Stephanie Prima shares this “final installment” of the Chosen series…

Many people don’t like to think about unpleasant things that may happen. They prefer to believe that if they don’t know about it, it isn’t real. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking is a dark, little-known crime for sure, but it is a steadily growing and very real threat. If you’ve been following the stories about All-American girls who have been trafficked from small towns (San Juan Update posts for June 2nd, June 9th , and June 16th) you’ll understand how it can easily happen in Friday Harbor.

For those who missed the presentation last Wednesday at the San Juan Community Theatre, here are some tips (pdf) provided by Shared Hope International. Please share them with your children.

It is our hope that with this education and greater public awareness, we will prevent children from being trafficked in our town and have a safer community.

San Juan Island EMS has a new (used) ambulance – Contributed photo

You may have noticed a new red ambulance in front of the aid station on Spring Street. Two years ago an ambulance search team formed to identify new ambulance specifications to replace the current 22 year ambulance, an old Ford E350. It was determined by researching industry standards, Emergency Vehicle Technicians recommendations, and operational cost vs replacement calculations that 20 years should be the maximum time to own an ambulance with rural use. The group determined needs and wants for a new ambulance, taking into account EPA, NFPA, and manufacturer regulations.

The funds were allocated and preparations were going forward to purchase a new ambulance at the market price of $140K-$180K. All the while, the group kept an open mind toward purchasing a used ambulance, however the agencies needs are very specific and no appropriate vehicles had been seen on the market for quite some time.

In April of this year, Ben Waldron – EMS Operations Director, was skimming a fire/ems industry online news source and noticed an ambulance listed by Woodinville Fire that fit the bill. Woodinville Fire Department had closed a station and the ambulance was no longer needed. It was exactly the design and specs that were wanted by the search group. Waldron immediately put a hold on the ambulance and after Master Emergency Vehicle Mechanic, Paul Spencer, inspected the vehicle, it was given a two thumbs up. EMS purchased the 2004 ambulance with slightly over 50,000 miles for $35K. Thereby saving the district between $105K and $145K.

This new-used ambulance will be in service as soon as Washington State licensure and minor upgrades are completed. Using current replacement schedules, the next ambulance to be replaced is the 1997 Ford E-350 in the year 2017.

Click to enlarge poster

What are native bees?  They’re not honeybees, and they’re not wasps or other pesky, stinging insects.  In fact, they are a diverse collection of beautiful, beneficial creatures easily seen and found throughout the islands.

Dr. Chris Looney from the Washington State Department of Agriculture will introduce us to the lives and habits of these fascinating pollinators.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the San Juan Island Public Library

For more information please contact Tanja Williamson at 360-370-7655 or email tanjaw[@]rockisland[.]com

Click to enlarge – photos by Megan Asche

What a night…. I’m still trying to catch my breath! So many people to thank, if I leave anyone out, please add to the list!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Wags to Riches Event this year. It definitely was a night to remember! This community is so giving… thank you for helping us achieve our goal in making this the best WAGS yet!

The numbers aren’t all in yet, but when they are, we’ll let you know. Thank you to our sponsors, Robert & Rebecca Pohlad, Heritage Bank, Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor Pet Supply, Islanders Bank, Petro San Juan, and all of the friends of the shelter who helped underwrite the event.

• Thank you to Jennifer Rigg and Seth Dunlap for helping me prepare so many things for the event.
• Thank you to all who donated to both our live and silent auctions, wine pull and raffles.
• Thank you to Dr. Tess Leonard and John Wilson for acquiring the villa accommodations for the Costa Rica Dream Vacation Raffle.
• Thank you to our great volunteers, shelter staff and board members who helped setup, run and clean up after.
• Thank you to Bill Shaw and his crew for providing a fantastic dinner for everyone.
• Thank you to David and Linda Bornowski for the fabulous decorations.
• Thanks to our great MC and Auctioneer Jay Fiske from NW Benefit Auctions and his daughters for making it a fun experience for everyone.
• Thank you to Brickhouse Band for a fantastic show and great dance music.
• Thank you Bob McDowell for your enthusiasm and passion in getting people to open their hearts and wallets for the new shelter campaign.
• And a big thank you to Ken and Linda Howard, Jane Lynch and Laura Coyle for coming all the way from Los Angeles to support our cause and share a great evening with us.

