Local
Preservation Trust back to its roots with latest acquistion
Scene
When ravenous rabbits ruled the land; Part 2 page 9
Editorial Sinking of ‘Deep Sea’ in Penn Cove shows what could happen, without derelict vessel removal program page 7
page 5
Journal
The 75¢ Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Vol. 105 Issue 23
of the San Juan Islands
Winds take toll in Fossil Bay
www.sanjuanjournal.com
A long and winding road
Even Coast Guard runs aground in ‘immemorable’ holiday outing By Steve Wehrly, Journal reporter
The early morning hours of Sunday, May 27, proved once again that perils of wind and tide spare neither man or boat, and that even the Coast Guard is sometimes left on the beach. After a “glorious, calm, sunny Saturday,” Jared Payne of San Juan Island was safely tied up and asleep at the dock in Fossil Bay at Sucia Island, a state marine park popular with local boaters. With him were his wife, Michelle, and his two sons, Brandon, 11, and Mitchell, 6. About 2 a.m., Jared was awakened by “wind that sounded like a freight train” as it slammed against the side of his boat. Payne, a Bristol Bay fisherman for 10 years, estimated the winds were gusting “about 30 knots, maybe more.” The Coast Guard said later that the marine forecast late Saturday evening predicted southwest winds at 15 to 25 knots. Twenty minutes later, as he re-checked his dock lines, Payne said “all hell broke loose.” Boats horns and sirens were blaring and boat searchlights were flashing to awaken owners whose boats had dragged anchor or broken loose from mooring buoys. “Brandon
Journal photo / Scott Rasmussen
Sunday’s conditions, with temps barely reaching 50 degrees, proved ideal for the nearly 200 participants of the 10 Annual San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K run (or walk). Ann Lamer, No. 218, sets the early pace.
Baby bolsters L-pod ranks
Losses may outweigh gains in L-pod despite newly born calf
At the administrative headquarters of San Juan County, Deputy Director David Kelly is following in his boss’ footsteps—out the door. Kelly last week formally announced his resignation, effective June 29. Kelly, who joined the county ranks nearly two years ago, has accepted a position as city administrator of Selah, Wash., located near the city of Yakima, in central Washington. (Kelly’s selection as administrator of
Selah was first reported May 18 on SanJuanJournal.com)
Located just north of the city See Kelly, Page 4
Class of 2012 San Juan Islands
By Scott Rasmussen
The appearance of a newly born calf is generally cause for celebration. And while no one is taking L-pod’s newest arrival, L-119, sighted May 29, near the Victoria, B.C. waterfront, lightly, the Center’s David Ellifrit notes that one newborn doesn’t make up for those that are missing. “The population would be 89, if it weren’t for the ones we know have died, like L-112, and the others we still haven’t seen this spring,” he said. The cause of death of L-112, a 3-year-old female that washed up on the outer coast in February remains under investigation. Ellifrit said two L-pod females, L-12, estimated to be 78 years of age, and L-5, 47 years, have not been seen so far this year. Most members of L-pod, he said, have been spotted. In addition, Ellifrit noted that J-30,
Deputy director follows suit
Audrey Ellen Olshefsky Valedictorian Friday Harbor High School
Shaughn Henry Anderson Salutatorian Friday Harbor High School
Sofie Clure Thixton Valedictorian Orcas High School
Center for Whale Research photo / David Ellifrit
L-pod’s newest arrival, L-119, travels close by its mother, L-77, while in transit May 29 near Victoria, B.C.
a male believed to be about 16 years of age, is also accounted for. “We haven’t seen him all spring either,” he said. The new calf was photographed when nearly the entire population of Southern residents, J, K and L pods, were traveling through Haro Strait, Ellifrit said
See GroundingS, Page 4
2011 Special Award; Second Place: General Excellence from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Julianne Hagn Valedictorian
Joan Evelyn Downs Valedictorian
Spring Street Int'l High School Spring Street Int'l High School
Christopher Owen Ghazel Co-Salutatorian Orcas High School
Huxley Ann Smart Co-Salutatorian Orcas High School
Patrick Moll-Nevins Student Speaker
Sheriah White-Swartout Valedictorian
Skagit Valley College
Oasis High School
Commencement Ceremonies schedule on back cover
Graduation
Inside you’ll find our annual graduation section, complete with schedules, testimonials and photos of all the islands’ graduates.