The
Book 2020-21
SAN JUAN ORCAS LOPEZ SHAW ANACORTES
OF THE
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
INFORMATION & RELOCATION GUIDE
Published by the Journal of the San Juans, Islands’ Sounder & Islands’ Weekly
San Juan Island’s loca
H O M E
C A B I N E T S
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1947.
C E N T E R
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360-378-4505 Just One Block from Moorage at 110 First Street Downtown Friday Harbor • Corner of Spring Street & First Streets 2
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EXPERT TREE CARE since 2005
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ORCAS ISLAND POTTERY
338 Old Pottery Road • 360-376-2813 • Eastsound WA 98245 Over 70 years in business in West Beach area
OPEN ALL YEAR Open April-Oct. 10 am to 5 pm / Nov.-March 10 am to 4 pm www.orcasislandpottery.com • orcaspots@rockisland.com
2020 March 6 - May 25 MISSING/HIGHWAY OF TEARS Deon Venter Young lives lost, mostly Aboriginal girls, are honored by portraits and paintings. On the Highway of Tears in Canada 18 girls have been murdered and more than 200 are missing. THE PULSE OF WATER June Sekiguchi Explores the metaphors that lead to the intersection of science, spirit and art. DOMESTIC BLISS Holly Ballard Martz Transforms objects associated with domestic labor, traditionally the purview of women, and supplants their original purpose and highlights obstacles, which impede the quest for gender equality. June 4 - September 7 AFRICAN TWILIGHT Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher Reveals a rapidly vanishing world of African tribal cultures, connections and ceremonies with their astonishing pioneering photography. And more.. Family Art Days on Saturdays • Artistsʼ Registry Show ..and more exhibitions! Join the art of discovery at SJIMA where there is always something new.
ON BEAUTIFUL AND SECLUDED WEST BEACH
Summer Hours Thursday-Monday 11-5 Spring & Fall Hours Friday-Monday 11-5 www.sjima.org • 360-370-50505 540 Spring Street • Friday Harbor, WA The Book of The San Juan Islands
3
Right Care. Right Here. When you need health care, it’s nice to know that you can get the care you need, right here on the island.
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2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
What’s inside Welcome to the islands San Juan Island Orcas Island Serving a maturing community Lopez Island Shaw Island Local government Anacortes All the world’s a stage... The highway to the San Juan Islands
7 10 12 14 16 19 20 24 25 28
Colleen Smith photo
The Book of the San Juan Islands
Contributors
2020 - 2021
Group Publisher – Colleen Smith Editor – Mandi Johnson Advertising Sales – Colleen Smith and Diane Craig Graphic Artists – Shane Watson and Tate Thomson Cover Photo – San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau/Dana Halferty Copy Editor – Jessica Stahl
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, Unit B, 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
5
FRIDAY HARBOR FREIGHT DIRECT SERVICE TO: MT. VERNON, BELLINGHAM, SEATTLE & TACOMA AREAS Monday thru Friday NEXT DAY DELIVERY OFFERED ON PARCEL EXPRESS ITEMS COMPETITIVE RATES ON ANY SHIPMENT INCLUDING SPECIAL HANDLING OVERSIZE OR HAZARDOUS ITEMS
360.378.2012 • 1.800.562.3245
PO Box 728 • Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Mandi Johnson photo
Something for Everyone Weekends - 2020 SAN JUAN ISLAND
Learn Look Love Find Your Place in the
San Juan Islands! (360) 378 - 3600
www.BeOnSanJuan.com
• Opening Boating Day – May 3 www.portfridayharbor.org/calendar • Friday Harbor Bike Fest – June 6 www.fridayharborbikefest.org • San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour – June 6 & 7 www.sanjuanislandartists.com • Rock ‘n Roll Regatta – June 20 www.portfridayharbor.org/calendar • Three Lakes Triathlon & Marathon – June 20 & 21 www.sjimarathon.com • 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/the-4th-of-julyparade-and-fireworks.htm • Lavender Festival – Pelindaba Lavender Farm July 18 & 19 www. pelindabalavender.com/lavender-festival • Summer Arts Festival – Fridays in August http://www.sanjuancountyarts. org/san-juan-summer-arts-festival/
• San Juan County Fair – August 12-15 www.sjcfair.org • Friday Harbor Airport Fly-In – TBD www.portfridayharbor.org/airport/ annual-fly-in • Concours d’Elegance – TBD www.sanjuanconcours.org • The Lakedale Music Festival with Brian Nova – September 5-7 www.lakedale.com/music-festival/ • Savor the San Juans – MidSeptember – Mid-November www.visitsanjuans.com/savor • Friday Harbor Film Festival – October 23-25 www.fhff.org • Friday Harbor Winterfest – November 29-December 31 www.sanjuanisland.org/island-lightsfestival.htm • Island Lights Festival – November 29 www.sanjuanisland.org/ island-lights-festival.htm
www.sanjuanisland.org - 360-378-5240
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6
360.378.2298 2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Welcome
to the San Juan Islands By Colleen Smith
S
an Juan County may be the smallest in Washington state if measured by land mass, but it consists of 172 islands, rocks and reefs at high tide and 743 at low tide. This equals approximately 174 square miles of land and 447 square miles of water. Named after explorer Juan Vicente de Güemes, the 1789 viceroy of New Spain, second count of Revillagigedo, the islands were originally home to several tribes, including the Lummis, Swinomish, Suquamish, Tulalip, Samish and three S’Klallam tribes. The myriad of secluded coves once provided hideaways for rum-runners, pirates and other smugglers. Now they’re a lush and lovely playground for boaters, beachcombers and wildlife. Geography ranges from the 2,398-foot Mount Constitution See WELCOME, page 8
Wonderful weather T
By Heather Spaulding
he Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle, has a reputation for being gray, damp and dreary. Life in the San Juan Islands, however, offers a reprieve from the seemingly endless stream of showers thanks to the Olympic rain shadow, also referred to as the Banana Belt. This is not a tropical Banana Belt, of course, but refers to areas that have warmer microclimates than the surrounding region. Due to the Olympic Mountain Range just south of the
archipelago, the islands receive only about half the annual rainfall as Seattle. Other regional locations sheltered by the rain shadow include Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Coupville and Victoria, British Columbia. The islands average about 20 inches of rain annually with approximately 247 days of at least partial sunshine per year. Spring in the San Juans begins with blooming currents that feed returning Rufous See WEATHER, page 8
Swaran Dhaliwal, DVM, CVA, CVFT (360) 376-6373 www.orcasvet.com An integrative practice on Orcas Island, offering both Eastern and Western medicine
H O M E & P R O P E R T Y WATC H
360.317.5490 • EZRA JRICHARDSON@GMAIL.COM
The Book of The San Juan Islands
7
Welcome
Continued from page 7 on Orcas, to the flowering meadows of Yellow Island, or the bluffs of Lopez Island’s Iceberg Point that slope down to craggy stretches of waterfront. Streams and lakes dot 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. Approximately 17,128 people call the islands home, according to the 2017 census. 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, 5,400; and Lopez, 2,965. There are approximately 97 people per square mile. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, San Juan County has more individuals age 65 and older (34 percent) compared to 15.8 percent statewide. It also has a lower percentage of those under 18 (13.1 percent) compared to 22.2 percent statewide. In 2019, females made up 51.6 percent of the estimated population. The county was less diverse than Washington state in terms of race and ethnicity, with smaller proportions of all racial or ethnic minorities compared to the state. About 93.9 percent of its population was white in 2019. Per capita personal income in San Juan County for 2017 was $72,153, which was well above both state ($57,896) and United States ($51,640) averages. Of the county’s total population, 46 percent is not part of the labor force working in the islands. The county’s 2017 average annual wage was $34,692. San Juan County’s median hourly wage was $21.57, lower than the state median of $24.89. Homeownership averages 73 percent. In 2018, the median home sale price in 2018 was $520,000; the number of homes sold in the $1,000,000 or more price range rose 10.4 percent to 53 homes; homes sold in the $400,001 to $600,000 price range were down 14.9 percent to 97 homes. Island life ebbs and flows with the seasons. Tourist and seasonal residents, often called snowbirds, arrive each spring with the first daffodils. Summer is a time of festive parades, with
