The Islands’Weekly
National IMLS funding cuts have impacts on island libraries Lopez track shines at La Conner
Submitted by the Lopez IslandLibrary.
An executive order issued by the federal administration on March 14 calls for deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS is an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums in all 50 states and U.S. territories through grantmaking, research and policy development. It is the nation’s only federal agency that funds America’s libraries.
Though the bulk of funding for the San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island libraries comes from the voter-approved property tax levies, the libraries do benefit from IMLS funding and will see some disruption of services if the budget is cut. The WashingtonStateLibrarypublisheda document on March 18 that
outlines how these cuts will affect Washington libraries.
The current federal award of$3.9millionfortheGrants to States program, if cut, will have the following impacts across Washington:
• Access to eBooks and eAudiobooks will be reduced. WSL oversees the Washington Digital Library Consortium,whichmanages andhelpsfundtheWashington Anytime Library, serving 40 Washington library districts,includingourisland libraries. The popular Libby
appwillhavefewertitlesand longerholdlinesonavailable books. Worst-case scenarios include losing the Libby service for our patrons.
• Loss of research databases and training. Federal funds cover half the cost of statewide database licenses and extensive training made availableforlibrarystaff.The island libraries would have fewerdatabasesavailablefor public use, and staff would lose valuable skills training.
• WSL supports technology upgrades for small and rural libraries like ours in Washington state. Lack of IMLS funding may mean our libraries have slower internet access and pay for more expensive technology services.
• End of innovative projects: Statewide programs like virtual reality headsets, tabletopgaminggrants,State DiscoverPassesandassistive
devicesforthosewithdisabilities would disappear. The island libraries frequently utilize these grants to bring extra services to island residents, and our community would lose access to these innovative services.
It is important to note that IMLS funding supports many essential types of libraries across the state. Cuts to IMLS funding would seriously endanger prison, hospital and tribal libraries and severely weaken the breadth of service offered by theWashingtonTalkingBook and Braille Library.
As stated by the American Library Association, “As seedbeds of literacy and innovation, our nation’s 125,000 public, school, academic and special libraries deserve more, not less support. Libraries of all types translate 0.003% of the federalbudgetintoprograms and services used in more than1.2billionyearlyin-person patron visits, and many more virtual visits.”
Those wishing to voice concerns over the federal administration’s executive order against IMLS funding can find suggestions at the EveryLibrary Institute, a nonprofit corporation that supports library funding across the United States. Our island libraries thank the community for its continual support, and we will continue to work to provide quality services and resourcestothecommunity.
By Gene Helfman Weekly contributor
TheLobosopenedits2025 track season with a strong showing at the NW 1B/1B meet at La Conner High on March 19.
Despite only two weeks of practice and cold, blustery, gray conditions, the Lobos held their own in a fieldofhundredsofathletes.
Top honors in the boys’ 300-meter hurdles went to Rowdy Spreine, while Ethan Patrick was first overall in the 400-meter run. Second place went to Betty Burt in shotput, Kylie Willemsen in high jump, Patrick in the 800-meter run and Rafael Velazquez in the 3200-meter run. Benjamin Stephensen was third in the
800-meterrun,TristanBuckallew-Wilbur took third in the 400-meter run, as did the girls 4x200 relay team of Willemsen, Iris McClean, Glory Westervelt and Lily Nichols.
Lobos posting personal records included Huck Henderson, Nikolai Kazakov, Fatima Velazquez, Beau Spreine, Francis Jones, Lulu Velazquez, Ian Cankusic, Willemsen and Buckallew-Wilbur. Shane Patrick faced his first meet as the Lobos’ track coach and came away extremely happy with the individual performances and each team’s overall standing, the boys placing fourth and the girls sixth against an 11-school field.
The Lobos girls’ 4x200 meter relay team of (left to right) Iris McClean, Glory Westervelt, Kylie Willemsen, and Lily Nichols celebrate their one-second win over Providence Christian in their heat at La Conner.
Trespassing transgressions; suspected skeleton | San Juan County Sheriff’s Log
The San Juan County’s Sheriff’s Office responded to thefollowingcalls.
March 19
• An Orcas Island deputy authored a report to help a local citizen with bank fraud. The citizen was a check fraud victim and received their money back. The incident was documented.
• An Orcas Island deputy helped a local business with a trespassing problem. A local individual experiencing mental health problems attemptedtoenterabusiness that they were trespassed from.Whendeputiesarrived, theindividualhadalreadyleft the area. The incident was documented.
