Book 2018

THE BOOK of the San Juan Islands San Juan • Orcas • Lopez • Shaw • Anacortes

WHAT’S INSIDE: Local history County parks Art and Leisure Medical services

2018 -19 Information & relocation guide

Published by the Journal of the San Juans, Island’s Sounder & Island’s Weekly The Book of The San Juan Islands

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Health | Home | Auto | Commercial

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2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

San Juan Island’s Favorite Corner — Since 1920 —

Entropy 4 by Jylian Gustlin

Conversations with Gee’s Bend

Considered to be the most important African-American cultural contribution to the history of art in the US, the Quilts of Gee’s Bend are “Moving, Powerful and Abstract Masterpieces.” Several artists across many mediums have been invited to express their own dialogue with the women and work of Gee’s Bend.

summer 2018: may 25-september 3 At the heart of the Salish Sea, SJIMA enriches the community, arts and artists as we champion authenticity of our islands’ place, expression and connections.

Spring Hours: Friday – Monday, 11–5 Summer Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11–5 540 Spring Street • Friday Harbor, WA www.sjima.org • 360-370-5050

Painted by Lanny Little, the front of the store features the interior of the original pharmacy based on photos from Al Nash Jr. Art donated by A&H Stores, owners.

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The Book of The San Juan Islands

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ORCAS ISLAND ORCAS ISLAND

(360) 376-8000 | WWW.ORCAS-ISLAND.COM 18 HAVEN ROAD | PO BOX 310 EASTSOUND WA 98245

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2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

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What’s inside…

Feature Stories 8 11 History of the Islands Lopez Island

15 16 San Juan Island Shaw Island

12 Orcas Island

17 Anacortes

13 Weather

18 Wildlife

14 Education

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Government

Greg Sellentin photo The Book of the San Juan Islands

Contributors

2018 - 2019

Group Publisher – Colleen Smith Armstrong Advertising Sales – Colleen Smith Armstrong and Cali Bagby Graphic Artists – Shane Watson and Tate Thomson Cover Photo – Tate Thomson Copy Editor – Joanna Massey

Information and Relocation Guide

Publication Information

The Journal of the San Juans 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 P: 360‑378‑5696, F: 888‑562‑8818 - www.sanjuanjournal.com

The Islands’ Sounder 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245

P: 360‑376‑4500, F: 888‑562‑8818 - www.islandssounder.com The Islands’ Weekly 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245 P: 360-376-4500, F: 888‑562‑8818 - www.islandsweekly.com

The Book of The San Juan Islands

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2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

Welcome to the San Juans

T

he tiniest county in Washington state in terms of land mass, San Juan County might just bear the moniker of the man with the longest title: Juan Vicente de Güemes, the 1789 Viceroy of New Spain, second Count of Revillagigedo. We call them the San Juans or “the islands” for short.

Perched in the heart of the Salish Sea, the county has 172 islands, rocks and reefs at high tide, and 743 at low tide.

These add up to 174 square miles of land and 447 square miles of water. Historically the islands’ countless coves and inlets provided hideaways for rum-runners and other smugglers. Now they’re a lush and lovely playground for boaters, beachcombers and other wild creatures.

The terrain ranges from 2,398-foot Mount Constitution on Orcas, to rocky forested hillsides and rolling meadows that slope down to craggy stretches of waterfront.

Streams and lakes cross the landscape, offering wildlife sanctuaries, swimming and fishing.

People who set foot on these islands quickly fall under the

spell of their natural beauty; sparkling seas; rumbling, steadfast ferries; and misty meadows.

Home to 16,510 residents in 2017, San Juan County’s growing population ranks the county 32nd in the state. Most islanders live on the four largest, ferry-served islands: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw.

Of the four ferry-served islands, San Juan has a population of 7,683; Orcas, 5,408; and Lopez, 2,965. There are about 95 people per square mile. About 32 percent of islanders are over age 65, which is more than double the state average of 15 percent. Just 14 percent of islanders are under the age of 18. Households also tend to be smaller than the state average (2.6), at 2.1 persons.

Top industries are professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services (26.4 percent); educational, health and social services (11.4 percent); arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (11.1 percent); agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (10.3 percent); and

Protecting special island places www.sjpt.org

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_Juan_Islands_Locator_Base.svg

Islands by Population

• Lopez Island: 2,400 residents • Orcas Island: 5,000 residents • San Juan (unincorporated): 6,822 residents • Friday Harbor: 2,306 residents • Shaw Island: 246 residents

finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing (10.2 percent). About 23 percent of islanders are self-employed, and many jobs are seasonal.

Per-capita income was $40,327 in 2016, but a significant percentage of that is made up of retirement savings or pensions. Of the county’s total population, 43 percent is not part of the labor force working in the islands. The median earnings per worker

earned $44,678, compared to the state average of $51,159.

The cost of living index for the islands is 164 (the national average is 100). Homeownership averages 73 percent, and the median home value is $456,800 (state median value is $269,300). The latest census revealed that of 13,728 housing units in the county, over 28 percent are kept for seasonal (normally summertime) SEE WELCOME, PAGE 26

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The Book of The San Juan Islands

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The San Juans: A little history

T

he San Juan Islands are actually the tops of sunken mountains of a long-ago continent dating back to the Paleozoic era. They are made of the rock that remained after the area was deeply scoured by retreating glaciers – and, scattered across meadows on San Juan Island, you can still find glacial erratics: large boulders dropped by the glaciers. Scientists say the islands actually rose after the weight of the glaciers was removed, in a gradual process called elastic rebound.

Before Europeans began settling in the San Juan Islands, the islands were home to six Central Coast Salish Tribes:

Professional Piper Helen MacKay Sanders 21 years of experience piping in the Pacific Northwest and the San Juan Islands, lives locally on Lopez Island Wedding Piper for Orcas, Friday Harbor, Shaw, and Lopez and Greater Seattle Area.

the Sooke, Saanich, Songhee, Lummi, Samish and Semiahmoo. These people shared the Northern Straits language and lived off the land, harvesting fish, shellfish, camas bulbs, waterfowl, berries, prairie plants and other wild foods. Many wintered at larger villages like English Camp, spending their summers foraging for abundant foods at less-sheltered places like Cattle Point.

It appears that the Salish were in the habit of setting fires before leaving certain summer areas each fall, which would keep the land clear of shrubs and trees, allowing favored forage crops like camas and nettles to thrive.

Some experts believe these peoples were in the San Juans 6,000 years before Europeans arrived.

In 1774, Spanish navigator Juan Perez visited the area. Soon after, deadly European diseases began spreading through the native tribes, greatly reducing the population. Coastal tribes from the north were already in the habit of raiding the Central Coast Salish tribes for slaves and plunder, so when these northern tribes got firearms from fur traders, the native islanders’ situation grew more difficult.

In 1791, the islands were

named the “Isla y Archipielago de San Juan” by Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza, who mapped the area as part of a mission to firm up Spanish control. That same year, British explorer Captain George Vancouver traveled through the archipelago, and Americans soon discovered the islands as well.

British Hudson’s Bay Company set up the first permanent non-Native presence in 1851, creating fishing camps on the south shore of San Juan Island.

They also bought fish from the local tribes, processing them at salmon salting stations. Soon the Hudson’s Bay Company had brought in 1,369 sheep and a handful of other European farm animals at the new Belle Vue Sheep Farm on the southeastern tip of San Juan. By 1859 the farm had 4,500 head of sheep, 40 cattle, five yokes of oxen, 40 hogs and 35 horses. Much of the island was eventually taken over by sheep runs. There were wolves living on San Juan in those years, and they made midnight meals of the hapless sheep until around 1859, when they were exterminated from the island. People from the Haida tribe also raided livestock from the farm, and farm records in-

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CHICAGO TITLE 2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

dicate that alcohol was negatively affecting the Native tribes during that time. Toward the end of that decade, British Royal Navy Captain George Richards extensively mapped the San Juan Archipelago.

Meanwhile, the Americans were moving into the islands as well. A Belle Vue Sheep Farm manager recorded losing 400 sheep to Americans in 1855.

The Oregon Territory claimed them in 1852, then Washington Territory named them part of Whatcom County in 1853.

American officials asked the Hudson’s Bay Company to pay customs duties and property taxes, and actually seized a number of sheep as tax payment.

A few years later came the infamous “Pig War” standoff.