Weather
Continued from page 7 hummingbirds in March. By the time April and May arrive, the mornings are typically in the 40s while afternoons can sometimes rise into the 50s. Spring showers occur often enough to keep the flowers watered and blooming. When Memorial Day weekend rolls around, early summer visitors and residents 8
are greeted by longer warmer days. While there may be some final rain storm, by the end of June the official warm season has begun. In the summer months of July, August and even September the islands are regularly in the 70s, or as high as the 80s. Autumn gently sets in toward the end of September, and as October and November rolls around, rain once again tends to increase, and nights cool with occasional
Mandi Johnson photo
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; shellfish farmers; and chocolatiers. Year-round islanders take a deep breath as the mists of gray October creep in, and life returns to a slower pace. Wintertime has its own quiet island rhythm. Friends gather to enjoy indoor activities watching plays, movies or poetry readings, or bundle up and explore the great outdoors. 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: 48 percent hold bachelor’s degrees or higher; and 96 percent are high school graduates. Islanders come from all walks of life, experiences and income brackets, but are united by a deep and abiding sense of community and care for one another and for the earth and its creatures. Residents have created and support a phenomenal number of nonprofits, more than 400 countywide. 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. freezing temperatures and threats of snow. November, December and January are the typical winter months in the San Juans, bringing the wettest, windiest weather and least amount of sunny days. Winter storms in the region are commonly very windy and wet rather than snowy. Though the rare snowstorm does sweep through turning the islands white, the snow and ice usually melt quickly.
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Wind can whip across the sea over islands at high speeds, sometimes downing trees and damaging the few power lines that have not been buried underground. So if you are seeking relief from the wet and gray Pacific Northwest weather, and don’t want to travel too far, take a ferry ride into the San Juan Islands Banana Belt, and enjoy a more temperate climate.
Assisted living in a comfortable, stylish environment
Orcas Family Health Center Village at the Harbour in Friday Harbor is a full-service assisted living community on San Juan Island.We provide a variety of services and amenities to meet the individual needs of our residents. Tastefully appointed private apartments are ready to be furnished in your personal style.Attractive indoor and outdoor community areas offer many comfortable places to visit with friends and neighbors. And our attentive staff is committed to the highest standards of quality care.
543 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360.378.7144 www.villageattheharbour.com
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.
Visitor Services • Free Map & Guide • Event & Relocation Info Representing the Business Community of Orcas Island
www.Orcas Family Health Center.org 1286 Mt Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA 360-376-7778
i nfo@ OrcasIsl andC hamber.com
www.OrcasIslandChamber.com
On North Beach Rd., just off Main Street 360.376.2273 • P.O. Box 252, Eastsound, WA 98245
San Juan Surveying, llc Land Surveying
the San Juan Islands Since 1972
365-D Spring St. Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-2300
www.sanjuansurveying.com The Book of The San Juan Islands
9
SAN JUAN
ISLAND By Heather Spaulding
S
an Juan Island, with an estimated year-round population of 8,000, is the most urban of all the islands. Quiet country roads through farms and forests and a caring community help the island maintain its small-town mystique. As home of the county seat, Friday Harbor, San Juan is also the location of a bustling port of entry for international pilots and boaters. Founded in 1909, Friday Harbor is the only incorporated town in the county. 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 the county courthouse, government headquarters, and associated agencies and public services. The town offers dozens of galleries showcasing fine art, native art and photography. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art hosts exhibits by both local and regional artists. The San Juan Community Theatre offers an array of performing arts, 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 — minus big-box retail stores, fast-food chains or traffic lights. Instead, small restaurants serve local flavors with flair and a variety of ethnic cuisines. 10
During summer months island-raised meats; cheeses; eggs; honey; and organic produce can be found for sale at weekly farmers markets. Also nearby are the San Juan Historical Museum, featuring information about early islanders and how they lived, how Friday Harbor developed and got its name, and how a pig nearly began a war. The Whale Museum, complete with a gift shop as well as exhibits, also has educational programs about local marine life. The University of Washington’s world-class marine research center Friday Harbor Labs is visible from the ferry as it enters the harbor. The labs host an open house each spring, and offers undergraduate and graduate coursework as well as apprenticeships. It also has an elementary through high school outreach program opening local students’ eyes to the wonders of science. San Juan Island itself is 24 miles long and 9 miles wide, covering slightly more than 55 square miles. While sightseeing, you might come across an alpaca ranch; fields populated by thoughtfully ruminating cows and sheep; the violet terraces of Pelindaba Lavender Farm; or San Juan Vineyards’ lucious grapevines and winery. In Roche Harbor on the northwest tip of the island you’ll find the Hotel de Haro, named after 1787 Spanish
Mandi Johnson photo
explorer Captain de Haro. It was built in 1886 at the islands’ original Hudson’s Bay post. The harbor 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 in this vast park. Miles of gravelly beach alongside miles of hiking trails offer many outdoor options for a blissful afternoon. 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
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Juan began in 1859 and ended in 1867, as the border between Canada and the United States was negotiated. The camps are now peaceful parks for wildlife and island folk to wander, as well as venues 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 mopeds 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 services County Council Bill Watson Mailing: 350 Court St. 360-370-7473 billw@sanjuanco.com www.sanjuanco.com CenturyLink (phone, internet and TV) 1-800-244-1111 Fire Department District 3 Fire Chief Norvin Collins 1011 Mullis St. 360-378-5334 www.sjifire.org Mullis Community Senior Center 589 Nash St. 360-378-2677 www.mulliscenter.com Orcas Power and Light Co-operative 1034 Guard Street
Office: 360-376-3550 Outages: 360-376-3599 Peace Island Medical Center 1117 Spring Street 360-378-2141 www.peacehealth.org/ peace-island-medical-center Port of Friday Harbor Marina: 360-378-2688 204 Front Street Airport: 360-378-4724 800 Franklin Rd. www.portfridayharbor.org Rock Island Communication 360-378-5884 www.rockisland.com
Tate Thomson photo
360-378-5152 wwww.sanjuanems.org
360-378‑4151 EMERGENCY: 911 www.sanjuanco.com/344/ Sheriff
SJ Island Library Laurie Orton, director 1010 Guard Street 360-378‑2798 www.sjlib.org
SJI Chamber of Commerce Physical: 165 First Street Mailing: P.O. Box 98 360-378-5240 www.sanjuanisland.org
SJ Island School District 285 Blair Street 360-378-4133 www.sjisd.wednet.edu
San Juan Island EMS 1079 Spring Street
Sheriff’s Office Ron Krebs, sheriff 96 Second St.