All of you people rock!
Sincerely… Leslie Byron

Photos of the event shot by Tamara Weaver Continue Reading

Belle Vue Sheep Farm in October 1959 at the height of the Pig War crisis. Whatcom County Sheriff Henry Crosby and Vancouver island Magistrate John de Courcy are at far left and right respectively – Contributed photo

Belle Vue Sheep Farm’s legacy to be explored in Boyd Pratt lecture

Join historian Boyd Pratt as he explores how agricultural techniques employed by Belle Vue Sheep Farm in the 1850s have had a lasting impact on San Juan Island during a PowerPoint lecture scheduled at 7 p.m., Wednesday July 8 in the San Juan Island Library.

The program is free. Call the library at 378-2798 for special access information.

Boyd Pratt – Contributed photo

Established in December 1853, Belle Vue Sheep Farm was the last of the agricultural facilities established by the HBC south of the 49th parallel. The foray into agriculture by a company principally known for the fur trade had begun in the 1820s as means to feed and clothe employees.

However, by the late 1830s the company operated several corporate farms in the Oregon Country, which, combined with timber and fishing interests, made it an economic force on the Pacific Rim. Wool, mutton, lumber and fish, in addition to furs, were shipped from the West Coast to Russian America (Alaska), China and other points west, as well as to England.

A watercolor rendering of the farm by Richard Schlecht of Frederick, Maryland

In just under six years the San Juan operation grew from 1,369 head of sheep on the home prairie (today’s American Camp prairie) to more than 4,500 head scattered in four other sheep stations on prairie lands throughout the island. The Company also grew fruit and cereal crops and initially salted and barreled salmon purchased from Indians on the beach. Continue Reading

Cynthia’s new restaurant on Nichols Street – Contributed photo

You probably already know this but if not – Cynthia (of XYZ Movement Arts, Red Checkered Picnics and “Cynthia’s Of Course”) has opened a new restaurant at 65 Nichols across from the Barking Bird. It’s called… “Cynthia’s“!

Breakfast and lunch are the offerings for now, with open hours from 7 am (8 am on Sundays) to 3 pm, Thursdays through Mondays (with brunch all day Sunday). And breakfast is a “grown-up breakfast, totally different from anything else around here” she adds, “not ‘grown-up’ as opposed to ‘children’ but more like an ‘evolved’ and ‘changed‘” style of cooking.

Some of the offerings include – mash browns – roasted red potatoes with garlic, mashed and served hot, breakfast salad – fresh greens with fruit and a light dressing or fresh fruit are your choices with the Avocado Boat breakfast (baked avocado with poached eggs – add crumbled bacon or smoked salmon to the mix for an extra taste sensation.

She also offers Swedish Pancakes from a family recipe, Gluten Free Pancakes, French Toast and Dutch Babies (crepe/pancake cooked in an individual skillets).  Lunch offerings include her famous “only at the Fair” Ahi Burger as well as a Lamb Fusion Panini.  Daily specials are offered and homemade soups and pies. Continue Reading

High Speed Internet Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?
by Merri Ann Simonson

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

Congratulations to Mineral Heights, Mineral Point and The Highlands at Mineral Point for moving forward with the installation of fiber to their neighborhood. Many subdivisions and neighborhoods are in the process of considering the installation and are interested in the process.

I thought it would be helpful if I wrote a recap article. The initial stages require enough people in the neighborhood to express their interest and desire to cost out the project. It is best if a leadership committee is formed to help with communication and coordination between the property owners and Rock Island Communications.

As interest builds, Rock Island Communications and the neighborhood leadership group set various dates for presenting to the property owners. This may be an organized homeowner’s association or just a group of people in several adjacent neighborhoods. Rock Island Communication’s presentation includes estimated cost to bring the fiber line from a main junction down into the neighborhood or what is referred to as the middle mile. They also prepare estimates for each homeowner for the cost from the neighborhood street down their driveway to their home, which is referred to as the last mile.

