Understanding The Valuation Process For Your Real Estate

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

The definition of “market value” is rather boring sounding when you take into consideration that you are addressing one of the highest value assets that a property owner may have or the most expensive item that a buyer may purchase in their lifetime.

Emotions run high when it comes to the selling and buying of real estate. If we all could just buy low and sell high, life would be so much more rewarding.

Definition: Market Value is the price a property is most likely to command in a competitive and open market, with a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction, wherein the parties have each acted knowledgeable, prudently, and without compulsion and in their own best interest.

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George Goff, OPALCO Superintendent circa 1970. Pictured with (L-R): Donald White, Buyral Madan, George Goff, Neil McLachlan, Max Weidel, James Cahail, Allen Thompson, Robert Fralic

Golden Ticket Winners Chosen

This September, a historic event takes place that ensures islanders can maintain their quality of life for the next 50+ years. OPALCO will install 13,596 feet of a new, efficient and modern submarine cable in the crossing between Lopez and San Juan islands.

More than thirty OPALCO Co-op members entered a contest to name the submarine cable. The winning name is the “George Goff Memorial Cable” or “George” for short. The winning name was submitted by Lisa & Rex Guard of San Juan Island. George Goff was the San Juan District line superintendent for 34 years (1962-1996) and was instrumental in building our reliable electric system.

Seven runners up in the contest won golden tickets for the chance to ride on the charter boat to witness the cable installation up close. The runners up are: Rick Markov with “OPALCOtopus,” Evangeline O’Sullivan with “Eel-lectra,” Joanruth Baumann with “Ernestine,” Barbara Orcutt with “Kraken Cable,” Laurie Latta with “Mabel the Cable,” Sara Greacen with “Petra,” and Jake Perrine with “Jormungandr – Jojo.”

Replacing a cable installed in 1977, “George” is a well-armored cable built to last by Sumitomo USA. George has greater power capacity: each of the three phases of electrical conductor within the cable can independently carry the entire load of San Juan, Brown, Pearl, Henry and Speiden islands. Also, George includes 144 strands of fiber optics for remote monitoring of the cable itself, redundancy in our communications connection to the mainland and increased capacity for county-wide fiber communications. Learn all about George at www.opalco.com/submarine. Regular updates and cool photos will be posted online. Follow us on Facebook (orcaspower) for real-time photos and videos of the installation.

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937.

By David S. Gow, Executive Director, San Juan Community Home Trust

David S. Gow, Home Trust Executive Director – Contributed photo

The housing market in San Juan County is broken. The geographic isolation that makes our archipelago highly prized for its quality of life, and as a tourist destination, also restricts the movement of people, goods, and capital. So while the internet, mail and parcel delivery link islanders to the outside retail economy, our separation from the mainland also acts as a deterrent to major financial deals that start businesses, create jobs, attract new workers, and stimulate construction of housing. The effect on the housing market includes high rents, and island houses with what seem to be big city price tags.

We all know someone who has had trouble finding affordable housing: young families who like the pace of small town life and good schools; young farmers and their interns needing arable land and a simple place to live; professionals and public servants forced to relocate, or cancel plans to move here despite receiving job offers; untold numbers of tenacious folks who somehow hold down multiple jobs, yet never gain ground on a rising cost of living.

In the face of such challenges, it is up to the community to craft smart solutions using the public and nonprofit sectors as tools. In the area of housing, two non-profit corporations on San Juan Island have built distinctive enclave neighborhoods of affordable homes that have made real the dream of quality home ownership for hard-working people who were otherwise priced out of the real estate market. Continue Reading

Dr. Danna Diaz – Contributed photo

Greetings Students, Parents and Community Members:

One of the many aspects that I love about being an educator is the fact that we get to have a new start each academic year. Perhaps one of my favorite events is joining Team SJISD at our convocation on Monday, August 28 at 7:45 am, Friday Harbor High School Commons. I will be welcoming back all of our teachers and staff.

I will remind each staff member the impact they have on a child’s life. Teachers see the potential and encourage students to do their best. Education can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

I will remind our teachers and staff that their attitudes will define their altitudes. There is nothing more exciting than being around people who convey energy of endless possibilities. People with positive attitudes are able to make a positive difference in the world, see things in a positive light and inspire other people’s attitudes as well. A team of positive and resilient teachers and staff will help elevate our students to unbelievable heights.

I will encourage our teachers and staff to be intentional about aligning their behaviors with the district’s vision: our students will graduate prepared for life’s challenges as productive citizens who are happy, healthy and compassionate; and our mission is to promote excellence, engaging every student, every day, through superior instruction, high expectations and academic content that is both challenging and individually relevant.

