David Dehlendorf, Chair, San Juan County Democrats shares this note…

You can now pre-register online if you are planning to attend and vote at one of the San Juan County Democratic Presidential Primary Precinct Caucuses at 10 am on Saturday, March 26. You can also complete the required surrogate affidavit form if you will be unable to attend for specified reasons and want to give your vote to someone else, as well as read other information about the caucus process. All and more is found at:

http://www.wa-democrats.org/page/2016-democratic-caucuses

If you do pre-register, be sure to print and sign the completed form, which contains your precinct number and meeting location, and bring it to the caucus.

Anyone who will be 18 by November 8, 2016, resides in San Juan County, and affirms he/she is a Democrat on caucus day, is eligible to participate.

Please inform your friends and relatives about this important meeting to help nominate our next president.

Email thesjcdems [@] gmail.com with any questions.

We hope to see you on March 26.

David Dehlendorf, Chair, San Juan County Democrats

Don’t let my photo fool you. This is my “mug shot” taken when I arrived at the animal shelter…. before I knew how much fun I was going to have here!   My name is Piper and I’m a 3-year old Blue Heeler girl. I’ve got lots of energy, but don’t worry – I’m working with a trainer who tells me I’m super smart and will do just great in my new home.

I’m goofy, playful and have a great sense of humor. Besides that, I LOVE YOU. A lot. In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you – I love everyone. (But especially you.) Stop by the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor to meet me!

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

Join documentary series host Rob Simpson for a screening of A Noble Lie. This documentary takes a fresh and in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. It presents interviews with police officers, first responders, victims, journalists and investigators whose evidence raises the possibility that not all the perpetrators were brought to justice.

Refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Opinions expressed represent the viewpoint of the filmmakers and not necessarily the opinions of the Library.

Monday, February 22 at 7:00 pm
San Juan Island Library, free.

At the February 19th board meeting in Friday Harbor, family and friends of the OPALCO Apprentice who was held at gun-point in his home addressed the Board and asked for their help to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Board discussed the community reward offered and voted unanimously to match whatever funds are raised, up to $10,000.

“We will not tolerate violence in our community,” said board president Jim Lett. “We will do all that we can to help bring this matter to justice. We stand with our new Apprentice, Josh Mayson, and will not let these events prevent his success on this career path.”

The County initially offered a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the conviction of the criminals. Dan Kimple, Mayson’s father, has gathered pledges from community members of up to $7,500. With OPALCO’s match, the total reward amount could reach $20,000 for information that leads to the conviction of the criminals responsible for these acts.

Former OPALCO Lineman Dave Resch stood with the family at the board meeting. “I’m 100% behind Josh,” said Resch. “Every new hire should have the right to prove himself and nobody should have to go through what he’s been through. We have to make this stop.”

OPALCO’s leadership, local law enforcement and the Orcas Island community ask that anyone with information – no matter how small it seems – call 911 or the anonymous tip line at 360-370-7629.

Nancy Fernandez – Contributed photo

Join Climate Change Intern, Nancy Fernandez, for an evening of conversation about observation, citizen science and phenology when she presents “Timing is Everything! Plants’ Response to Climate Change and How You Can Help,” at 5:30 pm on February 24 in the community room at San Juan Center, Skagit Valley College.

The explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were some of America’s first scientific observers, making notes and sketches about plants and animals to share with Thomas Jefferson and an emerging nation. Today scientific observation continues to play a critical role in animal and plant species monitoring, particularly in the face of climate change and its impacts. National programs such as Project Budburst serve to connect citizen scientists with opportunities to help monitor changes in plants and animals in their communities. Continue Reading

Come Meet Staff and Board from Friends of the San Juans

Friends of the San Juans will host a “Coffee and Conversation” on March 2 at 10:30 a.m. at their office at 650 Mullis Street in Friday Harbor. Friends’ staff would like to hear from community members about the environmental and sustainability topics in the San Juans that inspire you.

