Current news
Government News
Political News
Service Organizations
Editorials
Obituaries
Guest Editorials
Business
Real Estate
Environment
Weekly Nag
Letters to Editor
To Contact the Editor
|
|
Saturday, September 29th
State & MRC To Discuss Oil Spill Programs
The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) will discuss what is being done at the federal, state and local levels to respond to oil spills at their next meeting on Wednesday, October 3 from 8:30 to 10:30 in the community room at the Islander Bank in Friday Harbor.
Each year, ships transport almost 16 billion gallons of oil through Puget Sound. A major oil spill could have catastrophic impacts on the marine ecosystem and quality of life in the San Juans. (Related story)
Presentations from Carl Andersen, from the Department of Ecology’s Oil Spill Response Program, Gary Shigenaka, from NOAA’s Emergency Response Division, Julie Knight from the Islands’ Oil Spill Association and Brendan Cowan, manager of the San Juan County Emergency Management Program will describe their programs and participate in a discussion on how the MRC can support federal, state and local oil spill response and research efforts.
The public is encouraged to join us as we discuss this important topic. For more information, contact Mary Knackstedt, MRC Coordinator at 370-7592, or email to: maryk@co.san-juan.wa.us.
[link]
Wa Joins Other States To Reduce Gas
In February of this year, the governors of Washington, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon created the WCI (Western Climate Initiative) with a long-term commitment to significantly reduce regional GHG (greenhouse gas emissions), thus lowering the risk of dangerous threats to the climate.
Gov. Chris Gregoire said, "In the absence of federal leadership, states and provinces have stepped up to meet the challenge of global climate change. We are working together to agree on common goals that will reduce our region's contribution to the problem while recognizing the states' individual goals. In Washington, we are committed to meeting the challenge and seizing the opportunities presented by climate change."
[more..]
Friday, September 28th
Whidbey Island Bank & Frontier Bank Merge
Frontier Financial Corporation holding company of Frontier Bank, and Washington Banking Company holding company of Whidbey Island Bank, have announced the merger of Washington Banking with, and into, Frontier.
The Frontier holding company has $3.6 billion in assets that will join with the and holding company of Whidbey Island Bank assets of $850 million.
The move is similar to the merger of the Banner & Islanders Bank that occurred last year. While such mergers are often in the best interest of the shareholders, there can be some disruption in the local communities as the larger banks restructure administration and personnel, and some operations are moved off island to the parent company.
[more..]
Donate Now For 10-20-07 Museum Auction
The San Juan Historical Museum is holding its 2nd Annual Autumn 2007 Auction, Saturday, October 20th at the Friday Harbor Grange. Doors will open for viewing at 4pm, with bidding beginning at 6pm. Mike Adams will be our Auctioneer. This year there will be no admission or paddle fees. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Or order to create more room in the hall, there will be no silent auction this year. Great food and beverages will be available.
There are a wide range of items up for bid, such as a 1 night stay at San Juan County's first jail, which was declared the worst jail in Washington state in the 1960s; lunch & tour for 4 at the UW Friday Harbor labs, blacksmithing lessons, 2 large hanging baskets, a new copper fire pit, car oil changes, carpet cleaning, handyman services, salmon, chimney cleaning, getaways, etc. The list keeps growing. It's still not too late to donate.Just contact the museum to donate.
For more information, call (360) 378-3949 or email museum_admin@sjmuseum.org. the Historical Museum web site: www.sjmuseum.org/
[link]
First Aid & CPR Classes Offered
Be prepared for an injury or life-threatening emergency that could take place in your home or workplace. Island Rec is offering both a First Aid Class on Tuesday October 16 and CPR on Thursday October 18. Both classes meet at the Aid Unit on Spring Street and run from 5:30-9:30pm
Participants can register for either or both classes. Cost is $20 per class and pre-registration is required. Registration forms are available in Island Rec’s Fall/Winter Program Guide and from www.islandrec.org, Call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.
[link]
Gate's Grant Time Again
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has added funding to the Family Resource Center's contract to "connect schools and community". Accordingly, the Community Council is seeking new proposals for projects that can be accomplished by high school students.
The grant will pay for supplies and materials and the Council will give greatest weight to proposals that address community needs.
Accordingly, the Community Council Community Council is seeking new proposals for projects that can be accomplished by high school students. The grant will pay for supplies and materials and the Council will give greatest weight to proposals that address community needs.
The Request for Proposals can be downloaded from http://sjisd.wednet.edu/fhhs/communitygates/needsassessments/071019-RFP. Proposals are due on October 19th. Questions can be addressed to Larry Wight (lwight@rockisland.com ) or Nick Frazee (nfrazee@sjisd.wednet.edu ).
[link]
Thursday, September 27th
Stormwater Seminars This Week
The SJC Marine Resources Committee and the San Jan Islands Conservation District are holding three presentations "Stormwater: Expensive Problem or Valuable Resource?" next week.
The seminars will be held on:
Monday October 1st from 4pm to 8pm at the Mullis Senior Center on San Juan Island,
Tuesday October 2nd from 4pm to 8pm at the Orcas Island Fire Department public meeting room and
Wednesday October 3rd from 4pm to 8pm at the Lopez Center for the Community & the Arts in Lopez Village.
[link]
Poor Attendance At 1st Budget Workshop
The County Council held the first of a number of meetings on the 2008 budget that are intended to receive public input ( Related Story ), but few from the public showed up. Holding the meetings while the public is at work may explain the poor attendance, it did not result in a no-show from various county departments and committees that receive their funding from the Council.
County Administrator Pete Rose introduced the draft budget by reminding the public that the 38-million dollar budget addresses services provided by choices made by the Council and those required by law.
Following are some of the comments made by those who testified for and against programs and items in the draft budget:
[more..]
Leadership SJI Begins Recruitment for Class of 2008
Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) will hold three open houses in October to recruit current and aspiring leaders for the Class of 2008. LSJI seeks candidates from all sectors of the community, from businesses and non-profits, to education and government. Alumni from LSJI Classes 2005-2007 are also invited to the open houses, as well as graduates of other leadership programs held around the country who now live and/or work in the San Juans.
