Big Check For Ball Fields

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(SJ Builders present a big check to help build Athletic Fields. Left to right, Gordy Petersen, Phil Schober, John Evans -SJBA Executive Director); and Don Galt, Brian Brown -SJ athletic Association)

Don Galt came to San Juan Island to retire. Instead he began dreaming. About 15 years ago he had an idea that changed his retirement plans entirely. The flat open grassy fields that he owned in Friday Harbor were begging to become a sports playground. Our community needed a place like this to play. So with the help of the School District he has stepped up to the plate and volunteered to turn this dream into reality. (Links to related photos/stories)

Don says it has been a long process so far. Many people have offered to donate money and time and now it is time for the community at large to get involved. In order to see the project to completion many generous contributions are needed.

With their donation of $5,000.00 The San Juan Builders Association is proud to be among the first to donate to the Athletic Fields fund. They have helped with many community efforts like this in the Islands. They have a generous scholarship program for Island students and have provided volunteer labor and equipment to construct many worthwhile community projects.
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Land Bank Acquires Two Properties On SJI

Of the two recent purchases on San Juan Island, one property has significant road frontage along Cattle Point Road, adjacent to American Camp, and the second one, located on Roche Harbor Road, is adjacent to the Land Bank's existing Roche Harbor Road property. "These are great acquisitions not only because they are highly visible, but also because they create new possibilities for the Land Bank," said Lincoln Bormann, Land Bank Director.


The 68-acre Cattle Point Road property (photo above) includes open fields and unobstructed views across San Juan Channel to Lopez Island and beyond to Mt. Baker. The purchase creates a corridor of connectivity from existing Land Bank acreage to American Camp. The purchase price was $2,000,000. "We envision a connecting trail and possibly leasing a portion of the property for agriculture purposes. I hope that in a year or two this area will be a rich mosaic of working farm fields, woods and diverse vistas where people will enjoy nature and also get to see how small-scale farming operations work," Bormann continued. The property purchase also includes a conservation buyer component. Two or three home sites in the less visible areas will likely be sold to help recover acquisition costs.


The five acre parcel on Roche Harbor Road is located at the outflow of the Beaverton Valley Marsh. (photo above) "Acquiring this property was extremely important for our goal of restoring the Marsh," said Bormann. "It is the most significant freshwater wetland in the county." The Land Bank is working with Ducks Unlimited and adjacent property owners to help eradicate invasive Reed Canary grass from the site and restore native vegetation and wildlife. This will mean holding water in the marsh a little longer each year. To accomplish this, Ducks Unlimited is planning to put a water control structure near the road. The restoration will be done in conjunction with public access to the larger 128-acre Roche Harbor Road property. The Land Bank may also lease a portion of the larger northern property for agriculture. The purchase price was $220,000 and is expected to be reimbursed through existing grants targeted for wetland restoration. (click below to read "About The Land Bank")
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Make Trash Into, Well, Something!

By Francie Hansen

I'm making you an offer that I hope is hard to refuse (okay, you cynics, don't say "watch me!"). As head of the Trash to Treasures booth for the San Juan County Fair, which is sponsored by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) -- and in conjunction with the San Juan Island Anti-Litter Initiative – I challenge both adults and children to go out and find "stuff"…at South Beach, Jackson Beach, the Thrift Store, your kitchen junk drawer, under the bed, your neighbor's yard sale, your garage, those broken toys or missing puzzle pieces…and turn it into a treasure. Litter works too!!

Ferry overload tickets, stickers, extra photos, and old stamps make great stationery collages; cans can be flattened and made into purses or briefcases; bottle caps are super earrings; and aluminum foil can be rolled and molded into sculpture. The possibilities are endless!

Once you've found some good "stuff," dig deep into those creative fissures in your brain and invent an art piece, a functional item, something that makes you laugh or proud. Add a little glue, feathers, wire, paper, string, material, tape, yarn, solder, paint…all of these do wonders for the discarded items needing rescuing!

We are a throw-away society…we're good at doing so with stuff as well as relationships. But I know on San Juan Island we're a unique population, and we have the potential to break that cycle and give a new lease on life to our discards. By simply looking again in a different way (you might try upside down and backwards), I know you'll figure something out.

Please join me on entry day at the Fairgrounds, Tuesday, August 15, from 9-6, and bring in your masterpiece. I can't wait to see what you create…and hear the story. You might even win a prize! And if you get a chance, read The Velveteen Rabbit; it's inspiring too!

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Natural Horsemanship Demonstration

On July 29th, August 5th and 12th at 10am, the students of the Charly Lally and her Plumb Pond Barn Cooperative will hold a Natural Horsemanship Demonstration at States Inn and Ranch, 2687 West Valley Road, Friday Harbor.
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Relay For Life Saturday & Sunday

(File photo of 2005 event: Walking for dollars last year. "HOPE" spelled out by Luminaries in the background)

Relay For Life of San Juan County will take place at the Friday Harbor High School: 3 p.m. - 9 a.m.
Survivor Victory Lap: 3 p.m.
Luminaria Ceremony: 10 p.m.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of San Juan is an overnight event where our community camps out, celebrates the lives of cancer survivors and remembers those we have lost to cancer in an effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's mission of ultimately eliminating cancer!

