Rep. Rick Larsen. Contributed Photo

In his post on Facebook on Wednesday, December 23rd, Washington State Congressman Rick Larsen has said that he received a positive test result for COVID-19. Here’s what he said:

Yesterday, I received a positive test result for the COVID-19 virus. I am quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines and am not experiencing any symptoms. I am prepared to vote by proxy in the coming days if the House schedules votes.

The San Juan Update wishes Larsen a speedy and complete recovery.

Contributed Photo/San Juan County. The vaccine arrives to the islands.

High-risk Health Workers, First Responders First In Line

By San Juan County

San Juan County Department of Health and Community Services has just received a shipment of 600 doses of the recently approved Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the Washington State Department of Health.

Department staff is actively completing the recently released vaccine-specific training, and these doses will be used to support efforts to immunize residents in the “Phase 1A” category.

The focus will be on high-risk first responders, high-risk workers in healthcare settings, and long-term care residents and staff. More detailed information on the “Phase 1A” category from the Washington DOH may be found here.

As the Moderna vaccine requires two shots, this initial supply will be used to vaccinate 300 individuals in the “Phase 1A” category, though that number will rise as the additional vaccine is secured. Continue Reading

SJ Update Photo. The former Life Care Center of San Juan Island at 660 Spring St.

By San Juan Island Library

The San Juan Island Library District has completed the purchase of 660 Spring St. in Friday Harbor for the future library building site. The site is the location of the former Life Care Center.

The district considered alternative locations for a library for several years given the limitations of the current Guard Street site along with rising maintenance costs. In June of 2018, the board of trustees voted to proceed with a project to select a building site and create a plan to fund its purchase and construction.

After conducting feasibility studies, hosting town hall meetings to understand the community’s needs, directing detailed site analysis, along with preliminary engineering and construction review, the 660 Spring St. property was selected as the best location for a future San Juan Island Library.

Now that it has secured the property, the district will work on private fundraising while planning for a voter-approved bond to fund construction in 2022, after which the community will be asked to participate in planning for the new building. Continue Reading

By Animal Protection Society Of Friday Harbor

Age: Approximatly 3 years
Sex: Female
Breed: Chihuahua/Dachshund mix
Application: https://www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application/

Penny is ready and waiting for her forever human! 

It’s been a tough year for her…sadly, her previous owner passed away and she is in desperate need of a warm lap and loving home.

Penny really enjoys being “queen of the castle” and therefore would most likely prefer to be the only pet in the home. 

She was used to a quiet, pampered life before her world was turned upside down. Penny would love to find a similar home life where she can resume her royal status as soon as possible. The shelter is no place for a queen. 

ABOUT

Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/Erik Mclean

By Governor Inslee’s Office

On Dec. 23, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will extend the eviction moratorium to March 31, 2021. The current eviction moratorium was set to expire on Dec. 31.

“COVID-19 has had a significant financial impact on Washingtonians over the last nine months,” Inslee said. “I know this moratorium has been critical for many families and individuals as they cope with the impacts of this virus. People need certainty about whether the moratorium will be extended, and it is important that I provide that certainty today while we work out the final details of the moratorium.”

Additional details and a full announcement will come next week. 

By Island Rec

Start your year off right!

Join Island Rec for the 6th annual Resolution Run/Walk 5K. This year, the event is virtual. We are sprinting into the new year with enthusiasm and health and fitness as our goal.

How does a virtual race work?  You still have to go all 5K (3.1 miles); your computer can’t do that part for you.

This run/walk can be completed any time between Jan. 1-3 on any course — even your treadmill — consisting of 5K. Participants will send completed race times, and distances by e-mail, no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 3. Results will be posted Monday, Jan. 4.

The race is for all ages. The event is free for ages 15 and under, and $10 for ages 16 and up.

Register at www.islandrec.org or call 360-378-4953. Registration includes an awesome pair of Island Rec sunglasses!

Race times and distances can be emailed by screenshot from your preferred smart device, like a phone or watch. STRAVA, Map My Fitness, FitBit, Nike Running, and Garmin are all acceptable distance trackers. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected]

By San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1

Thank you to all the advocates raising their voices.

At the Skagit Valley Hospital District board meeting on Dec. 18, the hospital districts that jointly own Hospice of the Northwest announced that they would not sell to Bristol Hospice.

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 wishes to thank the Boards of Commissioners of Public Hospital District No. 1, Skagit Regional Health, and Public Hospital District No. 304, United General District 304, for discontinuing further consideration of a potential purchase agreement for Hospice of the Northwest. 