• San Juan Deputies,
Alcoholics Anonymous
Lopez AA meetings weekly via Zoom. Monday night mtg. 7:00 pm, Wed. Women’s mtg. 5:30 pm and Sat. noon hybrid (in person at LIFRC and Zoom). Please contact aaonlopezisland@gmail.com or call (360) 468-4302 for more information.
Al-Anon
Lopez Al-Anon meets weekly on Saturday at the Gathering Place at The Hamlet Cottages at 9:30 a.m.
emergency medical services and Orcas Island Fire and Rescuerespondedtoareport of a single-vehicle accident. Thedriverfailedtonegotiatea curveintheroad,wentoffthe embankmentandlandedina swamp.Thedriverwasissued citationsfornegligentdriving in the first degree and driving while license suspended in the third degree, and was issued additional infractions.
March 20
• A deputy was contacted about an unwanted person on business property. Two persons were issued trespass letters and removed from the business property. A report was taken.
• San Juan Island Deputies responded to a death investigationandnotednoevidence of suspicious activity and believe the person died of natural causes. A uniform death report was sent to the Coroner’s Office.
• An Orcas Island deputy assisted a business owner in the Rosario area with a trespassing problem. The business owner did not want the suspect to be trespassed at
business.
• A San Juan deputy responded to a report of a vehicle theft. The owner called a phone that was left in the vehicle, and a location was obtained. The deputy located the vehicle, and an individual was arrested for DUI. They also appeared to suffer from dementia.
March 21
• A Lopez resident requested assistance with a court order violation related to a divorce. A report will be forwarded to the court.
• An Orcas Island deputy responded to an unwanted personexperiencingamental health crisis at a local business. Deputies attempted to helptheindividualbyproviding resources for mental health, however, the individual declined help. The individual was trespassed from
• Orcas Island deputies responded to a person experiencing a mental health crisis trespassing at a local business. Deputies arrested the individual, and the individual was admitted into the hospital pending mental health treatment. The person was later booked into jail for multiple charges.
• An Orcas Island deputy responded to a traffic accident in the Eastsound area. A vehicledroveofftheroadonto the side of the road and was stuck in the mud. An investigationrevealedthatthedriver was not under the influence of any substance. The incident was documented.
• An Orcas Island deputy assisted a local elderly citizen in identifying an overthe-phone Amazon scam. The savvy citizen was not fooled by the scammer and justwantedreassurancefrom the Sheriff’s Office.
March 22
•Deputiesweredispatched to a domestic dispute in the San Juan Island area. Deputies arrived and spoke with thepeopleinvolved.Theincident was found to be a verbal argument only. One person was arrested on a warrant fromanothercounty.Areport was taken.
• An Orcas Island deputy responded to a non-injury accident in the Eastsound area.Avehicledodgedhitting a deer but ended up stuck on an embankment. The vehicle received minor damage, was winched out and driven home. It was a learning experience for the young driver.
• A Lopez deputy responded to a verbal disagreement at a bar. Both parties had departed by the time the deputy arrived.
March 23
• An Orcas Island deputy took a report for trespassing andtheft.Thereportingparty alleged a subject who was a formertenantonherproperty returned and removed items from the reporting party’s propertywithoutpermission.
• A deputy responded to a traffic accident in the Friday Harbor area. The deputy arrived on the scene. A vehicle had suffered a mechanical failure and had struck a building. Information was exchanged, and a report was taken.
March 24
• A deputy on Orcas Island was assigned a threats call. The complainant sent compromising photos to a person they met online. The recipient told the complainant they would share the photographs with their contacts if they did not pay them in prepaid gift cards.
• A deputy on San Juan Island took a report of mail theft.Areportwascompleted.
• A Lopez Island deputy was dispatched to a harassment call. The incident was documented.
March 25
• An Orcas Island Deputy took a report of a non-injury propertydamagetrafficcollision in Eastsound.
• A deputy on Orcas Island responded to a theft complaint. The complaint was investigated and determined to be unfounded.
•A6-year-oldwasreported missing. The child was located and reunited with their parents.