The three open houses will take place as follows: Thursday, October 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor; Saturday, October 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library; and Sunday, October 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heartwood House on Orcas Island, 70 Langell Lane near Eastsound.
[more..]
Wednesday, September 26th
Property Sales up 2nd quarter over 1st quarter
By Merri Ann Simonson
During the first half of 2007, an average of 23.5 transactions per month closed on San Juan Island. In reviewing the first half of 2007, the real estate market volume on San Juan Island was less active when compared to the same period in 2006. The volume lags 2006 by $16,415,949 or 18%. The average number of transactions each month during this period is down 16%, which -put in perspective- is an improvement over the first quarter, when the average was down 30%.
[more..]
Hearing To Be Held On Sales Tax Increase
The County Council was told on Tuesday that the current programs that provide mental health and chemical dependency services in the county are “inadequate to meet the need.”
Citing a need for additional money for mental health programs, and legislation ( RCW 82.14.460) passed in 2005 that allows an increase in the state sales tax for funding, the County Council agreed to move forward on a sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent (i.e.10 cents per $100) as a source of additional funding.
[more..]
CC Recommends Sato To SJ Action Area
The County Council has recommended Mike Sato to be the County representative for the San Juan Action Area . Mr. Sato has spent time in both Whatcom and San Juan County, and has a residence on Lopez. If accepted as the representative for the SJAA (San Juan Action Area), he will join others in an advisory role to the Puget Sound Leadership Council.
Sato is currently the director of communications, education and involvement for People For Puget Sound ( http://www.pugetsound.org/ ), which is not for profit organization that has been around since 1991. Sato is well known throughout the state and British Columbia for his involvement in Puget Sound protection and restoration programs.
[more..]
Start Burning Oct 1... Except In GMAs
For those who live outside of a GMA (Growth Management Areas: Eastsound, Lopez Village & Friday Harbor), it is almost time again to start burning those piles of garden and yard debris; assuming you have obtained a Burn Permit.
Residential Burn Permits (for piles up to ten feet in diameter) will again cost $10 and are valid through June 30, 2008. Burn permit information and burn permits are available from the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office online at www.sjfiremarshal.org . or call 378-3473.
Burn permits for larger fires – such as for land clearing operations - require an inspection prior to a permit being issued. Land clearing burn permits cost $150 and are valid for one month.
As of January 2007, new air quality regulations became effective that severely restrict burning in Growth Management Areas. Residents of Eastsound, Lopez Village and the Town of Friday Harbor are within the GMA and are not allowed to burn. For more information contact the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office online at www.sjfiremarshal.org or call 378-3473.
If you wish to get a permit in person, days and times vary by island.
• SJ: Mullis Street Fire Station Mon. to Fri. 8 - 5 pm. Ph:378-5334.
• Lopez Island: Lopez Island Fire Station Mon. to Fri. 9 – 4:30 pm Ph:468-2991.
• Orcas Island: Eastsound Fire Station Wed. and Fri. noon to 5 pm,
• Shaw Island: cPh: 378-7880
[link]
Tuesday, September 25th
County May Pay Henrickson $500 Mo To Be Pro-Tem
The County Council may offer to pay current Community Development and Planning Director Ron Henrickson $500.00 a month to act as the County Administrator Pro-Tem. This would be in addition to Hendrickson’s current responsibilities and salary as the CD&P director.
A Pro-tem is required under the Charter, and is intended to be available to step-in in the absence of the County Administrator. When Hendrickson was offered the position by the County Council, he accepted the position and declined any compensation for the position.
[more..]
Town To Lose Another Historic Building? Perhaps Not
(Photo from the Cottage Living magazine sent as press release by Strehlou)
The turn of the century home of Virgil Frits, the onetime Editor/Publisher of the old Friday Harbor Journal may go the way of other historical buildings in Friday Harbor: to a landfill; unless someone steps forward to save it, by moving it
“That building will be torn down over my dead body!”, so said then County Commissioner Darcie Nielsen after the County purchased the property for possible future expansion of county administrative buildings. That was then, but now the building will be scheduled for demolition unless someone, or some group, steps forward to save it, by moving it. And Neilson may yet play a role in saving it.
[more..]
No Amount Too Small To Respond To
The loss of approximately three gallons of oil into the waters of Fildalgo Bay resulted in a quick response from the Shell Puget Sound Refinery near Anacortes, and according to a Department of Ecology (DOE) news release, there was an unrelated spill of 70-gallons of diesel fuel at the Tulalip Marina near Marysville when a 65-foot fishing vessel sank.
The DOE is reportedly investigating the actions taken at the Shell Puget Sound Refinery near Anacortes that allowed oil to spray from a loose flange on the company's dock. The accident occurred when a Shell Co. dock operator was trying to drain oil in a marine loading arm to the crude oil line. The crude oil, mixed with other petroleum products, spilled off the dock and entered Fildalgo Bay. on Saturday, Sept. 22.
[more..]
Monday, September 24th
CC Wants Input On Budget Priorities
For those who may have an opinion on what County budget priorities should be, or should not be, they have an opportunity on Tuesday (September 25) at 11:15 a.m. to share their thoughts with the San Juan County Council.
The public meeting will also allow the public to voice their opinion on how money can be saved, and ideas on how the County is to raise additional money for new programs.
Both private individuals and organization representatives are encouraged to come forward with “what new items should be considered”, and what current items or programs should be dropped. Dropping and adding items is not always possible -even when it seems to make sense to do so- because many programs are mandated by state or federal regulations.
[more..]
28th Annual FRIENDS Picnic
(Max Field & Chloe Mason at FoSJ Meeting on Shaw -Shannon Davis photo)
Over 130 people attended the Friends of the San Juans Annual Meeting on Shaw Island, Saturday September 15. An inter-tribal crew from Sammish Indian Nation, Lummi Nation, Nooksack Nation, and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community paddled in two canoes to participate in 28th Annual Meeting.
Islanders Marc Forlenza, Kim Sundberg and Debbie Clausen; Gregg and Roan Dietzman; Chad, Kathleen and Even Foley; and Bob Anderson and crew escorted the canoes in their personal boats from Washington Park to Shaw Island on Friday, back on Sunday morning.