Lastly, I will remind them that as teachers and staff, their choices will impact students’ chances. One of the most incredible gifts that we have is the power to choose. We are where we are today because of the choices we have made in the past. The choices we make today will determine the future. As educators, with each choice we make, we have to ask ourselves, “How will this choice impact our student’s chances of success?”

As I start my third year as superintendent, I know I am joining the greatest teachers and staff I have ever worked with. I know we will make a positive difference for all students that enter our schools on Aug. 31. The dedication and commitment the teachers and staff exhibit every day is amazing. I feel blessed to work in a district where the community, staff and teachers respect individual beliefs and collectively embrace the belief and expectation that all students can learn.

I plan to hold the Second Annual Superintendent’s Open House, Monday, August 28 at 5:30 pm at Friday Harbor Middle School. I will inform you on the district’s instructional focus and Carlos Ojeda, Jr. will be our keynote speaker.

If you have any questions, you may contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 360.370.7905. Thank you for your continued support.

Welcome back.

Respectfully,

Danna Diaz, PhD
Superintendent of Schools

This story by Kyle Loring is reprinted with permission from FRIENDS of the San Juans…

Supporting multiple forms of transportation improves our community for everyone

Envisioning Complete Streets to improve health, our economy, and quality of life

A cyclist, a pedestrian, and a car meet on a street…

This setup is no joke if the street isn’t part of a “Complete Streets” solution—which provides all modes of transportation, including walking and biking, with safe and convenient options for getting around.

A typical San Juan road, where sharing the lane with multiple forms of transportation can be hazardous

Historically, San Juan County’s roads have been designed primarily for motor vehicles. This means that cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers all must do their best to share the winding, narrow-shouldered roads, often with limited sightlines and high speed limits. This creates an unsafe mix for all involved.

This sense of danger (both perceived and real) reduces people’s motivation to leave the car at home for errands, commuting, and recreating. The lack of safe places to walk and bike can negatively impact our health, environment, economy, and even a sense of connection within neighborhoods.

While some improvements have been made over the years, they have come slowly and irregularly. We hope to change that! Continue Reading

This is a first for our series – “Limbo”, a film made almost two decades ago. It is not a “classic” in the normal sense, rather, one that was underappreciated upon release. Written and directed by John Sayles (“The Secret of Roan Inish”), Limbo tells the story of people trying to reinvent themselves in the Southwestern islands of Alaska.

The story revolves around Joe Gastineau, a fisherman traumatized by an accident at sea years before, a singer Donna de Angelo and her disaffected daughter Noelle. When Joe’s fast-talking half-brother Bobby returns to town and asks Joe for a favor, their lives are changed forever.

This is an adventure story, filled with suspense and ending with a question mark.

Excellent performances by entire cast (including a cameo appearance by Kris Kristofferson).

Limbo
Tuesday August 29th at 7:30 at San Juan Community Theatre
Admission for a single show is $8.00
Run Time is 126 minutes in English Rated R (language)

“Make a night of it” specials:
1. Vinny’s Ristorante is offering 10% off your entire food bill when you show your punch card or ticket. This offer is available every Tuesday during the Film Series.
2. Coho Restaurant: Make a reservation between 5:00 and 5:45 and get dinner for two for $70 including a bottle of wine! Each person receives soup, salad, choice between two entrees, and homemade ice cream or sorbet. (Other entrees available at slightly higher price.) Remember, orders must be placed prior to 5:45.

See you at the movies.

Skagit Valley College San Juan Center is now open after the summer break. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Fall Quarter starts September 18th and there is still time to register! It’s not too late. Interested students can call or stop by the Center for more information and for registration.

As a reminder for our neighbors on Orcas Island, Skagit Valley College San Juan Center, in partnership with Orcas Island Rotary, is seeking your input to help identify Orcas Island’s education and training needs. Your input will help SVC develop courses and learning opportunities on Orcas Island. We invite you to share ideas for courses that would inspire you to pursue your passions, explore new hobbies, and discover the joy of lifelong learning! We are also seeking potential instructors for these new courses and learning opportunities. Thank you for your participation!

The online survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete:
https://secure.skagit.edu/cgi-bin/ie/rws5.pl?FORM=SJC_Orcas_Island_Survey

For more information, call (360) 378-3220 or email Randy Martin, [email protected].