• Deputies on San Juan Island responded to what was reported as possible human remains on a beach. Upon investigation, the item was determined to be made of rubber/silicone, with an unknown origin or purpose. Theitemwasdisposedof,and an informational report was completed.
this time, and the incident was documented.
the
The Westerlies perform on Lopez
Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is thrilled to announcethatTheWesterlies brass quintet will perform on Lopez Island Sunday as part of their upcoming music residency. On Sunday, April 6, at 3:30p.m.,thegroupshowcases
their range of musical styles, including roots, jazz, classical and folk, in a Community Concert at Lopez Center. Admission is by donation at the door.
Formedin2011,theself-described “accidental brass
quartet” takes its name from the prevailing winds that travel from west to east. Born and raised on the West Coast and now based in New York, trumpeters Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands and trombonists Andy Clausen
Lopez School update
by Brady Smith LISD Superintendent
Thesearechallengingtimes for schools. Like many public institutions, schools are facing funding issues ranging from uncertainty regarding federal grant monies to perpetual under-funding from Washington state to levy lids that reduce local funding. Add to thatthefactthattrustinpublic institutions nationally is low and students are still recovering from pandemic-related developmentaldisruptionand learningloss.
Asalong-timeschoolleader, I have had many challenging years. But this combination of asuddenandmassiverestructuring of the federal government including changes to policy and funding that impact our most vulnerable to areported$12Billiondeficitat thestatelevelthatlimitsnecessary financial fixes for school districtsfeelstrulyoverwhelming. It is incredibly tempting to tune out, to circle the wagons, to step back. After a disheartening lobbying trip to Olympia and with the onslaught of changes at the federal level, I havegrappledwiththismyself inthepastweeks.
ButIknow,instead,thatthis is the time when we must step forward.Togetherwecanseek humane, child-centered, local solutions. I am committed to seeing our school district through this difficult time and I ask you to join me. It will not beeasy.
Step forward to volunteer Kitty Harmon has agreed to
step up to serve as our volunteer Volunteer Coordinator. She is collaborating with me and staff to develop a list of volunteer opportunities at school and will advertise, recruitandsupportpeoplelike youwhostepforwardtogiveof your time and energy. Volunteer roles include supervising parentpick-upattheendofthe day,recessduty,concessionsat sports,cafeteriasupport,tutor, gardenhelper,vandriver,yearbookscanner,libraryaide,and more! Look for outreach from Kitty and please considerthere is something for you to do at school even if you can onlycommittoanhouraweek!
You can also step up to join LIPTSA, apply for the School Board, or join a L.I.F.E. (Garden)ProgramWorkParty!
Step forward to advocate Tellourelectedofficialsthat theparamountdutyofthestate is to fund education and that at the Lopez School, we have beenunder-fundedbyover$4 Million over the last five years (see attachment). Though the legislative long session wraps up in April, your voice can still impact decision-making in Olympia. Contact your elected representatives to tell them how important it is to adequately fund your public school.
Stepforwardtoenrollyour child
As our website states: "We offer students the benefits of a small district plus many advantages, programs and services rarely found in public schools.Thisisaschoollikeno other.Partneringwithfamilies,
and Addison Maye-Saxon are “skilled interpreters who are also adept improvisers” (National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air”). The Westerlies navigate venues from Carnegie Hall to Coachella with the precision of a string quartet,
Step forward to share gratitude
volunteers and community, we co-create amazing learning opportunities in a climate of trust, support and success." And enrollment is the school district's primary source of revenue so entrusting us with yourchild'scareandeducation also helps address our financial challenge. Also consider servingashostsforaninternational exchange student. They count toward our enrollment as well! Hosts can be individuals, couples or families - you do not have to have a student intheschooltoserveasahost! To learn more, contact me at bsmith@lopezislandschool. org.
Step forward to donate
For those with the means, step forward to support the Lopez School with donations to allow us to continue to offer all of the essential courses we offer now plus provide music classes, elementary garden enrichment, Sustainable Agriculture class, a full range of athletics, enriching field trips and more. We are also making plans to begin our travel program again with potential teacher-led domestic and international service andlanguageimmersiontrips. Withinadequatestatefunding, we must seek support from our generous community to provide Lopez children with a rich education. Donations can be made directly by writing a check or through our website,orthroughL.I.E.F.,our educational foundation that is a 501c3 (details on the school website at www.lopezislandschool.org).
the audacity of a rock band and the charm of a family sing-along.