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents HOPE that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be ELIMINATED! Come join to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost and to celebrate LIFE!


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Myhr, Peterson & Knapp Unopposed For Council

While It may not be over until the votes are cast and counted, but as it stands now, it is a safe bet that Rich Peterson from San Juan Island and Gene Knapp from Orcas will be joining the County Council as new Councilmen. In what may be a bit of a surprise to some, Councilman Myhr will also be running unopposed; but there will be a race for the Town of Friday Harbor seat. Current town Councilman Howard "Howie" Rosenfield is running against Albert Hall to sit on the San Juan County Council, where the winner will represent the voters of Friday Harbor.

The other top office holders, District Court Judge Andrew, Prosecuting Attorney Gaylord, and Sheriff Cumming, will -for the first time- be running un-opposed. Jan Sears is unopposed for Treasurer, and Charles Zalmanek will also be running unopposed. Both Zalmanek and Sears currently work in the offices they now hope to be in charge of.

The only other contested races are for County Clerk, and Auditor. Joan White, a current member of the Clerks office will be running against Dan Gillespie, who is the current Election Supervisor in the Auditors office. As for the Auditor, Si Stephens is retiring, and there are two candidates for the position: F. Milene Henley and Greg Hertel will square off to be the next Auditor.
Click for full listing of the candidates from the Elections Office

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Call For More Progress On BC Sewage,

Environmental organizations in BC continue to demand immediate action from the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and the Greater Vancouver Sewage & Drainage District towards implementing secondary sewage treatment at Lions Gate and Iona sewage treatment plants.

The groups are appalled that the GVRD is sending poorly-treated toxic sewage into the marine environment. "The GVRD has stubbornly rejected the need to upgrade Lions Gate and Iona sewage plants to secondary treatment, despite having evidence that these facilities' discharges are violating the federal Fisheries Act," said Lara Tessaro, Staff Lawyer at Sierra Legal.


The Province of BC recently ordered Greater Victoria (the CRD) to submit a plan for expediting implementation of sewage treatment upgrades. Past story However, the Province has made no similar intervention to require the GVRD to upgrade the Lions Gate and Iona facilities, which are located in West Vancouver and Richmond respectively.

"At present, the GVRD refuses to remove from its sewage the same toxic substances which have turned Greater Victoria's sewage outfalls into confirmed contaminated sites," added Christianne Wilhelmson, Program Coordinator for the Georgia Strait Alliance. "Without upgrading to secondary treatment, the GVRD is risking contamination of Burrard Inlet."

"We are very concerned that the Province continues to sanction the GVRD's toxic sewage disposal," noted David Lane, Executive Director of the T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation. "The Province and GVRD must make an immediate commitment to upgrade to secondary treatment at Lions Gate and Iona, to protect fish and valuable fish habitat."


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Seal Skeleton Display On Orcas

(SeaDoc photo)
An educational, museum-quality harbor seal skeleton display on Orcas Island is worth seeing. The SeaDoc Society states that with help from private donors and local volunteers, it was possible to produce the display of a 6-foot long skeleton that came from an adult male harbor seal. The sea; had died and was found on a beach in San Juan County. The Whale Museum on San Juan Island generously made the skeleton available to the SeaDoc Society.

It was professionally articulated by Albert Shepard and a museum quality mobile exhibit case was built by Phillip Archie. "It is a beautiful piece of art that will inspire our children and adults to learn more about marine wildlife, our marine ecosystem, anatomy, physiology, and the amazing world in which we live," says Joe Gaydos, Regional Director of the SeaDoc Society.

The skeleton exhibit is available for free to Orcas Island educators and businesses. To get more information about the skeleton and how a classroom or business could use it, call the SeaDoc Society at (360) 376-3910.

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Town Loss, County Gain: Low New Fire Marshal

(Submitted photo)
Bob Low has resigned as the Friday Harbor Fire Chief to become the new San Juan County Fire Marshal. County and town firefighters, EMTs, friends and family came together on Wednesday for a barbeque to honor and thank Chief Low for his service to the community.

Chief Low's acceptance of the position comes after protracted efforts on the part of the County Council to fill the Fire Marshall position. With the adoption of the new International codes for construction, and the end of a contact between San Juan Fire District 3 to provide Fire Marshal services, the Council had moved to create a new contract for the position, and pass a new ordinance that created new fees that will provide funding. The problem was resolved after Interim County Administrator David Goldsmith was hired, and he was able to finalize a contract to provide the County with a Fire Marshall. ( Links to Past stories ).

The SJC Building Department had assumed the role in the past, but with the demands of the job, and the newly adopted codes -contrasted against the growing back-log of building permits (time to process has slipped from 8 weeks to now 12 weeks or more)- it became obvious that the time for a new approach to the state mandated position was necessary.

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San Juan County Not Affected By Oyster Closure

While there have been at least sixty confired cases in Washington of "vibriosis", an illness caused by eating raw oysters that contain a bacteria ( Vibrio parahaemolyticus), there are closures, or cases, reported in San Juan County. The areas that are closed to recreational harvesting of oysters include Hood Canal and Totten and Eld inlets in south Puget Sound. Bear in mind that commercially harvested shellfish are sampled separately, and products on the market should be safe to eat.


