All Stories - Journal of the San Juans

Review shows lack of follow-up on San Juan County dock permits

When Tom Cowan served on the San Juan County Commission from 1982-94, the county had two code enforcement officers to make sure projects were developed as approved in the permits. But of the Community Development and Planning Department’s 25 employees today, only one is devoted to code enforcement. The Policy Group reviewed 19 dock permits in Mitchell Bay, Garrison Bay, the east side of West Sound, east side of Stuart Island and the northeast corner of Lopez Island. The group found that half of the docks did not match conditions of their permits. Eight dock floats were, on average, 52 feet larger than allowed.

Quick Schedule of Fourth of July Events

A quick glance at Friday's island events.

Rough landings at Roche

No one was hurt in two separate incidents at Roche Harbor Airport — a wheels-up landing Friday afternoon and an aborted takeoff by a San Juan Airlines flight Saturday afternoon.

Profile: Jane Hutchison, F.H. Fire Department

Name: Jane Hutchison

Adventuress hits rock in Wasp Passage

The 133-foot schooner Adventuress ran aground in Wasp Passage Monday, forcing the evacuation of 27 passengers and crewmembers.

Political Notebook

The Waldron Community Meeting will host a forum July 12, 2-4 p.m., for candidates for County Council, District 4; and Superior Court judge.

Airlift Northwest stations crews on San Juan Island for summer

Airlift Northwest regional manager Jeff Richey is working with local EMS officials to post an air ambulance on San Juan Island for the summer.

Puget Sound 'recovery' meetings come to Friday Harbor July 21

The Puget Sound Partnership is hosting another round of public workshops, this time to solicit input on local priorities for an action agenda to restore and protect Puget Sound. One of the meetings is scheduled in Friday Harbor: July 21, 1-4 p.m., Friday Harbor High School, 45 Blair Ave.

San Juan waits on PeaceHealth to proceed with hospital study

The San Juan Hospital District Commission voted unanimously to accept and sign a non-binding letter of intent with PeaceHealth to further explore building a new integrated medical center on San Juan Island. The letter of intent must be approved by PeaceHealth’s Whatcom region Board of Directors as well as the system’s Board of Directors prior to taking effect. That approval is not scheduled until late July.

Do you know the men in this World War II-era photograph?

Peggy Cantrell of Friday Harbor saw the man take something out of the wallet he had just purchased at the Thrift Store, and toss it into the trash.

San Juan School District's athletic budget restored

Down by $800,000 at the half, the San Juan Island School Board last week disclosed that by the end of the third quarter, they had nearly made a comeback, closing on their opponent — a nearly 10 percent budget shortfall — to less than $100,000. With three months to go, the $100,000 in cuts, which would have eliminated the entire athletic budget, has been averted thanks to an overwhelming and committed team effort and a spectacular end-of-the-quarter play by Islanders Bank, who came up with the last $5,400 to restore the high school’s athletic program to last year’s funding levels.

EWU soccer coaches put San Juan girls through the ringer

It’s soccer camp for the high school, and an unusual one for local players. Wolverine Coach Mark Fishaut called in some coaches of a quality not normally seen on-island. George Hageage and his wife Tamara run the women’s soccer program at Eastern Washington University. They came to the island last week to offer a soccer camp for Fishaut’s team. Some 29 girls and three boys signed up for the week-long camp.

Petermans bicycle to S.F. for women’s health

Friday Harbor High School graduates Amber and Kelsea Peterman bicycled from Seattle to San Francisco to raise money for – and awareness of – women’s health issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

Catching up with sailors John and Ann Bailey

Last week, wife Peg and I were pleased to have Ann and John Bailey visiting with us.

Bates takes San Juan Open golf tournament for second time

Ron Bates won his second San Juan Open, shooting a par 71 on Saturday’s first round and finishing Sunday with a 78. Bates’ combined score for both rounds was 149.

Island Rec offers women’s sailing class July 11-13

Island Rec is offering a sailing class taught by and for women, the weekend of July 11-13.

Sports Briefs

Island Rec sailing classes got off to a windy start last week. Using boats generously provided by the Sailing Foundation, two classes of aspiring sailors came to Percich Pond to test the waters.

Deadline tonight to fully restore athletic budget

San Juan Island Schools Superintendent Michael Soltman reported that $17,600 has been raised toward a goal of $23,000 needed to fully restore the athletic program for next year.

Friday Harbor High School lacrosse defeats alumni, 13-12

The second annual Dragons Lacrosse Alumni Game began Saturday at Friday Harbor High School with some of the nicest weather most Dragons players have ever seen.

Ochoa named 1A/B All-State starter

Wolverine Richie Ochoa’s solid play this year did not go unnoticed as the state’s coaches and sportswriters named him a 1A/B All-State starter.

San Juan's Devorah to perform songs from new CD at Pig War Picnic

Devorah, aka “Firecracker,” that whirling dervish of musical energy and talent, has just spun-off her third music compilation, “Irrepressible,” a 10-track CD that marks a sea change in her music, featuring several songs of her own writing.