One way I pull myself up after life has knocked me down is I step forward to appreciateallthegoodaround me. I am very proud of the work we have done so far this year at The Lopez School to seek a balanced budget even with significant deficits, and to continue to strive toward the ambitious goals laid out in the LISD Strategic Plan. I am excited about increasing academic rigor through our secondary class offerings and through our masterybased learning work, about the success of our Varsity athletic teams and the sports program as a whole, and I am excited about the post-graduate opportunities facing the class0f2025.Iamexcitedabout the culture-building we have doneinthemiddleschoolwith morning meetings, Character Strong curriculum and the renovation of the Greg Ewert Commons. And I am excited about our K-6 elementary program as a whole including anupcoming5thand6thgrade book club that includes a pen pal exchange with a school in Nashville,andamathpilotwith Chromebooks in 5th grade, andthepositivefeedbackfrom
Bethereor betalked about
The quartet has produced 10currentalbumsandnumerous collaborations, including those with Fleet Foxes, Big Red Machine, Nico Muhly, Aoife O’Donovan and CarolineShaw.TheWesterlieshave longtimetiesonLopez,having been recorded on the island in years past. Their last interisland music residency with OICMFin2018wasenthusiasticallyreceivedonOrcas,Shaw and Lopez islands, and they look forward to performing again for islanders of all ages!
combinedclassroomsandthe growing instructional collaboration bridging preschool to Kindergarten to 1st grade and beyond. And I am grateful to be doing this wonderful work withourtalentedteachersand staffandinourbeautifulisland communitywithyou.
Iwillsharebudgetdetailsas the LISD Budget Committee made up of Board members,
The Orcas Island Chamber MusicFestivalistremendously grateful to Lee and Stu Rolfe forsponsoringTheWesterlies’ music residency.
community representatives andunionleadershipworksto propose to the School Board a balanced budget for next year. As I have said, absent state funding, with shifting federal support, with the Lopez Rec initiativemovedtotheNovemberballot,balancingtheschool budget will be very difficult. Any way you can step forward isgreatlyappreciated.
CHRISTIANSCIENCE
WeareholdingSundayWorshipserviceswiththe ChristianScienceSocietyofFridayHarboreach Sundayat10amandTestimonymeetingsthe2ndand4th Wednesdayofthemonthat5:30pmviaZOOM. Toreceivethelinktothemeetingsemail: cssociety@rockisland.com COMMUNITYCHURCH ServingOrcasIslandFor138years SundayWorshipat10a.m. withNurseryandSundaySchoolat10a.m.servicetime. Weekdayprogramsforallages. OnlineServiceandInfo@www.OrcasChurch.org OrcallPastorBrianMoss,376-6422 InEastsoundonMadrona EMMANUELEPISCOPAL OrcasIsland 360-376-2352•http://orcasepiscopal.org/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/EmmanuelYT| Facebook:@orcasepiscopal Fr.BertoGándara&Fr.HughM.Grant Keepingeveryonesafeduringthepandemic: ·LivestreamingSundayServicesat8amand10am ·Serviciosenespañol1ersábado6pmenFacebook ·ThursdaysZoomLectioDivinaat12:15pm ·FridaysZoomCenteringPrayerat12:15pm ST.FRANCISCATHOLICCHURCH Orcas:1:00pmSunday Lopez:6:00pmSundayheldatGraceEpiscopalChurch SanJuan:5:30pmSaturdayand9:00amSunday LOPEZISLANDFRIENDS(QUAKER) LopezIslandFriends(Quaker)Meetinggathersforworship Sundays,10:00AMatSunnyfieldMeetinghouse, 6363FishermanBayRd,LopezIsland.Children’sProgram. Allarewelcome!Formoreinformation,emailusat Lopezfriends@gmail.com,orvisitourwebsite, https://lopezisland.friendsmeeting.org.
Legal tools for farm succession:
Submitted by Washington State University Extension.
San Juan County farmers can gain essential legal insights for farm succession planning by attending a free virtual workshop hosted by WSU San Juan Extension on April 9 from noon to 1 p.m.
Attorney Dylan LeValley of Adams & Duncan Lawyers, a real estate and business attorney specializing in agricultural law, will lead the session. LeValley will cover key legal tools to help farmers successfully transition their operations, whether they are preparing to step away from
full-time production or looking to secure their farm’s future for the next generation.
With extensive experience in farmland legal matters, LeValley assists clients with lease agreements, easements, property transactions, succession planning, business structuring, financing and dispute resolution. His deep commitment to Washington’s farming community makes him a trusted resource for farmers navigating complex legal challenges.