Even so, Dr. Frank James, San Juan County Health Officer, recommends people thoroughly cook all shellfish. Consuming raw and/or undercooked shellfish, including oysters, increases your risk of contracting a food borne illness such as vibriosis. Proper cooking will kill the bacteria and leave the shellfish safe to eat. Food safety specialist, Betsy Wingren, recommends that oysters be cooked to an internal temperature of 145° F.

Vibriosis can result diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills.

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CC & Citizens Make Their Case Before GMB

(Preparing to testify before the GMB at Anacortes hearing)
Last Friday representatives of the County and the Friends of The San Juans testified at a hearing before the GMB (Growth Management Board) held in Anacortes as to why the Board should find that the County's new ordinance on ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) brings the County into compliance. The County and the Friends were not alone. A second group of citizens also appeared before the Board to argue that the ordinance did not meet the demands of the Board, and further, that it imposed new regulations, and it did so without followed the proper procedures required by the Growth Management Act in adopting them.

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County Manager On The Job

Donald (Pete) Rose is halfway into his first week as the San Juan County Administrator. Mr. Rose may not have a presence on the County website yet, and he and interim County Administrator David Goldsmith are sharing resources until the end of the month (when Goldsmith completes his stint as the interim Administrator), but he is already at work, and one of his first acts was to send out a press release " soliciting for applicants to fill an unexpired term on the SJC Citizens' Salary Commission as representative of the Legal Profession".

So who is Mr. Rose? The Island Guardian sat through those portions of the interviews (Past story) for County Administrator that the Council allowed the public to attend, so we learned that Mr. Rose had attended the University of California at Davis, where he took a degree in Political Science/Public service. We asked him to share a bit of his background with our readers, and we have since learned that then after his undergraduate work at UC Davis, he did a Graduate Internship in the Office of Educational Liaison, Health and Welfare Agency, State of California, followed by attending California State University at Sacramento, where he was awarded a Masters degree in Government.

Mr. Rose also found some time in between receiving his B.A. degree, and doing his Graduate internship, to do a student internship in the office of State Senator Albert S. Rodda. During this time Rose also worked as the Director of Bottling at Sonoma Vineyards in Windsor California. After having completed his formal academic training, and working in the private sector, he began his long career in government. A career path that started in Washington state, where over the years, from 1993 until now, he has served as the City Administrator for Quincy, Washington; the City Administrator at Medical Lake, Washington; and prior to being selected to be the SJC County Administrator, he was the City Manager for the City of Woodinville.

Like many Washington state residents, Mr. Rose has been to the San Juans prior to his recent arrival. Rose is a daily runner, who has run on both Orcas and San Juan Island. Over the years he has run 10 marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 1987. Rose said that both he and his wife are bike riders and they "look forward to spending time on the island roads".


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SJC To Host Regional Agricultural Summit

San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) has been invited to co-host the next North Puget Sound Agricultural Summit meeting, scheduled for August 31.

Susan Robins, Chair of the ARC came before the County Council last week to request $1,500.00 to be applied to the cost of the preparation, facilitation, and follow up of the meeting. Robins told the Council that the majority of the funding will be coming from Skagit County, but that ARC formally requested approval of $1500 to aid in the costs of putting on the summit. As per Kevin Ranker's request (the Council liaison to the committee), Robins submitted an invoice to the Council for the requested amount..

Ranker was absent from the meeting (he had been formally excused for a planned trip), and while both Chair Lichter and Myhr were supported of the work being done by the ARC, they asked Robins to submit an agenda and a budget for the meeting to the Council prior to their discussion of the request. This would also insure that Ranker will be present for the discussion when he returns.

Portions of the report submitted to the County Council follow:

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SJC Elections Department Open House

San Juan County Elections Department is hosting an open house the week of July 24 to July 28 in conjunction with Candidate Filing Week. The Elections Department has moved it office from the court house building across the street. The new location is 55 Second Street, Suite A where Studio 55 formerly occupied the Carlson Building.

The Election Staffs invites the community to stop by and check out their new location.
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Large fire On Galiano Island

Smoke from a large fire on the south end of Galiano Island in BC can be seen -and the smell of smoke noticed- from the San Juan Islands. Firefighting water bombers and upwards of 200 firefighters are reportedly attempting to control the blaze.

The aircraft are dumping water on a fire that has now resulted in a state of emergency being declared. The fire is threatening homes on an island that that has been called "one of the jewels of B.C.'s Gulf Islands". The fire stated on Sunday. and so far 120 people have had to vacate their homes as the fire spreads. It is hoped the fire can be contained by Monday afternoon.

The heat and lack of rain have created ideal conditions for grass and forest fires, and the public has been warned to keep the potential danger of starting a fire in mind as they go about their business and vacationing activities.

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Province Intervenes On Victoria Sewage Treatment

VICTORIA, BC – Environmental groups in Victorian, BC are "delighted with the strong message sent by BC's Minister of Environment to the Capital Regional District (CRD) concerning the CRD's inadequate sewage treatment.( Links to past stories on this subject) Sierra Legal Defense Fund, Georgia Strait Alliance and T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation commended Minister Penner for directing the CRD to provide the provincial government with a detailed plan outlining how the CRD will implement sewage treatment by June 30, 2007.