Lummi Nation elder, James Hillaire welcomed guests to the event. Fred Ellis, Estella Leopold, Philip Red Eagle, and Helen Engle were keynote speakers. April and Gary Ford of San Juan Island, were presented the annual Best Friend of the Year Award and outgoing board members Jon Christoffersen and Irmgard Conley were recognized for their outstanding service and presented with a copy of Ron Keeshan's recently released, Journey Into the Web of Life, a book of photoghraphs and essays on wildlife and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest.
Guests were invited to paddle in the Lummi canoe, "O'hileqsen" and the Swinomish canoe, "Selalitut artsi s Zuladx w." In addition to the paddle, Friends Science Director, Tina Whitman, led a beach lecture and walk on South Beach.
[link]
Saturday, September 22nd
Visser’s To Auction Home, Move To Uruguay
Piet and Brook Visser’s friends hardly blinked when the couple announced that they’re selling their recently completed home and moving to Uruguay, a country they’ve never visited.
Those who know the Visser’s have come to expect the unexpected from the Vissers’, and now the unexpected waits to greet the Visser family as they prepare to move off for a new challenge. A challenge that will include learning Spanish and adapting to the customs of an entirely different culture, said Visser. “It’s going to take a while to figure out how things work down there,” he said.
And in keeping with their flair for doing things their own way, Piet (a licensed Realtor) and Brook decided to sell their home at auction . Bidders will gather Thursday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. at the home to compete for the property, with J.P. King Auction Company managing the sale. The auction will be an “Absolute Auction”, which means the property will be sold to the highest bidder -regardless of the amount of the highest bid.
[more..]
Friday, September 21st
League of Women Voters Schedules Election Forums
In advance of the November 6 election, the League of Women Voters of the San Juans has scheduled a series of public forums for candidates to meet the voters and for advocates and opponents to discuss the Stormwater Referendum.
October 15, 7 p.m. Shaw Island Community Center, Moderator Alex Macleod
October 16, 7 p.m., San Juan Island Middle School Commons, Moderator: Lee Sturdivant.
October 17, 7 p.m., Orcas Senior Center, Moderator: Libby Blackwell.
October 18, 6:30 p.m., Lopez Community Center, Moderator: Beverly Zapalac.
Invitations have been issued to candidates running unopposed as well as those in contested elections. The audience will be invited to ask questions of those in contested elections. Individuals advocating approval of the Stormwater Ordinance challenged by Referendum 2007-1, and others advocating rejection of the ordinance will make presentations and answer questions.
Ballots for the election will be mailed to all registered voters on October 19.
[link]
Quall Heads New Education Committee
State Representative Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon) has been named chair of the Council of State Governments’ Western region (CSG-West) newly formed Education Committee . Quall was invited to the forum by seatmate and CSG-West Chair Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon).
CSG-West, an organization that typically focuses on economic, land-use, energy and natural resource issues, hasn't had an education committee since the early 1990s. Quall said the decision to form the committee speaks volumes about the increasing recognition that education is a key component of economic policy.
"State lawmakers recognize that we're at a critical point in reforming education," commented Quall. "No Child Left Behind has raised the stakes for students and educators, and the increasing globalization of our economy has raised the stakes for us all. States are the laboratories for innovative, cost-effective programs that help students meet today's challenging new goals. Having a forum to share strategies, ideas and best practices with one another is an incredible opportunity."
[more..]
Help for People with Low Vision
The San Juan Island Library announced today a new collection of resources for people with vision problems. The Low Vision collection includes lighted magnifiers, jeweler’s visors, pocket magnifiers and other devices to help people with low vision. The magnifiers come in different strengths. All are meant to be used with a person’s regular prescription glasses.
[more..]
Thursday, September 20th
CC Will Hold "Public Meeting" on Stormwater Funding
The San Juan County Council has taken County Administrator Pete Rose’s advice, and will hold a public meeting October 2 to decide if they wish to take a formal position on the stormwater funding referendum . The referendum will allow citizens to vote n the next election on the existing funding ordinance: should it be rejected, or allowed to continue as is.
Based on comments made by the Council, it is expected that after the meeting they may also take action to “ “get the facts out” on stormwater funding.
State law allows the County Council to take a position on a state or local referendum or initiative, provided that it is done after a public meeting which is open to input from all interested parties.
The meeting will begin at 10:15 a.m. on October 2 in the Council Chambers at the Courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend and participate.
[link]
9 Grand For 8 Days, “Try Not To Spend It All!”
The County Council, and the County Commissioners before them, have always complained about “unfunded mandates”-those regulations and laws that state such-and-such must be done, but do not provide the funding to do what is demanded- so once the current Council passed a new Orca Ordinance, they had to come up with some money if they expected anything to happen.
Problem of course, is that the County has more programs and priorities than it can afford to fund, and a whole raft of obligations that must be funded, so it is no easy matter to come up with the projected $16,500 (latest estimate) a month for limited enforcement of the Orca ordinance.
Given that the need is limited by the time of year when the whales are in the area, the Council decided that for the rest of this year they would fund only eight days of protection that would correspond with the Roche Harbor salmon derby.
After giving Sheriff Bill Cumming the funding, the Council asked Cumming to use as little of the money as possible, and that stressed that it was important to make a showing so people would know the County is -as Councilman Gene knapp said- serious about enforcement. The Sheriff will work hand-in-hand with officers from the Department of Fish & Wildlife, and it is expected there may be a total of three boats patrolling the waters while the derby is going on.
[link]
Only One “ADU Conversion” Permit Still Available
For those who qualify for an Accessory Dwelling Unit “conversion permit”, there is still one permit available. To qualify for the permit, the structure to be converted must have legally existed for at least five years and be less than 1,000 square feet in size. If it is in a rural area, the structure must sit on a parcel at least five acres in size.
All of the ADU conversion applications which were filed before the first deadline in March have been reviewed and processed. Applications will be accepted for the remaining permit starting OCTOBER 1, 2007 at 8 a.m.
The one remaining building permit available this year is for property owners who want to convert an existing structure into a detached “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU), also known as guest houses.
Examples that would qualify “could include a barn or a studio that was built to code under proper permits,” says Permit Coordinator Allen B. Shayo, “or it might be a house under 1000 square feet whose owners want to build a larger house and convert their current home into an ADU.”