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
Serving the San Juan Islands since 1948
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360-378-2126
1286 Mount Baker Road, #A3, Eastsound, WA - 360-639-8062
The Book of The San Juan Islands
11
ORCAS ISLAND
By Laura Kussman
N
amed after Spanish explorer Horcasitas — the Viceroy of Mexico who sent an exploration expedition to the Pacific Northwest in 1791 — Orcas Island is the largest inhabited island in the San Juan Island archipelago with 57 square miles of varied terrain from wetlands to dense forests. The island is often assumed to be named after the resident Orca whales who live, breed and die in the surrounding waters of the Salish Sea. For 30,000 years, Orcas Island was home to generations of the peaceful Lummi Tribe. The island boasts the highest peaks and most encompassing vistas with the tallest, Mount Constitution, standing just shy of 2,400 feet, extending toward the sky on the eastern side of the horseshoe-shaped island. On a clear day, the lookout tower at the summit invites visitors and locals alike to bask in the serenity of a 360-degree view. Orcas is a favorite place for visitors on weekend getaways from the Seattle area and beyond, one notable of whom was shipbuilding magnate and Seattle mayor Robert Moran who retired on Orcas in the late 1800s. Moran purchased and subsequently donated 5,282 acres of what is now Moran State Park to Washington state in 1921. The park is known for miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through dense forest, several lakes and seasonal waterfalls. Moran is also known for building an infamous Mediterranean-style mansion 12
Tate Thomson photo
on Cascade Bay in 1906, now dubbed Rosario Resort and Spa. Landing a rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places, Rosario is worth a visit even if simply for a meal. The New York Times named Orcas Island number 33 on its 52 places to go in 2019. Another sprawling preserve lies on the western side of the island — 1,718-acre Turtleback Mountain Preserve — and several small public parks offer access to pebbly beaches. An hour ferry ride from the United States mainland, the Orcas ferry landing is one of several inhabited island hamlets that make up Orcas’ year-round population of about 4,500 residents. Here,
Mandi Johnson photo
the historic Orcas Hotel, which first opened its doors to guests in 1904, sits perched upon a hill awaiting the in-
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
take and outtake of ferry-goers. Gift shops, a market and a cider house welcome visitors and those homeward bound.
Thirty minutes north of the ferry landing lies the heart of the island and the hub of community and commerce — Eastsound, or fondly known as “town.” In this tiny village, you’ll find grocery stores, a movie theatre, post office, hardware store, apothecary, local newspaper office and a variety of shops and five-star restaurants. Orcas Island is known for its inventive farmto-table cuisine. The Orcas Island Library sits on a small hill overlooking the hamlet and was remodeled in 2017 to double its size. Orcas Center, the island community arts center, showcases local performers, musicians and artists and world-renowned talent throughout the year, including big-screen streamings of Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema, The Met and National Theatre Live. Orcas Center is also home to most of the island’s festivals, including the Orcas Island Jazz Festival, Chamber Music Festival, Lit Festival, and Film Festival. This spring, Orcas Center will debut an original production of “Chicago.” As of January 2020, there are 98 nonprofit organizations on the island, providing a dense
network of services to residents. One of the most notable summer fundraisers is The Orcas Island Children’s House honorary mayoral race. The Orcas Island Senior Center is a great resource for seniors, as well as the community at large, hosting off-island shopping trips, senior lunches, recreational gatherings and support for seniors and their families and more. On summer Saturdays there’s a farmers market and music on the Village Green, where you can shop for fresh organic produce and meat, textiles, hot lunch-wagon fare and handcrafted items made by island artisans from locally sourced sheep’s wool, beach glass, rocks and more. Orcas islanders love to hold parades and have one for every possible excuse: the Fourth of July, a pet parade and summer solstice. The latter is particularly eclectic and provides an enthusiastic energy shift as the island welcomes back retirees with second homes and summer tourists. Participants often flounce through Eastsound dressed in outlandish costumes. Don’t be surprised to find your neighbors scantily clad, having
Orcas services
Eastsound Water Users Assoc. 360-376-2127 www.eastsoundwater.org
CenturyLink (phone, internet and TV) 1-877-348-9005 County Council Rick Hughes 360-298-5103 Eastsound Sewer and Water 143 Cessna Road 360-376-2720 www.eswd.org
Fire Department District 2 Fire Chief Scott Williams 45 Lavender Lane 360-376-2331 orcasfire.org Orcas Family Health Center 1286 Mount Baker Road 360-376-7778 www.orcasfamilyhealthcenter.org
sprouted butterfly wings and toting giant flowers on stilts, wearing 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 or 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 and baseball; adult recreational volleyball; pickleball; swimming lessons; sailing lessons and more. The recreation district also manages Buck Park, on the north side of Eastsound, where you’ll find the Orcas Skate Park, tennis courts, soccer fields, a playground and an off-leash area for dogs. The park grounds abut the fields of the Orcas Island Elementary, middle and high schools. From Eastsound, you can follow the island’s main road southwest toward ferry landing, West Sound and Deer Harbor, situated on the sunny west side with a water view, or southeast to Moran State Park, Olga and Doe Bay. The island hamlet community Orcas Library Phil Heikkinen, director 500 Rose Street 360-376-4985 www.orcaslibrary.org Orcas Power & Light Cooperative 183 Mt. Baker Rd 360-376-3500 - office 360-376-3599 - outages www.opalco.com Orcas Senior Services 62 Henry Road 360-376-2677 www.orcasseniors.org
The Book of The San Juan Islands
of Olga recently celebrated a milestone with the purchase of the historic Olga Store. Nestled on the east shore, Olga has a community clubhouse that was built in 1913 by members of the all-female “Olga Energetic Club.” Today, community 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. Beyond Olga lies Doe Bay Resort, which hosts the annual summer Doe Bay Music Festival and Imagine Festival. It has a clothing-optional hot tub and sauna, general store, lodging, and a restaurant where locals perform every Thursday evening at a weekly open-mic to benefit island nonprofits. According to Redfin.com, the median home value on Orcas Island was $530,000 in 2019. Eastsound home values have gone up 3.6 percent over the past year. For more information about Orcas, visit the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce online at www. orcasislandchamber.com.
Sheriff’s Office Orcas Substation 1323 Mt. Baker Rd. 360-378-4151 EMERGENCY: 911 www.sanjuanco.com/344/ Sheriff UW Medicine Orcas Island Clinic 7 Deye Ln. 360-376-2561 www.uwmedicine.org/locations/orcas-island-clinic
13
Serving a maturing community By Diane Craig
P
erhaps one of the more striking features of the San Juan Islands is the size of its mature population. According to HomeFacts.com, recent numbers show a countywide population of 15,740, of which 6,370 – nearly half – are between the ages of 55 and 74. To address the changing needs of the islands’ maturing population, an array of senior services programs are made available under contract with Northwest Regional Council through the San Juan County Health and Community Services Department with significant support from the Senior Services Council of San Juan County, Inc., a Washington 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. Senior Centers conduct business on each of the three main islands – Orcas, Lopez and San Juan – with each providing services and programming to meet the distinctive needs of its aging community. The islands’ senior centers serve hot lunches (small donations are accepted) and ensures those who are homebound regularly receive a hot nutritious meal. Further, each center serves as a focal point with programming, activities and services that encourage an active and engaged senior community.