LeValley has led numerous workshops on farmland succession and legal planning — don’t
miss this opportunity to learn from one of Western Washington’s leading agricultural attorneys.
Pre-registration is required by Monday, April 7.
To learn more and register, visit www.extension.wsu.edu/ sanjuan/agriculture/upcoming-workshops-and-events/ legal-tools-for-farm-successionsecuring-your-farms-future/.
A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants. A recording will be made available for those unable to attend live.
For questions, please email rebecca.moore1@wsu.edu.
This event is sponsored by Washington State University San Juan Extension and the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, with support from the USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant.
Accommodation and nondiscrimination:
WSU Extension programs and policies comply with federal and state laws regarding nondiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
For reasonable accommodation, please contact Rebecca Moore, WSU San Juan Extension agriculture program coordinator, at rebecca.moore1@wsu.edu or 360-370-7664 no later than one week before the event.
Submitted by event organizers. Saturday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m., Chimera Gallery invites you to an Opening Reception for “Plein Air Paintings from Lopez” with Ralph Bladt and Steve Hill. Chimera Cooperative Gallery is located at Lopez Village Plaza and can be reached at 360-468-3265. Visit www.ChimeraGallery.com for more information. April hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chimera is closed on Wednesdays.
Feedback requested for wildfire plan
The San Juan County Community Wildfire Protection Plan is being updated from its original 2012 version and is now open for public comment – community feedback is requested! Please view the latest draft online at www.sanjuanislandscd.org/ wildfire-preparedness and submit written comments by email to paul@sjicd.org by 5 p.m. on April 24.
The 2025 CWPP establishes the strategies and actions necessary for comprehensive wildfire prevention, mitigation and response throughout San Juan County. Implementing this plan will set San Juan County on a sustainable path toward reducing the risk of catastrophic high-intensity wildfires while enhancing forest health and resilience to climate change.
This plan updates the county’s original CWPP from 2012 and has been developed in accordance with federal standards, including
collecting input from a diverse steering committee of nearly 20 federal, state, tribal and local governments, local fire departments, community organizations and the general public.
Public feedback opportunitieshaveoccurredthroughout the plan update process, including open public meetings on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands in October 2024; online feedback surveys; and ongoing participation in the CWPP Steering Committee. Review of the public draft is the final opportunity to provide feedback on this important document.
Feedback received throughout the process thus far has indicated that citizen concern about wildfire in the San Juan Islands is high, perceived community preparedness for a wildfire is low and many members of the community are highly motivated to be part of the solution. Residents note overstocked forests
surrounding homes, neighborhoods and narrow roads, drier summers from drought and global warming and logistical difficulties of living on remote islands as causes for concern.
Key findings with regard to overall wildfire risk show that 78% of county structures
are within “direct exposure areas,” where they could be ignited by adjacent vegetation, flying embers or nearby structures, and would benefit from some kind of fuel reduction treatment. Most fire ignitions in San Juan County are caused by humans, making wildfire incidents largely
County Council renews agreement with Lopez Solid Waste
Submitted by San Juan County.
During the Tuesday, March 24 meeting on Lopez Island, Council adopted an updated interlocal agreement with the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District that reinforces a continued partnership between the County and the District for the next 10 years.
preventable. Wildfire likelihood in San Juan County is low when compared to other counties in Washington, but wildfire events can and do occur. Climate change trends like hotter summers and extended drought are increasing the likelihood of wildfires starting and/or increasing in intensity. Areas that have the highest likelihood of burning are generally located in the larger grassland/pasture areas of the county due to the presence of finer fuels that dry out quickly, more frequent ignitions from human activity and limited barriers to fire spread.
With these realities in mind, the plan sets out a list of actions to be taken, including site-specific fuel reduction projects; policy and code update opportunities; resource and infrastructure improvements; and outreach and education programs.
Funding for this plan was generously provided by the United States Bureau of Land Management and supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA puts cap-and-invest dollars
to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate. wa.gov. Plan development was facilitated by the San Juan Islands Conservation District with the assistance of Northwest Management Inc. consulting group.