[more..]
Marine Naturalist Training Program This Fall
Friday Harbor, WA – Registration for the Fall Marine Naturalist Training Program, presented by The Whale Museum, is ongoing now. The program dates are Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3-4. The object of this program is to provide a learning experience that assists adult graduates in becoming qualified regionally as professional or volunteer naturalists.
Read the full story in the Environment Section by Clicking Here.
[link]
Wednesday, September 19th
PW Proposes New Work To Fix Old Work
(PW Director Jon Shannon presents options & a proposal for new courthouse addition)
Looking for a golden lining in leaking walls, Public Works Director Jon Shannon has proposed a 4000 square foot, two story addition to the courthouse as a way to solve two ongoing problems.
The first problem is leaking walls in the addition to the original court house that was added on a number of years ago prior to Shannon’s arrival. The exterior walls leaked into the interior of the building. Shannon explained the leaks resulted from a lack of flashing the contractor failed to install, and that the architect and the County failed to notice had not been installed.
While a settlement was reached with the contractor after the problem had been identified, the wall has continued to leak, and according to Shannon there is now a concern the retaining fastenings may be deteriorating.
As a partial solution to the worse of the walls, Shannon presented repair options, one of which was a proposed for a two story addition to the building that would simply turn the problem exterior wall into a “new” interior wall for the proposed addition; and would also solve some of the space needs that continue to plague the County.
Shannon did not present a budget for the project, and the county members did not ask about expected costs if they choose to explore the proposal. County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord was present, and we asked him if the County would have to sell more bonds to finance such a project, and he said “Probably; yes.”
There was some open time on the council agenda in the afternoon for addition discussion, but the council was running a little short on council members. Councilman Myhr is on vacation again, and Councilman Peterson also, and since Councilman Kevin Ranker had disappeared again after lunch for a personal appointment, it was impossible for Vice-Chairman Howard Rosenfeld to move forward with direction to Administrator Pete Rose. It is not expected the problem of the walls, or the proposal for the addition will be discussed unit the Council is up and running again with a full complement of members.
[link]
Council Gets The Official Tour & Opens Some Bids
(County Council views construction progress of new Council meeting room)
County Administrator Pete Rose set up a “County Council Construction and Renovation Tour” for the council members and council staff on Tuesday.
The walking tour included the courthouse, the courthouse annex building, and then a quick look at their future home in the new “Legislative Building”. The County purchased the building last year (formerly called the Carlson Building, and we expect the locals will continue to call it that for at least the next twenty years) and will be moving their offices and administrative staff into it.
The tour was scheduled to start at 10:15 and end in time for lunch at noon, but as the council made the rounds of the departments, some of the department heads saw a rare opportunity for show-and-tell of their space and budget needs, so by the time noon had rolled around the tour had only completed a tour of the courthouse.
[more..]
Coaches & Halloween Party Volunteers Needed
Basketball Coaches and Halloween Party Volunteers Needed! Island Rec is in need of volunteers for two big fall programs serving Island youth and teens. If you have time and interest in helping out please call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.
Volunteers of all ages are needed for the Teen Halloween Party on October 31st. Help is needed during the day with decorating and during the party help is needed to serve refreshments and supervise games and activities. All you need is time and the desire to help out!
Additionally volunteers to coach youth basketball for boys in grades 4th through 8th are needed. League games are played on Island on Sunday afternoons in November and December. If you want to the opportunity to help boys develop basketball and team skills and a lifetime appreciation of the game call Sally at Island Rec.
Island Rec benefits from over two thousand hours of volunteer services provided by over 100 volunteers each year. Join us in the fun and become an IRV, Island Rec Volunteer!
[link]
Tuesday, September 18th
CC Considers Getting “Facts Out" On Stormwater
Stating the success of the referendum on stormwater funding resulted from the Countie’s failure to educate the public, the County Council has agreed on the importance of getting involved in the upcoming election on funding for the ordinance.
The election will determine if the funding ordinance for the stormwater ordinance should remain as is, or should it be rejected, which would send how the Stormwater Ordinance (which is not subject of the vote) is funded, back to the Council as being unacceptable as written.
Prosecutor Randy Gaylord informed the Council that there are limits to how involved, and in what way, the Council can work to influence the outcome of an election, but advised them that as long as they stick to the “facts”, and not make arguments for or against, they should be on safe ground.
County Administrator Pete Rose suggested that the Council can hold a “public meeting to discuss the issue, and then pass a motion” that would be for or against “something”. After some discussion of the matter, it was suggested to Rose that perhaps Communications Program Manager Stan Matthews could write a “Stormwater Education Pamphlet.”
On another front, Councilman Alan Lichter said that he and Councilman Gene Knapp will be holding a “Town Meeting on Orcas on the 24th of October, and that one of the topics of discussion will be the funding ordinance for the stormwater ordinance. Adding to the mix is the planning now underway by the League of Women Voters to hold debates on the referendum on all three major islands
Stan Matthews and Utility Manager Ed Hale are scheduled to address the Council today (Tuesday the 18th) on the topic of an “Education Pamphlet”. It is expected the Council may set a date to hold a public meeting to ostensible gain public input on stormwater funding, and then based on the testimony, agree to do something or other that is lawful. Or, the may simply have Matthew write a pamphlet on the subject.
[link]
Monday, September 17th
Supreme Court Rules 8-1 Against Mandatory Buffers
In what some are calling a “stunning 8-1 decision” on a GMA (Growth Management Act) issue involving “best available science” (BAS), the Court has given guidance to what local governments can, and cannot do, as they write, and update, their Critical Area Ordinance (CAO).
The ruling is timely for San Juan County, as they are in the process of updating the county CAO. The next meeting of the SJC CAO Review Committee is scheduled for September 20 and 27 (at the FH Grange, 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.), and an agenda item is “issues or concerns from State perspective” on the “Draft Best Available Science Document for Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas”.
the Washington Supreme Court ruling was related to buffers along streams and rivers in Skagit County, and found that they are not mandatory, and that while local governments are required to review “best available science” (BAS) -in the process of reviewing options to meet GMA requirements- they are not required to follow the BAS if they can demonstrate a justification for not doing so.
