of charge. The LHSU is a program of the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing, a 501©(3) charitable nonprofit organization founded in 1969 by Lions Clubs in the Northwest.
The LHSU operates under the Lions motto “We Serve” and is staffed by volunteer health professionals and Lions Club members. Since 1997, this professionally equipped mobile unit has traveled throughout Washington and Northern Idaho providing vision, hearing, glaucoma, diabetes, and blood pressure screening to more than 30,000 people annually, including 25,000 school children.
The LHSU is able to keep its service free through the efforts of civic-minded volunteers, local Lions Club sponsorship, and the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing. For more information, call Sally Browne (360-370-5711) or Stacie Baisch, Au.D. (360-298-1369).
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Thursday, June 5th
K & L Pods Return To SJI With New Baby
(photo by Erin Heydenreich. Photos taken under MMPA permit #532-1822) )Members of J-, K- and L-pods travel up the coast of San Juan Island, June 3, 2008. This is the first encounter with the K's and many of the L's since they were photographed off Monterey California January 27, 2008 and Sekiu, Washington, February 29, 2008.
 The Center for Whale Research has posted photos and information on a sighting of a new Orca in K-pod.
The photo left (photo by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok) shows “An exuberant new calf in Kpod lifts it's head in a ‘spyhop’ while playing with several members of it's immediate family just below the surface.”
The Center for Whale Research reported they “can confirm K-pod and most of the remaining L's returned to the San Juan Islands July 4, 2007, when arriving whales were reported in Johnstone Strait heading south into Blackfish Sound on July 2, 2007 by Mary Borrowman of Stubbs Island Whale Watching. The whales then engaged in a "superpod" gathering in the Strait of Georgia during the afternoon of July 4, 2007.”
A superpod occurs when two or more pod families are in the same area. and appear to be moving together. or near each other.
The Center for Whale Research announcement and posting of photos shows the superpod has returned.
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Lecture Saturday By Wa Iditarod Sled Dog Racer
 Laura Daugereau, Washington’s first woman to run in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, is coming to San Juan Island for a presentation about her rookie run this year.
She will be speaking at the San Juan Island Library on Saturday, June 7 at 7:00pm. There will be a slide show, education about dog care, equipment used, the sport of mushing, the heart of her athletes and the historic 1,049 mile Iditarod Trail.
This amazing race stretches from Anchorage, through central Alaska, along the western Bering Sea Coast, and finishes under the great burled arch in downtown Nome.
It is wrought with awesome beauty and grave dangers, and it forever changes those few who have finished it.
The presentation on “The Last Great Race” is free and open to all ages. This is a rare opportunity to meet a seasoned musher, and see first hand her love for her dogs and their love for her.
[link]
July 15 Cut-Off Date For Popular Conservation Program
Washington’s most popular agricultural conservation program, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), now has a new application ranking cut-off date of July 15.
EQIP is a voluntary, cost- share assistance program that helps conservation practices including those aimed at helping farmers and forest land owners improve irrigation efficiency; manage nutrient run-off and/or animal waste; improve the health of native plant communities; and reduce soil loss.
In most instances, producers who participate in the program pay for roughly half of the costs of the conservation measures or practices.
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Wednesday, June 4th
Council Bans Safe & Sane Fireworks
With only limited public comment, the County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban the use of all fireworks in San Juan County, except for those used by professionals in controlled and licensed displays.
The council held a public hearing on changes to the existing code that had been introduced for consideration prior to the public hearing on Tuesday, and the vote after the hearing removed the provision in the existing code that allowed the limited use of so-called “safe and sane” fireworks (such as sparklers), and inserted new language that prohibits any use of fireworks, and provides for a fine if they are used.
Council Candidate Daniel Miller told the council they should hold the public hearings after 5 pm so working families with children could testify. He also expressed his concern that it seemed the council would like to restrict the freedom of celebrating the 4th of July to lawn parties and picnics; and pointed out the irony of removing a freedom used to express a celebration of freedom.
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One More Signs Up For Ranker’s Position
San Juan Resident Gayle Rollins has joined Daniel Miller, Gordy Petersen, and Lovel Pratt as stated candidates for the Council District One seat, a position that will be vacated when Councilman Kevin Ranker steps away at the end of his term.
Rollins is the San Juan Island Yacht Club manager, and compared to Petersen and Pratt, has limited experience or participation in county government, although more than Miller, he has however served on the SJC Parks Board.
