Beginning Monday, it's back to normal with meetings and hearings:
Monday, Jan. 5
Special County Council Meeting from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor. The public hearing and discussion items will include: An Ordinance Amending the San Juan County Code to Increase the Noxious Weed Assessment, a Resolution Ratifying Telephonic Actions from the Dec. 15, 2008 Regular Council Meeting.
Affordable Housing
Lopez Island meetings:
On Jan. 5, from 4:30 until 6 p.m., there will be a Public Meeting to Discuss and Take Comment on the Updated Draft San Juan County Comprehensive Plan Housing Element and Housing Needs Assessment at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, 2704 Village Road, Lopez Island.
And on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Critical Areas Ordinance meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library Meeting Room, 2225 Fisherman Bay Road, Lopez.
Orcas Island meetings:
Tuesday, Jan 6, a Public Meeting to Discuss and Take Comment on the Updated Draft San Juan County Comprehensive Plan Housing Element and Housing Needs Assessment will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall.
Check out the Orcas and Lopez Island affordable housing projects at loho.org and opalclt.org.
Deer Harbor Fire Station, Lopez shoreline development, Orcas Island Shady Lane Affordable Housing Plan hearings
The San Juan County Hearing Examiner will hold hearings on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Key Bank in Friday Harbor, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to hear the following matters:
* Public hearing on an application by Orcas Island Fire District for a Conditional Use Permit to construct the Deer Harbor Fire Station on Channel Road, Orcas Island. File #08CU017. lm
* Public hearing on an application by Allen Israel, Kona Residence Trust, for a Substantial Development permit to construct an elevated footbridge across an existing path used to access the dock serving the property located at 1469 Sperry Peninsula, Lopez Island. File #08SJ013. jt
* Public hearing on an application by John Campbell for a Binding Site Plan and a Conditional Use Permit to allow 6 units of affordable housing at 17 Shady Lane, Orcas Island. File #’s 08BSP003 & 08CU020. lm
Thursday, Jan. 8 Community Network and Readiness to Learn monthly meeting at the Orcas Hotel has been rescheduled for February.
Eastsound Planning Review Committee will not hold their regular monthly meeting, usually scheduled for the first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Senior Center in Eastsound; however, a work session is planned for later in the month.
Friday, Jan . 9 - San Juan County Land Bank Commission Meeting from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the San Juan County Hearing Room in Friday Harbor.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Post Office glitch holds mail since September
Back in September, my regular statement from two credit card companies, plus my oil bill, never showed up in my post office box. When I got assessed a late fee in my October billing, I called the credit card companies, who said they’d mailed the bills three weeks prior to their being due.
On Oct. 21, I asked Mary Therkelsen, the interim (now permanent) Eastsound postmaster, if she could track the mailed bills. She said there was nothing to be done until the bills showed up and she could look at the postmark date – frustrating!
But since then, I’ve kept my bills by the phone to remind myself to send payment, even if the bills don’t come on time. This involves checking by phone with the credit card companies to make sure of the due date; but I don’t want my payment credit to be called into question any further than it already has. I’ve been informed that if I have another late payment, my interest rate will go up.
Then, on Dec. 26, we got a notice to pick up mail for our post office box. The bundle of mail was postmarked the first week in September, and the two credit card notices were among them (also my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah thank you, which I’d wondered why this unusually polite kid had not acknowledged our gift.)
When we went to the Post Office on Dec. 30 to ask about it, Mike Haugen said there were a number of post office box customers that had experienced the same problem and the Post Office was taking steps to rectify the situation.
We asked for a letter to our creditors explaining the situation and Mike assured us that letters would be written that we could pick up the next day. Mike said that they would not write a general letter that we could copy to the affected creditors, but that they would need specific information from those creditors to write the specific letters. I left the account numbers, the late fees charged and the addresses for the letters. He said we could pick them up the next day, Dec. 31.
On Dec. 31, we got a phone message from Mary Therkelsen, saying she understood that we’d had a problem at the time we came to pick up our mail and acknowledged that “we did have a problem at that time with this group of second notices.” She asked us to call her back before 4 p.m.
On Jan. 2, I called and asked Mary Therkelsen if she would be writing the letters acknowledging that our mail, dated from Sept. 3 to Sept. 8, had not been delivered to us until Dec. 30. She said that normally this was not done, that she understood Mike Haugen had done this in the past, and that she would need to contact her superior before doing so. When I brought up that I had contacted her personally in October about not receiving mail, she said that I had not made it clear that I wanted her to check if any mail was being held – otherwise she would have checked. Basic customer service would suggest to me that, before turning a customer away, the first thing I would do is check to see if mail for our box was being held.
I complained about her reluctance to acknowledge the Post Office’s part in our delayed mail and damaged credit history, and she said, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
This is the cowardly lackey’s attempt to protect their own reputation, rather than offer a sincere apology for their own errors. It’s even worse than an apology offered with excuses for damaging someone.