Another potential important impact for SJC is the upholding by the Court of the GMA ruling on Skagit County’s “no harm” standard”. The Tribe had argued that if it can be shown that an area is in a “degraded condition, it is not being protected ”, and that GMA requires that the County have regulations so that the “condition is improved or enhanced”. The Court did not agree, and ruled for the GMA finding “that the county protects these areas by adopting the no harm standard because it does not allow existing conditions to further degrade.”
[more..]
Help In Saving Old Barns
Chris Moore of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will be on San Juan Island. The Heritage Barn Initiative and Grant meeting will be held from 3:00 to 4:00pm on Monday, July 17th, at the SJ Historic Museum archive and administration office. Those planning to attend are asked to email Sandy Strehlou, the
Historic Preservation Coordinator for the Town of Friday Harbor, at: sstrehlou@fridayharbor.org.
Information about the The Heritage Barn Initiative, and the grant program, can be viewed on the state web page at: http://www.dahp.wa.gov/pages/HistoricSites/HeritageBarnRegister.htm
[link]
Chipseal Time Again On Orcas
San Juan County road crews have finished repair work on several damaged areas of pavement on Orcas and will be doing spot chipseal over the repaired areas on September 18. As a bonus, portions of North Beach, Mt. View and Blanchard will get an early chipseal treatment, to utilize the asphalt leftover from the repair projects.
County workers finished 18 individual projects during the week of August 20, repairing potholes and areas that have suffered damage or excessive wear and tear on Mt. Baker Road, Lindsay Way, Sunderland Road, Dophin Bay Road, Orcas Road, Channel Road and Deer Harbor Road. All of the repaired areas will get a coat of chipseal to protect them until a major chipsealing project begins next year.
“We’ve had some residents express concern that the roads aren’t as attractive as they would like after the repairs,” said senior project engineer Rachel Dietzman. “I’d like to assure them that our work is preparing the roads for a brand new chipseal coat early next summer.” The chipseal project, to begin in May 2008, will provide a smooth new surface for approximately 20 miles of roads on Orcas, including all of the portions of the roads that were repaired last week.
[more..]
Friday, September 14th
Island Museum of Art exhibits Lopez Artists
Island Museum of Art opens “A Wild Nature”, a five person exhibition bringing diverse work from neighboring Lopez Island September 14 through November 17, 2007. Opening reception: September 14, 5-7 pm.
 Curated by artist Jean Behnke the new exhibition presents a scope of art and process, each artist forming connection to nature and to their own wild nature. She says, “ In large part, we work in relative isolation from conceptual constraint and limitation and in some way we all manifest the dream of wild nature in our art work. Despite or possibly because of this common ground, it is interesting that each artists impulse speaks to the universal as well as the completely personal.”
Behnke says of the group exhibition, “In a melancholic way, this art celebrates the incorrigible tangle of a wild nature pushing through internal and external orderliness with beautiful tenacity. As in the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez there is a sense of the wild that is saturated with nature's heartiness and its reality as original home.”
[more..]
A Few Key Words To Think About
(Students hold up a banner signed by students & staff members -FHES photo)
Friday Harbor Elementary School Principal Jody Metzger and her staff/teachers have created a banner which all 371 students signed, along with the 45 staff members of FHES (Friday Harbor Elementary School). They chose a key word, “RESPECT”, and by signing the banner they pledged to each other to be more respectful.
The banner is now soaring proudly in the cafeteria, where the students and the staff will be daily reminded of the pledge. In coming months, new banners will be signed with a new key word, representing "who they are, or who they want to become", as a school community. As the next 10 months of school progresses, the banners will fill the hallways to show the pride and commitment the teachers, students and staff have together.
It was a very good day for FHES! I appreciate all the effort that went into this day. Thank you teachers, staff and leaders. Sincerely, Debbi Fincher
In addition, the students in the K-5 grade at FHES (Friday Harbor Elementary School) were treated on Thursday to two performances by Taproot Theatre Touring Company from Seattle. These dynamic educational plays dealt with social issues such as bullying behavior and safe ways to handle the situation in Star Power, and on making friends in the play Camp Super Friend.
The assemblies were paid for by a generous grant from the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.
[link]
Thursday, September 13th
25 Years Adds Up To Time To “Go Fishing!”
( Councilman Rosenfeld presents a gift from the Council to Charlotte Dye)
After 24 years of serving as Chief Deputy Auditor for San Juan County, Charlotte Dye announced her retirement, and her plans to “catch fish I haven’t caught and go places I haven’t been.”. Friday the 14th will be her last official day in the Auditor’s office.
Keeping with her love of fishing and hunting, County Administrator Pete Rose “lured” Dye up to the Council Chambers on Tuesday to ostensibly respond to an inquiry from the Council, which turned out to be a “thank you” for years of service. She received a standing ovation from staff, co-workers and members of the public that had come to wish her well. The gift? A fishing lure.
 After work Dye attended a pot-luck dinner in her honor, where stories were told, presents presented and toasts were made.
Ms. Dye was truly the Chief Deputy, both in title and deed. She was the one the Auditor counted on to keep things humming along in the office, and always responded to the public’s requests for information with both a smile and an immediate response. Auditor Milene Henley summed up the feelings of many when she stated “She will be sorely missed, not only for her skills, but for her invaluable institutional history.”
Charlotte first signed on with the San Juan County Auditor’s office in February 1976, but 18 months later left to accecpt a job offer from the J.J. Theodore Cannery at Pear Point. She returned in 1984 and has spent the next 23 years serving the public of San Juan County.
“I’m retiring because I can, but I am going to miss the people.” She and husband Daniel plan to travel for six months and then plan to go fishing and hunting. “I got an elk last year with my papa’s rifle,” she said, “he left it to me when he died, so I feel like I get to take him along with me.”
Jose Domenech, who joined the Auditor’s Accounting Division staff in 2003, has been named to succeed Ms. Dye.
[link]
New Solid Waste Program Manager
Public Works has hired a new manager for their solid waste division. Steve Alexander was introduced to the County Council on Tuesday by, with over sixteen years of experience as a manager with several state’s regulatory agencies and deep family roots in Washington, has joined San Juan County as Solid Waste Program Manager effective August 30.