A handful of Fraser River gold rush miners had settled on San Juan Island as American homesteaders. One day American settler Lyman Cutler found one of British Belle Vue Farm manager Charles Griffin’s pigs rooting in his potato patch, and he shot it.

Griffin threatened to retaliate, and the situation escalated. Britain and America saw the opportunity to solidify their claims to the islands, and stationed troops at military camps on the west side of San Juan. Both nations continued their joint military occupation until 1872, when the Kaiser of Germany finally designated the current international boundary running north to south to the west of San Juan Island. It was the last territorial dispute between the two nations.

In the early 20th century, the islands’ economy began to boom with the lime and timber industries. Sawmills supplied timber to build steamships and cordwood to power them. The largest lumber mill was on Orcas Island, now home to Rosario Resort. During that time, many of the islands’ forests were logged to feed the lime kilns and timber mills.

Orcas was also home to

bountiful plum, pear and apple orchards, while Lopez Islanders farmed, ranched and fished.

Many islanders still enjoy plentiful harvests from the ancient fruit trees around their homes.

Things changed again in the 1930s, when area lime deposits ran dry and new irrigation methods in Eastern Washington depressed prices for orchard fruits. Railways and motor vehicles became cheaper than water transport, making island products less competitive.

The residents of the islands today are known for their concern for the environment. San Juan County was the first county in the country to designate itself as a “Leave No Trace” area and put measures into place to ban jet skis. It was the first county in the state to ban styrofoam takeout containers.

Visit the historical museums on San Juan (www.sjmuseum. org), Orcas (www.orcasmuseums.org), Lopez (lopezmuseum. org) and Shaw (www.shawislan-

dlibrary.org).

The Orcas museum showcases six original homesteader cabins, artifacts, the skull of a bison antiquus estimated to be 14,000 years old, and a display on Colton Harris-Moore, the infamous “Barefoot Bandit.”

The Lopez Island Historical Society has exhibits on the island’s salmon fishing history; historical island women of note; natural history, including evidence of wolves on the island;

and a comprehensive Native American artifact collection.

The museum on San Juan hosts an annual Pig War picnic, along with an assortment of photographs, artifacts and stories from past islanders, and they’re now building a new Museum of History and Industry.

You can also trace the history of the resident J, K and L orca pods still living here in the Salish Sea on San Juan.

Did you know. . .

• Friday Harbor was actually named after a native of Hawaii, Peter Poalima, whose last name translates to “Friday.”

• The county has four historic light houses on public lands (three are open to visitors in the summer).

• John Wayne’s custom oversized bath tub is at Roche Harbor’s Hotel de Haro, on San Juan.

• There still isn’t a single traffic light anywhere in San Juan County. We like it that way.

San Juan Island 2018 Something for Everyone Weekends San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour June 2-3 www.sanjuanislandartists.com

Visitor Services • Free Map & Guide • Event & Relocation Info Representing the Business Community of Orcas Island

www.OrcasIslandChamber.com i nfo@ OrcasIsl andC hamber.com

On North Beach Rd., just off Main Street 360.376.2273 • P.O. Box 252, Eastsound, WA 98245

N O RT H W E S T

fine furnishings

Three Lakes Triathlon & Marathon June 16-17 http://www.lakedale.com/three-lakes-triathlon-marathon 4th of July Parade – 10:30 AM, Kiwanis Pig War BBQ-11:30 AM, Music at the Port-6:00 PM, Fireworks – 10:00 PM www.sanjuanisland.org Lavender Festival - Pelindaba Lavender Farm July 21-22 www.pelindabalavender.com/lavender-festival San Juan County Fair August 15-18 www.sjcfair.org Concours d’Elegance August 26 www.sanjuanconcours.org Friday Harbor Bike ‘n Brew TBD www.fridayharborbike-n-brew.org/brew-home Savor the San Juans October 1-31 www.visitsanjuans.com/savor Friday Harbor Film Festival October 26-28 www.fhff.org Friday Harbor Winterfest December 1-31 Island Lights Festival December 1 www.sanjuanisland.org/island-lights-festival.htm

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CUSTOM SOFAS, LOTS OF BAR & COUNTER STOOLS, GARDEN ART, LONG DINING TABLES, HUNDREDS OF KITCHEN CHAIRS American Alder tops, drawer sides and frames • Plywood drawer bottoms • Mortise and tenon joinery add strength • Fluted dowels add strength and longevity • American Alder veneered side panels • English dovetail drawer construction • Whisper-quiet full extension metal ball bearing drawer slides • Adjustable glides on the bottom of legs

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The Book of The San Juan Islands

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Your Voice of the San Juan Islands

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YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURC E

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George Willis

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Series 3 Lecture Winter . . . . . . . . . . . Page . ......

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Legal advertising: in be settled the Dec. 30. The of J-50 may as J-50, is the normal behavio next time baby, known whales. displaye second calf to rs were Thursday at noon Or, it may take we encounter these swimmi d by J-50. He said after a two-yea be born in 2014, the calf was some time.” r lull of no births ng away from The seen “Point in southern resident Press releases, Letters: J-16 among the year birth of J-50 comes at the The San Juan County of 2015 end of a rocky ralled back to its presume and had to be corfor the souther The calf appearekiller whales.

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However, research 29. brings it back The birth of J-50 the mother, and the calf indicate that J-36 is ers immedi s and volsome peculiar up to 78, a 30-year was Count organizer local famity surrounding ately recognized less. low nonethe- because its mother was severalswimming away Office: 376-4500 with its birth.

J-16 was not unteers work If J-36 is the miles behind. expected to be Odditie food banks, mother, this due to her advance carrying a calf appeare s surrounding the Fax: 1-888-562-881 ily resource centers, providers, d age and no birth of J-50 known calf. But because would be her first d to Balcomb healthcare has given birth 8 other orcas churches, ously abort a and female discover can spontanethe sherAdvertising: advert fetus, it’s ed that the newborhis team when they previou four decades at over 42 years of age in senior centers, libraries, of demographic the on its dorsal n had teeth marks s pregnancies. impossible to rule out many other comislandssounde ising@ the southern fin. field studies iff ’s office, and While the nearly r.com resident of birth, in which This could indicate a difficult service providers Researchers speculatorcas. munity support J-32, was found full-term pregnant female, Classified: 1-800-3 use its mouth another whale may have had ed that J-16’s dead in to help pull the to conduct the count. to daughter, mother’ the state of classifieds@ 88-2527, baby out of its first “known” calf was in December with the s uterus.

Initiated by her uterus, her the Point in soundpublishi ovaWashington in 2005, ng.com Journal staff report state Supreme conducted at the / Center for Whale Research Time count is SEE CALF, PAGE Editor: editor@ Contributed photo The Washington year.

6 on three for the first time by end of January each on the day whale was spotted 4-10 days old. islands Court issued decisionsDec. 11. open The not J-16. sounde mother, Agencies cases its presumed r.com calf was energetic & between authorized to San Juan County land-use sighted the calf, J-50, swims alongside of the count are to be healthy. When Two cases involved resident The newborn orca 30, and appeared Harbor Page 2 researchers on Dec. appeals by Deer The third case See HOMELESS, Michael Durland. rape case that involved a 10-year-olddue to changes received a fresh look “open courts.” in the rules regarding Randall female has given Prosecuting Attorney age and no other decades “in all three cases, to her advanced of age in the four Gaylord said that law taken by the years 42 over Southern at the birth the position on the field studies of was upheld.” of demographic prosecutor’s office

by Durland Resident orcas. that J-16’s daughter, The two cases filed to a buildResearchers speculated At age 16, J-36 is in her involved a challenge mother. adjacent J-36, could be the ing permit on property filed the swimDurland prime for breeding. was first sighted to his property.

By Emily Greenberg be missing. in Skagit County At the time the newborn J-36 appeared to first case directly to the county’s Journal reporter addiming alongside J-16, in J-pod is a welcomed the Center for Whale without appealing Weddings in the The newborn calf in peril, but only time will Ken Balcomb, founder of hearing examiner. worst. population the withthe to that feared tion said. “The Juan Islands Research, San is.

The trial court ruled she was alive,” he be settled seePublication of the Journal, Sounder the hearing tell who its mother & Weekly section, “Thank goodness In partnership with the San Juan special Research confirmed of J-50 may out a ruling from no final deciOur 24-page Islands Visitors Bureau island The Center for Whale42-year-old J-16 with, pre- issue of who is the mother these whales. Or, it an ideal hing examiner there was and the court offers ideas for shores the next time we encounter ing and photograp yours up today baby, off the south sion to be appealed hear the case. wedding. Pick sumably, her newborn in Canadian waters Dec. may take some time.”