Just some of the 28 people that came to Friday Harbor to help out the Home Trust – Tim Dustrude photo

This was the third year that Bike ’n Build has come to help the Home Trust project and neighborhoods. Bike ‘n Build is an organization of young professionals – some of them out in the work world and some still working on their degrees, or advanced degrees.

They give up their vacation time to do work for affordable housing while they bike their way (in this case) north from the Portland area. They left Portland 25 days ago and rode up along the coast and then down to Mt. Rainier and then up Whidbey Island to Friday Harbor. They ride about 60 miles per day and on this trip they stopped to help five similar projects along the way.

A couple of large potluck meals were provided, one on Monday evening for dinner and another on Tuesday for lunch, with food donated by Bakery San Juan and the SJI Food Co-op and residents of the Sunrise neighborhood.

Home Trust board member Chinmayo Ricketts organized the work parties for them. Some of the things they’ve done in the last couple of days at both the Salal and Sunrise neighborhoods include:

• Installed gates on fences
• Installed mailbox posts and support rails for more new mailboxes
• Sign posts installed for parking, speed limit and stop signs
• Weeding and trimming brush

Chinmayo and the signpost gang

Tomorrow they make their way toward Bellingham, their last stop and the end of this Summer’s ride.

To learn about the group, check out their website: www.bikeandbuild.org

Researcher Dominic and Gaia the octopus exchange greetings – Tim Dustrude photo

Researcher Dominic Sivitilli from the University of Washington, has been studying a rare Giant Pacific Octopus that he found in the waters just off San Juan County Park on July 2nd. Her name is Gaia, and Dominic transported her to Friday Harbor Labs to study for the last month and a half.

Dominic Sivitilly at the Friday Harbor Labs- Tim Dustrude photo

With degrees in Psychology and Biology, Dominic is working toward his PhD. He is studying the way the octopus uses its intelligence.

Two thirds of an octopus’ nervous system resides in its 8 arms, and the arms move autonomously. That is, the brain does not “micro-manage” every movement the arms make, but rather says to the arm “there is an object – pick it up”, or “let’s move in that direction” and then the arms figure out how to make it happen.

This is very unlike a human or other vertebrate, where the brain specifically controls every aspect of movement. “Pick up that object” for a human is more like “lift arm up, extend arm, open fingers, surround object, close fingers around object, retract arm…” and so on, only much, much more specific to every subtle movement being made, all the while receiving, analyzing and adjusting to sensation and feedback. An octopus’ brain leaves all that stuff up to the arms.

Some fun facts: An octopus can see 360 degrees around itself and is color blind. But it can change its appearance (like a chameleon) to an unlimited number of patterns of colors.

Dominic used cameras to track the movements Gaia made, day and night to learn more about the computational strategy she uses for these and other movements.

Because of their separate evolution toward intelligence, octopuses make a great study model for neuro-science, prosthetics, high-tech engineering and artificial intelligence, just to name a few areas where this could lead. But currently there is not a whole lot of interest in this area of study due to the difficulty and constraints involved in working with a creature with no bones or cartilage – they make it very difficult to gather neuro data for example. Add to that, the fact that they live underwater and suddenly, you don’t have an ideal lab animal. Dominic hopes to spark the interest of more researchers with his findings.

Gaia was returned to her watery San Juan home on August 16 and Dominic returned to Seattle last week, but he hopes to be back next year, to find Gaia again and continue his research.

Carlos Ojeda Jr.

San Juan Island School District Superintendent Danna Diaz will hold her Second Annual Open House on Monday August 28, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Friday Harbor Middle School Commons.

Dr. Diaz’s guest this year is renowned motivational speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr. Mr. Ojeda’s enthusiastic message is about empowering students to succeed.

Carlos Ojeda Jr. has been called one of the most dynamic speakers in America today. As a community advocate, he has worked extensively with high school and college aged youths, spreading his message of education, leadership, community activism and entrepreneurship. His compassion, strength and genuineness have inspired the youth, educators, and leaders whose paths he has crossed along his journey as an innovative and masterful communicator.

Mr. Ojeda will also be addressing the SJISD staff that morning at the Back-to-School convocation. San Juan Island School District would like to thank Valmark, Inc. for their sponsorship of this program.

For more information about Mr. Ojeda’s programs please see his website at www.carlosojedajr.com

Cosmos Beach, a drawing by Joe Miller

A rare opportunity to take a workshop with the talented and incomparable Joe Miller is being offered by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA).

Four Forests: Walking and Drawing will be offered in four sessions on Tuesdays: September 12 – October 3, from 1p.m. – 4p.m. The students may use any medium or mediums on paper. Possibilities include color and graphite pencils, oil or chalk pastels or brush with pen with ink.