Looking forward to the challenges of his new job, he says, “I’ll need to be a sponge, to listen a lot and understand the culture in San Juan County and the unique “personality” of each island.” He says he is used to listening, having years of experience in designing and participating in public involvement processes.
San Juan County Public Works Director Jon Shannon calls Alexander, “extremely well qualified” and notes that he will face some immediate challenges including: updating the County’s solid waste management plan, dealing with the solid waste funding structure and – certainly not least – completing the process of selecting the location for the San Juan Island solid waste management facility.
[more..]
Wednesday, September 12th
Orca Ord Becomes Law In SJC
(Council signs Orca Ordinance as Kari Koski of the Whale Museum Holds up an Orca Flag)
With only minor grammar and editing changes, the County Council passed an Orca Protection Ordinance on Tuesday to a round of applause from the sponsors and supporters of the ordinance. The ordinance was designed to provide police powers to both local and state law enforcement officers.(Background story)
The ordinance sets out the conditions that can result in the issuing of a civil infraction citation, and includes a maximum penalty of $750.00 for each infraction. The ordinance is intended to be a stop-gap measure to allow inforceable protection of the Orca until state or federal Orca protection legislation is passed that will control the distance that boats may approach, or be near Killer Whales.
The action by the Council results from concerns that the County lacked the enforcement powers required to prevent boats from approaching to closely to, or “fail to yield to a killer whale;” which one would think would always be good advice in any case.
[more..]
SJI Group Hopes To Add Local Radio Station
 Michael Calhoun, President of the San Juan Island Community Radio Board of Directors, has requested the advice and assistance of the County Council for obtaining permits to install a FM 100 watt transmitter antenna "somewhere" on San Juan Island.
Mr. Calhoun told the Council that the mission of the CRB (San Juan Island Community Radio Corporation) is to “construct, implement, maintain and support a Low Power FM Broadcast Radio Station on San Juan Island for local on-air Educational, Informational/Emergency Preparedness and Entertainment purposes .”
The CRB has made some progress. They have incorporated as a Not For Profit Corporation and are in the process of soliciting tax deductible donation, and have applied for an FCC permit to place a transmitter and tower on San Juan Island. The proposal is for a “wooden telephone-like pole 25 feet high, with a small 3 foot odd shaped antenna (looks like a pitch fork hit by lightening) on top, and a small shed of the property owners' choice for the transmitter and solar panels”.
There concern is the UDC (Uniform Development Code) may have to be changed or interpreted in a manner that will allow them to go forward once, and if, they receive FCC approval.
While the site for the tower is yet to be determined, the “broadcast studio” is planned to be located near, or at, the San Juan Island High School. Calhoun said the studio would “have a play-list computer with either a DSL or a specialized cell phone link to the remote transmitter; this could be maintained by student interns as part of their 'radio class' -We already have two High School seniors on our board- with local news provided by both the students and regional news professionals also contacted.”
“Other programming, by FCC regulation, is at least eight hours a day of locally produced material, same of which can be done by students, the rest by local performers and producers,” he said, and added that “there has been enormous response by locals to a new outlet for their performances or ideas for locally produced shows.”
Because Mr. Calhoun’s comments and written material was submitted to the Council during the Public Access period, no direct action was taken by the Council, but they may take up the matter at a later date if they determine a need or justification to become involved.
[link]
Tuesday, September 11th
Public Hearing On Orca Protection Ordinance
Public Hearing on Orca Protection Ordinance –Prosecuting Attorney Presentation to County Council In CC Hearing Room. The County Council reviewed and took testimony on a draft ordinance "regulating the operation of vessels" near Orca. The full text of the draft ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO.2007
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE OPERATION OF VESSELS IN PROXIMITY TO THE SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALE, AN ENDGANGERED SPECIES, AND ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF
BACKGROUND
WHEREAS, San Juan County is an archipelago that includes surrounding marine waters.
The territory of San Juan County is described in RCW 36.04.280 as follows:
Commencing in the Gulf of Georgia at the place where the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions deflects from the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude; thence following the boundary line through the Strait of Georgia and Haro Strait to the middle of the Strait de Fuca; thence easterly through the Fuca Straits along the center of the main channel between Blunt's Island and San Juan and Lopez Islands to a point easterly of the western entrance of Deception Pass, until opposite the middle of the entrance to the Rosario Straits; thence northerly through the middle of the Rosario Straits and through the Gulf of Georgia to the place of beginning.
[ more..]
Learn About Changes in Charitable Solicitations
In July new state regulations were enacted that affect organizations who solicit funds from the public. These regulations amended the Charitable Solicitations Act to improve transparency and oversight of Washington nonprofits that receive over $25,000 in donations annually.
Under the Act the Charities Program in the Office of the Secretary of State registers organizations that solicit money from the public for charitable purposes and makes available to the public general information about charitable organizations operating in our state.
Liz Heath from The Nonprofit Center in Tacoma will be in Friday Harbor on September 14th to speak to local nonprofits on the recent changes to the Washington State Charitable Solicitations Act.
Liz was a member of the statewide advisory group of nonprofit leaders that guided the legislation. She is a 30 year veteran of nonprofit policy making and annually convenes the Washington State Nonprofit Governance Conference scheduled this year for November 2 in Tacoma.
The presentation will be from 2pm-4:30pm at the Friday Harbor Grange. An ice-cream social will follow the presentation. Cost is $25 and $5 for more than one representative from any nonprofit. To reserve space call 317-4010 or email liz@nonprofitsunlimited.com
[link]
Registration Open: Skagit Valley College In F.H.
It’s not too late to register for Fall Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College. Fall Quarter begins Monday, September 17 at the San Juan Center in Friday Harbor
SVC offers academic transfer degrees, professional/technical career options, courses in basic skills and English as a Second Language, citizenship preparation, job skill upgrades, as well as diverse personal enrichment courses and workshops.
Transfer degrees include the Associate in Arts University and College Transfer (AAUCT), Associate in Arts, Associate in Technical Arts. Specialized transfer pathways include an Associate in Music, Associate in Science, Associate in Visual Arts, an Associate in Business, Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, a Theater Arts Emphasis, and a Pre-Nursing degree. In addition, students can study anytime, anywhere with Distance Education and earn a two-year transfer degree or select individual courses from many disciplines.