Attendees will get a brief recap about safeguarding healthy shorelines in the San Juan Islands with Kyle Loring, Staff Attorney, and have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss other topics. Call 378-2319 for more information or visit www.sanjuans.org.

Join us for a black tie evening (optional) and a fascinating look at the Academy Awards.

University of Washington Scholar Lance Rhoades will be presenting clips and stills, a history of the Oscars (highlights and controversies), a preview of what to look for in 2016, and his winner predictions (90% accuracy over the past 3 years!).

Attendees will be able to fill out their own prediction forms which will be tallied the following week. The one with the most accurate predictions will win a small prize.

Lance Rhoades is a multifaceted Seattle-based scholar and was a recipient of the UW’s Excellence in Teaching award. He has presented talks throughout North America, Asia and Europe on cultural history in film.

Refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Sunday February 21 at 7:00 pm
San Juan Island Library, free.

Steve Marler – 1959 – 2016 – Contributed photo

It is with deepest sorrow that we at San Juan District 3 Fire Department inform you of the passing of our beloved Fire Chief, Steve Marler, on January 28, 2016.

Originally from BC, Canada, Steve moved to California as a child and slowly gained interest in firefighting. He attended Columbia Junior College to study fire science. Upon program completion in 1979 he became the only paid firefighter for the Ceres Fire Department. Steve quickly became enamored with one of his dispatchers and married Karen Carson on March 20, 1982. “I married her because she told me where to go”.

Steve and Karen moved to Sonoma after falling in love with the area while on vacation. Chief Marler was hired as full-time Fire Captain to serve as the City of Sonoma’s Fire Marshal on September 16, 1983. Steve was promoted to Assistant Chief in 1990 and was later reclassified as a Division Chief upon the formation of the Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Authority. Steve also helped start the “Are you OK?” program to check on seniors and served as the Interim Fire Chief until his departure in August 2007.

The Marlers moved to Friday Harbor, WA where Steve became the Fire Chief of San Juan District 3 Fire Department. He loved being part of a small, volunteer-driven department again. Under Chief Marler’s command the Friday Harbor and District Fire Departments merged to become the San Juan County District 3 Fire Department to serve the entirety of San Juan Island and surrounding outer islands. Chief Marler also oversaw the purchasing of a complete new fleet of fire engines without having to rely on taxpayers for additional funding. Chief Marler was a true advocate for Volunteer Firefighters, a pioneer in residential sprinkler system ordinances, and served with calming leadership in all his endeavors.

A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at Station 31 Fire Station, 1011 Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The memorial will be a potluck (Steve’s favorite type of gathering); please bring a dish to share if desired. All attendees are encouraged to wear dark pants and a “loud” shirt. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fire Science Scholarship Fund through the San Juan Island Firefighter’s Association, also located at 1011 Mullis St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Tuesday is “Spaygetti” Dinner Day!

This Year will be the Animal Shelter’s 8th annual “Spaygetti” Dinner. Don’t miss out on the fun!

• When: Tuesday, February 23
• Time: 4:30 – 6:30
• Cost: $15 for adults and $10 for kids under 12
• Where: Brickworks

Enjoy delicious food, musical entertainment and a fabulous dessert raffle.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Photo by Johan Persson

One of the hottest tickets in London is coming to San Juan Community Theatre on Monday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.

National Theatre Live will present an HD screening of the new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses recorded live from London’s Donmar Warehouse, where tickets have been totally sold out.

Directed by Josie Rourke (Coriolanus), the cast includes Elaine Cassidy (The Paradise), Janet McTeer (The Honourable Woman) and Dominic West (The Wire).

In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalised the world. Two hundred years later, Christopher Hampton’s irresistible adaptation swept the board, winning the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. Josie Rourke’s revival (in English) now marks the play’s thirty year anniversary. London’s Sunday Times calls the new production: “Electrifying. Funny, moving and uncomfortably provocative”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for SJCT members and $10 for student reserved.   Due to a financial agreement with the Met, no SJCT coupons are accepted for these productions. Tickets are available online at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SJCT Box Office: 378-3210.