"After decades of polluting the marine environment with untreated sewage, this is a significant step forward in protecting the health of our marine environment." said Christianne Wilhelmson, Program Coordinator for the Georgia Strait Alliance. "We encourage the CRD to work with the Environment Ministry and local communities to find the best sewage treatment solution for the region."

The environmental groups are also encouraged that Minister Penner wants the CRD to consider and adopt cutting-edge, new technologies for sewage treatment. However, they hope the Minister will give specific directions to the CRD on the necessary level of sewage treatment.

"We are very optimistic that Minister Penner will push the CRD to implement secondary sewage treatment, in accordance with widely-accepted national standards" commented Jim McIsaac, Clean Water Director with T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation.

"Minister Penner is moving in the right direction. If he requires the CRD to implement secondary sewage treatment, then we will no longer have serious concerns that the CRD is violating the federal Fisheries Act," said Lara Tessaro, Staff Lawyer at Sierra Legal Defense Fund.

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FH Fire Quickly Extinguished

(Dist. 3 Firefighter Lieutenant checks area for any hot spots)

The Report of a fire in the wall of an office building at the Discovery Inn on San Juan Island called out Friday Harbor and District 3 firefighters, and within minutes of their arrival they found smoke and a small fire still active in the wall of the building. The owner of the building was on the scene, and had damped the fire with a garden hose. The firefighters took over, and quickly exposed and eliminated the fire. The cause of the fire was not determined with certainty, but electrical did not appear to be the cause. A number of cigarette butts were found next to the wall and door framing that had been on fire.

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It Is The Fire Season In SJC

(Firefighters work on remaining pockets of fire after controlling main blaze)

A grass fire on San Juan Island quickly moved through a couple of acres of land near Cattle point Road on Thursday before it was brought under control by firefighters. At one point a tree exploded into flames that shot flames into the air, and smoke from the fire could be seen for miles.

The grass and weeds in the field had been mowed, and the lack of fuel wind resulted in the fire not spreading faster than it did, but even so there were a number of isolated pockets that suddenly flared up as burning embers dropped to the ground.

The response from the firefighters was quick and efficient, and the fire was brought under control before it could spread to any of the structures or improvements, even though some of the grass had burned toward buildings, and had nearly reached an out-building on the property before firefighters doused it

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Traffic Circle Proposed For FH

(Drawing of proposed traffic circle for Friday Harbor)

The Town of Friday Harbor will hold a Public Hearing Tonight, July 20, On FH Roads: The hearing will be at the Town Hall, 5:30 PM to review the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan for the years 2007 through 2012.

Two items of note that may attract some interest and input from the public are discussion items about the removing, or at least altering, the "bump-out" of the "sidewalk-used-as-a-street" next to the Mullis Senior Center, and proposals for improvements of the intersection at Argyle and Spring street.

Two proposals have been made to address traffic flows on Spring street. One plan is to construct a traffic circle at the Argyle and Spring street intersection. The proposal lists three things that will be improved by a traffic circle: 1. Pedestrian and vehicular conflict resolution, 2. will slow down traffic without impeding traffic flow, and 3. it will improve the "quality and character of the urban setting".

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Turtleback Mt. Steering Committee Formed To Raise $

The San Juan Preservation Trust, The Trust for Public Land, and the San Juan County Land Bank today announced that 32 community leaders have volunteered to serve on the steering committee for the Campaign to Protect Turtleback Mountain.

The following people serve on the Turtleback Campaign Steering Committee:

Mary Riveland, co-chair and trustee of the San Juan Preservation Trust
Martha Wyckoff, co-chair and board member of The Trust for Public Land

Rachel Adams; Chris and Cynthia Bayley; Frank Bayley, Tom Cowan; Peter Evans; Malcolm Goodfellow; Pete Helsell; Bob Henigson; Tom Hughes; Gary Larson and Toni Carmichael;
Bob Lundeen; Steve McKeon; Jay Neukom; Tom and Sally Reeve; Winifred Rhodes; Slim and Mimi Sommerville, Tad and Jeanne Sommerville; The Youngren Family (Eric & Dacia & Jim and Kathy); Howard Wright and Kate Janeway; Jonathan White; Fred Whitridge; Lisa Wolford.

To purchase and successfully protect the mountain, this partnership of conservation organizations must raise $6 million by November 15 of this year – the deadline for purchasing the property from the Medina Foundation, a Seattle-based philanthropic organization. http://www.islandguardian.com/archives/00000800.htm

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SJC Stormwater Steering Committee At Work

The recently formed San Juan County Stormwater Steering Committee Past story will hold its second meeting Wednesday, July 26th from 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. at the Orcas Island Eastsound Fire Station. At the meeting's conclusion there will be a public open house from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

The public is invited to attend this and all upcoming steering committee meetings. There will be a public comment period at the end of all meetings.

"As the committee's work moves forward we hope the public will participate and share their thoughts," said Matt Zybas, San Juan County Utility Manager.

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CC Awards Funding For Public Development

County Administrator Pro-Tem David Goldsmith on Tuesday presented the County Council with the recommendations of the Public Facilities Financing Assistance Committee. The Committee had reviewed six applications for financial assistance, and Goldsmith told the Council that of the six only four were found to be eligible to receive money.