Interested students can apply and register online at www.skagit.edu, in person, or by contacting The San Juan Center at (360) 378-3220
[link]
Monday, September 10th
Ecology awards 50K For Watershed Restoration/Protection
The SJC Salmon Recovery program has received a $50,000.00 grant to address four areas to “improve overall coordination and integration in the San Juan County watershed”.
SJC is one of fourteen Department of Ecology (DOE) grants that were awarded to14 Puget Sound watershed groups.
The Puget Sound Watershed Protection and Restoration grants will help the groups weave together the many protection and restoration plans already in place within each watershed, and according to the SJC grant proposal, the money will be used to conduct the following:
1. Spatially Explicit Shoreline Permit and Policy Analysis
2. Hydrologic Modeling and Estuarine Wetland Data
3. Salmonid Habitat Study Integration
4. Analysis and Synthesis of Data Gaps
The Friends of the San Juans will receive some of the money to work on item number one, which will be the “development of a spatially explicit, searchable database for 28 primary categories of SJC shoreline permits, exemptions, variances and violations.”.
[more..]
Take Down Those Signs!
 One goes up, and then another, and another, but now all are to be removed. Responding to complaints from citizens, and with questions being asked by some of the County Councilmen, SJ Community Development and Planning will be “tagging” signs with a notice that unauthorized “sandwich board” signs will be removed by the County..
San Juan County code requires that business identification and advertising signs be mounted or painted on a building -unless the business cannot be seen from a public road. Off-premises outdoor commercial signs are not permitted. Additionally, residential and commercial identification signs, outside of urban growth areas and activity centers, can be no more than two square feet in size.
The lone exceptions are special events signs, which can be displayed just once a year for a maximum of 30 days.
[more..]
Saturday, September 8th
Guest Editorial
Urban Growth with Respect for All By Sharon Peaslee
On August 24 I addressed the San Juan County Planning Commission imploring them to ensure the protection of properties directly impacted by the expansion of Friday Harbor. I am thoroughly convinced that the needs of the town and all its citizens can be met without degrading homes and properties along the boundary lines. But this will take a very strong commitment to careful and respectful planning, from all parties involved in this process.
[ more..]
Goofy Sense Of Humor Needed For An Open Role
No, no! Not the County Council; the Benefit Players Theater. They need someone to fill the role of Hucklebee, the second father in the play The Fantasticks. While the Fantasticks had a very successful audition and a wonderful cast has been formed, they still have need for someone to play Hucklebee. The role requires some singing, and a “goofy sense of humor.” To inquire further, call the Benefit Players Theater at 370-5570.
The Fantasticks will run November 9 thru November 24, 2007 at the Benefit Players Theater, corner of Tucker Avenue and Guard Street.
The current cast including Lisa Mollica as the Mute; Hunter Wood as El Gallo; Toni Mollica as Luisa; Tyler Strasser as Matt; Burt Dayton as Bellomy; Ernest Pugh as Henry the Actor; and Arnell Haws as Mortimer. Ed Wilson, assisted by Jacque Anthony as Stage Director, directs this production and Music Director is Jenepher Reeves.
[link]
Friday, September 7th
The “San Juan Islands” Action Area
the Puget Sound Partnership (Partnership) has released a map showing the boundary lines that define the “San Juan Action Area.” The name should not be confused with the name of our county boundaries, since the boundaries of an Action Area signify a geographic area, as opposed to a governmental area.
There are six Action Areas, which combine all, or portions of, deferent counties and cities into areas that share “Common issues and interests...Characteristics of the Sound's physical structure,” and “How water flows into and within the Sound.”
The defining of the borders of the Areas will allow the development of an agenda ( 2020 Action Agenda) by the Partnership’s Leadership Council . The Partnership’s Ecosystem Coordination Board will have at least one representative from each Area (the Central Puget Sound Area will have two), and will be one of the groups that will help to form the Agenda.
[more..]
SJI Lib & FH Labs Sponsor Author
San Juan Island Library and the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories are sponsoring an evening with author Dr. Michael K. Honey on Monday, September 10, 2007, 7:00 pm, at the Commons at Friday Harbor Laboratories. There is an important connection to the author, his book and the San Juan Islands: Michael Honey wrote much of the book while at the Helen R. Whiteley Center, a scholarly retreat at Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Dr. Honey, a professor at the UW Tacoma campus, will discuss his latest book, "Going Down Jericho Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King’s Last Campaign," offering a vivid chronicle of the events leading up to the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and its aftermath.
In a review of the book in the Washington Post, reviewer Ron Suskind, author of "The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside America's Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11" wrote:
[more..]
Thursday, September 6th
Will Take Billions To Protect/Restore PS
( Hilary Culverwell of Puget Sound Partnership addresses Friday Harbor group)
The latest effort to protect the waters of the Puget Sound took place in June of this year when the Gov. Appointed State Leaders to the Leadership Council of the PSP (Puget Sound Partnership), a new state agency charged with designing a program that will “Protect and Restore Puget Sound” by the year 2020..
The SJI League of Women Voters sponsored a trip yesterday (9-5-07) by PSP representative Hilary Culverwell, who addressed a group of some thirty interested members of the public and a number of government employees, on the background, the need for, and the purpose of the PSP.
As one might expect, there was the ubiquitous PowerPoint presentation of talking points, photos, charts and graphs; but Culverwell was obviously a seasoned presenter who used the PowerPoint show-and-tell as a background aid to her presentation, and came across as being both realistic and honest about the problem, while dedicated to working toward solutions.
There was the Bull Kelp and the marine bird examples given that showed the complexity of identifying cause and effect. There is only one area in which Bull Kelp has decreased, she said, (photo of Bull Kelp on the screen) while in other areas it has remained the same, or increased in area. But, she said, the same cannot be said for other types of flora and fauna in the Puget Sound area. And one striking example she gave is the marine bird population. 19 of the 30 marine birds found in the Puget Sound region have decreased by 20% from 1978 to 2004.
[more..]