Lopez Island
Located in the historic 100+-year-old Woodmen Hall, the Lopez Island Senior Center works to keep seniors independent by post-phoning or eliminating the need for residential or institutional care. Staff and volunteers provide senior information assistance; congregate meals; respite care, case management; family caregiver support; transportation assistance; and participate in Meals on Wheels. The center serves hot lunches Wednesdays and Fridays, and Meals on Wheels delivers to the homebound. Program offerings include creaky yoga; pinochle; Tai Chi; an Enchanted Quilters group; and a garden club. 14
Lopez Senior Center 4102 Fisherman’s Bay Rd. Lopez, WA 98261 Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 360-468-2421 woodmenhall.org/senior-services/
Orcas Island
Aging well on Orcas is the overall theme of the Orcas Senior Center. Always teeming with activity, the center hosts lunch every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with hot meals delivered as well the Meals on Wheels program. A donation of $5 is suggested though no senior is ever denied a meal if unable to pay Additional services include transportation to medical appointments both on and off island; foot care; case coordination and caregiver resources; and Hearts and Hands that offers trained volunteers who provide 1-2 hours per week of companionship visits and practical assistance to those in need on the island. To assist the island’s seniors with aging well, Orcas Senior Center offers a wide-ranging series of classes and workshops that includes strength training; chair yoga; art classes; a caregiver support group; book club; a ukulele group and weekly technology classes.
Orcas Senior Center 62 Henry Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 360-376-2677 www.orcasseniors.org
San Juan Island
Designated as the Senior Services Center for the San Juans, the Mullis Community Center is home to the island’s Meals on Wheels program, a monthly pancake breakfast. Further, the center co-hosts several drop-in exercise classes geared for seniors. Recognized as one of the largest event venues on San Juan, the Mullis Community Center also hosts nutritious meals three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as Mahjong; a book club, first aid classes, lectures, knitting, painting, bingo, quilting, and off-island trips. The Mullis Community Senior Center 589 Nash Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 360-370-7520 www.mulliscenter.org
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WHERE THE ARTS AND COMMUNITY MEET 9 1 7 Mt . B a ke r R o a d , E a s t s o u n d WA 9 8 2 4 5 The Book of The San Juan Islands
DA N C E
www.OrcasCenter.org/welcome
A RT 15
LOPEZ ISLAND
By Mandi Johnson
W
hile traveling over the gentle rolling hills of Lopez Island, don’t be surprised to receive a wave from oncoming drivers — that’s just how “The Friendly Isle” operates. With just a little more than 2,500 year-round residents, Lopez is a great place to take your foot off the accelerator and settle into the pace of island life. Lopez is the third largest in the San Juan Islands and is the first stop for Washington State Ferries as they make their way through the archipelago. Lopez is quiet and laid back, with a gently rolling, open landscape dotted by family farms where islanders raise sheep and llamas; grow wine grapes; apples; pears; kiwi fruit; and more. Scandinavian farmers began the island’s farming tradition in the 1850s. The community grew as farming, fishing and ranching on the island expanded and allowed the economy to build. For millennia, Native Americans had lived on the island. The Lummi, Samish, Stanch and Songhee tribes inhabited the land. Lopez was given its current name in the late 1700s by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza after one of his ship captains, Gonzalo Lopez de Haro. European settlers first began homesteading on Lopez in the mid-1800s. Bicyclists of all ages and abilities can pedal along the peaceful, winding roads. Every spring, hundreds of riders converge on the island for the annual Tour de Lopez. 16
Mandi Johnson photo
Lopez covers just under 30 square miles, being 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, and has an incredible 63 miles of shoreline.The island offers a generous array of day-use parks including Agate Beach County Park; Blackie Brady County Park on Hughes Bay; Hummel Lake Preserve; Lopez Skate Park; Lopez Village Park; Mud Bay County Park; Otis Perkins County Park and Shark Reef Sanctuary. For overnight camping, there are a couple of options. On the north end of the island, just a mile from the ferry landing is 80-acre waterfront Odlin County Park, which
has 30 campsites scattered along fine sandy beaches. You can also pitch your tent at 138-acre Spencer Spit State Park, on the eastern shore of northern Lopez, where a quarter-mile-long sandy spit juts out into the swift channel of Lopez Sound toward the precipitous shorelines of Frost Island. The spit also encompasses a muddy tidal flat that’s prime habitat for gathering native cockles as well as butter, horse, littleneck and varnish clams. You can learn about open seasons and limits for shellfish harvesting online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations.
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
When it comes to schools, Lopez Island School District had 234 children enrolled in the 2018-2019 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 also offers alternative learning experiences. In Lopez Village, you’ll find yourself surrounded by cozy coffee shops, fine dining and stylish boutiques. To satisfy a sweet tooth, visit Just Heavenly Fudge and the Lopez Island Ice Cream Parlor. Lopez Thrift Shop sells used items to raise funds, giving yearly
grants for locals in need. Vortex Juice Bar & Cafe serves up fresh juices and smoothies, along with organic local vegan and gluten-free fare. Two of the islands’ three main grocery stores are located in the Village — Lopez Village Market and Blossom Grocery. The third is the Southend General Store and Restaurant, located on the island’s south end. Located on the village outskirts is Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, which hosts a plethora of entertainment options throughout the year, including island benefits, concerts and community events. Located nearby is a community garden; Lopez Children’s Center; a skateboard park; and the Lopez Island Family Resource Center — which helps with food and financial assistance, and provides life skills classes and workshops. Woodmen Hall, a rustic and restored building more than 100 years old, is another community gathering place. The Friends of Woodmen Hall, a nonprofit that maintains the facility, hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as pinochle, bingo,
Lopez services County Council Chairman Jamie Stephens 360-378-2898 Fire Department Chief J.M. Harner 2228 Fisherman Bay Road 360-468-2991 www.lopezfire.com Lopez Island Public Library 2225 Fisherman Bay Road 360-468-2265 www.lopezlibrary.org
“creaky yoga” and more. Woodmen Hall is also home to the island’s senior center. Recent real estate prices on Lopez ranged from $60,000 for a lot a little more than an acre to $4.9 million for a 2,349-square-foot house located on 39.94 waterfront acres. The recent median sale price is $601,117. 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 housing residents ages 55 and older in either an adult assisted living home consisting of six rooms or in one of its 14 cottages for independent living. The Lopez community has also 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 arranging professional case management; performing chore and respite
services; aiding in errands and transportation; facilitating loans of durable medical equipment; and providing friendly company. 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.
Another nonprofit on the island, the Lopez Animal Protection Society, works to protect and provide for four-footed islanders. The Friends of Lopez Island Pool is in the process of building a set of two saltwater community pools for Lopez Island that will be a place for everyone in the community year round.