The last day to register is August 29 and the class size is limited to 12. For details and sign up go to www.sjima.org or call Malinda Dreyer, 360 378 2918

With a sketchpad in hand, Miller will visit each student as they work to offer help and suggestions. Of working in nature, Miller says, “We are together on the Earth: Mountains are rising, streams are falling; all about us is constant growth and decay. We get lost in our drawing; we find ourselves by discovering a hidden trail, then lost again. Then found.”

Joe Miller is an established painter who has the ability to combine expressive color with elegant, minimal, confident lines to create dynamic compositions that evoke an aspect of the natural world. Continue Reading

Fire in southern Oregon – Contributed photo

Two San Juan Island firefighters, Captain Tad Lean and firefighter Ben Ware, as part of the NW Washington Strike Team, are enroute in 5 wildland engines (including one of ours) to Salem, OR to assist in firefighting efforts in southern Oregon.

The severity of Oregon’s fire season has prompted a larger recruitment then normal. The last time we sent an engine out of state was 2007 to the Harris fire in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

In addition to providing much needed assistance in a critical situation, our firefighters gain skills they are able to utilize at home. More details of specific locations and status to follow.

Contemporary glass artist, Raven Skyriver will wrap up the end of the First Nation exhibition at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art on Monday, Sept. 4.

Raven’s glass creations are included in EMERGENCE Legendary & Emerging First Nation Artists at SJIMA. His gallery talk at 4 p.m. on Labor Day will be the grand finale of this exceptional show. In celebration of the exhibition and talk, the entry fee will be suspended from 3:30 until 6 that day.

Raven will follow his gallery walk with a presentation of his work in the museum’s upstairs workshop.

Raven Skyriver – Tacoma Museum of Glass photo

Talking about the inspiration for his work Raven, of the Tlingit tribe, states, “Some of my most memorable moments in life are those of having my first salmon on the line, or a humpback whale feeding off the bow of my kayak. These unforgettable experiences dictate the work I make today.”

“I attempt to capture the essence of the animals that I depict, and speak to the viewers’ own understanding of these creatures. I also hope to draw into question the delicate balance of nature that is, often taken for granted.”

Skyriver’s work has been shown nationally and internationally at the Ebeltoft Glass Museum in Denmark, Stonington Gallery in Seattle, Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA and he has taught at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, to name a few.

This program is the last in a series of interpretive events accompanying the exhibition EMERGENCE Legendary & Emerging First Nation Artists which will close at 6 p.m. on September 8. Continue Reading

A floating eclipse party – San Juan Kayak photo

Tim and Sally Thomsen of San Juan Kayak Expeditions share this photo of another way to view the eclipse. Thanks for sharing you two!

A scene from the recent SJCT Musical “Chicago” – Jan Bollwinkel-Smith photo

San Juan Community Theatre’s record-breaking production of Chicago this Spring has prompted the creation of a new fundraising campaign dedicated to the future of musical theatre at SJCT.

When part-time islander and longtime theatre supporter Suzy Wakefield first saw the play in the Whittier Theatre, she was so “blown away” she saw it again the next night.   She then contacted SJCT trustees to suggest that something be done to acknowledge Director Margaret Hall’s “extraordinary” work and to ensure future musical theatre productions are just as stellar. Wakefield pitched in $10,000 to start up the new Margaret Hall Musical Theatre Fund. “It just came from the heart,” said Suzy. “Coming from somewhere else and seeing the quality of the productions [that are made up of volunteers, not professionals], I just feel someone has to acknowledge it.”

Additional donors came forward to bring the fund balance up to $15,000, which prompted the SJCT board of trustees to start up a challenge campaign to provide the opportunity for the entire island community to participate, with a goal of $30,000 by September 30.

Funds will be used for production equipment, including more wireless microphones, video monitoring equipment, and stage lighting. “These are just some of the things that would improve the quality of our plays and enhance the theatre experience—not only for the audience, but also for our many volunteers, both onstage and behind the scenes,” noted Hall, who has directed or assisted directed in more than a dozen musicals at SJCT since moving to Friday Harbor in 1992.

Donations (all sizes welcome) to the Margaret Hall Musical Theatre fund may be made on the Theatre’s website at www.sjctheatre.org (click the “Donate Now” button and look for the fund in the list) or contact Julie Hanks, Director of Development at [email protected].

Several members of the UW Huskies Football team give a shout out to local islander Quincy Vague, a FHHS student who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Check out the Huskies at this link.

And you can donate to Quincy’s Go Fund Me account here.