Hildaland
at the Grange
Hildaland. Appalachian and Scottish traditions, intertwined with contemporary compositions, will play on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for youth ages 12-17 (tickets at the door). The event will be located at the Grange, 452 Richardson Road. More info: www.lopezislandgrange.org
“I’m very pleased with the results of the collaborative conversations over the last several months that have helped align the County and LSWDD on a shared vision for the continuation of the beloved and essential services provide[d] by ‘The Dump’ and ‘TIOLI’ on Lopez Island. I am deeply appreciative of the significant investment of time and
On Dec. 16, the County authorized a three-month extension of the current ILA to run Jan. 1 through March 31. This additional time allowed the County and the District to examine how best to frame a new agreement that would support the District’s future operations of the site and the County’s engagement as the Governing Body for the District.
effort by County staff, Pam Stewart and Ross MacDonald of the Managing Board of the District, and Rick Carr, the District Manager,” said District 3 Council Member Jane Fuller. “I look forward to supporting the strong working relationship between the County and the District in the years ahead.”
Updates to the new interlocal agreement reflect the terms of San Juan County Code Chapter 8.12 and help to ensure the facility’s continued compliance with County Code and state law, while also reflecting
the important role of the District in the oversight and management of operations at the site. The changes in the ILA provide a new 10-year duration, from 2025 to 2035.
The County looks forward to continuing this important partnership in support of the efforts of LSWDD to provide award-winning solid waste services, including sustainable recycling, for years to come.
For more information, contact Jessica Hudson, county manager, at jessicah@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Washington Department of Natural Resources fire crew conducts a prescribed burn on Jones Island.
FAQs: Emergency interisland passenger-only transportation services
Submitted by San Juan County.
TheSanJuanCountyCouncil has established an interim system for emergency interislandpassenger-onlywatertaxi service.Bycontractingwithan Orcas Island business, Outer Island Excursions, temporary interisland emergency water taxi service is now available through April 15 in the event the Washington State Ferry interisland vessel is out of service.
Frequently asked questions:
When will interisland foot passenger services be provided?
• Outer Island Excursions will monitor the interisland ferry schedule for cancellations. If a ferry is out of service, within two hours, the company will provide emergency interisland passenger-only water taxi service between the WSF-served islands.
• This interim emergency
service will be provided through April 15. At that time, theCountyexpectstorollouta morecompletesuiteofmarine transportation options as part of its pilot program to host such services due to ongoing WSFservicedisruptionsonthe Anacortes-San Juan Islands ferry route.
How do I sign up for a seat on the boat?
•Riderscansignupforseats aboardtheboat,seetheschedule and learn more about the program via the Outer Island Excursions website:
• Schedule: https:// www.outerislandx.com/ emergency-water-taxi.
• Sign up for seats: https:// outerislandx.rezgo.com/ details/388236/emergency-inter-island-water-taxi-service
• Call with Questions: 360-376-3711.
Where are the pickup and drop-off locations for the emergency interisland passenger-only water taxi service?
• Pickup and drop-off locations for the emergency
interisland passenger-only water taxi service are located on each of the WSF-served islands. These locations can be found on the Outer Island Excursionswebsitereferenced above. Please note that riders are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the designated pickup and drop-off locations.Therearenopubliclandbased transportation services availableonanyoftheislands. Is there a passenger fee?
•Thisserviceisofferedatno charge for passengers. Outer IslandExcursionswillbereimbursed by the County under their contract, using emergencyfundingawardedbythe Washington State Governor’s Office in late 2024. Howoftenwilltheboatsbe running?
• In the event of a service disruption to the WSF interisland ferry, Outer Island Excursions will create and broadly publish a schedule for the emergency interisland passenger-only water taxi service at designated landing
sites. Service will begin within two hours after WSF informs the public of the service disruption.
• During service disruptions,OuterIslandExcursions will make at a minimum two round trips per day between the ferry-served islands. However, if a service disruption begins after 1 p.m., the boats will make a minimum of one round trip per day on that day.
• Please note that Outer Island Excursions will stop service if wind speed consistently exceeds 30 knots. They may make additional trips that are reasonably necessary to transport persons stranded due to interisland service disruption.
What is the route? Can I go directly to my desired destination?
• The emergency passenger-only interisland water taxi operates in a “boomerang,” starting and ending at the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. It has a set route, just like the ferry schedule.
• Passengers can get on and off at any location along the route. The actual schedule will be determined based on the time the WSDOT ferry disruption occurs. The emergency water taxi schedule will be posted on the Outer Island Excursions website: https:// www.outerislandx.com/ emergency-water-taxi.
How many passengers can Outer Island Excursions carry at one time?