Senior Services Lopez Senior Center Woodmen Hall 4102 Fisherman Bay Road 360-468-2421 www.woodmenhall.org
UW Medicine Lopez Clinic 103 Washburn Place Lopez Village 360-468-2245 www.uwmedicine.org/locations/lopez-island-clinic
Fisherman Bay Water Assoc. 2205 Fisherman Bay Road 360-468-2131 https://fishbaysewer.com/
Sheriff’s Office 2228 Fisherman Bay Road 360-378-4151 (non-emer gency dispatch) EMERGENCY: 911 Non-emergency: 360-3784151 www.sanjuanco.com/344/ Sheriff
Mandi Johnson photo
CenturyLink (phone, internet and TV) 1-800-244-1111 Fisherman Bay Sewer District 295 Village Road, #201 360-468-2131
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Orcas Power and Light Cooperative 4232 Center Road 360-376-3544 www.opalco.com Rock Island Communications 360-378-5884 www.rockisland.com/fiber
17
ENTERTAIN
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SAN JUAN ISLAND, WASHINGTON
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18
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
SHAW ISLAND
By Laura Kussman
T
here are 176 named islands in the San Juan archipelago, although these and large rocks around them amount to 743 at low tide and 428 at high tide. Sixty are populated (though most have only a house or two) and 10 are state marine parks, some of which are accessible only to kayakers navigating the Cascadia Marine Trail. Shaw Island is the smallest of the four islands serviced by the Washington State Ferries fleet. Nestled between Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands, the population of approximately over 200-year-round residents make do with few amenities. All commercial business on the island is located next to the ferry terminal, which consists of a marina, cafe, Shaw General Store, and a cottage with room for up to six overnight guests. Visitors can enjoy Lopez Island Creamery ice cream scooped at the cafe, and the general store will soon open up a Tap Room. Groceries, including gluten-free options, and an assortment of home goods are sold at the general store originally built in 1924. Bicycling is a great way to explore Shaw Island. The relatively flat terrain and small size make the entire island accessible in a single day of peddling. A popular destination is the soft sandy beach of Shaw County Park, facing east out of Indian Cove toward Lopez and within kayaking distance of Odlin County Park. Ample parking is available for beach activities
Tate Thomson photo
and lounging for the day, and 11 campsites are open year-round for longer stays. The next closest camping is at Blind Island State Park, in sight of the ferry terminal yet only reachable by personal watercraft. The road to the beach passes by the Shaw Island Community Center where most organized social events take place. Community meetings, roller skating, performances, senior dinners and other activities play out at the center. The Shaw Emergency Response Team and fire department, supported by a large volunteer effort, are stationed at the center as well. A small shed next to the center contains an eclectic assortment of discarded items available for free. Interesting finds are also on the shelves at the Shaw Island Library, built in 1970. Despite its modest size, the lending library keeps islanders up to date on reading and viewing material. The library is connected by breezeway to the Historical Society Museum, open for visitation
a few hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Shaw’s history, the legacy of which is still visible today, partly shapes the character of the island. Though he never set foot on the island, it was named after U.S. Naval Captain John Shaw, who navigated warships through the waters of the West Indes, Mediterranean and Atlantic at the turn of the 18th century. Perhaps his successful marine career inspired boat captains and bootleggers weaving in and out of the San Juan Islands. Several historic buildings are still functional. Constructed in 1890 the Shaw Island School, also known as “The Little Red Schoolhouse,” has two instructors for about a dozen K-8 students. It claims to be the longest-operating school in the state. The Museum of the Historical Society was built in 1970 using logs from the original Shaw Island post office. The most well-known of the historical institutions on Shaw is the Benedictine mon-
The Book of The San Juan Islands
astery for women, Our Lady of the Rock, started in 1977. A different order of nuns previously gained attention from 1976 - 2004, when they collected tickets and directed traffic at the ferry terminal. The nuns currently occupying the scenic property lead a spiritual life that is not entirely isolated from the greater community. Self-sufficiency is part of the monastic lifestyle on Shaw and it is evident from the gardens, orchards and livestock cared for by the hardworking nuns. Guests of all faiths are welcome, with advance notice requested, to share in the labors and prayers for a few days or a full retreat. Sales of farm products, such as cheese, yarn and herbal infusions, help fund operations. Boaters can appreciate the many small coves and bays along the Shaw shoreline. Sport fishing can be rewarding, especially during peak salmon runs. The public marina at the ferry terminal docks a small number of vessels, but the island is not far from larger marinas on neighboring islands. Real estate for sale on Shaw is limited. According to Zillow.com, at press time for this publication there were four properties for sale, priced from $415,000 for a 7.5-acre lot to $1.6 million for a sunny, west-facing, 21-acre lot. The recent median list price for a home was $1.5 million. Most homes on Shaw rely on well water and on-site septic system. Learn more about services on Shaw at https://shawislanders.org/. 19
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
By Laura Kussman
T
he Town of Friday Harbor is the only incorporated town in the county, holds the county seat and is set in a quiet bay on San Juan Island’s eastern shore. It was chosen as the county seat when San Juan became a county in 1873. In 1906, Friday Harbor’s historic, two-story county courthouse was built, situated near the legislative buildings and hosts offices for 11 elected officials who manage and oversee county agencies, departments, assets and projects. In addition to the three members of the County Council, San Juan County voters elect eight County officials to preside over the courts and County Departments. County council’s three elected officials reside in three geographically distinct districts; (1) San Juan Island; (2) Orcas, Blakely and Waldron islands; and (3) Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands. These officials serve four-year terms and oversee executive and legislative powers. The council has many duties, most of which include conducting hearings regarding public concern, adopting ordinances regarding comprehensive plans and development regulations; managing the county’s administrative
ISLAND SCHOOLS LOPEZ ISLAND
• Columbia Virtual Academy. Grades K-12, cva.org, 360-468-2201. • Lopez School District. Grades K-12, lopezislandschool.org, 360-468-2202.
ORCAS ISLAND
• Kaleidoscope. Ages 4 weeks-12 years, ourkaleidoscopekids.com, 360-3762484. • OASIS Alternative School. Grades K-12, os.orcasislandschools.org, 360376-1598. • Orcas Christian School. Grades K-12, oics.org, 360-376-6683. • Orcas Island Children’s House. Ages 20
offices; interfacing with the press; levying taxes; approving contracts for the county; deciding the compensation of county employees; ensuring the county’s compliance within the county charter and all federal, state and county laws; reviewing and approving operating and capital budgets; and appointing officers. The council is also the signing authority for the county on all claims, contracts and deeds. There are many administrative departments that aren’t overseen by an elected official, but are instead supervised by the San Juan County manager, the main administrative position appointed by the county council. These departments include Public Works, Health & Community Services; Community Development; Washington State University Extension; County Administration; Land Bank; and County Parks and Fair. The manager primarily handles the day-to-day operations of the county. There are eight other elected county officials: a district court and superior court judge; a county prosecutor; an auditor; a sheriff; an assessor; a county clerk; and a treasurer. They, along with county council, are supported by numerous volunteer
committees and advisory panels, as well as a strongly involved community made up of thoughtful 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. Their commitment shows. In the general election of November 2018, 81.43 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. In the odd-year general election of November of 2019, 58.33 percent of registered voters weighed in on state and county measures. In 2005, San Juan County voters adopted a rule that allows the county to create its own voter-approved county charter by which to govern themselves within the limits of the federal and state constitutions. This “home rule” is an alternate form of county governance allowed by a 1948 amendment to the state constitution. 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 13 junior taxing districts, all of which derive financial support from property tax levies in varying degrees, and are supervised by their own panel of elected officials.