Poisoned apples, personal growth

The more comfortable you can get them in their own skin prior to adolescence, the better they’ll be able to handle the onslaught on their identity during their teenaged years. Life skills. Empowerment. That’s why Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) and activities like it are so important.

Two very special events for First Nations artist, Rande Cook

A blessing of two totem poles created by two prominent First Nations artists, Rande Cook and Calvin Hunt, took place at the new owners’ home on San Juan Island, June 20 during an unusually warm and perfect summer evening.

Art spirit is alive and well in San Juans | Commentary

Back in 1938, I was considering getting out of high school in mid-winter. My Omaha Central High School adviser told me it would be tough entering a good college that way unless transferring from another college.

What’s Happening!

Today: Summer Reading Program kickoff with Maggie Gallivan, 1:30 p.m., Friday Harbor Elementary School field. Enjoy music with Maggie Gallivan, popcorn, lemonade and lots of fun. Sponsored by the San Juan Island Library. Call 378-2798.

Grammy nominee among performers at San Juan Theatre June 21

Chamber Music San Juans presents “Music for a Summer Solstice” on the San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier Stage on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Artistic director and clarinetist Patricia Kostek brings together some of CMSJ’s favorite performers, including violinist Ron Patterson, violist Roxanna Patterson, and Grammy Award-nominee bassoonist Martin Kuuskman.

Around Town

San Juan Community Theatre is offering two Children’s Summer Theatre Workshops in July, presented by professional theater artists.

Who knows who's naughty and nice in Friday Harbor? The Shadow knows

SanJuanJournal.com's eye on the town is taking note of your attitude, your deeds, your jokes, your personality.

Upcoming events connect islanders with rich heritage of the San Juans

For thousands of years before the Spaniards first saw the San Juans in 1791, the islands were the home of Coast Salish peoples and a culture that was intertwined with the natural beauty and resources offered by the archipelago. Coast Salish peoples were forced to move to reservations, but their cultures and ties to the islands — and those of other Northwest Coast Native peoples — survive. And in the next few weeks, several events will take place that will help San Juan residents connect with the original cultures of the islands.

A look at four of the latest by San Juan authors

“MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of Multiple Sclerosis,” by Allison Shadday; “Of the Law,” by Susan M. Wingate; “Naturally Attracted: Connecting with Michael J. Cohen,” by Michael J. Cohen; “Getting Around in China: Notes from an American Traveler,” by Fred Richardson

San Juan Chamber needs another $1.5K in fireworks donations

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is in the final days of raising funds to pay for the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show held every year in Friday Harbor.

San Juan businesses see profits fall amid high gas prices, bad weather

Some Friday Harbor business owners say tourist traffic is down compared to June 2007. And they say they are feeling the financial pinch.

Dentures are now the next-to-the-best thing

New technique not only helps dentures stay snug, but also helps bone structure stay healthy

Whidbey, Frontier bank merger is off | San Juan Business Briefs

Whidbey Island Bank, which has a branch in Friday Harbor, will not become Frontier Bank.

Vic’s Drive-In on San Juan celebrates 50 years on June 28

When Vic’s Drive-In opened 50 years ago June 28, it resembled a drive-in more than it does now. It was a smaller version of “American Graffiti’s” Mel’s, a mom-and-pop shop where you could pull up, place your order, and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your car — one of America’s favorite eating venues in the Eisenhower era. There was just the kitchen then, and an order window. There was no indoor seating, just tables along the side and in back. Cars parked diagonally along Second Street then.

San Juan Septic under new ownership | San Juan Business Briefs

Business updates and announcements from around the San Juans.

San Juan Relay for Life profile: Dolores Fantin

My mother lost her brave battle with cancer Oct. 3, 1997. Her grace and bravery with cancer will never be forgotten. I miss her dearly.

A tribute to Caleb the Wonder Dog

Caleb the Wonder Dog came home with me from the Animal Protection Society shelter in 1997 and, in the almost 11 years we had together, we were seldom far apart. He went everywhere with me, off-island and on, and especially loved going to his job as shop dog for Griffin Bay Books and Friday Harbor Pet Supplies, where he made the widest circle of friends I've ever known a dog to have.

Friday Harbor's Peterman sisters bicycle from Seattle to San Francisco for women's health

Friday Harbor High School graduates Amber and Kelsea Peterman bicycled from Seattle to San Francisco to raise money for – and awareness of – women's health issues in sub-Saharan Africa. The ride was called the Bike to End Fistula.