• Outer Island Excursions has different-sized vessels andwillbereadytoaccommodatethenumberofpassengers requiring transportation on theroutewhentheWSFinterisland service goes down.
What about all the other emergency marine transportation services that were to be established with the funds from the Washington State Governor’s Office?
• In February, San Juan County released a series of Requests for Proposals asking for interested parties to provide a variety of transportationservicesthroughout the County. These services include:
• Passenger-only ferry service from Anacortes to the WSF-served San Juan Islands.
ADU lottery application cycle opens April 1 through May 15 for San Juan County
Submitted by San Juan County.
Between April 1 and May 15, San Juan County Department of Community Development will be accepting Accessory Dwelling Unit lottery applications for detached ADU permits proposed outside of urban growth areas and activity centers. ADU lottery applications for determining eligibility must be received no later than May 15.
A total of nine eligibility slots are available for the 2025
cycle with the following ADU permit category caps:
• New ADUs: Eight.
• Conversion* ADUs: One.
*Convert structure legally existing for five years to ADU.
ADU Eligibility Application
In accordance with Resolution 59-2009 and Resolution 62-2016, a fee of $245 is charged for ADU lottery applications for an ADU permit. The application form is available in DCD Offices located at 135 Rhone
St., Friday Harbor, as well as online at https://www. sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6283/ Detached-ADU-Eligibility-Application. Complete applications including ADU Lottery Application Form and requisite fee must be submitted to DCD in one of two ways:
• Apply in person at DCD’s office during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except holidays) at 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor, Washington.
• Apply by mail addressed to SJC Dept. of Community Development at P.O. Box 947, 98250.
Potential lottery
The above ADU category caps are calculated in accordance with San Juan County Code 18.40.240 and are based on the number of development permits issued in 2024 for new principal residences outside of urban growth areas or activity centers. If needed, the open public lottery for
• Emergency barge transportation services between the ferry-served islands.
• Each of these services will be financed with the emergency funding awarded to the County by the Governor’s Office, and these services will beprovidedatnochargetothe users as part of the County’s pilot program.
• In response to the County’s RFPs, 11 proposals were received and are being reviewed and evaluated.
• The County expects to award contracts to service providers by mid-April and open the full suite of services to the public. Further updates willbeprovidedbytheCounty assoonascontractshavebeen awarded.
For additional information regarding the emergency passenger-only interisland water taxi services, please contact Outer Island Excursions at:
• Website: https:// www.outerislandx.com/ emergency-water-taxi.
• Email: outerislandx@ hotmail.com.
• Phone: 360-376-3711
• Emergency interisland passenger-only water taxi service between the WSF-served islands.
each respective category of ADU permits will take place at the end of May. The exact time and place will be noted on the DCD website 10 days prior to the drawing. Applications received after May 15 will be ineligible for the lottery but will be added to a wait list.
General information regarding ADUs, detached ADUs and past lotteries are available at the following San Juan County Resource page: https:// www.sanjuancountywa.
gov/638/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Information Questions? Contact Marc Santos at 360-370-7580, or email marcs@sanjuancountywa.gov. San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land-use designations, long-range planning and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/ Community-Development
San Juan County establishes interim interisland transportation services as RFP process continues
Submitted by San Juan County.
As San Juan County works through the 11 proposals received for emergency transportation services as partofitsRequestforProposals process, the Council has established an interim systemforinterislandtravel.
This week, the County finalized a contract with an Orcas Island business, Outer IslandExcursions,todevelop temporary interisland transportation services through April15intheeventtheinterisland ferry is out of service before the full suite of pilot servicesfromtheRFPprocess is available. Providing this service has been discussed at several recent Council meetings and reflects Council’sdesiretoextendtheavailabilityofthepilotprogram.
“We want to ensure that even while we’re setting up the full array of transportation options, our residents who rely upon interisland travel for their jobs, medical appointments,andschooling can still move between the islands during outages,” said CouncilChairKariMcVeigh.
Per the one-month contract,OuterIslandExcursions will monitor the interisland ferry schedule for cancellations. If a ferry is out of service, within two hours the company will provide footpassengertransportation between the islands. Riders can sign up for seats aboard the boat, see the schedule and learn more about the
programviatheirwebsite:
• Schedule: https:// www.outerislandx.com/ emergency-water-taxi
•Signupforseats:https:// outerislandx.rezgo.com/ details/388236/emergency-inter-island-water-taxi-service
• Call with questions: 360-376-3711.