(Jan. 10/11) of a rocky to end the authority at no Island had comes or visit the Seattle calf to of North Pender court of appeals 17/18) wedThe birth of J-50 residents. The population, as J-50, is the second The Washington and Portland (Jan. 30. The baby, known a two-year lull of no births year for the Southern that decision in 2005, suffered d shows. after in Seattle upheld appealed to endangere ding 2014, it be born in which was declared Resident killer whales. birth of J-50 brings and Durland then among the Southern to be healthy and ener- four deaths in 2014. The nonetheless.

Supreme Court, low the Washington Supreme Court appeared 30-year a calf mother.

78, The to appeared back up alongside its presumed ng the birth of J-50 in Olympia. The of the lower getic, swimming ely recognized Oddities surroundi upheld decisions attorney fees to researchers immediat , Page 4 However, birth.

NEWBORN its See ng surroundi courts and awarded calf due some peculiarity to be carrying a Durland’s neighbor.

J-16 was not expected simultan eously Durland 17 in all

Sounder deadlines

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newborn Mystery blankets Odd behavior by calf causesage uncertainty over its parent

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Lopez Island

L

opez is the first stop for Washington State Ferries winding through the San Juan Islands, and the third largest of the islands.

It’s known as “The Friendly Isle,” famous for residents’ habit of lifting a few fingers from the steering wheel in an offered wave, whether you be an old friend or a brand-new face. With just 2,500 yearround residents, Lopez is a great place to take your foot off the accelerator and settle into the pace of island life.

Lopez is quiet and relaxed, the gently rolling, open landscape peppered with sunny farms where islanders raise sheep, llamas, wine grapes, apples, pears, kiwis and more.

Scandinavian farmers began the farming tradition in the 1850s.

Bicyclists of all ages and

Tate Thomson photo abilities can enjoy the quiet, winding roads. Each spring the annual Tour de Lopez event draws 900 riders to meander the length of the island.

At 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, Lopez covers just under 30 square miles, with an incredible 63 miles of shoreline.

The island offers a generous array of lovely day-use parks: Otis Perkins County Park, Shark Reef Sanctuary, Hummel Lake Preserve, Agate Beach County Park, Blackie Brady County Park on Hughes Bay, Mud Bay County Park, Lopez Village Park and Lopez Skate Park in Lopez Village.

In 2016, average temperatures ranged from 33 to 45 degrees in January to 49 to 70 degrees in August, with precipitation at less than 1 inch in July, and around 4 inches SEE LOPEZ, PAGE 27

Lopez Island

School District #144 Mission Statement: "Our schools, in partnership with families and community, will meet the individual learning needs of students for success in an ever changing diverse world."

Lopez School (360) 468-2202 86 School Road Lopez Island, WA 98261

Decatur School (360) 375-6004 Decatur Island Anacortes, WA 98221

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11

Orcas Island

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12

O

rcas Island has the most varied terrain of the San Juans, rising dramatically from the Salish Sea. Many homes are perched in niches along the hillsides for spectacular views of the valleys and shorelines beyond.

At 57 square miles, Orcas is larger than San Juan, but has fewer year-round residents - about 4,500. It tends to be cooler and wetter than Lopez and San Juan, with more tree cover, especially in 5,252-acre Moran State Park: densely forested, woven with hiking trails, streams and lakes.

Mount Constitution, towering half a mile high, offers astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding Sound.

Turtleback Mountain Preserve sprawls another 1,718 acres, while various small public parks offer patches of beach access.

The main hub of commu-

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

Tate Thomson photo nity and commerce on Orcas is Eastsound, or “town.” You’ll find grocery stores, a movie theater, a post office, a hardware store and small shops.

The Orcas Island Library was remodeled in 2017 to double its size, thanks to new community funding. Orcas Center showcases local artists and world-renowned talent throughout the year, including big-screen live streamings of National Theatre Live, The Met and The Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema.

The Orcas Island Senior Center is a great social hub for seniors, hosting off-island shopping trips, weekly senior lunches (and transportation to lunch, if needed), recreational gatherings and support for seniors and their families.

In summertime, there’s a weekly farmers’ market and music on the Village Green, SEE ORCAS, PAGE 26

Life in the rainshadow Northwestern Washington has a reputation for being damp and dreary. Seattle is known for its gray skies and rainy days, but in the San Juan Islands, there is a reprieve from the wet weather thanks to the Olympic rain shadow.

Because of the Olympic Mountain Range to the south of the archipelago, the islands are blessed with about half the annual rainfall of Seattle. Other locations in the region affected by the rain shadow include Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Coupeville and Victoria British Columbia. The islands average about 20 inches of rain annually with approximately 247 of sunshine per year.

Spring in the San Juans begins around mid-to-late February.

When April and May arrive, the mornings are in the 40s with clear skies, and afternoons can begin to reach 50 degrees. With days of clear, sunny skies, spring shower storms are usually short-lived.

When Memorial Day Weekend rolls around, the early-summer visitors and residents are greeted by longer days and warmer, drier weather. One last winter-like storm may pass through, dropping a little rain and increased wind speeds, but by the end of June the “warm season” is officially here.

During the mid-to-late summer months of July, August and September, the islands reach their peak temperatures and maximum continuous days of sun. With temperatures averaging

the

about 70 degrees, it has been known to spike up into the upper 80s.

Autumn in the islands lasts for a relatively short time. For the months of October and November, the rains tend to increase along with the likelihood of freezing nights, and sometimes it will snow.

November, December and January are the typical winter months in the San Juans, bringing the wettest weather and the least amount of sunny days. Winter storms in the region are commonly windy and wet rather than snowy, though the rare snowstorm does sweep through the islands, its effects are short lasting.

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Education in the islands LOPEZ ISLAND

• Columbia Virtual Academy.

Grades K-12, cva.org., 360468-2201.

• Lopez School District.

Grades K-12, lopezislandschool.org, 360-468-2202.

ORCAS ISLAND • Kaleidoscope. Ages 4 weeks -12 years, ourkaleidoscopekids.org, 360-376-2484.

• OASIS Alternative School.

Grades K-12, os.orcasislandschools.org/, 360-376-1598.

• Orcas Christian School.

Grades K-12, oics.org, 360376-6683.

• Orcas Island Children’s House. Ages 1 - 6, OICH. org, 360-376-4744.

• Orcas Island Forest School.

Preschool - age 6, orcasislandforestschool.org.

• Orcas Island School District. Grades K-12, orcasislandschools.org, 360-3762287.

SAN JUAN ISLAND

EARLY CHILDHOOD

• Griffin Bay School. Grades 8-12, 360-378-3292.

• Alphabet Soup. Ages 1 - 6, alphabetsouppreschool.com, 360-378-9166.

• Paideia Classical School.

Grades K-8, paideiaclassicalschool.com, 360-378-8322.

• San Juan Island School District. Grades K-12, www.sjisd. wednet.edu, 360-378-4133.

• Orcas Montessori School.

Ages 2 1/2 - 6, orcasmontessori.org, 360-376-5350.

• Spring Street International School. Grades 5-12, springstreet.org, 360-378-6393.

• Salmonberry School. Preschool - age 6, salmonberryschool.org, 360-376-4310 or 360-376-6310.

• Stillpoint School. Grades K-6, stillpointschool.org, 360-378-2331.

SHAW ISLAND

• Waldron Island School.

Grades K-8, 360-376-2286.

• Shaw Island School. Grades K-8, www.shawislandschool. org, 360-468-2570.

West Sound Marina, inc.

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• Children’s House Montessori School. Ages 3 - 6, fridayharbormontessori.org, 360-378-5255.

• Lighthouse Preschool. Ages 3 - 5, fridayharborpresbyterian.org/lighthouse-preschool/, 360-378-4885.

• San Juan Center Preschool Head Start. Ages 3 - 5, sihs. skagit.edu, 360-378-6030.

• Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, 720 Park St., 360-378-4455.

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Orcas Family Health Center is a 501 C-3 non-profit rural health clinic providing comprehensive medical care to residents and visitors on Orcas Island. We take all insurance and have a sliding fee scale for people with deductibles or no insurance.