We would also like to thank everyone that helped in contacting the Boards of Commissioners and expressing their overwhelming support to keep Hospice of the Northwest under present ownership and direction. Continue Reading

By Donna Sandstrom, Whale Trail director and former member of Governor Inslee’s Orca Recovery Task Force

Last Friday, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioners approved rules for commercial whale-watching that will make it easier for the endangered southern residents to forage and rear their young in these next few critical years.

Commercial whale-watching on the southern residents will be suspended from October to June, and limited whale-watching (4 hours a day) will be allowed July through September.

While it’s not the year-round suspension the orcas need, it is a strong step towards reducing noise and disturbance from the status quo. There is a role for sustainable boat-based whale-watching. It must be sustainable for the orcas, first.

Over the past decade, while the orcas declined, the number of commercial vessels in the Salish Sea more than doubled and their revenue nearly tripled.

In 2018 there were 54 companies in the Salish Sea operating more than 120 vessels. They follow the orcas year-round, and up to 12 hours a day in the peak summer months. Cumulative exposure to noise and disturbance at these levels negatively impacts foraging ability, social cohesion and reproductive capacity.

J, K and L pods have thrived in these waters for tens of thousands of years. In one human generation, we have brought them to the edge of extinction, from threats that are all human-caused: lack of salmon, toxin accumulations and vessel noise and disturbance. Continue Reading

Rep. Rick Larsen. Contributed Photo

By Rep. Rick Larsen’s Office

On Dec. 21, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to deliver much-needed relief to families and small businesses in Northwest Washington who continue to struggle from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, this long-overdue pandemic relief package addresses the continued public health crisis and delivers relief for Washingtonians,” said Larsen. “While the bill does not include every one of my priorities, it serves as a down payment to protect Washingtonians’ health and economic security.”

“The public health response will lead to economic recovery. I will continue to work with community leaders, the incoming administration and Washington state’s congressional delegation to deliver real relief for Washingtonians in the new year.”

The bipartisan package addresses several of Larsen’s priorities based on conversations with Second District families, business owners and community leaders.

Support for Equitable Vaccine Distribution

The arrival of the first vaccine doses in Washington state is a light at the end of the tunnel. More than 26,300 people in the five counties of the Second District tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 800 died since the pandemic began. The virus continues to disproportionately affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. The relief package includes $69 billion for COVID-19 vaccine development and equitable distribution, virus testing, contact tracing and mental health programs.

Unemployment Benefits, Direct Payments

Continue Reading

Commercial Whale Watching Season Reduced to Three Months 

By Washington Fish and Wildlife

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved rules establishing requirements for commercial whale watching operators and for the commercial viewing of Southern Resident killer whales and approved changes to spring bear special permits during its Dec. 18 meeting.

The commission also heard updates on the governor’s 2021-23 budget proposals that will be considered in the 2021 legislative session.

Staff shared an overview of the governor’s budget proposals that include strong investments in capital improvement projects to support fish production and habitat restoration.

The proposed state budget also includes resources to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, increases the department’s ability to provide assistance to landowners that receive hydraulic project approvals, and provides gap funding to mitigate shortfalls being felt by other dropping revenue sources that impact the department’s accounts.

The commission approved minor changes to the spring black bear permit hunt rule today, including clarifying check-in requirements, changing the dates of the hunting season, reducing one area by two permits in Long Beach and removing private timber company land in the Skagit hunt area.

Members noted the high levels of public comment opposing spring bear hunting seasons, and shared an intention to continue the discussion of the broader topic in the future.

The commission approved licensing requirements for operators of commercial whale watching eco-tours. Continue Reading

Jeff and Dana Altman are the owners of the new island restaurant The Top of the Town Lounge. The Altmans shared their holiday takeout menu, below, with the Update.

The restaurant, located at 669 Mullis St., Suite 101 in Friday Harbor, has “a speakeasy feel,” according to its website. Their goal, states www.topofthetownlounge.com, is to “create a date night experience whether out with your partner or with friends.” 

Call 360-317-7255 for more information.

Contributed Photo/ Koushik Chowdavarapu

Shop Local; Reuse Gift Wrappings; Swap Decorations with Friends

By Plastic Free Salish Sea

What do fish sing during the holidays? Christmas corals!

Have you resolved to be more eco-conscious this holiday season? Transition San Juan Island and Plastic Free Salish Sea can help. Check out the ideas below to reduce waste and lighten your carbon footprint in some of the major holiday categories.

Gifts

This time of year is often focused on gift-giving. Why not emphasize experiences with gift certificates? Or helping others with a charitable donation? If you must buy gifts, shop local and cut down on shipping and packaging. And when you’re done shopping at our local shops, make sure you dispose of your mask in the garbage so it doesn’t end up as litter, or even better, wear a reusable one. There are lots of fun options from local nonprofits like The Whale Museum or the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. 

