From the League of Women Voters

Join us for the League of Women Voters’ Zoom meeting, noon-2 p.m. June 14 on emergency preparedness and response.

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions can occur any time.

The massive wildfires that affected the Pacific Northwest in 2020 are a sharp reminder of how quickly such conflagrations can destroy whole communities.

Brendan Cowan, director of the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management, and Bill Severson, San Juan County Unit Lead for the Red Cross, will speak about natural and human-made hazards and other emergencies, and they will discuss ways to prepare, respond and recover.

They will include information on the “Island Ready” and “Safe and Well” websites developed for islanders’ use.

You must register in advance for this meeting here.

By Alexis Hauck, Primary Intervention Program Coordinator, Friday  Harbor Elementary School

Thank you, United Way of San Juan County!

Contributed Photo/Friday Harbor Elementary School

The Primary Intervention Program, also known as “PIP” or “Special Pal Program” at Friday Harbor Elementary School, would like to thank the United Way of San Juan County for their continued support.

The program works with students from kindergarten through 3rd grade.

As we know, children’s lives are full of changes, most of which they have no control over. These changes can cause worry, sadness, and stress in their lives and can make it difficult for them to concentrate in the classroom.

The students in the program come once a week to the “playroom” where they have an opportunity to play out these worries or feelings. Through an accepting relationship and encouragement from a trained “special pal,” these students discover their strengths, as well as learn self-control and how to make appropriate and responsible choices.

The program is vital to the health of our elementary school students. The United Way of San Juan County helps support this program and without their assistance, the PIP Program would not be possible.

Thank you, United Way of San Juan County for your dedicated support. It has made such a positive impact on our young population.

Auditor Seeks Pro and Con Statements for Voter’s Guide

By Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor

The San Juan County auditor is seeking volunteers to write opposing arguments for measures on the ballot in the 2021 Primary Election.

Two measures will be on the ballot. Both measures have “pro” committees, and both need “con” committees.

Lopez Island School District is seeking voter approval of a capital levy to fund projects to improve the district’s facilities and is requesting a property tax levy for five years beginning in 2022. The levy would improve the district’s facilities through construction, building repairs, upgrades to the water system, and other capital project expenditures.

Contributed Image. The 2020 voter’s pamphlet.

Lopez Island Fire & EMS is seeking to authorize a property tax levy for 10 years beginning in 2022. Fire & EMS have determined that the funding of EMS services on the island requires more stable and consistent funding. If approved by the voters, this measure will authorize a 10-year emergency medical services property tax levy at a rate not to exceed $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.

Each committee may have up to three members, though members may seek the advice of any number of people to assist in developing the statements. Each committee’s statement must be submitted to San Juan County Elections no later than June 11.

If interested in serving on one of the committees, contact San Juan County Auditor Milene Henley at 360-370-7558 or [email protected].

Contributed Image/San Juan County. This chart outlines the amount of COVID-19 vaccines administered by San Juan County providers.

From San Juan County

As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, now is a good time to look at the current COVID situation, and where things are likely headed.

While there is no confirmation of the governor’s plans, it is anticipated that a near full reopening will be announced by the end of June, dependent on ongoing developments and case trends.

Vaccination Rates

As of June 2, San Juan County is leading Washington in vaccination rates.

Approximately 78.7% of residents 12+ have initiated their vaccinations. 64% of all San Juan County residents are fully vaccinated, and that number will grow in the weeks to come as COVID immunization and2nd dose clinics continue.

Vaccine Availability

In addition to local medical providers, the San Juan County vaccination team will be operating occasional walk-in vaccine clinics through the end of June at specific times and locations. Full details are available at: www.sanjuanco.com/1737/COVID-Vaccine-Info

Beginning July 1, those needing COVID vaccination will need to obtain their vaccine through their local medical provider or pharmacy, or a mainland equivalent.

To date, the majority of vaccinations provided to islanders have been administered by the county, but that responsibility will shift back to local providers come July. 

Vaccinations for Kids

Well over 300 island residents age 12 to 15 started their vaccination series during the county’s recent Pfizer clinics for children. Those who attended those clinics will receive their 2nd doses at County Pfizer clinics over the coming week to complete their vaccine series. For those who did not attend those clinics, unvaccinated islanders between the ages of 12 and 17 will need to receive their vaccine through a mainland provider who offers Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine approved for children 12 years and older.

There is no firm date for when a vaccine for children 11 and under will be available, but it is hoped that one will be approved for emergency use by the fall of 2021. These child COVID vaccines may receive their COVID vaccines from local medical providers in the same way as other routine vaccinations. It is also a great time to get your child caught up with other vaccines before the school year begins.