Jennifer Utter, Certified Physician Assistant Karen Caley Orr, Certified Physician Assistant and David C. Shinstrom, M.D. www.Orcas Family Health Center.org 1286 Mt Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA 360-376-7778

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

San Juan Island

S

an Juan Island is the most urban of the islands, home to the only incorporated town (Friday Harbor), and also a busy international port of entry for Canadian boaters and pilots. It has the most residents, about 8,000 year-round, and yet still keeps a firm hold on its small-town mystique.

At 24 miles long and 9 miles wide, the island covers just over 55 square miles.

Quiet country roads wind gently through sunny meadows and pockets of deep, cool forest. You might come across an alpaca ranch, fields populated by thoughtfully ruminating cows and sheep, the terraces of Pelindaba Lavender Farm, or San Juan Vineyards’ grapevines and winery.

Founded in 1909 and perched at the San Juan Island ferry landing, Friday Harbor has a mayor and town council.

As the county seat, Friday Harbor is also home to county courthouse, government headquarters, and associated agencies and public services.

The town offers dozens of galleries showcasing fine art, native art and photography. The Islands Museum of Art hosts exhibits by regional artists, the San

Tate Thomson photo Juan Community Theatre offers plays and musicals, and the local bookstore often hosts guest speakers. There’s a movie theatre, a popular county fair, a well-stocked public library, and most everything else offered by any self-sustaining town, without the big-box retail stores, fast-food chains or traffic lights. Instead, small restaurants offer home-cooked fare from a variety of ethnic cuisines.

In the summertime you can find island-raised meats, cheeses, eggs, honey and organic produce at weekly farmers’ markets. Weekly Art Markets give local artists a forum to sell and share their work.

Also nearby are the San Juan Historical Museum, the Whale Museum and the University of Washington’s world-class marine research center, Friday Harbor Labs, which offers field trip tours, undergraduate and graduate coursework as well as apprenticeships.

On the northwest tip of the island, in Roche Harbor, you’ll find the Hotel de Haro, named after 1787 Spanish explorer Captain de Haro, and built in 1886 at the original Hudson’s Bay post. The harbor The Book of The San Juan Islands

has a bustling marina with 377 slips, hiking trails winding around Roche Harbor’s historic lime quarries, and three waterfront fine-dining restaurants.

On the west side of the island, Lime Kiln State Park is the only whale-watching park in the world. You’ll find a lighthouse built in 1919 and stunning cliffside vistas with powerful currents swirling visibly at your feet. The nearby waters of Haro strait are frequented May through September by three Southern Resident Orca pods: J, K and L. At the southern end, San Juan Island National Historic Park offers wide-open prairie views soaked in sunshine. South Beach, Jakle’s Lagoon, Fourth of July Beach and Grandma’s Cove are just a few amazing places to explore. Miles of gravelly beach alongside miles of hiking trails offer many perfect options for a blissful afternoon.

The former U.S. Pig War encampments - American and English Camps - are situated on opposite sides of the island. The joint British-U.S. occupation of San Juan SEE SAN JUAN, PAGE 25 15

Shaw Island

Tate Thomson photo

F

lanked by San Juan Island to the southwest, Orcas to the north and Lopez Island to the southeast, Shaw Island is an oasis of stillness. It was named after U.S. naval Captain John Shaw, who spent his career capturing French warships and retaking abducted American merchantmen in the late 1700s.

This tiny isle measures just 7.7 square miles and is home to a population of about 250 year-round residents. At the ferry landing, Shaw Island has a small marina, cafe and general store built in 1924, where you can find everything from nails to gourmet groceries. The store also offers a cottage for nightly lodgings for four to six people.

Beyond that, Shaw has no restaurants, sidewalks, public dock, gas stations, movie theaters, banks, hardware stores, airports or hotels. Instead, Shaw islanders have built a thriving residential community. Social activities like talent shows, plays, concerts, exercise classes, seasonal holiday bashes, senior dinners, 4-H and a Sunday Church Fellowship are held at the Shaw Island Community Center, run by nonprofit Shaw Islanders, Inc. (www. shawislanders.org).

The center is also home base for a volunteer EMT / aid team and fire department drills. Shaw does not have a doctor’s office, so islanders rely on its first responders for emergency care.

Built in 1890, the historic Shaw Island School, also known as “The Little Red Schoolhouse,” is still in operation today - the longest-operating school in the state. Its two multi-age classrooms host about 15 K-8 students. For more information, visit shawislandschool.org.

16

Another key local watering hole is the Shaw Island Library and Historical Society. Library membership is $5 per year, or $50 for a lifetime, and the organization checks out 2,400 books and videos per year. The museum was built in 1970 using logs from the original Shaw Island post office. Visit www.shawislandlibrary. org.

If you enjoy roughing it, Shaw has 13 campsites at 60-acre Shaw County Park, about two miles from the ferry dock on sandy South Beach at Indian Cove. Visit sanjuanco.com/Parks/ shaw.aspx. Boaters also have the option to overnight on nearby Blind Island State Park.

In the summer months, Shaw gets lots of boating visitors, who stop at the marina and store for supplies and anchor in nearby bays or coves. Parks Bay on the west side of the island is known for its spectacular sunsets.

A long-time part of the Shaw Island community are the sisters of a 300-acre Benedictine monastery and farm called Our Lady SEE SHAW, PAGE 25

Shaw services

Learn more about services on Shaw Island at http://shawislanders.org/

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

Anacortes

A

Tate Thomson photo

seaside village, Anacortes is the magical gateway to a glorious archipelago set in the Salish Sea that includes both the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island, home to British Columbia’s provincial capitol.

Technically located on an island itself (Fidalgo Island), Anacortes is also its own thriving mini-metropolis with vibrant cultural, commercial and scenic charisma. The city is rich with 20 miles of saltwater shoreline, five freshwater lakes, a dozen city parks that total 468 acres, more than 50 miles of forested hiking trails, a 220-acre state park and campground, and six different marinas with up to 2,500 boat slips.

The weather is typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from 35 degrees in December to 74 in August.

Anacortes has a thriving arts community, highlighted by over 150 colorful, hand-painted murals painted by local historian Bill Mitchell and friends, with small galleries, an 114-seat theater and chic local boutiques.

Each July, “Shipwreck Day” draws crowds for an annual flea market and garage sale. In August, Anacortes hosts its annual Arts Festival; and every September, 15,000 motorcyclists gather to enjoy the city’s scenic roadways during the annual Oyster Run. Long ago the area was home to the Samish and Swinomish peoples, who built longhouses over 1,000 feet long using the abundant local old-growth cedar and Doug fir. Anacortes proper was founded in 1891. As European settlers moved into the area, local fishermen trawling Alaskan waters began returning with loads of cod for salting. Known as the “City of Smokestacks” in

1920, Anacortes bustled with timber mills and salmon canneries.

Today the southeast peninsula of Fidalgo Island is an official reservation, belonging to the Aboriginal Swinomish, Lower Skagit, Kikiallus and Aboriginal Samish tribes, which operate a busy casino and gas station a few miles outside Anacortes. The Samish Indian Nation keeps its headquarters in Anacortes and operates Fidalgo Bay Resort. In other modern-day industry, Anacortes is the homeport of two major petroleum refineries: Shell and Andeavor, formerly known as Tesoro Corporation.

A privately owned shipyard on the outskirts of town, Dakota Creek Industries, specializes in building and repairing steel and aluminum vessels. The largest seafood company in the United States, Trident Seafoods employs 250. Island Hospital, a general medical and surgical health care facility, has 190 physicians and 43 beds.

The population of Anacortes is about 16,230. Much like the San Juans, the median resident age is higher than the state average, at about 49. The per-capita income is $35,156 and the median household income is $61,922.

At press time, there were over 200 homes for sale in Anacortes, ranging from $21,000 for a quarter-acre lot to $8.8 million for a 4-acre lot. The latest reported median home price is $500,000.

The Anacortes School District offers one early childhood education center, three elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. A thriving public library offers special story and Lego times for kids, among other programs.

The Book of The San Juan Islands

SEE ANACORTES, PAGE 23 17

Wildlife watching at its finest

By Joseph K. Gaydos, Wildlife Veterinarian and Science Director of the SeaDoc Society (www. seadocsociety.org) and co-author of two books on the Salish Sea: “The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest” and “Explore the Salish Sea: A nature guide for kids,” both published by Sasquatch Books.

Welcome to the San Juan Islands. Whether you know it or not, you are nestled in the center of the Salish Sea and are perfectly positioned to partake in some of the world's finest wildlife watching. Some even call the Salish Sea, a 17,000 -square-kilometer inland sea that spans from Olympia (Washington) to Campbell River (British Columbia), the Serengeti of the marine world.