1-6, OICH.org, 360-376-4744. • Orcas Island School District. Grades K-12, orcasislandschools.org, 360-3762284. • Orcas Montessori School. Ages 2 1/26, orcasmontessori.org, 360-376-5350. • Salmonberry School. Ages preschool-6, salmonberryschool.org, 360376-4310. • Waldron Island School. Grades K-8, ws.orcasislandschools.org, 206-3762286.
• Lighthouse Preschool. Ages 3-5. 360378-4885. • Paideia Classical School. Grades K-8, paideiaclassicalschool.com, 360-3788322. • San Juan Center Preschool Head Start. Ages 3-5, sihs.skagit.edu, 360-378-6030. • San Juan Island School District. Grades K-12, sjisd.wednet.edu, 360-3784133. • Spring Street International School. Grades 5-12, springstreet.org, 360-3786393. • Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, 360-378-4455. • Stillpoint School. Grades K-6, stillpointschool.org, 360-378-2331.
SAN JUAN ISLAND
• Alphabet Soup Preschool. Ages 1-6, alphabetsouppreschools.com. • Children’s House Montessori School. Ages 3-6, fridayharbormontessori.org, 360-378-5255. • Griffin Bay School. Grades 8-12, sjisd. wednet.edu/gbs, 360-378-3292.
SHAW ISLAND
• Shaw Island School. Grades K-8, shawislandschool.org, 360-468-2570.
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Stillpoint School
K-6 - State Approved - 378-2231
Why Stillpoint?
Spring Street International School is an independent, day and boarding school that provides students with a stimulating learning environment in a safe and beautiful setting.
TRANSFORMING LIVES IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
Challenging expeditions and travel experiences foster personal growth. Spring Street students become engaged, thoughtful, ethical participants in local and global communities.
• Top-ranked Singapore Math program • Highly academic curriculum • Emphasis on the Arts and STEM • 100% fully certified teachers • Positive, caring environment • Brain-based teaching & learning
~ Where teachers love to teach and students love to learn ~
www.StillpointSchool.org
505 Spring Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 www.springstreet.org
Contact Krista in Admissions Phone: 360-378-6393 admissions@springstreet.org
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Trimming • Removals • Fuel Reduction • Hazard Tree Assessments • Ecological Forestry
360.376.9100
www.rainshadowconsulting.com Licensed, bonded & insured: #RAINSSC906JA
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21
Islanders learning trade skills to last a lifetime A
By Colleen Smith
local organization has been quietly working to diversify the economy of the islands. For the past two years, the San Juan County Economic Development Council has been offering free trades training courses to dozens of residents. “The greatest investment we can make in our community is an investment in our young people’s future. The EDC board and I feel strongly that teaching our workers the skills they need to thrive here is fundamental to ensuring a healthy community — and economy — for decades to come,” said Executive Director Victoria Compton. The program kicked off in April 2017 with a marine maintenance technology course, offered at the Skagit Valley College’s Anacortes campus. Participants received free tuition, class materials and ferry and shuttle transportation thanks to a state grant. It was such a success that the EDC received additional funding from the governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund; the Washington State Department of Commerce; San Juan County; the Port of Friday Harbor; the Town of Friday Harbor; the San Juan Island Community Foundation and the Orcas Island Community Foundation; Islanders Bank; Heritage Bank; Eastsound Water Users Association; and other organizations, individuals and businesses to offer more robust course offerings in subsequent sessions on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan. The 2019 program started off with a construction basics course on San Juan Island taught by Mike Murphy of Raven Hill Construction. Students completed scaled-down models of houses, a project that taught essential construction concepts and techniques. “I found the hands-on aspect of the class to be informative and helped me hone some basic skills I already had. All in all, it was an empowering and positive experience [and] I look forward to the opportunity to take the other classes,” said construction class participant Rosedanie Cadet, who lives on Orcas. In the spring of 2019, plumbing basics was presented at the Orcas Island High School with Jeff Morris and Brett McFarland instructing and at Friday Harbor High School with Brent Huntington. “I am impressed with the interest all of the students are showing. Even with their wide range of backgrounds, they all seem to want to learn something new,” said Morris. Both plumbing classes focused on introducing the in-demand field of plumbing to new and interested high school students and career changers. Each class included hands-on techniques such as soldering and gluing, and the Orcas Island course included the design and construction of a model bathroom that 22
Contributed photo
students were able to fully plumb with sink and toilet fixtures. A total of 17 students enrolled for each plumbing course and all expressed high satisfaction with the program. “We have a cross-section of ages from contractors wanting to learn more to beginners with no experience,” said San Juan student Michael Schoenfeld. “I am learning things every class. … and I now have confidence in doing a lot more plumbing myself.” Next up was a comprehensive introduction to concepts in heating, ventilation and air conditioning held at the Friday Harbor High School Science Technology Engineering Math Center. The course was taught by Kevin McCullough, owner of San Juan Heating. The 11 students who enrolled were Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning trainees, new to the subject or working in adjacent construction fields. Paul Henriksen taught a construction basics class in the Lopez Island School shop in collaboration with the Lopez Community Land Trust, which donated materials for the project. The course centered on the construction of an 8-foot by 10-foot shed to be used by the land trust.
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Staff from Rock Island Communications led a fiber optic course at the Friday Harbor High School STEM Center. It served as a comprehensive introduction to low voltage and fiber optic wiring, covering everything from underground cabling to fiber splicing to home installation. Following that program was a partnership between the EDC and Skagit Valley College to offer construction welding at the Mount Vernon campus for six weeks from May to June. The class, taught by SVC instructor Victor Case, was at capacity with 11 students – all of whom were from San Juan County. Because no formal welding program or facility exists in the San Juan Islands, students were transported to the campus. The class covered shielded metal arc welding and offered two college credits to those who completed the course. In the fall of 2019 the EDC, in conjunction with EWUA, ran a water systems operations course on Orcas with 12 students, three of whom have already been hired into the trade. This program lasted six weeks and included units on water quality testing, water system mathematics and field trips to a variety of Orcas water systems. The six-week electrical basics course on San Juan, taught by Huntington, had 14 students and covered basic electrical concepts, mathematics, regulations and hands-on wiring projects. A tree worker basics class taught on Orcas by Carson Sprenger of Rain Shadow Consulting finished up in winter of 2020. It had 17 participants and covered tree health, knots and rigging for tree climbing, chainsaw maintenance and arborist certification. Throughout 2020, the EDC will offer advanced plumbing;
career fairs on health care and creative professional services; management training geared towards those working in hospitality; and building trades. For more information, visit https:// www.sanjuansedc.org/trades/. “I frequently become verklempt when I think of the career success of the students who have been through our programs,” said Compton. “The EDC staff and I are in awe of the work that they did to achieve that success, and proud to have been a part of it. The work we have done in creating strong trades training programs here would not have been remotely possible without the support of our many partner organizations. … Many organizations and businesses helped us to achieve our dream of creating a trades training program, and we are grateful to them all.”