Rock Island uses an initial range of estimates from low to high. As more information and interest is gathered, refined designs and estimates are developed. Cost savings are available for those neighbors that agree to run the fiber down the property line and T-off to each house. Other cost saving measures can be taken to reduce the expense but the final individual bids can’t be processed until the neighborhood approves the middle mile portion of the project and moves forward. Continue Reading

Did you smell smoke in town today? Goose Island in Cattle Pass continues to smolder after the fire last Friday, and the smoke is blowing across the bay toward town – Tim Dustrude photo

Here’s a note just in this afternoon from San Juan County Parks, Recreation and Fair Department…

Due to extremely dry conditions, a burn ban is now in effect at all San Juan County parks and campgrounds. At this time briquettes may be used in designated fire rings and propane cook stoves are allowed for cooking. County Parks asks that the public exercise great care with all flammable items. Also, remember that personal fireworks are banned in all of San Juan County.

County Parks will issue an update if the situation changes.

In related news, SJIFR Chief Steve Marler sends this Press Release…

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Provides Mutual Assistance For Wenatchee

On Sunday evening, June 28, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue was again asked by the “Statewide Fire Mobilization”, along with Skagit and Whatcom counties, to assist with a fast moving wildland fire near Wenatchee.

Captain Noel Monin is responding as a “Strike Team Leader” and will be responsible for the activities and safety of five fire engine crews. Lieutenant Tad Lean and Firefighter Michael Henderson are also responding in a small fire engine specifically designed to deal with brush fires.

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue participates in the plan in order to assist other fire agencies throughout the state, provide valuable experience for our local firefighters, and to assure that statewide assistance will be available for the San Juans if it is ever needed. Costs are reimbursed by the state, so local taxpayers do not have to directly bear the burden of such a response.

Because it is very hot and dry throughout the entire region, everyone is asked to be extra vigilant and careful with any source of fire. ALL BURN PERMITS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED for the year because the County’s level of fire risk is now “HIGH”. Please report any fire or smell of smoke via 9-1-1 so that fire resources can quickly respond and take any necessary action to keep our beautiful island safe.

Click to enlarge poster

San Juan Island Library announced today a new program offering individual help with technology problems. Help is available for technology issues such as downloading apps and data, changing smartphone and tablet settings and using their features, using eReaders, and borrowing library eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Trained library volunteers, called tech-xperts, will be on hand on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM to help the public. Tech-xpert volunteers have trained to answer general questions and are adept at finding solutions to technology obstacles.

“We’re calling this a beta program,” said outreach coordinator Beth Helstien. “We’ll try this way of offering one-on-one assistance to see if we can help people with their technology questions more quickly.  We hope that this volunteer program can reduce the need for Library technology classes. These last few years we have added more technology classes, but it can be a long time between sessions. Tech Tuesdays should be an efficient way to serve the public longing for help with all things digital,” she said. Continue Reading

Coulee is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

What’s up? My name is Coulee, but I should have been named “Sinatra” what with my gorgeous blue peepers.

I’m told that I’m a flame point Siamese fellow, but to be honest with you, I’m really just a terrific cat. I’m only about six months old, but I already know a lot about life. I started out in the home of a hoarder with 70 other cats in a very small house. Lucky for me, I was rescued! Maybe I can teach you a few things about life?

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

Rock the Dock! – Contributed photo

Bring your appetite and dancing shoes to Rotary Club’s 14th annual Rock the Dock street party at the Port of Friday Harbor.

Local band, the J-Bots, will keep things lively from 6:00 pm until fireworks begin at dusk. Food and drinks available. Tickets available at the gate. $10 for adults (no price increase in 10 years!) Kids 12 and under are FREE.

This party is lots of fun AND it supports Rotary’s mission to eradicate Polio. Sponsored by Islanders Bank.

Rotarian, Mike Close, was the force in creating this fabulous street party. Give him a hug (or handshake) of thanks!

The Sentinel – Tim Dustrude photo

Sheila Harley from SJI Fire Rescue shares this note about the boat Sentinel…

Dear Editor,

Since the sentinel has been in the news lately, we thought you might want to know a little bit more about her. And we would like to take the opportunity to emphasize the ban on personal fireworks with the Fourth of July weekend approaching.