Decorations

Feeling tired of your usual holiday décor? Rather than buying new, organize a swap with friends and refresh your look. In a contactless way, of course. Or get some clear glass containers from the thrift store and fill them with fruits like citrus, grapes, and pomegranates. Adds some color to your table and makes for great snacking later.

Food

Continue Reading

Contributed Image/San Juan Building Association

By San Juan Building Association

Join the San Juan Builders Association in celebrating the holiday season by entering or just viewing the entries to its first annual gingerbread competition.

Today, Sunday, Dec. 20, is the last day to drop off your gingerbread creations between 11 a.m.-1 p.m at Sundries Court at 260 Spring St. Register to enter this gingerbread house building contest at https://form.123formbuilder.com/5749418/form.

Gingerbread creations will be judged by the San Juan Building Association Board.

“We have added a lot of new members, we are in the process of creating a new website for both our members and the public to help them find qualified vendors, contractors and other experts within the housing industry,” SJBA Executive Officer Katie Schmidt said. “Due to COVID, we have not been able to host as many in-person events as we would like so this seemed like a safe and joyful way for the SJBA to spread holiday cheer! And the fact that the contest is centered around ‘building houses’ is a fun bonus!”

Prizes will be awarded on Monday, Dec. 28. There will be a youth (15 and under) and Adult (16+) division. First place will win $500; second place will win $250; and third place will win $100.

Winners for “Community Favorite” and “Most Creative,” and “Best Holiday Spirit” will win $50, each.

Contest rules: Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/ Markus Spiske

By Cynthia Burke

Starting at 9 a.m., this Tuesday, Dec. 22, winter coats will be hung on a fence in Friday Harbor for those who need them. Anyone can take the coats; no questions asked and nothing in return.

Cynthia Burke has offered the fence on her property, left of Cynthia’s Bistro, located on Nicholas Street in Friday Harbor.

Please drop off any coats for this great-coat giveaway to help those in need of some extra warmth this season. If you wish, add a note, treat or some pocket change in one of the pockets.

Cynthia is managing reach outs with the community to spread the word and will work with the Family Resource Center to share with their patrons. 

Please share with your family, friends or on social media. It takes a village and we sure do have a sweet little one in Friday Harbor.

Thank you to all of you who contribute!

“Freezer Burned: Tales of Interior Alaska” is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi.

The Mail Will Be Delivered: Part I

On a dazzling autumn day, sometime in the mid-1930s, Eddie Hindermann tipped his hat back pausing in his labors, leaning on a shovel, catching a blow.  He squinted while looking upriver into the sparkle of reflected sunlight.  His sweated shirt cooled his back as he scanned the color-splashed terrain of the Yukon River. Hard frosty nights, always a chance at a moose or two now.  In the alpine background, grey limestone peaks long ago pushed up from an ancient ocean floor that was rafted in from the depths of time, shouldered the deep valley of the Tatonduk River that quickly flowed to mix with the broad milky river.   

For the lanky man with strong Athapaskan features, it was a familiar, yet very distinct landscape given the tight warp and weave of old natural elements and recent human interests. Stories within stories revealed.  The notable landforms exhibit highly varied geology, slowly sculpted by the timeless flowing river, but not u-shaped by vast bull-dozing valley glaciers.  The deep continental region was far too arid.  Remarkable cliffs tower many hundreds of feet above the shoreline or stand majestically beyond a grey-green scrim of forest.  Uniquely colored and shaped, they all carry notable names.  

The scattered locations of individuals and camps, all determinedly engaged in resource use, were equally distinct outcrops, but of humanity.  The recent New Deal recovery policies included increased gold prices from $20 to $35 per ounce and forbidding hoarding, to stimulate late Depression monetary expansion.  Coastal fisheries and logging shrank back but the scant population of Alaska (less than 2,000 residents in Fairbanks) and especially bush Alaska, hardy and self-reliant, changed little. Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/Cristian Newman

By event organizers

An online class to train family caregivers will be offered from 1:30-3 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24.

The instructors for the class titled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” are Jami Mitchell, senior services specialist, and Gail Leschine-Seitz, aging and family case coordinator.

The family caregiver training is supported by the San Juan County and Northwest Regional Council.

Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally and financially draining.

This highly effective, evidence-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers, builds the skills caregivers need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others.

Caregiver participants learn to minimize the potentially negative impacts of caregiving in a six-week program emphasizing self-care and empowerment. Continue Reading