Happy Island House Cleaning Alva Arguello
happyisland@protonmail.com
360.622.8778
Lic. #60423214, Insured and bonded
The EDC is an independent nonprofit working to strengthen the islands’ economy We offer – Business counseling & workshops Export assistance Trades training Business relocation services Knowledge worker assistance Visit our website to learn more: www.sanjuansedc.org
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23
ANACORTES
By Diane Craig
F
or the thousands who travel to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, Anacortes might be seen as merely a port, a ferry terminal, or a place to grab a meal before lining up to board. Yet, this small, picturesque harbor village has a rich history all its own, worthy of exploration. Located on Fidalgo Island, approximately 64 miles north of Seattle, Anacortes exhibits a vibrant cultural, commercial and scenic charm. A mere 15.4 square miles, visitors might be surprised to discover the island boasts 67 miles of hiking trails; four freshwater lakes; 12 miles of saltwater shoreline; a dozen city parks totaling 468 acres; a 220-acre state park and campground; and six different marinas with up to 2,500 boat slips. The area’s earliest residents, the Samish and Swinomish peoples, were known for many skills including the construction of 1,000-foot longhouses from abundant old-growth cedar and Douglas Fir. When European settlers moved into the area, local fishermen who trawled Alaskan waters began returning with loads of cod for salting. Incorporated in 1891, Anacortes gets its name from an adaptation of Anne Curtis Bowman, wife of an early Fidalgo Island settler, Amos Bowman. Today, the southeast peninsula of Fidalgo Island is an official reservation, belonging to the Aboriginal Swinomish, Lower Skagit, Kikiallus and Samish Indian Nation 24
Mandi Johnson photo
tribes, which own and operate the Swinomish Casino & Lodge and golf course a few miles outside Anacortes. The Samish Indian Nation keeps its headquarters in Anacortes and operates the Fidalgo Bay Resort. For years, Anacortes has encouraged and supported both its art and its history. A drive up Commercial Avenue offers glimpses of some of the more than 150 colorful hand-painted murals – created by local historian Bill Mitchell and friends – that adorn the outside walls of area businesses. Walks through the small galleries, antique shops and the local boutiques that offer locally crafted products underscore a community that takes pride in craftsmanship, beauty and creativity. Since 1964, the Anacortes Community Theatre has entertained residents and visitors alike with countless quality productions. Every small town has its own style of community events and Anacortes is no exception. July has “Shipwreck
Day,” an annual flea market and garage sale; August plays host to an Arts Festival; and in September as many as 15,000 motorcyclists ride in for the annual Oyster Run. Industry in this small community includes Dakota Creek Industries, a shipyard at the edge of town that specializes in building and repairing steel and aluminum vessels; Trident Seafoods, the largest seafood company in the United States; and Island Hospital, a general medical and surgical health care facility. The Anacortes School District offers one early childhood education center, three elementary schools, one middle school; and two high schools. The city’s infrastructure includes the Anacortes Parks and Recreation Program that operates a slate of programs including adult tennis and co-ed softball; youth camps; soccer, basketball and track and field; community sailing and much more. They also offer special events like a spring
2020-21 Information & Relocation Guide
Egg Dash; an annual “Bark in the Park” dog festival; an Art Dash Half-Marathon run along the Tommy Thompson Parkway; a family-friendly outdoor movie night; and a Winter Wonderland Walk at Washington Park. The Anacortes Arts Commission advises the City of Anacortes on public arts and culture and its website provides information on where to view much of the city’s extensive collection of public art. The population of Anacortes is about 17,283. Much like the San Juan Islands, the median resident age is higher than the state average, at about 49. The per-capita income is $37,385, and the median household income is $63,950. Located in Skagit County, Anacortes is one of two principal cities included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area. For more information about Anacortes, visit Anacortes Chamber of Commerce at www.anacortes.org, or call 360-293-3832.
All the world’s a stage... By Diane Craig
I
f you love the smell of greasepaint, the sound of applause or the swell of an orchestra, the San Juans won’t let you down. From original one-acts to top-drawer productions, student concerts to spoken words the islands have opportunities for your inner performer to shine. Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juans, has an enviable array of performance opportunities. Orcas Center, the island’s premier entertainment center, holds open tryouts for a season that can include musicals, dramas, comedies, and original productions created by some of the island’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians. Recent productions have included “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “La Cage au Faux,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “CirqueUS,” an original production covering music from the film, “The Greatest Showman.” The center occasionally offers classes in acting, interpretation and movement. Learn more at www.orcascenter.org The Actor’s Theatre of Orcas Island is known for performing original plays performed at The Grange. Over the years it has produced original one-acts written by writers on Orcas, and recently presented “Winds in the Morning,” a play in three acts written by Lopez Islander Richard Carter. The Grange also regularly hosts open mics providing a comfortable venue for the non-professional musically inclined. Learn more about playing the stage at www. orcasactors.org/. If the spoken word is your
Tate Thomson photo
talent, The Barnacle in Eastsound hosts a “Use your Words” on the third Thursday of the month. The intimate pub has proven a perfect venue for the novice poet or stream-of-consciousness prose writer. Local authors have occasionally floated a few chapters of their work-in-progress to gauge audience reaction. If words are your muse, take note of The Barnacle, www. thebarnacle.com. San Juan Community Theater has been making stars of local talent for decades. This gem of Friday Harbor serves not only as a stage for thespians but as a venue for touring professionals. The 275-seat Whittier and the 75-seat Gubelman Theatres play host to many of SJCT’s fully-staged productions, as well as island groups and
school/youth events. In recent years they have hosted a local playwriter’s festival, delighted audiences with community productions of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Workshops offer children an introduction to the footlights, while adults interested in all aspects of theatre can use them to further develop their skills. Learn more about the world of community theatre on San Juan at www.sjctheatre.org. For something a bit more down home, each August San Juan County Fair puts on quite a show! In addition to the midway and booths filled with locally grown fruits, flowers and vegetables (and swoon-worthy baked and canned goods), early in the year the fair’s entertainment
The Book of The San Juan Islands
committee puts out a call for singers, magicians, musicians, puppeteers – performers of all kinds – to participate in the fair’s annual entertainment offerings. Learn more about sharing your talents countywide at www.sjcfair.org. Lopez, the smallest of the three main islands, has a rich history of cultivating local talent and sharing it with the community, starting with the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts. Thanks to the generosity of two Lopezians, Natalie Rousch and Andy Holland, the Lopez Center serves as the focal point for most of the island’s entertainment offerings including benefit concerts, musical tributes and local and touring performers. Visit lopezcenter.org for a complete calendar of events. 25
By Mandi Johnson
I
Making the islands affordable for all
t’s a problem that most of the country is facing and the San Juan Islands are not immune — a lack of affordable housing. A tourist destination and a retirement haven for the wealthy, the islands are facing a shortfall of housing for the working class. The median cost of purchasing a home in the San Juan Islands is more than $600,000 and there are very few affordable rental properties available. For every 100 very low-income renters, there are only 20 affordable rental units. But there are many organizations seeking to resolve that issue. Each of the three largest islands have its own community land trust. To keep housing prices affordable, land trusts continue to own the property houses are built upon while the purchaser buys the house. This allows the house to remain affordable as the property cannot be privately sold by the homeowner. The land is acquired through private donations as well as with state and federal grants. Lopez Community Land Trust Lopez Community Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized in 1989 to help provide affordable housing when the cost of homes on the island had risen 190 percent in one year. The purpose of the land trust on Lopez is to acquire and hold land in perpetuity to provide permanent afford26