The money comes from sales tax that is collected in San Juan County, and then a small portion of it is returned to the County for use in economic development in the private sector for public projects. In simple terms, the money is intended to create jobs, or have the potential to create jobs, but only for public projects.

In order of priority, the Public Facilities Review Committee recommended that the following projects be funded: Fisherman Bay Sewer ($25k), SJC Public Works ($235k), SJC Parks ($83k) and the town of Friday Harbor ($60k). The total approved funding for the year is $403.000.00

The two that were found to be ineligible were Fisherman Bay Sewer for a Conversion phase, and the SJC Fair for the demolition and reconstruction of the "Grey Top" building at the fair grounds. These were rejected because they did not meet the minimum requirements of the program. Goldsmith pointed out that if, for example, the Grey Top building was to be converted or re-built with the intent of using the building in a way that would provide new jobs, or help to create jobs, then the committee could have looked at it as a potential receiver of funding.

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Summer Lecture - Minke Whales: Baleen of Death

Jonathan Stern, Ph.D., the Northeast Pacific Minke Whale Project, will speak at The Whale Museum at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Jonathan's talk will focus on the recent developments at the International Whaling Commission, the ecology and life history of minke whales, with particular emphasis on the local population in the Salish Sea.

The lecture is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, call 378-4710, ext. 23 or visit our web site, www.whalemuseum.org. The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. N.

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Orcas Geared Up For Fire Season

(Orcas Firefighters Joe Symons, Dick Staley & Lt. Rick Anda at Doe Bay Station)

The "Wildland Fire Season" has arrived in the San Juan Islands and the Orcas Island Fire Department wants you to know that they are better prepared than ever before. Wildland firefighting tools, protective gear and additional supplies have been placed at all out lying fire stations in an effort to respond even more quickly to any wildland fire threat.

The Orcas Island firefighters train annually to battle forest fires and there are currently 18 volunteers who taken advanced training, like Lt. Rick Anda, from Doe bay Station 27. He responded on a State Mobilization to Eastern Washington last summer to fight an aggressive sage fire that threatened a small community and its resources. He also took part in the State's largest fire school this spring to learn how better to fight wildland interface fires (where homes and forest fires are threatened at the same time).

The predicted weather for the near future is HOT. Although it is currently OK to have 2- foot recreational (camp) fires, keep a close watch on any open flame and have at least 5 gallons of water ready to use, if needed. Be sure any fire or BBQ is completely out before you leave. And notify Sheriff's dispatch if you suspect a wildland fire.

For more information on Outdoor Burning or other fire issues on Orcas: call 360 376-2331.

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CC Struggles With Courthouse Space Needs

(Law and Justice Council members study revised remodel plans)

The County Council met with elected officials on Tuesday to continue the discussion of how best to meet the meeting room and office space needs of the county. The plan is to remodel the Carlson Building, and the old Courthouse to meet county needs. As the discussion progresses as to how space should be configured, and to whom it should be assigned, it is becoming increasingly clear that the problem boils down to the needs of the Council to provide office space for the full council and their support staff, and the pressing needs of the county law and justice departments.

At the last meeting the need to keep law and justice functions under one roof became the goal of the council; but how to do that, while keeping remodel costs down is becoming difficult. In a letter submitted to the Council, Law and Justice members and other county officials stated that they "believe it is time to start the process of converting the Courthouse Building to its eventual use as the Law and Justice Center". Judge Stewart Andrew also submitted a letter stressing the need to keep all of the Court's office space, and courtroom, in the same building, and view was forcefully reinforced by Superior Court Judge Churchill, who told the Council that it was important to keep not only the courtroom and administration offices together, but that the Law library also needed to be in the same building. She stressed the need for quick access and security concerns for the desire to keep the various space needs in one building.

The general consensus from those involved with Law and Justice seemed best summed up by a closing comment in the submitted letter, that recommended that it was time to" move (the) Council chambers offices to the Carlson (or some other building) We recognize the move would be ‘temporary' until a new administrative center is build, however the remodel and operational dollars would be better conserved under this option. Additionally operational efficiencies in the Courthouse would be enhanced rather than be curtailed".

Councilman Myhr express his concern that the County is facing budget constraints in the future, and that he "wants to minimize cost in the short time, in case we need to build a new building sooner than later". To which Chairman Lichter stated that he agreed that "We need to find a balance of costs and efficiencies". The Council agreed to continue to work toward a solution, and Judge Andrew stated the he hoped the Council would consult with the Law & Justice Council prior to making any final decision. (Links to Past Stories)


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Some Hope for Victoria Sewage Treatment Plan

Environmental groups in Canada strongly support the findings of a recently released Scientific and Technical Review of the Greater Victoria region's waste management plan, and are pressing for urgent action. Links to Past Stories

According to Georgia Strait Alliance, the scientific panel's conclusions are the final nail in the coffin of the Victoria Capital Regional District's (CRD) practice of pumping raw sewage into the ocean.

"The panel clearly stated that continuing to dump raw sewage as a waste management strategy is no longer an option for the Victoria Region," said Christianne Wilhelmson, Program Coordinator for the Georgia Strait Alliance. "The CRD had stated that the conclusions of this panel would be heard, so it must now take immediate steps to bring secondary sewage treatment, or better, to the region."