Vaccine Boosters
Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/San Juan Island School District. Kevin Cullen.

The Award is the ‘Highest Honor’ in the Field

From San Juan Island School District

Friday Harbor High School teacher Kevin Cullen has been nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

The award is the highest honor for K-12 STEM teaching and bestowed through the U.S. government. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Kevin challenges students to excel while providing the support and guidance they need to reach every objective,” said San Juan Island School District Superintendent Fred Woods. “We are fortunate to have Kevin teach in the San Juan Island School District, and we are proud of him for all of his accomplishments.”

Cullen teaches pre-calculus, AP calculus and computer science at Friday Harbor High School and has achieved National Board Certification in his field.

Award

The presidential award was first established by Congress in 1983, and 81 Washington educators have received the designation. 

A committee will determine national awardees, which are typically announced in the fall. The president may recognize up to 108 educators each year. 

Finalists will be invited to attend a series of recognition events and professional learning experiences in Washington, D.C., and will receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States as well as a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

“Kevin is very deserving of this recognition. The impact Kevin has had on students at Friday Harbor High School is remarkable,” Woods said. “He is well respected by colleagues and students.” 

Contributed Image/Paula West.

From San Juan Community Theater

San Juan Community Theater and San Juan Islands Museum of Art are pleased to present a joint production. Our two organizations have collaborated to produce a series of short documentaries highlighting local artists.

Step into the studio of ceramic artist Paula West.

 

Merging function, craft, and art; her work is thrown on the potter’s wheel or shaped from rolled slabs of porcelain and stoneware clay.

She explores texture, contrast, and line, creating whimsical motifs, geometric patterns, and carved surfaces using Sgraffito and Mishima surface decorating techniques.

West has shown in national juried exhibitions and her studio is a regular on the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour.

Learn more at www.sjctheatre.org.

Contributed Photo. Pictured Left to Right: Chamber Board of Directors Steve Hushebeck, Scott Sluis, Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso, Paul Hopkins; Owners Jodie and Doug DeNure, Chamber Board of Directors Karl Bruno, Deborah Hoskinson and Mayor Farhad Ghatan.

From San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Friday Harbor welcomed the new business Gilligans Island Style E-Bike Rentals to the community last Thursday with a ribbon cutting.

After purchasing a pair of E-Bikes for themselves, Jodie and Doug DeNure were hooked. They decided to share the experience of riding these pedal-assist electric bikes and Friday Harbor was the perfect place for the new venture.

Jodie DeNure is the owner. She opened the business with the help of her husband Doug, AKA Gilligan.

Married 36 years, they wanted to find something they could do while spending their days together. This has been a great experience for them so far and they are looking forward to a great summer here on the island.

“We offer 90-minute, half-day ‘3-hour tours’ (Gilligan’s favorite) and full-day rentals,” said the DeNures. “These are all self-guided. Maps and recommended routes are provided to avoid any castaways.”

The business offers two user-friendly models of Rad Power E-Bikes: A step-through model, one-speed with a throttle, and a cargo wagon seven-speed with a throttle. The cargo wagon can include child carriers, pet carriers, deck pads and safety bars for kids to ride. 

Rentals include helmets and locks.

Gilligans Island Style E-Bike Rentals

Address: 135 Spring St. Suite B, Friday Harbor
Info: 360-375-3360 or www.gilligansebikes.com

From the Town of Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is accepting applications through Sept. 27 for grants to fund tourism promotion of events and activities taking place within the town in 2022.

Preference will be given to those operations and activities that encourage tourists to visit during the shoulder and winter seasons. 

Summer activities are acceptable but should be scheduled to avoid what are recognized as high traffic weekends. 

LTAC grants are awarded annually by the town council and are funded with the state’s hotel and motel tax collected on all in-town lodging stays of less than 30 days in length. 

Grant proposals are reviewed by the LTAC which is made up of council members, lodging owners, and community members appointed by the Mayor. 

The town council takes the LTAC’s recommendations under advisement when determining final grant awards.

Interested parties should review the request for proposal and complete the LTAC grant application available at town hall, 60 Second Street, Friday Harbor and at www.fridayharbor.org.   

Applications must be submitted to town hall no later than 4:30 pm Monday, Sept. 27.

From San Juan Island Library

In conjunction with our reopening on June 8, all San Juan Island Library patrons will receive COVID-Relief Amnesty for billed charges on patron accounts incurred between January 2016 and December 2020. All charges have been waived.