able housing. The homes and lands are used in “an environmentally sensitive and socially responsible manner.” The trust seeks to provide affordable access to land for housing, agriculture, forestry and more, all while preserving, protecting and enhancing the land’s natural attributes. The island’s first affordable housing project was completed by 1992 and was featured in The New York Times. Since that date, the land trust has completed six affordable housing neighborhoods — half of which are designed to be net zero energy use — with a total of 40 ownership homes and two rentals. The trust’s office is also net zero and it provides food-safety testing in its FoodMetrics Lab. It was the first to own a United States Department of Agriculture-approved mobile slaughter unit and cofounded the farm to school program at the Lopez Schools. The Land Trust’s most recent project was phase two of its
Salish Way community. The first stage was completed in 2015, providing housing for three women and three children — two of the homes are studios while the third is two bedroom. Phase two was completed in 2019 and provided three additional homes — all a single bedroom. Several people helped to build the cottages — including two interns; 25 paid local tradespeople; 35 volunteers; two summer youth programs; and an out-of-state public school program. For more information, visit https://www.lopezclt.org/. OPAL On Orcas, the OPAL Community Land Trust works to “maintain the character, vibrancy and diversity of the Orcas Island community by answering the ongoing need for permanently affordable housing.” OPAL helps people with a wide range of incomes and household dynamics in obtaining permanent housing
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on the island. OPAL, which stands for Of People And Land, was founded in 1989 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Current land trust assets include eight neighborhoods; 108 permanently affordable ownership homes; 30 permanently affordable rental apartments; five office spaces for rent and lease; and five community gardens. Set to be completed in 2020 is a 45-unit complex named April’s Grove. An estimated 100 to 140 people will reside in the community comprised of studio up to three bedroom apartments wth rent ranging from $300 to $1,400 and averaging about $600 per month. Forty-one of the 45 residents will have income restrictions as part of the bargain made by using state and federal funds. For those 41 residents, the average income is expected to be around $30,000. Four of the residences will not be income-restricted and were designed to meet the needs of newly-hired employees of the island’s major employers. Also in the works with OPAL is a home restoration project funded by the Washington State Housing Trust Fund. The grant allows OPAL to purchase four existing homes on Orcas and make them purchasable housing through the land trust. For more information, visit https://www.opalclt.org/. San Juan Community Home Trust For low to moderate income
people who live on San Juan Island, there is the San Juan Community Home Trust. This nonprofit organization is for residents who earn 50-125 percent of at the area median income — such as seniors who wish to remain on the island or long-term residents who want to live in Friday Harbor. The mission of the home trust is as follows: “San Juan Community Home Trust creates permanently affordable housing for low- and moderate-income island residents, promotes economic diversity and development and supports a sustainable island community while practicing responsible stewardship of our rural environment.” The San Juan Community Home Trust has built 37 new homes in three neighborhoods catering to homeowners of all ages. For more information, visit https://hometrust.org/. Other initiatives Another housing program located on San Juan Island is Homes for Islanders. Homes for Islanders is a private, nonprofit organization funded by the United States Department of Agriculture designed for families with very low-, low-and-moderate-incomes. The nonprofit creates building groups of eight families to work together on constructing the neighborhood’s new houses; assists future homeowners with applying for a 502 Rural Housing Home Loan; provides fully-serviced, builder-ready lots; has house plans for single-story houses with three or four bedrooms; aids with selecting subcontractors; provides building account management and construction budgeting services; and instructs every phase of the construction process.
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Qualified families pay no money down, no out of pocket closing costs and no mortgage payments during construction. Following construction completion, monthly loan payments will be set up based on the family’s income level and are often less than what they would pay for in rent, according to the organization. For more information about Homes for Islanders, visit http://www.homesforislanders.org/. San Juan County’s Health and Community Services department also has an affordable housing division that works with community partners and the county’s Housing Advisory Committee to provide housing solutions in the islands. It manages state grants and local recording surcharge funds to provide limit direct housing assistance via its Homeownership Assistance Program and other services. In 2016, The San Juan
County Council authorized a workgroup to develop an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. The goal was to identify actions to address housing issues, taking into consideration funding, regulations and infrastructure and land costs. The plan, adopted in 2017, contained five actions necessary to aid in creation and maintenance of affordable housing in the islands. In November 2018, voters in the county approved a 0.5 percent real estate excise tax to fund affordable housing called the San Juan County Home Fund. The one-time tax is in effect for 12 years, and its purpose is to provide funding for the development and preservation of housing for very low-, low- and moderate-income residents and those with special needs.The first round of grants awarded following the collection of tax funds were made in November 2019. In its first year, the REET gathered $1.45 million
The Book of The San Juan Islands
which was then distributed between the Lopez Community Land Trust, OPAL and San Juan Community Home Trust. The Washington State Legislature adopted the Affordable Housing Sales Tax Credit in 2019, and San Juan County took advantage of the program. The county council approved directing a part of the state’s portion of the sales tax be allocated toward affordable housing solutions. The bill is a sales tax option as a credit against the sales tax rate of 6.5 percent — it doesn’t increase the sales tax for consumers but rather it raises the amount of money the county keeps of the state’s sales tax allocation. The collection is set to begin in summer 2020. For more information about the county’s initiatives, visit https://www.sanjuanco. com/896/Affordable-Housing.
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The highway to the By Mandi Johnson
F
San Juan Islands
or many people living in the San Juan Islands, the wwwwWashington State Ferries are the lifeline between home and the rest of
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the world. A designated part of the state’s highway system, WSF is a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation. In total, it runs 10 routes, serving 20 terminals around Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands, and is the largest fleet of ferries in the United States. The government agency began operation in June 1951 after buying-out a private ferry service owned by the Puget Sound Navigation Company called the Black Ball Line. More than 2 million people rode the ferries to and from the San Juan Islands in 2019, according to WSF — a decrease of 1 percent from 2018. In October 2019, WSF increased its fares across the board by 2.5 percent; fares will rise again by 2.5 percent in October 2020. Though mostly funded by the state as part of the highway system, the ferries are an aging fleet with years of deferred maintenance that have caused many problems — for the islands in particular. The San Juan Islands route is home
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to some of the oldest ferries in the fleet — the MV Tillikum celebrated its 60th birthday in 2019. Another route regular in the San Juan Islands is the 52-year-old Elwha, which required $25 million worth of steelwork on its passenger deck and was recently pulled from rotation due to needing additional steelwork completed on its car deck. WSF announced in December 2019 that it did not have enough funding to perform the maintenance needed. Deferred maintenance may continue to be a problem for WSF as voters approved an initiative in November 2019 lowering the cost of car tabs to just $30. This decision, which
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is being contested in court, will likely have an adverse effect on the state’s aging ferry system. This isn’t the first time state voters have elected to pay $30 for tabs, in 1999 a similar initiative was passed and effectively gutted the WSF budget for a decade, according to the agency. Not a single new vessel was built in those 10 years. In 2019, WSF released its Long-range Plan, a guide to what it hopes to accomplish in the next 20 years. Lucky for the islands, that includes the prospect of a new hybrid-electric vessel in 2028 along with terminal upgrades. The last new ferry the islands received was the MV Samish in 2015.