Okay, nobody really calls it that, but they could! Just as people flock to Serengeti to see lions, zebra, wildebeest and a diverse assortment of beautiful birds, people from around the world also make pilgrimages to the Salish Sea to watch 18

killer whales, harbor seals and other marine mammals, and to see a diverse assortment of marine birds, some of which resemble penguins and can "fly" underwater to staggering depths to catch bill-fulls of schooling bait fish.

The Salish Sea boasts 38 mammal, 172 bird, 253 fish, two reptile, and more than 3,000 species of macroinvertebrates that depend on it.

Compared to the rather homogeneous typical Landover method for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, opportunities to see the Salish Sea's wildlife are nearly as diverse as the species that call this place home.

Whether you take your own boat, sign up for an organized whale watch or kayak tour, use a stand up paddleboard, walk a beach at low tide, use scuba or a snorkel to dive beneath the sea, or just stop at a beautiful roadside vista, you will be rewarded with wildlife watching opportunities.

Every time we see a marine

Joseph K. Gaydos photo Steller sea lions bask at a haul out site near San Juan Island

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

mammal or bird, or uncover a brightly colored invertebrate under an overturned beach rock, it's our nature to want to identify it by name. We look it up in a guidebook, commit it to memory, check the box and move on to look for the next animal. But don't let your wildlife-sleuthing stop after you've identified a wild animal.

Take some time to watch it.

Learn how it lives, what it eats, who might eat it and how it survives. You'll be astounded at what you find. Did you know we actually have three distinct types of killer whales that can be seen in the San Juans? True. One ecotype (residents) specializes in eating salmon, another (transients) in hunting marine mammals, and a third (called offshores) prey on sharks. We also have birds that can dive to nearly 600 feet deep (common murre), fish that can migrate as far as Japan before returning (salmon), and invertebrates

that can live to be 150 years old (red urchins). This place is home to world’s largest barnacle (giant barnacle), largest burrowing clam (geoduck), largest chiton (gumboot chiton), and largest octopus (giant Pacific octopus).

The Salish Sea is filled with wildlife with complex lives, the details of which will fascinate you.

The spectacular wildlife surrounding the San Juan Islands makes this place special. Enjoy it! But also remember to help take care of and advocate for it. Use binoculars and watch birds and mammals from a respectable distance. Not littering is a good start. Picking up trash you see on the beach is even better. When tide pooling, be careful where you step, turn over only rocks smaller than your hand and leave animals where you find them.

Never be afraid that your actions don't make a difference.

They do.

Joseph K. Gaydos photo A Southern Resident killer whale spy hops in Rosario Straight

The Book of The San Juan Islands

19

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21

Local Government

Hayley Day photo

T

he county seat is in the Town of Friday Harbor, the only incorporated town in the county, which is nestled right up against the ferry landing in a quiet bay on the eastern shore of San Juan Island.

Friday Harbor’s historic, two-story county courthouse built in 1906, along with a nearby legislative building, hosts the offices of 11 elected officials who together manage and oversee county agencies, departments, assets and projects.

Both the legislative powers and the executive powers of the county are vested in three county council members, who serve four-year terms, each elected from one of the county’s three geographically defined districts: (1) San Juan; (2) Orcas, Blakely and Waldron; and (3) Lopez, Shaw and Decatur.

The council is given the power to levy taxes; decide the compensation of county employees; manage the county’s administrative offices; adopt ordinances regarding comprehensive plans and development regulations; approve contracts for the county; and conduct hearings about matters of public concern.

The council also appoints officers; manages administrative offices; ensures the county’s compliance with the county charter and all federal, state and county laws; reviews and approves operating and capital budgets; and is the signing authority for the county on all claims, deeds and contracts. The main ad-

H O M E & P R O P E R T Y WATC H

ministrative position appointed by the council is the San Juan County manager, who manages day-to-day operation of the county and directly supervises the administrative departments that aren’t already overseen by an elected official.

These departments include: Public Works, Health & Community Services, Community Development, Washington State University Extension, County Administration, Land Bank and County Parks and Fair.

Other elected county officials are a district court and a superior court judge, a county prosecutor, an auditor, a sheriff, an assessor, county clerk and treasurer.

In their decisions, these elected officials are assisted by a number of advisory panels and volunteer committees, as well as a community of thoughtful, involved (and sometimes strongly opinionated) individual members, who often bring a lifetime’s wealth of experience, as well as an extraordinary level of care for their island county.

Islanders in the Salish Sea have always been known for their fierce independence, and in 2005, San Juan County voters adopted “home rule,” an alternate form of county governance allowed by a 1948 amendment to the state constitution.

Home rule allows counties to create their own voter-approved county charter by which to govern themselves (within the limits of the federal and state constitutions), instead of simply following the state-mandated structure of governance. Local voters occasionally approve updates to the county charter, tinkering with the structure of governance to better serve the needs of the community.

San Juan County government has 19 junior taxing districts that provide public services, such as ports; libraries; fire, school and recreation districts; and cemetery districts, all of which derive financial support from property tax levies, in varying degrees, and are supervised by their own panel of elected officials.

For more about San Juan County, visit www.co.san-juan. wa.us. For more about Friday Harbor, visit www.fridayharbor. org. For voter registration info, visit www.co.san-juan.wa.us/ auditor.

360.317.5490 • EZRA JRICHARDSON@GMAIL.COM

22

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

ANACORTES FROM PG 17 The city of Anacortes Parks and Recreation Program operates many programs: adult tennis and co-ed softball; youth camps; early childhood enrichment programs; pee-wee sports, youth wrestling, soccer, basketball and track and field; community sailing; and Skyhawks sports camps and British soccer camps.

Special events include a Daddy Daughter Dance; a 10-mile relay run on the Dallas Kloke Sunset Loop; a spring Egg Dash; a kids’ fishing derby at Heart Lake; an annual “Bark in the Park” dog festival; a kid-geared “Kids R Best Fest”; an Art Dash Half-Marathon run along the Tommy Thompson Parkway; a family-friendly outdoor movie night; a breakfast with Santa; and a Winter Wonderland Walk at Washington Park.

The Anacortes Arts Commission advises the City of Anacortes on public arts and culture. The city has a variety of arts organizations that offer year-round programming in theater, music, and visual and literary arts. The commission’s website (http://www. anacortesartscommission.com/) gives information on where to view much of the city’s extensive collection of public art, including the Anacortes Sculpture program’s many outdoor sculptures.

For more information about Anacortes, visit Anacortes Chamber of Commerce at www.anacortes.org, or call 360-293-3832.

San Juan Ferry and Barge welcomes the M/V Nordland II to our fleet!

Joining the M/V Henry Island in providing marine freight transportation to all islands.

Serving the islands since 1976.

Contact us at 360-317-8486 to schedule service.

Also visit www.sanjuanferryandbarge.com or find us on Facebook.

The Book of The San Juan Islands

23

Schuh Farms Family Owned and Operated for 54 Years

Open April - December

Spring - Tulip Festival, Cut Tulips, Plants, Rhubarb, Gifts for the Garden Summer - 8 Varieties of our own Berries, Garden Produce, Eastern WA Stone Fruit, Pickling Cukes and Dill Fall - Pumpkin Harvest & Family Fun! Local Cider, Apples, Sweet Corn, Winter Squash Winter - Christmas Trees (We Flock), Hand Made Wreaths and Garlands, Ornaments, Nuts Always - Espresso, Eggs, Ice Cream, Cougar Gold Cheese, Homemade Pie, Cookies, Jams, Syrup, Pickles & Gourmet Foods, Cut Flowers

Take the Scenic Route - Memorial Highway 15565 SR 536, Mount Vernon • (360) 424-6982

Sassy Frass Co. Presents:

Anacortes Vintage Market

Saturday April 28th

100 Commercial Ave, Anacortes WA 98221 Tickets available online or at the door

SassyFrassCo.com AnacortesVintageMarket.com

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative Keeping the lights on in San Juan County since 1937 Serving our Co-op Member Owners with: • • • • • • • • •

Safe, reliable power to 20 islands Clean, green mostly hydro power - low carbon profile Rebates for energy efficiency measures Member Owned Renewable Energy Electric Vehicle chargers and incentives Community Solar Home Snapshot Energy Assessments Energy Assistance for Low-Income Households Friendly, local member service staff

Get power @ www.opalco.com 24

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

I

my co-op

SHAW FROM PG 16 of the Rock (www.olrmonastery.org/). The nuns raise Cotswold sheep, llamas and alpacas for wool, and Highland cattle, pigs, poultry and Jersey cows for milking and cheesemaking. Flowers, vegetables and herbs adorn the monastery’s gardens.