Rollins has drawn some attention to himself with the legal system in San Juan County, first for failing to report a vehicle accident last year after he wrecked a car, and then again this year he came to the attention of authorities when he was pulled over for driving while under the influence.
He received a deferred prosecution, based on following the normal terms and conditions of completing a two year treatment program, and maintaining a “total abstinence” from alcohol and/or drugs.
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Firewise Communities Helping Neighbors
 On Saturday, May 10, twenty-three Firewise Community folks dropped by Mitzy and Bear Johnson’s home on Hillview Terrace Dr. to give them a hand at firewising their home.
Five different Firewise Communities located on San Juan Island came with weed whackers, chain saws and hand tools such as brush axes and loppers. Roche Harbor, Westside Story, North Forty, Alaska Place and of course Hillview Terrace III Firewise Communities, plus several firefighters from Town of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island Fire Departments all came to beat back the wilderness making the Johnson’s home safer from wildfires.
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Tuesday, June 3rd
Gaylord Will Challenge Judge Linde For Judgeship
 Having failed to convince Governor Gregoire to appoint him as the first San Juan County Superior Court Judge, Prosecutor Randall K. Gaylord has decided to take his case to the pubic, by running against siting Judge John Linde.
After the Governor appointed Linde , Gaylord said he had not decided if he would run against Linde during the next election, and that he would have to evaluate how much he wanted the job and also why he had not been selected by the Governor at the end of a lengthy review by the Governor’s judicial review team.
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Council To Review Current Stormwater Requirements
Responding to a flood of complaints on application procedures and requirements to obtain stormwater compliance to obtain a building permit, the County Council has agree to take a look at the existing ordinance and the permit procedures and policies.
Councilman Rich Peterson chairs a council sub-committee that is developing a new ordinance to replace the one voted down last year, and at the council meeting on Monday he informed Community Development and Planning Director Ron Hendrickson the committee had expressed a “strong interest in getting a report on the process that people go though right now on new development projects for their stormwater requirements.”
Peterson expressed his concern that there was nothing showing up on the future agendas that indicated the requested report was forthcoming. He told the council they needed to “get the whole issue of regulations dealt with before we get serious about reintroducing an ordinance” on stormwater.
Peterson said that “if we go out on any kind of a public tour (with a new ordinance) it is going to be doomed given the collective perspective out there.” The council members have received a number of complaints on what the public feel are confusing and overly strict and costly requirements for designing and installing stormwater systems for homes.
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Combs Presented Award From FH Fire Department
(FHFD Long congratulates Peggy and Oren Combs)
At a recent ceremony, Oren and Peggy Combs, owners and operators of the Front St Ale House in Friday Harbor were recognized for their continued support of activities sponsored by the Friday Harbor Fire Department.
Fire Chief Vern Long presented the awards of appreciations after they were unanimously selected by the Friday Harbor Firefighters Association.
The Combs play a major role in the purchase, handling, preparation and storage of all the ingredients and food that makes the annual Pancake Breakfast the success that it has become over the years.
The Combs recently celebrated their 15th year in business as owners and operators of the Ale House.
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Monday, June 2nd
Gordy Petersen Announces for County Council District #1
 Gordy Petersen has decided to run for the County Council position currently held by Kevin Ranker.
Petersen states “As an islander and a taxpayer, I have been disappointed in the performance of the current County Council. Many islanders seem to share this feeling. I think we can do better. Rather than just complaining, I am announcing my candidacy for the County Council from District 1.
I can’t make any big promises for sweeping change but I will promise this, I will work hard and smart and I will always put our community interests ahead of special interests.
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Sunday, June 1st
FF Councilman Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Resigns
Press Release: Friday Harbor Town Councilman Kelley Balcomb-Bartok announced Friday (May 30, 2008) that he is resigning from the Friday Harbor Town Council effective June 6, 2008. Balcomb-Bartok has accepted a unique job offer as Communication Specialist with the City of Renton, working in the Mayor’s office at Renton City Hall beginning June 16, 2008.
“Kelley was chosen over 78 other applicants for the communication position,” said Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director for the City of Renton. “It was one of the largest pool of applicants the city has ever had. Kelley will be a wonderful asset to our communications team.”
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The British Are Coming!
Island Rec 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.
This innovative soccer has established itself as a summer favorite activity for many island families and children. All staff are fully qualified soccer coaches who are flown from Britain exclusively to work on these summer camps.
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