Local
Infestation or annoyance? Best solution for ‘tents’ may be patience page 2
Scene
What’s in store for 4th of July? Picnics, parades, music and more page 9
Editorial
The times, they are a changin’. Ban on all personal fireworks takes effect this 4th... so long sparklers page 7
Journal
The 75¢ Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Vol. 105 Issue 26
of the San Juan Islands
www.sanjuanjournal.com
Prop. 1 escapes dissent, so far
Revised rules poised to pass
By Steve Wehrly
Council members favor wireless overhaul in pre-vote poll
Journal reporter
By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
Spotty cell phone coverage in the San Juan Islands, where boaters at Sucia Island get better reception than many residents of Orcas Island, might be coming to an end. Island cell phone users, county emergency service personnel and even disgruntled whale watchers at Lime Kiln Park are being promised better cellular phone service if the San Juan County Council passes the Broadband/Emergency Services/Wireless Ordinance at a June 26 public hearing. Cell phone service has been a perennial issue for residents of all islands, but communication needs of public safety personnel and emergency service providers have been a priority concern since an ad hoc citizens group was formed in 2008 to address constraints of local land-use rules on siting of communications antennas. If approved, the pending wireless ordinance would replace regulations on siting of cellular antenna siting that went into effect in 1997. Drawing on recommendations of the citizens group and the Planning Commission, the proposed ordinance liberalizes the
Journal photo / Scott Rasmussen
Mike Sears, president of the San Juan County Amateur Radio Society congratulates Connor Dederich, 13, on connecting with a station in North Dakota during the society’s annual Field Day event, Saturday, at Cape San Juan.
Riding waves of sound
Not just a hobby, ‘Hams’ play key role in local disaster plans By Scott Rasmussen Journal Editor
When all else fails, amateur radio operators can dial in and save the day. That’s exactly what happened in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when electricity was gone, and telephones and cell-phones didn’t work, and police, fire and paramedic communications all failed. In fact, amateur radio operators, affectionately known as “HAMS”, are an element of the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s official emergency planning in the event of a catastrophic disaster. They are also an essential ingredient in San Juan County’s disaster preparedness plans, and amateur radio operator Craig Melvin says that’s a role that he and his colleagues relish.
“I think all of us are wanting one day to be the hero,” Melvin said. San Juan County is home to 200-plus license amateur radio operators and 80 “active” HAMS, and the local club boasts a membership of about 40. On Saturday, roughly 20 radio operators assembled at the historic communications station near Cape San Juan for national Field Day event, in which HAMS across the country attempt to connect with as many other “stations” as they can. Part emergency preparedness, part contest and part equipment check, the annual event is also an opportunity for a brotherhood — and sisterhood — of Hams to spend a day sharing their hobby. Club president Mike Sears said the group, with four stations in play, were able to make 300-plus connections during Field Day 2011. That 300-plus mark translated into 1,300 points for the nationwide competition and kept the local out of the cellar, he said. “We weren’t at the bottom,” Sears said.
See Wireless, Page 5
2011 Special Award; Second Place: General Excellence from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Is anybody opposed to Proposition 1? The online-only voters pamphlet for the primary election is on the county website, under “Elections”, and you won’t be receiving a printed voters guide. The guide for the Aug. 7, 2012, primary election lists candidates for federal, statewide, legislative, judicial and local elections. The County Council candidates do not appear on the primary election ballot because state law provides that only when more than two See Prop. 1, Page 4
San Juan Islands
Parks & Trails Guide 2012 - 2013
Inside Know Your Island Trails County Parks Scenic Byway National Parks Pullout Local State Parks Land Bank Preserves Marine Parks
p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 15 p. 18 p. 19
Check out the green edition online sanjuanjournal.com • islandssounder.com islandsweekly.com
Cover photos: Top from left, Turtleback Mountain, Orcas; Swifts Bay, Lopez; South Beach, San Juan. Center, Island views from Turtleback Mountain. Photos: SJC Land Bank, Amanda Leidig, Maria Michealson and contributed photo.
Trails To You
Our 2012 Parks & Trails Guide covers a lot of territory, including trails, hikes and programs at National Parks, State Parks, County Parks and the Land Bank. Check it out.