In light of the financial and social impacts of the last year, the library is excited to welcome everyone back to the library, fine free, with full access to materials and services.

As we turn the corner on an exceptionally difficult time, we want nothing to hinder any islander’s access to library materials.

“Library services are more important than ever,” said Assistant Director Rowan Buckton. “Our Library’s mission is to provide access to materials, information, learning, and community in all of its forms — and that’s our immediate aim in removing these financial barriers.”

San Juan Island Library hopes to encourage the return of any overdue library materials by removing the hardship of fines, and will restore library borrowing privileges to all patrons whose past and current fines have prevented them from accessing library services.

So how does it work? Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/Alex Block on Unsplash.

From San Juan Islands Community Network

The number of vacation rentals in the San Juans has been a contentious issue in the county over the past few years.

Letters to the Editor of local news outlets presented a divided community on the viability, use and number of vacation rentals throughout the islands.

In an effort to provide a greater understanding of the issue and seek workable solutions, the San Juan Island Community Network is conducting a series of three Zoom forums that begin Wednesday, June 9.

The forums will focus on discovery June 9; common ground June 17; and collaborative action June 24. All sessions are free, and accessible through zoom. They will also be live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram.

Over the years, accusations have been made that have inflamed the situation. Many unanswered questions about the county’s intentions, and efforts to find common ground-based solutions continue to frustrate islanders.

Questions like:

1. How do vacation rentals affect the local economy?
2. What can neighbors do to deal with problems created by vacation renters?
3. Where is the data necessary to make wise decisions, who is responsible for collecting the data, and when will it be available for all islanders to review?

The June 9 forum, entitled “Discovery,” will focus on the facts, feelings and positions of members of the island community. Continue Reading

By Hayley Day, San Juan Update

San Juan Update File Photo. Caspar van Haalen.

The Friday Harbor Elementary School principal resigned after being arrested for suspicion of indecent exposure.

Caspar van Haalen was taken into custody by San Juan County deputies May 23 and released, according to San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs. No charges have been brought against him.

San Juan Island School District Superintendent Fred Woods said van Haalen has not returned to the school since May 24 and the board accepted his resignation two days later. 

Becky Bell will serve as temporary principal for the rest of the 2020-21 school year that ends June 18. Woods said officials are developing a plan to find a permanent replacement. 

Students’ families were first notified that van Haalen was taking a leave of absence, then later that he resigned, Woods said.

He served as the school’s principal for about two years. He previously worked for schools in Tukwila and Forks. 

WSF Evergreen State enters Friday Harbor – SJ Update photo

From the Washington State Transportation Commission

The Washington State Transportation Commission is required to adjust ferry fares every two years and is seeking input from the public on fare increase alternatives.

Visit wstc.wa.gov for more information about the alternatives being proposed and to leave your feedback by June 10. 

The safety of our customers and crew is Washington State Ferry’s top priority. Remember that all traveling customers are required to wear face coverings inside the terminal, at the tollbooth and aboard the ferry.

Also consider limiting your travel to only the most essential trips while service continues to be constrained by the pandemic. For additional travel information regarding COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Travel Updates webpage.

From Washington State Ferries

The Dockside food kiosk, located near the vehicle holding lanes in the Anacortes terminal, re-opened May 28 after being closed due to COVID-19.

The kiosk will be open from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. daily and offer a variety of prepackaged foods, coffee and other beverages.

The café inside the terminal building will remain temporarily closed. Washington State Ferries’ concessions vendor is working to gradually resume its services and hopes to reopen that facility along with limited galley service later this summer.

Contributed Image/sanjuanislandtrails.org.

From Island Rec

In honor of National Trails Day, which is June 5, check out the newly refreshed look of www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.

From San Juan County

Contributed Image/CDC

Since the last update on Friday, May 28, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 189 to 191.
There are no close contacts of positive cases currently in active quarantine.

The best remaining opportunities for COVID vaccination will be occurring periodically in June. Visit www.sanjuanco.com/1737/COVID-Vaccine-Info for more information.

San Juan Island
There is one new case on San Juan Island since the last update. This case is unrelated to any previous cases and appears to be the result of a long-delayed report coming from the test provider. There was no exposure to the community from this case. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island at this time.

Orcas Island
There are is one new case on Orcas Island since the last update. This case is unrelated to any previous cases and appears to be due to exposure from a confirmed positive off-island contact. There was no exposure to the community from this case. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island at this time.

Lopez Island
There are no new cases on Lopez Island since the last update. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island at this time.