Join documentary series host Ken Crawbuck for the screening of This is What Democracy Looks Like. Cut from the footage of over 100 media activists, it captures the historic events of the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle.

The film marks a turning point in collaborative filmmaking and achieves a scope and vision possible only through the lenses of over 100 cameras.

Refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Opinions expressed represent the viewpoint of the filmmakers and not necessarily the opinions of the Library.

Saturday, February 20 at 7:00 pm
San Juan Island Library, free.

During the early morning hours of February 9, 2016, a newly hired Apprentice Lineman was held at gunpoint in his home on Orcas Island. The assailant made threats against his safety and that of his family. The following day, death threats were scrawled across the front of OPALCO headquarters in Eastsound. The San Juan County Sheriff’s office and the FBI are investigating and the community is raising a significant reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for these crimes.

“This is serious crime that has created fear in the community,” said Randall Gaylord, Prosecuting Attorney.  He added that, “the first step is to find the perpetrator and those who may have provided assistance. Even the smallest detail may be helpful.”

The investigators are reviewing video footage and analyzing handwriting samples. Persons of interest are being interviewed. The consequences for felony crimes of this magnitude include serious prison time for the perpetrators and their accomplices.

“We will not tolerate acts of violence,” said Foster Hildreth, General Manager. “This is about the lives and well-being of the people who work hard every day to serve our membership.”

The OPALCO Board of Directors will discuss these events and how to support the community reward fund at their regularly scheduled board meeting on Friday, February 19th in Friday Harbor beginning at 8:30 AM. Interested members are welcome to attend

San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs is asking that anyone with information call 911 or the anonymous tip line at 360-370-7629.

Friday Harbor Film Festival ~ Winter Series Audience Favorite

“The Hunting Ground”,  a 2015 film was produced by San Juan Islander Amy Herdy. Amy is also an interviewer in the film and she will be at the screening to answer questions.

A Sundance Film Festival Official Selection, this film is an expose of sexual assault of students on US college campuses. The survivors of these attacks are organizing against the Universities and small colleges who favor their own reputations and athletes over the individual rights of the victims.

To quote Sundance… “with expert insight and first person testimonies the film follows undergraduate rape survivors pursuing both their education and justice despite ongoing harassment and the devastating toll on them and their families.”

The Hunting Ground, Tuesday March 1st at 7:00 pm at the Grange

Clare Kelm, President of the League of Women Voters of the San Juans shares this letter about elections this year…

This is a presidential election year so the election process is different than during other years. Prior to the November 8, 2016, general election, Washington voters can participate in the party caucuses, the Presidential Preference Primary election, and the general primary election. The Presidential Preference Primary is often referred to as “the presidential primary”.

This combined system is complex and causes a lot of confusion. The League of Women Voters would like to clarify the caucuses and the presidential primary for the public.

At each of the two major parties’ national conventions, the candidate winning the most delegates from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories will be that party’s nominee for president. The national Parties establish the rules which the states must conform with as each State Party selects their delegates. The two parties do it differently… Continue Reading

A memorial service for Georgia Baciu will be held on Saturday, February 20, at 11:00 am in Saint David’s Episcopal Church. Georgia died December 12, 2015.

Her ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony with her family after the memorial service. Saint David’s Church is located on the corner of Park and Marguerite.

An informative session for rural Veterans regarding the “Choice” program, has been scheduled to take place in Friday Harbor at the Grange on Saturday, Feb 20th at 1-3:30pm.

This in person session is brought to you by WA State Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

“Choice” was developed and implemented to bring a veterans mental and health care benefits closer to home. An authorized VA expert will be speaking and fielding questions. Veterans Service Officers and care representatives may also be present.

The subject matter needs to be focused and limited. This event is not intended to become a sales or media opportunity. If you have not applied for eligibility, assistance will be available. Veterans privacy will be respected and maintained.

A reliable panel of VA trained experts are available by phone. Choice Champions – 206-764-2876