Wednesday, September 5th
Gates Proposals Are Due
"The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has added funding to the Family Resource Center's contract to "connect schools and community". Accordingly, the Community Council is seeking new proposals for projects that can be accomplished by high school students. The grant will pay for supplies and materials and the Council will give greatest weight to proposals that address community needs.
The Request for Proposals can be downloaded here: 070831-RFP.doc (113k file)
and further information can be viewed at http://sjisd.wednet.edu/fhhs/communitygates/index.html.
Questions can be addressed to Larry Wight lwight@rockisland.com. or
Nick Frazee nfrazee@sjisd.wednet.edu. "
[link]
25 Elementary School Age Performers Wanted!
Audition Notice: The jazz fly buzzes, an angel food cake dazzles and a nature hike jaunts, in the San Juan Community Children’s Theatre’s first stand-alone play, The Jazz Fly.
Auditions for this innovative intertwining of three children’s stories are set for Monday, September 10 at 3pm inside the Friday Harbor Elementary School gymnasium. The play will be presented at the SJCT’s Whittier Stage on November 16 and 17.
Directed by island storyteller Tiffni Twitchell, The Jazz Fly combines the story of the same name by Mathew Gollub with The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake by Nancy Willard and Henry Takes a Hike to Fitchburg by D.B. Johnson. Roles include a young girl and boy, a mom and dad, flies and insects, a donkey and turtle and three angels.
All Friday Harbor Elementary School age children are invited to audition; auditions will be fun without pressure or expectations and the play will be conducted in an age appropriate, supportive environment.
[link]
Tuesday, September 4th
Learn About The Puget Sound Partnership
SJ League of Women Voters Sponsors Partnership Session
To find out how the new Partnership will undertake its environmental work, plan to attend the League of Women Voters of the San Juans' meeting from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, (September 5) at the community room in Islanders' Bank Administration Building. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Puget Sound Partnership was created by the state legislature and began operation on July 1, 2007, (Background story) and is the successor agency to the Puget Sound Action Team. By September 2008 it will create the 2020 Action Agenda which will identify and prioritize actions, name those responsible, identify funding, track progress and report the results publicly.
Between 2008 and 2020 government will invest up to $8 billion to protect and restore our region's marine waters. A new state agency, the Puget Sound Partnership is in charge.
Guest speaker will be Hilary Culverwell, the Partnersip's s regional liaison, who works with local governments, tribes and other entities in San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties.
[ link]
Sept 5 Whale Museum’s Lecture Series
Identifying Prey and Summer Diet in Southern Resident Killer Whales
The Whale Museum’s lecture series continues with a talk by Dr. Brad Hanson at the museum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5. Dr. Hanson will discuss his team’s research on the summer diet and prey stock identification of the fish-eating “southern resident” killer whales, addressing a key recovery need using fish scales, fecal samples, and genetic techniques.
Dr. Hanson is a wildlife biologist with NOAA Fisheries. He joined the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in April 2003. Dr. Hanson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington where he worked on the development of improved tag attachment systems for small cetaceans. He also holds an M.S. in Fisheries from the University of Washington and a B.A. in Zoology also from the University of Washington.
The September 5 lecture is free and open to the public, although donations are appreciated. For more information, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 23. The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. N.
[ link]
SJ Preservation Trust’s $650K Fundraising Succeeds
 The recent fundraising campaign by the SJPT ( San Juan Preservation Trust ) to raise sufficient money to purchase land inside Watmough Bight on Lopez has been a success. They have now raised the $650,000 needed to purchase and protect a 7-acre property that was susceptible to development SJPT stated the purchase will ensures that Watmough Bight will remain an undeveloped conservation area accessible to the public for generations to come.
County planning and development officials were prepared to approve an application to develop the 7-acre parcel adjacent to the beach at the head of Watmough Bay. That plan called for the removal of 60 percent of the trees on the property, including some that are at least 400 years old.
It also called for the construction of a house on the slope overlooking the public beach, rocky cliffs, and sensitive wildlife habitat that have already been protected by the Land Bank and the federal Bureau of Land Management
“The island community responded in a big way in a very short period of time,” said Sven Haarhoff, director of charitable giving for the San Juan Preservation Trust. “The overwhelming support of this conservation project from throughout San Juan County – and beyond – underscores the importance of this dramatically beautiful, ecologically sensitive, and much loved bay. Thank you to everyone who took part in making this land conservation project a success.”
[more..]
Saturday, September 1st
The Tradition Continues
 Around 5:30 p.m. last Wednesday evening, the San Juan Island Fire Department received a phone call that fire departments have a long tradition of responding to. Mary Fuhrmeister of San Juan island, a resident at The Oaks, placed a call to the local Fire Department for help retrieving her tree bound kitten.
The problem was her six-month-old kitten had been missing for several days, and now that the cat had been found, there was a new problem. For whatever reason, kitten “Peeps” went up an oak tree and was unwilling, or unable, to come down.
 The department responded to the call in Engine 311 with Lt. Noel Monin and Firefighters Robin Dyer and Michael Henderson. On scene a ladder was deployed and in short order, “Peeps” was reunited with his happy owner without incident.
On a lighter side to the call, Firefighter Robin Dyer, the current holder of the Chief Justice Hugh Rosellini trophy, can now add “aerial feline rescue technician” to her resume.
[link]
THIS SATURDAY- Don't miss the last free Family Art Day of the summer!
Every Saturday this summer artists have lead fun family-oriented art activities at the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park (by the Roche Harbor air strip). The events are free, every Saturday
from 11 am - 4 p.m. and are set-up on a "drop-in" basis.
This Saturday is the last one for the summer, and will be run by Simona Burla, who will help attendees make "Whimsical Mobiles". Materials will be provided, so one can draw, cut and paint colorful shapes, then hang them from a driftwood piece of their choice using fishing line. Bring the family and bring home a colorful, whimsical mobile!
Westcott Bay Institute thanks all the artists, and all the families who have participated in this program.
[link]
|
|
Lifetstyles
Entertainment
John Evans
Mary Kalbert
Ron Keeshan
Gordy Petersen
Piet Visser
Stephen Robins
Bill Weissinger
Amy Wynn
Terra Tamai
Classifieds
Helpful Links
|
Locally Owned & Operated
(360) 378-8243 - 305 Blair Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
The Island Guardian is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists
