M/V Yakima at dock – SJ Update file photo

When my wife asks “Which ferry will you be on?” I can pretty reliably say “the late one”, which used to mean the last run of the day. Sadly, these days it can mean almost any one of them.

This is the first in a 3-part series about our late running ferry system. Many thanks to Jim Corenman, Chair of the San Juans Ferry Advisory Committee for his input on this issue…

Part One – The Problem

Ever notice how Murphy’s Law kicks in? I do – Any time I need to go into town to King’s or the drug store, it seems there’s a ferry unloading; Any time I need to catch a ferry, there are none running when I want to travel. Then – when I finally settle on one that fits my timing the best, it’s running late anyway.

Getting frustrated, I decided to keep track just to see – is it me? Am I focusing on the negative? Or are they really late all that much? So on March 21st, 90 days ago today (June 19th), I created a folder in my email and started saving late ferry alerts. At this writing there are 255, make that 256 – a new one just came in while I was writing this – in that folder. (This does not include alerts about Vessel Watch issues, or the Save a Spot reservation system or anything else* – I’ve only saved late ferry alerts).

*Well OK, I did include cancelled runs. Sometimes they’re so late they “lap” themselves and end up cancelling a run and just pick it up on the next scheduled sailing.

Here are the numbers I came up with: Read More »

“Berry” is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Hello! My name is Berry and I am two and a half years old. Don’t let the name mislead you. I’m actually a lady cat with the given name of ‘Strawberry.’

Who would name a classy cat like me after a fruit, you might ask? Well rumor has it, as I was born into quite the brothel of felines, food was not always easy to come by. Thus I found farmer John’s strawberry patch next door.

But this is all heresy, as I prefer to think my adorable name has more to do with the awesome sweetness that is inherently me. I am also very brave, outspoken and gentle, and I have huge amounts of love to give.

Having grown up with tons of other kitties, feline companionship would be extremely ideal for me! My current place of residence is the animal shelter, so please come meet me soon!

Sincere regards, Strawberry

AKA: Berry

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
994 Cattle Point Road
(360) 378-2158

Fair planning is underway, and we would like your help by answering these important questions to our Fair Feud survey. 

During Fair week, you can watch local teams battle it out in the semi-final rounds on the Community Stage at 5:30pm on Thursday, August 15th and again at 5:30pm on Friday, August 16th. 

Our semi-final champions will then compete in the Fair Feud Finals on Saturday, August 17th at 5:30pm on the Main Stage!  You won’t want to miss out on the excitement, and see if your survey answers were the indeed the “winners”! 

For more Fair Feud information, please visit www.sjcfair.org or click here: 2019 Fair Feud!

The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee is hosting 3 screenings of the new Patagonia film “Artifishal” as part of Orca Action month.

We are excited to announce The MRC’s screening of ‘Artifishal’ – join us to take action to protect our wild fish. The screenings will be followed by a discussion surrounding topics covered by the film as well as sharing how well managed hatchery programs can have a positive impact for whales while also protecting wild salmon populations from genetic risks.

Free screenings are taking place on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands:

• Orcas Island – June 24th 6-9pm Odd Fellows Hall.
• Lopez Island – June 25th 6:30-8:30pm Lopez Center for Community and the Arts
• San Juan Island – June 27th 6-9pm Brickworks”

The Port of Friday Harbor is hosting their first ever Rock & Roll Regatta with 92.9 KISM Radio at the end of this month. This is going to be an awesome event with some really great fun things happening.

Check out the schedule below:

Friday June 28th

• 6:00 – 10:00 AM Morning Show with 92.9 KISM’s Brad & John
  (The public is welcome to attend the show we’ll be live from the Port’s Waterfront Park)
• 3:00 – 5:00 PM Late Afternoon Show with 92.9’s Brad & John
  (We’ll be broadcasting live from the Port’s Main Pier and the public is encouraged to attend and be a part of the show)
• 3:30 – 4:00 PM Cardboard Boat Races
  (Go to www.portfridayharbor.org for Rules & Participation)
• 4:15 – 4:45 PM San Juan Airlines Airdrop Paddle Races
  (Get your dinghy, paddle board, kayak and race for prizes dropped from the sky!)
• 5:00 – 8:00 PM Rocktapus Performs

Beer Garden by SJ Lions Club, Food by Vic’s Drive Inn, Fun, & Prizes!

Saturday June 29th

• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Activities for Kids:
  Face Painting, Build Your Own Race Boat with Island Rec
• Boating Activities & Free Harbor Tours
• Marine Swap Meet

Click here for the instructions for the Rock n Roll Regatta Cardboard Boat Race (PDF)

PeaceHealth offers free advance care planning workshops

When it comes to advance care planning, statistics show that there is a big difference between “talking” and “doing.”

According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a recent study suggested that while 82 percent of people surveyed believe that putting their end-of-life care wishes in writing is a good idea, only 27 percent have completed that task.

“Advance care planning is about sharing personal goals, values, religious and cultural beliefs, and what matters individually for quality of life with family, friends and medical providers,” said Hilary Walker, program coordinator for PeaceHealth Advance Care Planning. “It’s also about completing an advance directive. Both will help to ensure your wishes are followed, in the event of a medical crisis.”

PeaceHealth is offering  a free community workshops that walk participants through the elements of advance care planning.

• Friday Harbor, Washington: June 26, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Mullis Community Senior Center, 589 Nash Street. Registration is required to attend. For more information, call Hilary Walker, advance care planning coordinator, at 360-752-5267.

PeaceHealth provider Avneet Rattan, MD, recently enrolled in one of the workshops for herself and for her patients. In one evening, she was able to complete her advance directive, and have it notarized. She is now more prepared to have end-of-life care discussions with her patients and their families. Read More »

Just a reminder that the next Art for Fun art pARTy at SJIMA is this Tuesday, June 18, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

Our painting is the “Garden Gate”, with wisteria and a humming bird! The cost is $35.

To register and for more info, go to http://www.sjima.org.

The SJC Department of Community Development office will be closed on Wednesday June 19th and 26th.

Staff will be training on the new permit software and expediting permit application review. We apologize for any inconvenience.

You may submit questions online to the land use planners and building permit plans examiners using the forms found at the following webpage: https://www.sanjuanco.com/1301/Pre-Application-Assistance

For code enforcement inquiries, use the form found at: https://www.sanjuanco.com/856/Code-Enforcement