Yes, we all make mistakes, we’re only human, but client service means delivering on your obligation, and rectifying the situation if an error has been made.
Mary Therkelsen’s attitude seemed to convey that the most important consideration was that it was not her fault, and that she was dismayed that she had to hear complaints of mistakes. In contrast, Mike Haugen’s sincere apology and attempts to rectify the situation were what postal customers should hear when they take their complaints to the parties responsible.
Mary Therkelsen did call her superior and received hispermission to write a letter acknowledging the problems caused by the 15-week delay in delivering our mail. The supervisor's name is Les Stewart, Manager of Postal Operations, and his address is 415 First Ave. N. Seattle WA 98109-9992.
One final note: Mike Haugen told us on Dec. 30 that many postal customers in Eastsound had experienced this problem, of mail being held. If others have suffered credit history damage as a result, I suggest you contact the Post Office and Les Stewart at the above address.
On Oct. 21, I asked Mary Therkelsen, the interim (now permanent) Eastsound postmaster, if she could track the mailed bills. She said there was nothing to be done until the bills showed up and she could look at the postmark date – frustrating!
But since then, I’ve kept my bills by the phone to remind myself to send payment, even if the bills don’t come on time. This involves checking by phone with the credit card companies to make sure of the due date; but I don’t want my payment credit to be called into question any further than it already has. I’ve been informed that if I have another late payment, my interest rate will go up.
Then, on Dec. 26, we got a notice to pick up mail for our post office box. The bundle of mail was postmarked the first week in September, and the two credit card notices were among them (also my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah thank you, which I’d wondered why this unusually polite kid had not acknowledged our gift.)
When we went to the Post Office on Dec. 30 to ask about it, Mike Haugen said there were a number of post office box customers that had experienced the same problem and the Post Office was taking steps to rectify the situation.
We asked for a letter to our creditors explaining the situation and Mike assured us that letters would be written that we could pick up the next day. Mike said that they would not write a general letter that we could copy to the affected creditors, but that they would need specific information from those creditors to write the specific letters. I left the account numbers, the late fees charged and the addresses for the letters. He said we could pick them up the next day, Dec. 31.
On Dec. 31, we got a phone message from Mary Therkelsen, saying she understood that we’d had a problem at the time we came to pick up our mail and acknowledged that “we did have a problem at that time with this group of second notices.” She asked us to call her back before 4 p.m.
On Jan. 2, I called and asked Mary Therkelsen if she would be writing the letters acknowledging that our mail, dated from Sept. 3 to Sept. 8, had not been delivered to us until Dec. 30. She said that normally this was not done, that she understood Mike Haugen had done this in the past, and that she would need to contact her superior before doing so. When I brought up that I had contacted her personally in October about not receiving mail, she said that I had not made it clear that I wanted her to check if any mail was being held – otherwise she would have checked. Basic customer service would suggest to me that, before turning a customer away, the first thing I would do is check to see if mail for our box was being held.
I complained about her reluctance to acknowledge the Post Office’s part in our delayed mail and damaged credit history, and she said, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
This is the cowardly lackey’s attempt to protect their own reputation, rather than offer a sincere apology for their own errors. It’s even worse than an apology offered with excuses for damaging someone.
Yes, we all make mistakes, we’re only human, but client service means delivering on your obligation, and rectifying the situation if an error has been made.
Mary Therkelsen’s attitude seemed to convey that the most important consideration was that it was not her fault, and that she was dismayed that she had to hear complaints of mistakes. In contrast, Mike Haugen’s sincere apology and attempts to rectify the situation were what postal customers should hear when they take their complaints to the parties responsible.
Mary Therkelsen did call her superior and received hispermission to write a letter acknowledging the problems caused by the 15-week delay in delivering our mail. The supervisor's name is Les Stewart, Manager of Postal Operations, and his address is 415 First Ave. N. Seattle WA 98109-9992.
One final note: Mike Haugen told us on Dec. 30 that many postal customers in Eastsound had experienced this problem, of mail being held. If others have suffered credit history damage as a result, I suggest you contact the Post Office and Les Stewart at the above address.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
You said it! Orcas quotes in 2008
January
“Our first interest is for public safety and preservation of the land.” Chris Guidotti, Moran State Park Manager on the trails being constructed by extreme bike riders.
“To be a resident on Orcas is to immediately become part of island past, present and future.” Historical Society President Margot Shaw.
“I’d like to say, two years from now, that I’ve left the district in a better place – and that’s going to depend on the five of us.” Orcas Island School District board member Scott Lancaster.
“We all want to do the right thing, and we’re having a hard time doing the right thing in a timely manner.” John Evans, President, San Juan Builders’ Association.
“Our real strength is the ability to see opportunity and move on it.” Orcas Island School District board member Charlie Glasser, on extending enrollment in OASIS alternative high school.
February
“By making the school more energy efficient, the gap between learning about a problem and doing something about a problem would be filled.” Terrell Carter, Lopez High School Senior, on paper recycling for his senior project.
“People then were so tied to the idea of what education could do for the community, and we all believe that.” Community Foundation President and local historian Tom Welch.
“I’m really proud of the kids. The seniors set the goal of going to the State tournament… when they were in the eighth grade. It has bee their focus since day one of this season.” Lopez Lobos’ basketball coach Brad Smith.
“I get to encourage children to open up their imaginations and center themselves with a book rather than to stare at a screen all day.” Orcas Island School Librarian Claire Reutter.
March
“Lack of public participation is not a new issue.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I have to do the best I can to return my husband to Orcas because I will not be able to work after the baby is born and be a single mother.” Wife of an Orcas Island resident and immigrant worker who was apprehended in the Border Patrol “check” in Anacortes.
“The Board and administration feel very strongly that any… budget reductions should be as far away from students and classrooms as possible.” Bill Evans, Lopez School District Superintendent.
April
“Moving forward, it will be easy to clarify.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I realize we’re under a timeline, but I don’t want to destroy Eastsound village.” County Planning Commissioner Brian Ehrmantraut.
“The Board has told us that … if we don’t meet this deadline it could impose penalties, including a moratorium on issuing building permits. That would be disastrous for our local economy.” County Council member Rich Peterson.
“With a $667,000 deficit, everyone’s going to be hurt, in every department.” Orcas Island School District board member Tony Ghazel.
“The public is worried about you guys, not about the volunteers, but about what you guys are doing with our money and running the department.” Eastsound business owner Kathleen Speed at the Fire Commissioners’ meeting.
May
“We stand for the world’s children and grandchildren, and for the seven generations beyond them.” Jan Loudin of the May 11 “Stand for Peace” event.
“The change in policy will have to come from Congress.” Joe Giuliano, Border Patrol enforcement officer.
“Our earth is in trouble and I would like to help with that.” Adrian Speers, OASIS High School student participating in Farm Education and Sustainability for Teens (FEAST).
“Kids who’ve grown up here have a unique perspective on what’s important.” Moana Kutsche, Co-chair of Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Grants Committee.
June
“We hope to motivate you to work with us; to speak up when we say, ‘Now’s the time.’” Jim Kramer, San Juan Initiative Director of Shoreline Study pilot project.
“Now I’m going to travel and do and see and learn to do as many different things as possible.” Kai Womack, OASIS High School graduate.
“Orcas are icons and indicators of the quality of Puget Sound and coastal waters. How they fare in coming years will tell us a lot about our own fate.” Ken Balcomb, founder and director of the Center for Whale Research.
“I’d like to talk to you about sharing intelligence.” Border Patrol Intelligence agent as quoted by WSF Ferry worker John Norby.
July
“You are the next generation, and will be the backbone of OPALCO’s line crew.” Randy Cornelius, General Manager of OPALCO, speaking to new linemen.
“If you don’t invest in education, you don’t have workers, and you don’t have an economy.” Governor Chris Gregoire at an Orcas Island community meeting.
“It was incredible how the fire just stopped at the clearance around the cabin’s perimeter. It made a huge difference for all the surrounding neighbors.” Orcas Island Fire captain Max Jones.
“At the end, we’ll have reductions in place where we don’t want them, wherever we make them.” Orcas Island School District Board member and Budget Advisory Committee representative Keith Whitaker.
“Thanks to the help of the BAC … in looking at things we haven’t looked at before. Their work will help for many years to come.” Orcas Island School District Board member Tony Ghazel.
August
“Investing upfront in strengthening and supporting our community not only helps people but also saves us incredible dollars.” Moriah Armstrong, retiring Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director.
“We have a first-class person of tremendous ability leading the district, and we are very much looking forward to the future.” Orcas Island School District Board member Charlie Glasser, on Barbara Kline’s appointment as Superintendent.
“Every time we lose a working family, we lose a part of what makes Orcas unique.” Amber Minnis, Kaleidoscope Childcare Center Director.
September
“The community realizes it has this commitment to education and gave almost as much as last year with very little publicity, and we are deeply grateful.” Janet Brownell, Orcas Island School District Board president, on the $200,000 contributed to the school by the community.
“Anything that has broad community support is looked upon favorably by politicians and grant funders.” Jon Shannon, Director, San Juan County Public Works.
“It is important for all of us to consider stepping up to a leadership role on Orcas Island.” Mary Riveleand, Orcas Island Community Foundation trustee.
“We’re sitting on a jewel here and we’re not protecting it.” Gene Knapp, Orcas West County Council member.
October
“We have to be watching and, where possible, participate and voice our opinion, in hopes that the changes won’t be too dramatic and the impact won’t be too protracted.” Ed Sutton, Ferry Advisory Committee Chair.
“If the code is so onerous, why did a cell tower just go up?” Lopez Island County Council member Bob Myhr.
“We are not going to take teachers’ salaries for upkeep of the skatepark – that’s not fair.” Orcas Island School superintendent Barbara Kline.
“I’m thrilled the board was able to do something to help. That’s what a coop is all about.” OPALCO general manager Randy Cornelius, on the board’s decision to pass on a $1,000,000 rebate to its coop members.
“The nature of life on the islands has always been to piece together doing what you love, working the land and doing other things you need to do, and can do, to be able to live here.” Ruthie Dougherty, Land Bank steward and owner of Bright Meadow Farm.
November
“We’re seeking positive solutions for a good asset. Let’s all work together and let’s solve this.” Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director Marta Nielson, at skate park meeting.
“The EPRC could do everyone – the street vendors, the business owners and the county council – a huge favor if they came up with a recommendation to the county.” Orcas West County Council member Gene Knapp.
“Our first interest is for public safety and preservation of the land.” Chris Guidotti, Moran State Park Manager on the trails being constructed by extreme bike riders.
“To be a resident on Orcas is to immediately become part of island past, present and future.” Historical Society President Margot Shaw.
“I’d like to say, two years from now, that I’ve left the district in a better place – and that’s going to depend on the five of us.” Orcas Island School District board member Scott Lancaster.
“We all want to do the right thing, and we’re having a hard time doing the right thing in a timely manner.” John Evans, President, San Juan Builders’ Association.
“Our real strength is the ability to see opportunity and move on it.” Orcas Island School District board member Charlie Glasser, on extending enrollment in OASIS alternative high school.
February
“By making the school more energy efficient, the gap between learning about a problem and doing something about a problem would be filled.” Terrell Carter, Lopez High School Senior, on paper recycling for his senior project.
“People then were so tied to the idea of what education could do for the community, and we all believe that.” Community Foundation President and local historian Tom Welch.
“I’m really proud of the kids. The seniors set the goal of going to the State tournament… when they were in the eighth grade. It has bee their focus since day one of this season.” Lopez Lobos’ basketball coach Brad Smith.
“I get to encourage children to open up their imaginations and center themselves with a book rather than to stare at a screen all day.” Orcas Island School Librarian Claire Reutter.
March
“Lack of public participation is not a new issue.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I have to do the best I can to return my husband to Orcas because I will not be able to work after the baby is born and be a single mother.” Wife of an Orcas Island resident and immigrant worker who was apprehended in the Border Patrol “check” in Anacortes.
“The Board and administration feel very strongly that any… budget reductions should be as far away from students and classrooms as possible.” Bill Evans, Lopez School District Superintendent.
April
“Moving forward, it will be easy to clarify.” Orcas Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin.
“I realize we’re under a timeline, but I don’t want to destroy Eastsound village.” County Planning Commissioner Brian Ehrmantraut.
“The Board has told us that … if we don’t meet this deadline it could impose penalties, including a moratorium on issuing building permits. That would be disastrous for our local economy.” County Council member Rich Peterson.
“With a $667,000 deficit, everyone’s going to be hurt, in every department.” Orcas Island School District board member Tony Ghazel.
“The public is worried about you guys, not about the volunteers, but about what you guys are doing with our money and running the department.” Eastsound business owner Kathleen Speed at the Fire Commissioners’ meeting.
May
“We stand for the world’s children and grandchildren, and for the seven generations beyond them.” Jan Loudin of the May 11 “Stand for Peace” event.
“The change in policy will have to come from Congress.” Joe Giuliano, Border Patrol enforcement officer.
“Our earth is in trouble and I would like to help with that.” Adrian Speers, OASIS High School student participating in Farm Education and Sustainability for Teens (FEAST).
“Kids who’ve grown up here have a unique perspective on what’s important.” Moana Kutsche, Co-chair of Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Grants Committee.
June
“We hope to motivate you to work with us; to speak up when we say, ‘Now’s the time.’” Jim Kramer, San Juan Initiative Director of Shoreline Study pilot project.
“Now I’m going to travel and do and see and learn to do as many different things as possible.” Kai Womack, OASIS High School graduate.
“Orcas are icons and indicators of the quality of Puget Sound and coastal waters. How they fare in coming years will tell us a lot about our own fate.” Ken Balcomb, founder and director of the Center for Whale Research.
“I’d like to talk to you about sharing intelligence.” Border Patrol Intelligence agent as quoted by WSF Ferry worker John Norby.
July
“You are the next generation, and will be the backbone of OPALCO’s line crew.” Randy Cornelius, General Manager of OPALCO, speaking to new linemen.
“If you don’t invest in education, you don’t have workers, and you don’t have an economy.” Governor Chris Gregoire at an Orcas Island community meeting.
“It was incredible how the fire just stopped at the clearance around the cabin’s perimeter. It made a huge difference for all the surrounding neighbors.” Orcas Island Fire captain Max Jones.
“At the end, we’ll have reductions in place where we don’t want them, wherever we make them.” Orcas Island School District Board member and Budget Advisory Committee representative Keith Whitaker.
“Thanks to the help of the BAC … in looking at things we haven’t looked at before. Their work will help for many years to come.” Orcas Island School District Board member Tony Ghazel.
August
“Investing upfront in strengthening and supporting our community not only helps people but also saves us incredible dollars.” Moriah Armstrong, retiring Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director.
“We have a first-class person of tremendous ability leading the district, and we are very much looking forward to the future.” Orcas Island School District Board member Charlie Glasser, on Barbara Kline’s appointment as Superintendent.
“Every time we lose a working family, we lose a part of what makes Orcas unique.” Amber Minnis, Kaleidoscope Childcare Center Director.
September
“The community realizes it has this commitment to education and gave almost as much as last year with very little publicity, and we are deeply grateful.” Janet Brownell, Orcas Island School District Board president, on the $200,000 contributed to the school by the community.
“Anything that has broad community support is looked upon favorably by politicians and grant funders.” Jon Shannon, Director, San Juan County Public Works.
“It is important for all of us to consider stepping up to a leadership role on Orcas Island.” Mary Riveleand, Orcas Island Community Foundation trustee.
“We’re sitting on a jewel here and we’re not protecting it.” Gene Knapp, Orcas West County Council member.
October
“We have to be watching and, where possible, participate and voice our opinion, in hopes that the changes won’t be too dramatic and the impact won’t be too protracted.” Ed Sutton, Ferry Advisory Committee Chair.
“If the code is so onerous, why did a cell tower just go up?” Lopez Island County Council member Bob Myhr.
“We are not going to take teachers’ salaries for upkeep of the skatepark – that’s not fair.” Orcas Island School superintendent Barbara Kline.
“I’m thrilled the board was able to do something to help. That’s what a coop is all about.” OPALCO general manager Randy Cornelius, on the board’s decision to pass on a $1,000,000 rebate to its coop members.
“The nature of life on the islands has always been to piece together doing what you love, working the land and doing other things you need to do, and can do, to be able to live here.” Ruthie Dougherty, Land Bank steward and owner of Bright Meadow Farm.
November
“We’re seeking positive solutions for a good asset. Let’s all work together and let’s solve this.” Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director Marta Nielson, at skate park meeting.
“The EPRC could do everyone – the street vendors, the business owners and the county council – a huge favor if they came up with a recommendation to the county.” Orcas West County Council member Gene Knapp.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Big stories of 2008
2008 – for just one little year, it was a doozie!
Maintaining the level of service of San Juans’ route ferries was an ongoing challenge, with the “Steel electrics” pulled from service, and the FAC chastised for failing to announce their meeting. Chair Alex MacLeod was fired by the Council midst reports of higher-ups in WSF and state government displeased by the activism of the San Juans’ ferry advisory group. FAC member Charlie Glasser resigned from the committee in protest, and Council member Alan Lichter likewise resigned as liaison between the FAC and the Council. In May, the local ferry task force was dissolved. The interisland ferry was the scene of meetings with WSF and state officials in October, and another such meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2009.
This highly-charged election year started in the San Juans with voter caucuses on Feb. 9, and the mail-in primary election on Feb. 19. The County Democrats cast most of their votes for Barack Obama, and the Republicans favored John McCain.
In state and county elections, San Juan Islander Kevin Ranker was voted State Senator for the 40th Legislative District, and Richard Fralick took over County Council member Alan Lichter’s post.
County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord faced off against John Linde in the newly-created San Juan County District Court Judge race, but in the end Linde retained the position to which he’d been appointed earlier this year.
We were saddened by the sudden deaths of several of our young people, who seemed to be in good health. Anthony Richardson collapsed in late April, Darlene Pohl died suddenly in September, and Dana Mullan passed away in October. The loss of these good young people in our community gave us all the charge to make each day with purpose and awareness, and appreciate those who travel this journey of life with us.
The Fire Department expected to be challenged by the community, as it stated in a Jan. 18 press release that announced Buddy Wright was to be hired as Battalion (Assistant) Chief at $7,500 per month. Chief Harris justified Wright’s salary, claiming he would have had to pay a computer consultant over $30,000 just to put one year of training in an online format, as Wright had done. Wright was also assigned scheduling duties.
By mid-February, a petition was circulating protesting the salary plus benefits for Battalion Chief. A second petition from past and present volunteers and employees of the Fire Department was also circulated. Wright resigned, and in May, the three fire/medics proposed dividing the assistant chief duties among them. This proposal was adopted by the Fire Commissioners, beginning in 2009.
“Border” checks started in early spring, prompting meetings with federal Border Patrol agent Joe Giuliano on San Juan and Orcas Islands. The checks detained undocumented immigrants, some of whom were transported to Bellingham, Blaine and Tacoma before being allowed to return to the islands while their cases are pending. The County Council sent a letter to our congressional delegation protesting the stops at Anacortes. A weird turn came to the situation in October, when Giuliano was arrested for child rape after admitting having sex with a 14-year old girl.
Entertainment for the year was stellar, beginning with the 3rd annual Orcas Idol competition, won this year by Locket Goodrich. Later in the spring, a huge community cast presented the Walt Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” to sold-out crowds for three weekends.
The Parent-Teacher-Student Association hosted welcoming and fund-raising activities, from the “Moms and Muffins” and “Dads and Donuts” morning treats to Friday night roller-skating.
The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival brought violinist and music educator Monique Mead as “Artist in residence” at the school in March. The festival, held at summer’s end, packed the Orcas Center for two weeks with concerts, lectures, receptions and dinners during its 11th year.
Literary lights shone brightly here as well: Waldron Island resident Sam Green was named Washington State’s first poet laureate. KindlingsFest, a free, three-day workshop celebrating the writings of C.S. Lewis, was sponsored by the Orcas Island Community Church in July. Barbara Lewis and a team of “writing gurus” initiated the Orcas Island Writers Festival in September
After staring back at the abysmal 2006-2007 School budget, once again the Orcas Island School District (OISD) faced the challenges of a projected $667,000 deficit. Once again, the community-district partnership, spearheaded by the Orcas Island Education Foundation, and with the mighty assistance of the volunteer Budget Advisory Committee, which identified $365,000 that could be removed from the deficit, and community contributions of $200,000, the district was able to balance the books and maintain most programs.
In the process, the OISD presented a strong profile to state legislators and executives, including Governor Chris Gregoire, who promised (and delivered) a meeting with the state Basic Education Task Force and the director of Rural School Districts in the state.
In September, Barbara Kline was named half-time superintendent and half-time High School Principal, with her Middle School Principal duties taken on by Elementary Principal Tom Gobeske.
One year after its Resort Master Plan was approved, Olympus Properties closed Rosario Resort and sold it for $5.45 million to an Anacortes-based real estate development and rehabilitation business. The closure of the resort left some 200 islanders without employment.
Growth continued to stretch – and fray -- our seams as a new stormwater funding proposal was researched and vetted by a Council sub-committee. The Orcas Village Plan was approved. OPAL continued its latest housing project off Mt. Baker Road, while Homes for Islanders sought teams of home builders for property near Rosario.
A legal settlement announced in March set an end-of-year deadline for the county’s comprehensive plan to update the housing and land-use elements, a necessary component for compliance with the Growth Management Act. John Campbell, a founder and board member of Homes for Islanders, contended that the update would force the county to reconsider the amount of affordable housing needed. By years’ end, the Hearing Examiner had extended the deadline into 2009, and public hearings on the matter are scheduled in January.
Coming next: You said it! Quotes on Orcas in 2008.
Maintaining the level of service of San Juans’ route ferries was an ongoing challenge, with the “Steel electrics” pulled from service, and the FAC chastised for failing to announce their meeting. Chair Alex MacLeod was fired by the Council midst reports of higher-ups in WSF and state government displeased by the activism of the San Juans’ ferry advisory group. FAC member Charlie Glasser resigned from the committee in protest, and Council member Alan Lichter likewise resigned as liaison between the FAC and the Council. In May, the local ferry task force was dissolved. The interisland ferry was the scene of meetings with WSF and state officials in October, and another such meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2009.
This highly-charged election year started in the San Juans with voter caucuses on Feb. 9, and the mail-in primary election on Feb. 19. The County Democrats cast most of their votes for Barack Obama, and the Republicans favored John McCain.
In state and county elections, San Juan Islander Kevin Ranker was voted State Senator for the 40th Legislative District, and Richard Fralick took over County Council member Alan Lichter’s post.
County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord faced off against John Linde in the newly-created San Juan County District Court Judge race, but in the end Linde retained the position to which he’d been appointed earlier this year.
We were saddened by the sudden deaths of several of our young people, who seemed to be in good health. Anthony Richardson collapsed in late April, Darlene Pohl died suddenly in September, and Dana Mullan passed away in October. The loss of these good young people in our community gave us all the charge to make each day with purpose and awareness, and appreciate those who travel this journey of life with us.
The Fire Department expected to be challenged by the community, as it stated in a Jan. 18 press release that announced Buddy Wright was to be hired as Battalion (Assistant) Chief at $7,500 per month. Chief Harris justified Wright’s salary, claiming he would have had to pay a computer consultant over $30,000 just to put one year of training in an online format, as Wright had done. Wright was also assigned scheduling duties.
By mid-February, a petition was circulating protesting the salary plus benefits for Battalion Chief. A second petition from past and present volunteers and employees of the Fire Department was also circulated. Wright resigned, and in May, the three fire/medics proposed dividing the assistant chief duties among them. This proposal was adopted by the Fire Commissioners, beginning in 2009.
“Border” checks started in early spring, prompting meetings with federal Border Patrol agent Joe Giuliano on San Juan and Orcas Islands. The checks detained undocumented immigrants, some of whom were transported to Bellingham, Blaine and Tacoma before being allowed to return to the islands while their cases are pending. The County Council sent a letter to our congressional delegation protesting the stops at Anacortes. A weird turn came to the situation in October, when Giuliano was arrested for child rape after admitting having sex with a 14-year old girl.
Entertainment for the year was stellar, beginning with the 3rd annual Orcas Idol competition, won this year by Locket Goodrich. Later in the spring, a huge community cast presented the Walt Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” to sold-out crowds for three weekends.
The Parent-Teacher-Student Association hosted welcoming and fund-raising activities, from the “Moms and Muffins” and “Dads and Donuts” morning treats to Friday night roller-skating.
The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival brought violinist and music educator Monique Mead as “Artist in residence” at the school in March. The festival, held at summer’s end, packed the Orcas Center for two weeks with concerts, lectures, receptions and dinners during its 11th year.
Literary lights shone brightly here as well: Waldron Island resident Sam Green was named Washington State’s first poet laureate. KindlingsFest, a free, three-day workshop celebrating the writings of C.S. Lewis, was sponsored by the Orcas Island Community Church in July. Barbara Lewis and a team of “writing gurus” initiated the Orcas Island Writers Festival in September
After staring back at the abysmal 2006-2007 School budget, once again the Orcas Island School District (OISD) faced the challenges of a projected $667,000 deficit. Once again, the community-district partnership, spearheaded by the Orcas Island Education Foundation, and with the mighty assistance of the volunteer Budget Advisory Committee, which identified $365,000 that could be removed from the deficit, and community contributions of $200,000, the district was able to balance the books and maintain most programs.
In the process, the OISD presented a strong profile to state legislators and executives, including Governor Chris Gregoire, who promised (and delivered) a meeting with the state Basic Education Task Force and the director of Rural School Districts in the state.
In September, Barbara Kline was named half-time superintendent and half-time High School Principal, with her Middle School Principal duties taken on by Elementary Principal Tom Gobeske.
One year after its Resort Master Plan was approved, Olympus Properties closed Rosario Resort and sold it for $5.45 million to an Anacortes-based real estate development and rehabilitation business. The closure of the resort left some 200 islanders without employment.
Growth continued to stretch – and fray -- our seams as a new stormwater funding proposal was researched and vetted by a Council sub-committee. The Orcas Village Plan was approved. OPAL continued its latest housing project off Mt. Baker Road, while Homes for Islanders sought teams of home builders for property near Rosario.
A legal settlement announced in March set an end-of-year deadline for the county’s comprehensive plan to update the housing and land-use elements, a necessary component for compliance with the Growth Management Act. John Campbell, a founder and board member of Homes for Islanders, contended that the update would force the county to reconsider the amount of affordable housing needed. By years’ end, the Hearing Examiner had extended the deadline into 2009, and public hearings on the matter are scheduled in January.
Coming next: You said it! Quotes on Orcas in 2008.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
More ferry conversation and grassroots solutions
Many Orcasians, with holiday horror stories of airport strandings and freeway logjams, are returning home on our reliable Washington State Ferries.
For all its budget problems, WSF runs safe, clean boats on a reliable schedule. Think how often we hear of Phillipine ferries sinking, and of European ferries running on a maybe-maybe not schedule. This marine highway is cause of great concern to islanders, but we hope it continues to provide a stable, if expensive, means of transportation on and off the islands.
The ferries also remind me of a pub or church, where random members of the community gather to toss around ideas of common interest. Last Sunday, as I returned from a week off-island, having succeeded at relaxing, gathering family members around, and preparing heart and home for celebration -- but having failed at transporting family to and from the airport because of icy driving conditions -- I chatted with three
Our talk turned to the work of investigative journalism exposing the dangers of staph infections in hospitals, motivating the
In December 2007, the New Yorker magazine reported on a simple, but effective, means of combating hospital infections -- a rudimentary checklist:
"In 2001, though, a critical-care specialist at
....
Pronovost and his colleagues monitored what happened for a year afterward. The results were so dramatic that they weren’t sure whether to believe them: the ten-day line-infection rate went from eleven per cent to zero."
For more on this study, go to www.NewYorker.com and type in "Annals of Medicine" +Checklist by Atul Gawande, for Dec. 10, 2007.
By reporting on the work of others, their successes and failures, journalists make public problems, processes and solutions that can benefit the community dramatically. Sometimes the research is complex, as I've found in reporting on the water rights issues in Washington State and on Orcas Island; sometimes simple checklists and naive questions lead the way to the crux of the matter, as in checklists and observation.
So again, as I talked to my island neighbors on the ferry -- a retired teacher, artist and a business consultant -- we discussed the work we all have ahead of us in climbing out of the worldwide economic dilemma.
The teacher proposed that retirement plans and benefits be changed so that no one could draw on their retirement pensions before the age of 62.
The business consultant commented that this solution could only be implemented if the unions agreed, which would never happen, he predicted.
The teacher said that the US Congress should lead the way, voluntarily agreeing to such a limitation, but the consultant forecast that only with municipalities and states going bankrupt would union contracts be broken and all retirement agreements be revisited.
This is what our neighbors are thinking. It seems to me that it is worthwhile, as a known activist community, to contact our congressional representatives and ask for a response to deferring retirement pensions such as the ones they receive, until a reasonable age, such as 62.
Any comments?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
End of year challenge to Bullwings readers!
Hi folks,
In re-reading recent posts, I've been a bit embarrassed at the typos therein. So I thought I'd have a little fun at my expense.
For every typo found and comment sent to the blog, I'll print out the entire blog -- all posts from its inception in November until year's end-- and send the hard copy to you (after I've corrected the typos).
Just do two things:
1) find the typo
2) comment on the typo on the blog site.
If you have any trouble sending your comment through the blog site, please email me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com and I'll give you 10 signed shares of stock in Port Gamble Publishing, payable upon the first initial public offering, in addition to the print out.
Thanks for investing in Orcas Issues!
Margie Doyle
In re-reading recent posts, I've been a bit embarrassed at the typos therein. So I thought I'd have a little fun at my expense.
For every typo found and comment sent to the blog, I'll print out the entire blog -- all posts from its inception in November until year's end-- and send the hard copy to you (after I've corrected the typos).
Just do two things:
1) find the typo
2) comment on the typo on the blog site.
If you have any trouble sending your comment through the blog site, please email me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com and I'll give you 10 signed shares of stock in Port Gamble Publishing, payable upon the first initial public offering, in addition to the print out.
Thanks for investing in Orcas Issues!
Margie Doyle
Susan Osborn concert changes to benefit Jordan Griffin
Orcas Island singer/composer Susan Osborn (pictured right as Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2006 production of "A Christmas Carol") sent out the following announcement today regarding the cancellation of her Christmas Concerts, an Orcas Island tradition for 22 years. Those fortunate to subscribe to SnoozeNews, Osborn's email newsletter, will recognize a familiar tone of generosity, courage and beauty in the message:
"Dear Friends,
It has been pointed out to me that not everyone may be aware that the Chapel Concert tickets include a "No Refund/ No Return" clause at the bottom of the ticket. We instituted this policy some years ago, because these concerts are self-produced. We have relied upon the kindness of many different local retailers through the years to sell the tickets. We do not have sponsorship, or ticket insurance in case of cancelation. In 20 years, we have never had to cancel any concert.
However, in the unusual circumstance of having to cancel all of the concerts this year, we are offering a refund. If you would like one, please send the tickets to us, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the amount you paid for your tickets (this year's tickets were priced on a sliding scale from $10 to $20) to: Susan Osborn/ PO Box 35 / Orcas WA 98280. We will be happy to send you a check.
We will donate any other profits beyond expenses to the fund for Jordon Griffin, who was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident here on Orcas shortly before Christmas. Our prayers and support go out to this family as they deal with this unexpected challenge, and enormous life-changing event.
We are offering these two options in lieu of trying to reschedule the Christmas concerts. However, we extend an invitation to join us for a New Years Day musical meditation in the chapel at 5PM. This will be an opportunity to gather in the beauty of the chapel at the beginning of a new year. There is no charge for this event. All are welcome.
One thing is for sure, this has been a year of change. There are the changes we vote for, and the changes that are determined by forces beyond our control, like the weather. The bitter and sweet letting go day to day, of our expectations, of the longing for comfort, of some sense of ritual and tradition, of regularity. I am always in new territory. I can surrender to what is, making the best of what I am given and create something new with it, or resist it. I find myself doing both.
Once, many years ago, when David and I were at Findhorn in Scotland, we met Sir George Trevelyan. A philosopher and visionary, he was then in his mid- 70's. We were standing at the tea table together when we asked him "What do you think is the most important work to do from now on?" And he replied "My work is about helping us to make our changes more gracefully. This is the ultimate hope!" This Christmas season has brought Sir George's words home again to us courtesy of the snow and cold.
Sending Love at Year's End, Susan O"
You can get on the SnoozeNews mailing list by emailing SusanOsborn@susanosborn.com.
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