This interim service will be provided through April 15. At that time, the County expects to roll out a more completesuiteoftransportationoptionsaspartofitspilot program to host emergency transportationservices.
Status of process for emergency transportation services
In February, San Juan County released a series of Requests for Proposals asking for interested parties to provide a variety of transportation services throughout the County. Three separate RFPs outlined services including foot passenger transportation from Anacortes to San Juan County, interisland foot passenger transportation and emergency barge transportation services. The Countyreceivedatotalof11 proposals and is currently in the process of reviewing, evaluating and awarding the contracts. The County expects to award contracts to service providers by mid-April.
Project background
In August, Council issued a request to the Governor’s Office for “executive relief” from ferry service disruptions, providing a 180-day proposal. This request was granted in September when Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee traveled to Friday Harbor to announce an award of $1.5 million from the Department of Commerce’s EmergencyRapidResponsefund, with a contract finalized in November. San Juan County’sprogramaimstosupport threemaininitiativesduring ferry service disruptions:
• Interisland passenger-only water taxi service.
• Anacortes/San Juan Islands passenger-only charter service.
• On-call essential/ critical services barge transportation.
Funding from the Governor’s Office will support these three pilot initiatives on an interim and emergency basis. The pilot project is expected to commence under a schedule proposed by the service provider and agreed to by the County. At this time, the project is expected to conclude on June 30 but may be extended as funding allows.
Questions? Contact Mark Tompkins, Health & Community Services director, 360-370-7517, markt@ sanjuancountywa.gov.
The Road to Success Starts
jobs
Employment General
Like to talk about whales? Like kids? You are in luck! The Whale Museum’s Education Departmentisnowhiring for a seasonal, part-time Education Assistant! If interested, more info can befoundhere:https://wh alemuseum.org/pages/j ob-internship-volunteeropportunities
OPALCOishiring!
OPALCO is seeking team players in the Member Services, Accounting, and Operations departments. OPALCO offers employees a unique working culture where member service is combined with state-of-the-art technology. Our high-energy environment supports creativity, innovation and teamwork. Great pay and benefits. Local candidates preferred. See the full list of job openingsatwww.opalco.com /careers
pets/animals
General Pets
ISLAND PETS lost/ found. On Lopez call Jane 360-468-2591; Sheriff’s Office 360-3784151.Lopez Animal Protection Society, PO Box 474, Lopez, WA 98261. On Orcas call 360-3766777. On San Juan call the Animal Shelter 360378-2158
Herefor healing
Submitted by the Economic Development Council.
To help local small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed, the Economic Development Council of San Juan County is partnering with the Washington Small Business Development Center to offer a free standalone course, “How to Find Employees in Today’s Market” from 1-2 p.m. on April 29, as well as a free four-part series of entrepreneurshipcoursestakingplacefrom11a.m.to1p.m. on April 30, May 1, 5 and 6. WSBDC will also present a free online workshop, “Accounting Basics for Your Small Business” in Spanish on April 30, from 2-4 p.m. All of the courses are offered online via Zoom.
“HowtoFindEmployeesinToday’sMarket” provides an overview of recruiting employees in a changing workforce landscape. The fourday “S.O.S. (Start OutStanding): Educating Entrepreneurship Excellence Course” covers small business readiness, startup planning, financial forecasting, market research and working with a WSBDC advisor on business plans. The Spanish course, “Conceptos basicos de finanzas para tu negocio” (“AccountingBasicsforYourSmallBusiness”),willcover
introductory business accounting.
All trainings are free and open to San Juan County business owners and entrepreneurs age 18 and over. “How to Find Employees in Today’s Market” is Tuesday, April 29, 1-2 p.m. The “S.O.S. (Start OutStanding): Educating Entrepreneurship Excellence Course” is a four-session program, with sessions at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on four weekdays: Wednesday, April30;Thursday,May1;Monday,May5;and Tuesday, May 6. “Conceptos basicos de finanzas para tu negocio” is April 30.
For more information or to register, please visit https://sanjuansedc.org/wsbdc/.
For questions, please contact the EDC at 360-378-2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org.
The Economic Development Council of San Juan County strives to support small rural enterprises and conduct projects to stimulate new job creation, strengthen the economic base for working families and support overall qualityoflifeforislanders.Thiscourseismade possible by a grant from the Washington State Microbusiness Association and by the Washington State Small Business Development Center. To support EDC programs, please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/donate.