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Orcas Fire Department Fun Day

(Orcas FD photo)

Chief Mike Harris helps Y Day Camper into gear to "rescue an unconscious victim from a structure" as part of the annual FIRE DEPARTMENT FUN DAY at the Eastsound Fire Station. 46 YMCA Camp Orkila day campers and 9 camp counselors participated in the annual event that helps answer the question "What do real firefighters do?" Well, they shoot water out of hoses, rescue people who need help, blast wildfire with straight streams and sometimes even have fun with kids!

The campers were treated to a tour of the station, a chance to shoot targets with a hose, put on firefighter gear, perform a rescue and even try a few EMT skills! Firefighter Chad Kimple gave station tours and a crash course on hose handling while Lt. Jeff Jones showed wildland firefighting techniques.

Chief Mike Harris and Max Jones assisted teams in rescues while EMT Joe Nitz and Paramedic Patrick Shepler organized crews to treat the wounded. "It¹s a win-win program. We show kids what its like to actually DO what we do and they remind us how to play!"

This annual camper¹s program has been sponsored by the Fire District annually since 1996.


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Who Moves Into New County Building?

The recent agreement by the County Council to purchase the Carlson Building (Past story & Photo) to help solve some of the County space needs, has now raised the question of -on the one hand- Who gets to move in, and -on the other hand- Who has to move in.

The Council hired the Seattle architecture and urban design firm of Tonkin/Hoyne/ Lokan to come up with a short-term fix with plans for a re-model of both the current court house and the newly purchased Carlson Building. At last weeks presentation of the options, it quickly became clear that some of the Law & Justice Department heads were not all that happy with the idea of moving into the building (Past story).

The Council was unable to reach agreement on which of the presented options they should choose -or if they needed to make changes to the presented options- and will take up the discussion with Department heads today (July 17, at 2:00 p.m., Court House Council Room) to try and come to some consensus.

It is expected that the turnout for the meeting will generate some "lively discussion" from the various county departments.

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Lion's Club Movie-Marathon

Movies Personally Selected & Directed by Andrew V. McLaglenwill be presented Tuesday July 18, 2006, at the San Juan Community Theatre, beginning with a personal narration by Andrew McLaglen at 6:00 PM. The featured presentations will continue "until it's over," according to its sponsors, the San Juan Lion's Club. Lions are requesting $10 donations; children under 16 must be accompanied by adult.

• 100% of the Proceeds collected will benefit the American Cancer Society,Relay for Life.
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July 31 Deadline for Solar, Wind Power Generators

If solar or wind power producers want to get paid for power they've generated in the past year, they need to send some paperwork to the Washington State Department of Revenue by July 31.
Independent energy producers must submit a certification form to the Department of Revenue in order to receive up to $2,000 a year in payments from their local electric utilities.

Energy producers can receive payments for power generated since July 1, 2005, if they file for certification by July 31. If they submit requests for certification after July 31, they can be compensated only for energy produced after that date.

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Help FH & SJI Fire Depart. Help Others

The Volunteer Fire Departments of The Town of Friday Harbor & San Juan Island Fire Department (Dist 3) invite you to the Annual Pancake Breakfast. It will be all the pancakes you can eat for only $5.00 served with Ham, Eggs, OJ, Coffee or Tea.
It will be held at the Town Fire House on West Street on Saturday and Sunday, July 15th and 16th from 7a.m. to 12 Noon
A portion of this year's proceeds are to be donated to the 9 year old grandson of Friday Harbor residents Peggy and Joe Cheney. A cancer patient, Michael Church, is being treated for Leukemia at the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane.
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Pelindaba Lavender Harvest Festival

In the fifth Annual Harvest Festival, Pelindaba is partnering with the San Juan Island Street Arts Fair to create a "Splash of Summer Color" weekend on San Juan Island. The Lavender Festival program will focus on the sense and sensibility of lavender. Stephen Robins, co-owner, said, "We invite everyone see, smell, hear, touch and taste the beauty of lavender."

This year Pelindaba will also celebrate the many manifestations of artistry that lavender inspires. From the art of lavender cultivation, to its unique role in the culinary arts, to the crafts and fine art that are inspired by it. Demonstrations will focus on the cultivation of lavender, flower harvesting, essential oil distillation and its many uses — from personal care to culinary.
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Council Moves Forward On ADU "Vesting" Ord

(Randy Gaylord and Ron Henrickson wait to give input to Council)

The County Council has agreed to go forward with a draft ordinance (Full text of ordinance follows this report) that is intended to allow a certain class of applicants to proceed with the construction of a main house, but only if they have already build a "guest house" with the intent of building a main house at a later date, and only if:

those properties that meet both of the following criteria for which the landowner has the burden of proving that a property is eligible.
1. Properties for which a complete building permit for a freestanding accessory dwelling unit (then called a "guest house" and hereafter called a "freestanding accessory dwelling unit") with a living area that did not exceed 1000 square feet was submitted after November 30, 1991 and before November 30,2000. An accessory dwelling unit or guest house for which a building permit application was submitted before November 30, 1991 or after November 30, 2000 do not qualify under this criteria.
2. Properties for which at least one of the owners on the date of submission of a completed application for a principal residence was in continuous ownership of said property from July 25, 2005.