Visitors can participate in farm-work retreats and internships, daily mass or stay at the retreat house in exchange for a small donation.

Nuns have been an integral part of Shaw for decades.

From 1976 until June 2004, the ferry wharf and general store were managed by four

Franciscan nuns who collected tickets and directed traffic ,wearing yellow safety vests over their dark brown habits.

The Benedictines and another order, the Sisters of Mercy (http://www.rsmofalma.org/), remain on Shaw.

Shaw has two University of Washington preserves: the Cedar Rock Preserve and the 496-acre Shaw Island Marine Preserve donated by Fred and Marilyn Ellis, which is the department of Fish and Wildlife’s largest marine preserve.

The area is home to masses of floating kelp beds, quillback, copper and Puget Sound rockfish, kelp greenling, and lingcod, as well as the usual species

SAN JUAN FROM PG 15 began in 1859 and ended in 1867; the camps are now peaceful parks for wildlife and island folk to wander, as well as sets for occasional historical reenactments.

San Juan is the only island with regular mass transit, with a circuit to popular spots provided daily by San Juan Transit shuttle buses. There are also cars and mo-

commonly observed in the San Juan Islands: great blue herons, eagles, cormorants, gulls, diving seabirds, river otters and orca whales.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife set aside five of these “partial-take” marine preserves in the San Juans at the request of the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs, which argued that local wildlife needed more protection from harvesting pressures. WDFW and UW students and scientists actively monitor and conduct research in these preserves. And since the preserves were established, the protected fish are getting larger.

peds for rent.

Current real estate prices range from $26,500 for a slip at a local marina to $20 million for a 99-acre luxury estate. Recently, the median sale price was $699,000.

San Juan tends to be sunnier and drier than Orcas Island, especially the south end. Average temperatures range from a low of 35 to a high of 71 degrees. The

strongest winds recorded were 53 mph, with an average of 22 mph.

San Juan Island has a public elementary, middle and high school as well as a district-hosted alternative school and a handful of private elementary, middle and high schools.

For more information on San Juan Island, visit the chamber of commerce at http://www.sanjuanisland.org/.

San Juan Island Services CenturyLink (Phone, Internet and TV) 800-244-1111 County Council Bill Watson Mailing: 350 Court St. 360-370-7473 billw@sanjuanco.com www.sanjuanco.com Fire Department District 3 Fire Chief Brad Creesy 1011 Mullis St. 360-378-5334 www.sjifire.org Mullis Community Senior Center 589 Nash St. 360-378-2677 www.mulliscenter.com

Orcas Power & Light Co-operative 1034 Guard St. Office: 360-376-3500 Outages: 360-376-3599

SJI Chamber of Commerce Physical: 165 First St. Mailing: P.O. Box 98 360)-378-5240 www.sanjuanisland.org

Peace Island Medical Center 1117 Spring St. 360-378-2141 www.peacehealth.org/ peace-island-medical-center

San Juan Island EMS 1079 Spring Street 360-378-5152 wwww.sanjuanems.org

Port of Friday Harbor Marina: 360-378-2688 204 Front Street Airport: 360-378-4724 800 Franklin Rd. www.portfridayharbor.org

SJ Island Library Laurie Orton, director 1010 Guard St. 360-378‑2798 www.sjlib.org

Rock Island Communication 360-378-5884 www.rockisland.com

SJ Island School District 285 Blair St. 360-378-4133 www.sjisd.wednet.edu

The Book of The San Juan Islands

Real estate for sale on Shaw is limited: At press time, there were just six properties for sale, priced from $109,000 for a 5-acre lot to a $1.5 million for a 4-acre waterfront luxury home. The recent median list price for a home was $547,500. Most homes on Shaw rely on well water and on-site septic systems.

In 2016, average temperatures ranged from 34 to 45 degrees in January; to between 50 and 70 degrees in August.

Monthly summer precipitation was just under 1 inch in July, rising to about 4 inches in the winter months of November, December and January.

Sheriff ’s Office Ron Krebs, sheriff 96 Second St. 360-378‑4151 EMERGENCY: 911 www.sanjuanco.com/344/ Sheriff Town of Friday Harbor Farhad Ghatan, mayor Physical: 60 Second St. Mailing: P.O. Box 219 360-378-2810 ext. 238 Water: 360-378-8353 Wastewater: 360-378-5400 Transfer Station: 360378‑8449 mayor_farhad@fridayharbor.org www.fridayharbor.org

25

WELCOME FROM PG 7 use.

Island life ebbs and flows with the seasons, as the annual tourist (and seasonal resident, or “snowbird”) influx rises each spring with the first daffodils and slows to a trickle as the mists of gray October creep in. Summer is a time of festive parades, with the hum of weekend crowds browsing

at farmers’ markets or relaxing at music festivals.The islands are home to a thriving culinary arts community, with local artisans crafting brews, ciders and fine wines; fromagers; shellfish farmers; and chocolatiers.

And wintertime has its own quiet island rhythm, a time for friends to gather, play in the occasional snow on the slopes of Mount Constitution or explore the great outdoors.

ORCAS FROM PG 12 where you can shop for fresh organic produce and meat, textiles, hot lunch-wagon fare, and handcrafted gift items made by island artisans from locally grown sheep’s wool, beach glass, rocks and more.

Islanders love parades, and hold them at every possible excuse: the Fourth of July, a hilarious pet parade, and Summer Solstice, which is often particularly wacky and enthusiastic as participants flounce through Eastsound dressed in outlandish costumes. Don’t be surprised to find your neighbors scantily clad and suddenly sprouting butterfly and fairy wings, garish giant flowers, zany hats or furry creature costumes.

At the edge of town is the Funhouse Commons, a place for kids and teens to hang out after school, get help doing their homework, join an art class or robotics club. The building also houses Orcas Island Park and Recreation District, which

handles community recreation programs like kids’ soccer, running club, softball/ baseball, adult recreational volleyball, swimming lessons, sailing lessons and more. The recreation district also manages popular Buck Park, just outside Eastsound, where you’ll find the Orcas Skate Park, tennis courts, soccer fields, a playground and, next door, a new dog park - the Orcas Off-Leash Area. The park grounds butt right up to the fields of the Orcas Island Elementary, Middle and High Schools. The high school was ranked 8th in the state by the 2017 US News and World Report. The reported enrollment was 134 students.

From Eastsound, you can follow the main road southwest to the ferry landing and Deer Harbor, or southeast to Moran State Park, Olga, Doe Bay and beyond. Island hamlets include Orcas Village, home of the ferry landing, a gourmet grocery, a post office and specialty shops. Deer Harbor, on the sunny west side, has a water view, family-style restaurant, a ma-

Orcas Services

CenturyLink (phone, internet and TV) (800)244-1111 County Council Rick Hughes 360-472-0253

Eastsound Sewer and Water 143 Cessna Rd. 360-376-2720 www.eswd.org Eastsound Water Users Assoc.

360-376-2127 eastsoundwater.org

26

San Juan County consistently ranks among Washington state’s healthiest counties, thanks to low crime rates, access to health care, good air quality and residents’ physical activity. The county also boasts a high level of education: 47 percent hold bachelor’s degrees or higher; and 95 percent are high school graduates.

Islanders come from all walks of life, experiences and income brackets, but are united

Fire Department District 2 Fire Chief Scott Williams 45 Lavender Ln. 360-376-2331 orcasfire.org Orcas Family Health Center 1286 Mount Baker Rd. 360-376-7778 www.orcasfamilyhealthcenter. org

by a deep and abiding sense of community and care for one another and for the earth and its creatures. Residents have created a phenomenal number of nonprofits – more than 100 on Orcas Island alone – and donate countless hours every year. There’s no place like San Juan County for a warm sense of belonging and nurturing, a bond created both with the people and the land.

rina, lodgings, and a thriving and sociable community club that hosts monthly potluck meetings.

The tiny hamlet of Olga, nestled on the east shore, also has a community club – a 1913 clubhouse built by the members of the all-female “Olga Energetic Club.”

Club members host the annual July Olga Daze festival and barn sale, where the scent of homemade maple doughnuts lingers in the air and intricate handmade quilts are up for raffle. Out beyond Olga is Doe Bay Resort, which hosts the annual summer Doe Bay Music Festival and has a general store, lodging, a hot tub and a restaurant where locals perform at openmic nights to benefit island nonprofits.

Recently, the median home sale price was $885,000. Prices range from $55,000 for a half-acre vacant lot to $12.5 million for a 12,000-square-foot estate on 118 acres.

For more information about Orcas, visit Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce online at www.orcasislandchamber.com.

Orcas Island Family Medicine 33 Urner St. #5 360-376-4949

Orcas Senior Services 62 Henry Rd. 360-376-2677 www.orcasseniors.org

Orcas Library Phil Heikkinen, director 500 Rose Street 360-376-4985 www.orcaslibrary.org

Sheriff’s Office Orcas Substation 1323 Mt. Baker Rd. 360-378-4151 EMERGENCY: 911 www.sanjuanco.com/344/Sheriff

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative 183 Mt. Baker Rd 360-376-3500 - office 360-376-3599 - outages www.opalco.com

2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

UW Medicine Orcas Island Clinic 7 Deye Ln. 360-376-2561 www.uwmedicine.org/locations/ orcas-island-clinic

LOPEZ FROM 11

Lopez Island Services

per month in November, December and January.

For overnight camping, 80-acre waterfront Odlin County Park has 30 overnight campsites scattered along fine sandy beaches. You can also camp at 138-acre Spencer Spit State Park, where a quarter-mile-long sandy spit juts out into the swift channel of Lopez Sound toward precipitous Frost Island. The spit also encircles a muddy tidal flat that’s prime habitat for native littleneck, varnish, butter, horse clams and cockles. You can learn about open seasons and limits for shellfish harvesting online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/.

Regarding school life, Lopez Island School District had 243 children enrolled in the 2016-2017 school year. The district includes one elementary, middle and high school, as well as a K-8 school for nearby Decatur Island. Lopez Island School District offers several different types of alternative learning experiences.

If you wander into Lopez Village, you’ll find yourself in the midst of cozy coffee shops like Isabel’s Espresso and Holly B’s Bakery (famous for having “the best buns!”), fine restaurants and stylish boutiques, not to mention the Just Heavenly Fudge Factory next door to an ice cream shop. Vortex Cafe and Juice bar serves up fresh juices and smoothies, along with organic local vegan and gluten-free fare. Two of the islands’ three main grocery stores are here: Lopez Village Market and Blossom Grocery.

The other is Southend General Store and Restaurant, located on the island’s south end.

Just outside town, Lopez Center for Community and the Arts hosts island benefits, concerts and community events. The center also hosts a community garden, Lopez Children’s Center, a skateboard park and Lopez Island Family Resource Center, which helps with food and financial assistance, life skill classes and workshops. Restored historic Woodmen Hall, more than 100 years old, is another community gathering place. Recent events include line dancing, pinochle, yoga for seniors and an auction. Woodmen Hall is also home to the island’s senior center. Lopez Thrift Shop sells used items to raise funds, giving yearly grants for locals in need.

Current real estate prices on Lopez range from $33,000 for a half-acre lot to $3.29 million for a 4,000-square-foot estate with spectacular ocean views. The recent median sale price is $747,475. Many homes have private or small shared wells, in addition to onsite septic systems.

Affordable housing is provided by Lopez Community Land Trust, Lopez Housing Options and Westview Apartments. And the nonprofit Lopez Housing Solutions operates The Hamlet House in Lopez Village, a development dedicated to the support of senior citizens who are limited by their health.

The Lopez community has created a unique safety net for island residents with terminal illness: Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support. The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization provides its neighbors with professional case management, chore and respite services, errands, transportation, loans of durable medical equipment, and friendly company.

County Council Chairman Jamie Stephens 360-378-2898 Fire Department J.M. Harner, chief 2228 Fisherman Bay Rd. 360-468-2991 www.lopezfire.com Lopez Island Public Library 2225 Fisherman Bay Rd. 360-468-2265 www.lopezlibrary.org

Senior Services Lopez Senior Center 4102 Fisherman Bay Rd. 360-468-2421 Sheriff’s Department 2228 Fisherman Bay Rd. 360-378-4151 (nonemerg.) www.sanjuanco.com/344/ Sheriff UW Medicine Lopez Clinic, 103 Washburn Pl.

Lopez Village 360-468-2245 www.uwmedicine.org/locations/lopez-island-clinic

Utilities & Services CenturyLink (Phone, Internet, TV) 844-244-1111 Fisherman Bay Sewer District 295 Village Rd., #201 360-468-2131 Fisherman Bay Water Assoc. 2205 Fisherman Bay Rd. 360-468-2002 Orcas Power & Light Cooperative 4232 Center Rd. 360-376-3544 www.opalco.com Rock Island Communications 360-378-5884

You’ll also find the Lopez Animal Protection Society working to protect and provide for four-footed islanders. The Catherine Washburn Medical Association helps support and maintain the Lopez Island Medical Clinic for all residents. In 2017, UW Medicine took over clinical operations at the Lopez Clinic. The Friends of Lopez Island Pool is in the process of building a set of two community pools for Lopez Island that will serve kids, adults and those needing water therapy.

Uptown Consignment

15 Second St, Friday Harbor • 360-378-3828 secondact@rockisland.com • www.secondact.shoprw.com

The Book of The San Juan Islands

27

I continue to be concerned about housing affordability. Home prices have been rising across much of the country at unsustainable rates and, although I still contend that we are not in “bubble” territory, it does represent a substantial impediment to the long-term health of the housing market. But if home price growth begins to taper, as I predict it will in 2018, that should provide some relief in many markets where there are concerns about a housing bubble. janmill

MILLENNIAL HOME BUYERS

Last year, I predicted that the big story for 2017 would be millennial buyers and it Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist | Windermere Real Estate | January 2018 appears I was a little too bullish. In 2017, first-time buyers made up about 34% of all home purchases—below is expected in a normalized market. Although Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist | Windermerethe Real40% Estate that | January 2018 Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist | Windermere Real Estate | January 2018 MAT THEW GARDNER they are buying, it is not across all regions of the country, ratherforthey are currently As Chief Economist Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and attracted to less expensive markets such as North Dakota, Ohio, and Maryland. its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national

2018 HOUSING FORECAST 2018 FORECAST 2018HOUSING HOUSING FORECAST level. Matthew has over 27 years of professional experience both

theof number of millennial should into expand further andball be one of thewhat’s on the horizon WINDERMERE.COM in the my U.S. andcrystal U.K. It’sThis theyear, time the year when Ibuyers look deep to see for biggest influencers in the U.S. housing market. I also believe that they will begin buying 360-378-3600 50 Spring Street, Friday Harbor islandinfo@windermere.com the upcoming year.

2017 was a stellar year for housing across the country, but can we expect It’s theintime ofexpensive the year when I look deep into my crystal ball to see what’s on the horizon for more It’s the time of themarkets. year when I look deep into my crystal ball to see what’s on the horizon for to continue 2018?

Hereyear areformy thoughts: thethat upcoming year. 2017inwas a stellar housing across the country, but can we expect the upcoming year. 2017 was a stellar year for housing across the country, but can we expect that to continue in 2018? Here are my thoughts: that to continue in 2018? Here are my thoughts: 2001 likes janmill Home Sweet Home #newhome

MILLENNIAL HOME BUYERS MILLENNIAL HOME BUYERS

janmill

NEW HOME SALES

Last year, I predicted that the big story for 2017 would be millennial buyers and it MILLENNIAL HOME BUYERS home appears I was that a little bullish.

In 2017, buyers made 34% of all sales should rise by around 8% Last year, I predicted the too big story for 2017 wouldfirst-time be millennial buyers and itup about New LastI was year, I predicted that the first-time big for 2017 millennial buyers it units, with prices increasing by to and 655,000 appears a little too bullish.

In 2017, madewould up in about 34% of all market. home purchases—below 40%story thatbuyers is expected abe normalized Although homethey purchases—below 40%across that is expected a of normalized market.

Although appears I was a little too bullish.

2017,infirst-time buyers made up about 34% of all housing starts—and therefore are buying, itthe is not allInregions the country, rather they are currently 4.1%.

While they attracted are buying, it isless not expensive across all regions of the country, rather they currently home purchases—below the 40% that isas expected in are a normalized Althoughrise next year, they will still to markets such North Dakota, Ohio, andmarket.

Maryland. sales—will attracted lessbuying, expensive markets such asall North Dakota, and Maryland. theyto are it is not across regions of Ohio, the country, remain well below the long-term average This year, the number of millennial buyers should expand rather furtherthey andare be currently one of the attracted to less expensive markets such as North Dakota, Ohio, and Maryland.

This year, the number of millennial should expand further and be onethat of thethey to escalating land, will labor, materials, biggest influencers in thebuyers U.S. housing market.

Idue also believe begin buyingand regulatory costs. I do biggest influencers the U.S. housing market. buyers I also believe that they willhope begin buying This year,expensive theinnumber of millennial should expand further and be one of the in more markets. hold out that home builders will be able to help meet the high in more expensive markets. in the U.S. housing market. I also believe that they will begin buying biggest influencers demand we’re expecting from first-time buyers, but in many markets in more expensive markets. it’s very difficult for them to do so due to rising construction costs. janmill

janmill

2001 likes janmill Home Sweet Home #newhome

2001 likes janmill Home Sweet Home #newhome

2001 likes janmill Home Sweet Home #newhome

NEW HOME SALES NEW HOME SALES New home sales 8% should rise by around 8% New home sales should rise by around NEW HOME SALES to 655,000 units, with to 655,000 units, with prices increasing by prices increasing by

INTEREST RATES

New home sales should rise by around 8% While therefore housing starts—and therefore 4.1%. While housing4.1%. starts—and

toyear, 655,000 units, withyear, prices increasing Interest rates continue to baffle rise they will still by sales—will rise nextsales—will they will stillnext 4.1%.

While housing starts—and therefore remain well below the long-term average forecasters. The anticipated rise that remain well below the long-term average sales—will rise year, they will still dueland, to escalating land, labor, materials, regulatory costs.

I do labor, materials, and regulatory costs.

Iand donext many of us have been predictingdue for to escalating remain out hope that builders willbelow be tolong-term help meetaverage the high hold that home builders willhome be able to helpwell meet the able highthe several years has yet to materialize.

Asout hopehold due to escalating land,buyers, labor, materials, and regulatory do we’redemand expecting from first-time but in many markets we’re expecting from first-time buyers, but in costs. many Imarkets it stands right now, my forecast isdemand for hold outdifficult hope that home builders will to be able to help meet the high it’s very difficult forvery them to do so duethem to rising construction costs. it’s for to do so due rising construction costs. interest rates to rise modestly to an demand we’re expecting from first-time buyers, but in many markets average of 4.4% for a conventional it’s very we difficult forexpect them to do so due to sales risingto construction In 2018 should existing home increase by costs.

30-year fixed-rate mortgage—still 3.7%—or 5.62 million housing units. In many areas, demand will remarkably low when compared to continue to exceed supply, but a modest increase in inventory historic averages.

INTEREST RATES will help take some heat off the market. Because of this, home prices INTEREST RATES Interest rates continue to baffle are likely to rise by 4.4%.

Interest rates continue to baffle

EXISTING HOME SALES

INTEREST RATES

forecasters. The anticipated rise that forecasters. The anticipated rise that manyInterest of us have beencontinue predictingto forbaffle many of rates us have been predicting for several years has yetThe to materialize.

As rise that forecasters. anticipated several years has yet to materialize.

As it stands rightofnow, my forecast ispredicting for many us have been it stands right now, my forecast is for for interest rates to rise modestly to an several years yetmodestly to materialize.

I continue to behas concerned abouttohousing interest rise an As affordability. Home prices have been rising across much of the country at average of 4.4%rates for a to conventional Infor 2018 we should existing home sales toterritory, increase by it stands right now, my forecast is unsustainable rates and, although I contend thatexpect we are not in “bubble” it does represent a substantial average of mortgage—still 4.4% for a conventionalstill 30-year fixed-rate 2018 we should expect existing home to taper, increase 3.7%—or 5.62In million housing units.

In manyprice areas, growth demand willsales to interest rates to rise modestly to an impediment to the long-term health of the housing market.

But if home begins as Iby predict it 30-year mortgage—still remarkably lowfixed-rate when compared to 3.7%—or 5.62 million housing units.

In many areas, demand will continue to exceed supply, but a modest increase in inventory average of 4.4% for a conventional will in 2018, that should provide some relief in many markets where there are concerns about a housing bubble. remarkably low when compared to In 2018 we should expect existing home sales to increase by historic averages. continue to the exceed supply, but a modest increase in inventory heat off market.

Because of this, home prices 30-year averages. fixed-rate mortgage—stillwill help take some historic 3.7%—or 5.62some million housing units.

In many areas, demand will will help take heat off the market.

Because of this, home prices are likely to rise by 4.4%. remarkably low when compared to continue to exceed supply, but a modest increase in inventory are likely to rise by 4.4%. historic averages. will help take some heat off the market. Because of this, home prices are likely to rise by 4.4%.

HOUSING BUBBLE

EXISTING HOME SALES

EXISTING HOME SALES EXISTING HOME SALES

HOUSING BUBBLE THEW GARDNER HOUSINGMAT BUBBLE HOUSING BUBBLE

I continue to be concerned about housing affordability. Home prices have been rising across much of the country at unsustainable rates although I still contend that weaffordability. areReal notEstate, in “bubble” territory, ithave doesbeen represent a substantial As Chief Economist for Windermere Matthew Gardner I continue to and, be concerned about housing Home prices rising across much of the country at impediment to the long-term health of housing market.

Butthat if home pricenot growth begins toterritory, taper, as I it predict is responsible forthe analyzing interpreting economic data and unsustainable rates and, although I stilland contend we are in “bubble” doesitrepresent a substantial to be concerned affordability.

Home prices risingbubble. across much of the country at will inI continue 2018, that should provide some relief manymarket markets are aboutbeen a housing its impact on about the realinhousing estate onwhere both athere local andconcerns nationalhave impediment to the long-term health of the housing market.

But if home price growth begins to taper, as I predict it unsustainable rates although contend that weexperience are not in “bubble” territory, it does represent a substantial level.and, Matthew has overI still 27 years of professional both will in 2018, that should provide some relief in many markets where there are concernsWINDERMERE.COM about a housing bubble. in the U.S. and U.K. impediment to the long-term health of the housing market. But if home price growth begins to taper, as I predict it will in 2018, that should provide some relief in many markets where there are concerns about a housing bubble.

360-378-3600 28

50 Spring Street, Friday Harbor

MAT THEW GARDNER 2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impactAs onChief the realEconomist estate market both a local and national foron Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner level. Matthew has over 27for years of professional experience both is responsible analyzing and interpreting economic data and

MAT THEW GARDNER MAT THEW GARDNER

WINDERMERE.COM

islandinfo@windermere.com

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October 26-27-28, 2018 The Book of The San Juan Islands

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CE

• Fresh Produce • Full-Service Deli/Bakery • Cut In-House Meat • Local Seafood • Craft Beers, Fine Wines & Spirits And everything you need to make the best meal on your trip to Orcas Island.

Store hours : MON. – SAT. 7am -9 pm • Summer hours : MON. – SAT. 7am -10 pm • SUNDAY 8 am -8 pm

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2018-19 Information & Relocation Guide

The Book of The San Juan Islands

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Center for health & wellness for West Skagit & the San Juan Islands!

Island Hospital is one of the most innovative and recognized small hospitals in the U.S. Island offers a Level III Emergency Department, state-ofthe-art Diagnostic Imaging and a full range of high-quality services from the Birth Center to Rehabilitation Services.

FREE CAB RIDES FOR ISLAND PATIENTS!

• Birth Center

• Surgery Center

• Cancer Care Center

(360) 299-4200

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

• Diagnostic Services, including Mammography, DEXA

• Psychiatry & Behavioral Health

(360) 299-1331

(360) 299-1315

(360) 299-1300 (360) 299-1328 (360) 299-4297

• Headache Clinic

• Sleep Wellness Center

• Island Surgeons

• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine

(360) 299-4929 (360) 293-5142

(360) 299-8676 (360) 899-4600

Main Switchboard (855) 440-4200

Call main toll-free and ask for connection to any department

Free round-trip transport is available from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for San Juan County residents who are using Island Hospital or IH clinics. For info visit islandhospital.org; for reservations call:

(360) 708-6358 OUR PROMISE

Your best healthcare experience begins at Island Hospital. We always place your emotional and medical needs first and foremost.

1211 24th Street / Anacortes • islandhospital.org

The Book of The San Juan Islands

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