San Juan Relay for Life profile: Frank Wilson

Relay for Life — July 25-26, 5:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. on the Friday Harbor High School football field — raises money for the American Cancer Society. To put a face on the fight against cancer and encourage participation in Relay for Life, families are invited to submit photos of loved ones who have fought the battle. Write Richard Walker, The Journal, P.O. Box 519, Friday Harbor 98250. E-mail rwalker@sanjuanjournal.com

Cancer survivor participating in Relay for first year

Every year my friends and family tell me I should be recognized for being a cancer survivor. So this year, I gave in. I have been free of cervical cancer since 2001. It was  the scariest and most painful two years of my life but I made it through with the help of my family and friends! Without them, I am sure my outcome would have been different. They gave me the strength to fight it.

Missoula Children's Theatre's Little Red Truck rolls back into town

Directing their energy: Auditions Monday for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

Experience the 'Sounds of the San Juans'

San Juan's own Gary Gibbons hosts an online radio show on City Sounds Radio, Internet blues and jazz with a San Juan connection, www.citysounds.biz.

San Juan art galleries celebrate birthdays | Around the San Juans

Updates and announcements of various happenings in the San Juan Islands.

Lessons I learned from my exchange student

Next week, I lose a member of my family. For the past year, my husband, daughters and I have been a host family for a Norwegian exchange student. Although I wasn’t surprised we decided to embark on such an adventure, I’d be lying if I said we did much pre-planning for the experience.

Relay for Life profile: Jobelle Lees

Relay for Life — July 25-26, 5:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. on the Friday Harbor High School football field — raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Keep entire hospital process open | Editorial

The San Juan Hospital District Commission approved on June 18 a letter of intent that clears the way for the district and PeaceHealth to explore in more depth the feasibility of a new integrated medical center on San Juan Island. In our June 25 editorial, we recommended the commission approve the letter of intent and explore with more depth the unanswered questions regarding the medical center. But we also urged the commission to keep the process open. That’s why we’re disturbed by the fact that the commission adopted the letter of intent without public discussion.

INS must have more important things to do

I have often been prompted to write concerning the Border Patrol actions at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal; others have already expressed excellent points of view over the past four months.

We need to nourish the roots of our culture | Editor's Notebook

How many more people will be inspired by this public art that tells Terry Fox and Steve Fonyo’s stories? What force for change might this be? How many of us might be inspired to look beyond our own perceived limitations and reach to exceed our grasp?

San Juan hospital: We like it, but have questions | Editorial

A lot of questions need to be answered about the feasibility of an integrated medical center on San Juan Island. We encourage the San Juan Hospital District Commission, which oversees Inter Island Medical Center and San Juan EMS, to approve the letter of intent that will allow a study that will answer those questions.

Students are making progress with biodiesel

When we began the Friday Harbor High School biodiesel project three weeks ago, we had no idea all the little things it would entail.

Coveted pedestal on the bumpy road to freedom

They didn’t see it, all those who deserved to. It simply took too long and they were unable to wait.

San Juan Rotarians are helping write polio’s final chapter

It isn’t every organization that receives a $100 million matching grant from the Gates Foundation. Then again, Rotary International isn’t just any organization.

San Juans, state blessed with choices in '08 | Editorial

Shortage of local candidates? That’s so last year. You’re going to have to study for the Aug. 19 and Nov. 4 elections. And that’s a good thing — a field of candidates results in a discussion of ideas and issues. Campaigns and candidate forums allow us to get to know those vying for the opportunity to make decisions on our behalf.

San Juan Letters to the Editor | July 2

I’ve had the honor and pleasure of knowing Randy Gaylord, and observing his performance for most of the seven years I’ve been a resident of Orcas Island. I can think of no one better qualified to assume the duties and responsibilities of San Juan County Superior Court judge.

San Juan Letters to the Editor | June 25

Letters from readers on issues of local interest

San Juan Letters to the Editor | June 18

Letters from San Juan residents on issues of local interest

Column captured meaning of lesson

My family in Friday Harbor sent me the link to your article, “Looking at the world through the eyes of a child,” page 7A, June 4 Journal. Although I am slightly biased, as one of the children you reference is my nephew, I did want to offer you kudos on your angle to the story.

Touched by show of concern, caring

To the people of Friday Harbor: My family and I are very grateful for the concern and help offered us following the death of my husband, Ramsay Milne.

Don’t forget the Jazz Quintet +1

The in-depth coverage of the band Jazz Coalescence was appreciated. However, I want to point out that Jazz Coalescence was only one of the two bands that performed that night. The San Juan Jazz Quintet + 1 opened the evening, as it has done for all eight years of Jazz at the Labs. These talented musicians and singer not only donate their time to enable us to net as much income for the K-12 program as possible, but also have turned down paying gigs to perform at this event.

Hat’s off to our harbormaster

I have either lived or made my living down at the waterfront and, in particular, at the Port of Friday Harbor for the last seven years. In that time, I have had the great pleasure of working with and around the best harbormaster I have ever seen: Tami Hayes!

Study proposed site’s traffic impact

This trash site selection process has been marred by incomplete disclosure. Failure to fully disclose all traffic safety information and the increased accident rate due to moving the trash facility is morally unacceptable.