The title of the draft ordinance is "Ordinance Establishing Rules To Apply To The Contruction (sic.) Of A Principal Residence After The Construction Of A Certain Lawful Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Unit For A Period Of Five Years"
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Two New Planners Join The Team

(L to R: Director Ron Henrickson with Colin Maycock and Shannon Fitzgerald)

Two vacancies in the Planning Department of Community Development & Planning have finally been filled. Colin Maycock has accepted a position as a long range planner, and Shannon Fitzgerald will assume the role as a Senior Planner for current planning projects.

Colin Maycock has two Master's degrees, one in Urban Geography from the University of British Columbia, the other in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Colin told the Island Guardian that prior to becoming a planner he " enjoyed a wide variety of employment experiences such as a journalist, a salmon fisherman on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a roustabout on Oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and a Line driver on seismic crews in Yemen and Alberta along with many other far less exotic occupations.

Shannon said that she "is happy to join her mom and sister's family who live on San Juan Island" and that she is also very pleased to be working with the Planning Department. For the last 17 years, Shannon has worked on various groundwater, watershed and dredging projects with the U.S. EPA in San Francisco. Prior to that, she taught at North Seattle Community College.

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New Stormwater Utility Steering Committee

A new steering committee has been formed to develop recommendations on the San Juan County Stormwater Utility's mission statement and goals, programs and projects, and rate structure. San Juan County is in the early stages of forming the mission statement and funding mechanisms for its newly formed stormwater utility.

Chris Hoffman of Norton-Arnold & Copany has been hired by the County to facilitate a steering committee, and to that end, approximately 10 people who represent a diverse range of views are being asked to participate on the steering committee, based on their ability to represent known interests and to work together.

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Good News From Land Bank

( Land Bank Director Lincoln Bormann & Board President Lisa Nash Lawrence)

The Director and President of San Juan County Land Bank had much to smile about when they presented their 2006 Amended Expenditure and Acquisition Plan II to the County Council on Tuesday (July 11,2006). The acquisition plan for 2006 includes a proposal to acquire 1,578 acres of land on Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island. The land has been the target of preservation groups for years, and the now real possibility of the Land Bank obtaining the title to the land will mean it can be protected from full scale development. Map & Past story But not without some costs to the Land Bank.

The price tag for the property is $17 million, and to make the deal go forward the Land Bank will need to come up with $10 million, while the remainder will be contributed by the San Juan Preservation Trust and the Trust for Public Land.

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Puget Sound Partnership Report To Governor

As earlier reported in The Island Guardian (Past story), the Puget Sound Partnership has been hard at work on an interim report on the health of the Puget Sound, and what steps must be taken to restore and protect it now, and in the future.. The following letter was submitted to Governor Gregoire. We have included a link to the full report at the end of the letter .

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Public To Decide Use Of Gravel Pit: Island Rec

A press release from Island Rec, (a junior taxing district on San Juan Island) states that the future development of the property will be decided by the public of San Juan Island. The recent transfer of title by the County Council of the LaFarge gravel pit to Island Rec (Previous story) now makes Island Rec the owners of the property; and responsible for costs of maintenance and development. The original plan was to develop the property as a multi-use park, but when a bond to pay for the development was put to the voters, it was soundly rejected. The following is the complete press release:
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Freeholders Take Council To Task

An Open Letter to the County Council
We freeholders continually focused on the importance of "separation of powers" during the hundreds of hours we spent in creating our new charter government. The astute voters of San Juan County embraced this principal, when they overwhelmingly passed the charter. The County Council has a new role in the 2006 government – which is confined to legislative duties only. When we freeholders crafted the charter, the intent was to remove the council from any judicial function. With all due respect, you have no legal training and are not qualified to perform this function.

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Banjo Benefit Concert

Kurt Abell to play in Friday Harbor.

"A great treat is in store for all ages when Kurt Abell, banjo player extraordinaire, performs for "banjophiles" and "non-banjophiles" alike on Wednesday evening, July 12th, 7:00 to 9:00 PM at St David's Church, corner of Park and Marguerite Streets, Friday Harbor.

This is a benefit concert supporting San Juan County women's scholarships, sponsored by the local chapter of P.E.O. (International Philanthropic Education Organization). All tickets are a $5.00 donation at the door."
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Written Word Deadline Monday, July 17

Farmers, artists and bakers aren't the only ones who can get in on the competitive fun of the San Juan County Fair. Did you know that local writers could submit their essays, stories, memoirs and poetry for judging? That's right, folks, you can win ribbons and money with your writing. Because the judging process is so time-consuming, please have your Written Word entries postmarked or delivered to the fair office by Monday, July 17, 2006.