Yes, The Sentinal can do pretty tricks as pictured here when she helped welcome the new ferry, Samish, to the San Juans. But, she is also very much a working boat as pictured here as she and her crew fought the fire on Goose Island off the southern tip of San Juan recently.

The Sentinal is jointly owned by the Fire/Law Enforcement/EMS Departments. She is 38 feet long and capable of carrying 8,000 lbs of gear and people. She can pump 1500 gallons of water a minute and be used as a water supply for fighting wildland fires (as on Goose Island) and shore front fires. She is designed for beaching. Her drop bow makes it easier to load equipment and EMS patients. The Sentinal has twin 330 HP engines and is capable of doing 30 knots. Continue Reading

Cascade Falls in Moran State Park – Aaron Shepard photo

Aaron Shepard shares this photo from Moran State Park of Cascade Falls. Thanks Aaron!

Grassfire – Contributed image

All Residential and Commercial burn permits have been suspended because of the unusually dry weather.  There have already been a number of grass and brush fires throughout San Juan County.  Recreational fires (two feet in diameter or less) are still allowed as long as they’re contained within a suitable fire ring.  However, the State Parks System has banned recreational fires at their campsites statewide.  San Juan County’s fire risk has been raised from “Moderate” to “High”.

With the changing of the seasons, Washington’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is has announced a state-wide outdoor burning restriction effective yesterday.  It is expected that the burning restrictions will remain in place at least until October 1st.  Each year, San Juan County follows the same schedule as DNR, recognizing that even with our mild climate and beautiful green landscapes, the risk of a damaging or life-threatening fire rises with the great summer weather that we all enjoy.

As things dry out, please remember to be very cautious with any open flames.  Always make sure that a recreational fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.  As Smokey Bear says: “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave”.

With the Fourth of July approaching, please remember that personal fireworks are prohibited anywhere in San Juan County, and most fireworks available at the Swinomish reservation are illegal anywhere other than on tribal lands.  With the unusually dry conditions, San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs has announced that his Deputies will be using a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to fireworks.

Everyone is encouraged to forego using their own fireworks and instead enjoy one of the professional pyrotechnic shows that will be visible from Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Orcas Island and Lopez Island.

Fire on Goose Island – Contributed photo

Sheila Harley of SJI Fire Rescue sends over this notice…

Smoked filled the air at Cape San Juan as some time just before 6 PM on Friday evening, June 26, neighbors of Cape San Juan heard a “boom” from the direction of Goose Island, then saw flames coming from the Lopez side of the island. Dispatch was notified and the Fire Boat Sentinal was dispatched.

Sentinel brings fire fighters to Goose Island – Contributed photo

Two residents of Cape San Juan sped in their private boat over to Goose Island carrying several fire extinguishers and attempted to put the fire out. According to them, people in a white Trophy style boat were testing a home made fire cracker which set the grass on fire, which quickly spread over the east side of the island.

Goose Island is in Cattle Pass between Cape San Juan and the south end of Lopez Island

Goose Island is managed by the Nature Conservancy and visiting is prohibited except for researchers from the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories.

Upon arrival, the Sentinal ‘s fire fighters pulled out a hose and started spraying water on the fire which showed flames to the viewers on the Cape San Juan side of the Island. After working on the fire until 8:15 PM, it was decided to let the fire burn itself out over night.

One of the still images of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over the San Juan Islands, June 23, 2015 – Chris Teren photo

Local photographer Chris Teren caught some awe inspiring photos and made a video comprised of over 600 still images of the Northern Lights the other night.

“How awe-inspiring was it?” you ask – so much that he made the front page of USA Today’s website on Wednesday. If you click over there you can search and see they still have his video. On Facebook, it has gotten over 150,000 views! Here’s what Chris had to say about it…

From 11:00 pm till 3:30 am, the Northern Lights were giving a great show over the San Juan Islands! So that you could sleep peacefully, I stayed up all night photographing the light show for you, and here’s the whole 4.5 hours squeezed down into 1 minute. Enjoy!

Way to go Chris!

Here’s the same video below but this one is on YouTube for those of you who may not have a Facebook account.

Thanks for sharing Chris!