Entry guidelines are available in the 2006 county fair premium book that was sent out to households last month or by e-mailing a request to wynn@rockisland.com. The premium book should also be available at your local library and on-line at http://sanjuancountyfair.org/ . If you have any questions, please contact Written Word superintendent Amy Wynn 378-2912 or wynn@rockisland.com

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Flood Gate For Port Stanley Lagoon

( San Juan County Conservation District photo)

San Juan County Conservation District (SJCCD) recently completed a three-year effort to improve water quality in the Port Stanley Lagoon on Lopez Island. Installation of a new, hydraulically-operated tide gate at the lagoon outlet in June restored daily tidal flow into the lagoon for the first time since the early 1960s. With the completion of the project, SJCCCD and its project partner the San Juan County Department of Public Works (DPW) expect to see not only improvement in the lagoon water quality but also improved habitat for fish and wildlife and reduction in flooding during severe winter storms.
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Grammy Winners Tingstad & Rumbel Return

San Juan Community Theatre welcomes Grammy Winners Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel to the stage for a concert Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. Tingstad and Rumbel are the number one guitar-woodwind duo in the country, having made 17 collaborative recordings and performed more than 1,000 times in places as diverse as Carnegie Hall, the Seed Saver's Barn in Iowa, the National Parks and more intimate venues like the Whittier Theatre stage.

This concert will delight and refresh the audience with elegant acoustic music that is drawn from a host of influences. Tingstad's guitar work can be pure American back road finger picking, or Gypsy campfire or as Irish as a mist rising off a lonely moor. Rumbel's ocarina is as sharp and clean as an Andean Mountain spire. You follow her English horn instinctively through medieval landscapes, Middle Eastern bazaars, a Scottish countryside or out on the green waters of Puget Sound.

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New Gordy Column: Require Then Refuse!

New Kalbert Column: Last Fling
Ron Keeshan Column: The Unelectable Politician

Lecture Tonight: The Plight of Yellowstone's Wild Buffalo ; August 23 at 7:00 PM, The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor

---------------------------------------CC News Release:: "County Pleased With ADU Decision Lifting Invalidity" Letter To Editor:: Final Outcome On ADUs Still In Question
John Evans Guest Editorial on Recent ADU ruling
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Is Puget Sound "Healthy"?

A recent public opinion survey asked 825 citizens who live in counties that have shorelines on Puget Sound to respond to questions, and state opinions, that would allow some conclusions to be drawn about "what are people thinking about Puget Sound" ?

The survey was conducted by Cocker Fennessy & Moore Information, Inc, for the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP). PSP is a group created by a Gov. Gregoire initiative, and funded by the Legislature -to the tune of $52 million dollars- to "address critical short-term needs" in an effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Some of the names involved in PSP will be familiar to SJC residents, such as Bill Ruckelshaus, who has a home on San Juan Island, and Jim Kramer of Shared Strategy for Puget Sound (SSPS), which has been in the local news now that they are working with SJ County in updating our Critical Areas Ordnance Past story

According to a synopsis published by Cocker/Fennessy, The results of the survey show that

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Fourth Of July Parade Photos

(M. Kalbert photo)The dedicated viewer will arrive early to obtain a good viewing site; but as the next photo shows, one can arrive too early…..(click below to see more photos)
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Fourth of July Kalbert Column

(Kalbert photo)

New Kalbert Column: Birthday Reflections on hope and freedom on this Fourth of July
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Timebenders Return For The 4th

The popular show band Timebenders of Victoria B.C. will be the featured band at this year's 4th of July Rock the Dock street dance in Friday Harbor, WA. The Gurus of Retro Rock, this 8-piece ensemble delivers fast-paced, zany antics fueled by straight up rock n'roll energy.

The Timebenders have repeatedly performed in Las Vegas and for many fortune 500 companies, conventions and private affairs, such as Bill Gates Millennium New Years' Eve party. Two 75 minute power show sets take you through the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's respectively, highlighting the decade's big stars and memorable dance classics.

Admission is $10.00 for ages twelve and over. Children eleven and under enter at no cost when accompanied by a parent. Rock the Dock presale tickets will be available for purchase at Market Place Foods from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on July 3. Admission will be limited to 850.

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July 4th Pig War Picnic

The San Juan Historical Museum in Friday Harbor will once again host the annual July 4th Pig War Picnic on the Museum grounds from noon to 4 p.m.
This year, the Museum is pleased to welcome The Market Chef for the first time. With its glowing reviews on 43places.com and judysbook.com (5 stars!), the Market Chef Deli and Catering is one of our local culinary jewels. They'll be serving Texas Beef Brisket Sandwiches and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, both served on their homemade White Rolls with coleslaw, watermelon and chips. A full plate of food for $8 per plate. Natural soft drinks and dessert will also be available to purchase.
San Juan's Fire District #3 will provide a picnic menu including burgers with Walla Walla onions, veggie burgers, and hot dogs, at $5 per lunch item.
Soda pop and ice cream will also be for sale in the Museum's Carriage House. And adults can relax and enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine under the shaded canopy of the Beer Garden.
Activities for the kiddies include face painting, a bucket brigade, egg toss, hay scramble and cakewalk. The One More Time Band will perform live jazz throughout the afternoon. National Park Ranger Mike Vouri will give a lively spoken word portrayal of Capt. George Pickett, telling the story of the Pig War – from the seemingly minor incident that nearly brought England and America to blows, to its peaceful resolution moderated by Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm. The National Park Service will also give a woodworking demonstration.

Admission to the event is by donation. Proceeds from the Pig War Picnic benefit the San Juan Historical Museum and the volunteer firefighters. The Museum is located at 405 Price Street in Friday Harbor. For more information, contact Dolly Salazar at 360.378.3949 or museum_admin@sjmuseum.org.



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