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INSIDE Myhr to retire
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VOLUME 35, NUMBER 47 • DECEMBER 22, 2015
Family of jailed man who died settles with three counties By Diana Hefley
Everett Herald, the Journal’s sister paper, writer
The family of a man who died of dehydration and malnutrition in the Island County Jail has reached a $4 million settlement with three counties. As part of the settlement, Island County has agreed that a corrections expert hired to evaluate the lockup’s operations will monitor the jail for the next 18 months. Phil Stanley made a series of recommendations in October to improve medical care for inmates, including more attention to those with mental illness and serious health conditions. Island County Sheriff Mark Brown said several improvements have been made and more are under way, based on Stanley’s recommendations. “The family acknowledges that Island County has taken measures and has promised more. We hope now that the civil part is over that we can even work together with them to ensure that it becomes a model jail and there is appropriate care for the humans housed there,” Fred Farris said Thursday. His son, Keaton Farris, 25, was shuffled among three
jails before being booked into the Coupeville lockup. He was in the throes of mental health crisis when he was taken into custody March 20 in Lynnwood. He missed court that day, and a San Juan County judge issued a $10,000 warrant. Farris was charged with identity theft for forging a $355 check in San Juan County. He was housed in the jails in Snohomish and Skagit counties before being moved to Coupeville in Island County, which provides jail services under contract with San Juan County. The settlement was reached Monday with Island, San Juan and Skagit counties. Fred Farris and Tiffany Ferrians filed a claim in August, alleging corrections officers neglected their son and withheld basic needs. They were represented by Seattle attorneys Becky Roe and Kathy Goater. Farris was found dead in his cell around 12:40 a.m., April 8. Corrections officers hadn’t checked on him for hours, and the water to his cell had been turned off. The coroner estimated that Farris died around 7:30 p.m. on April 7. The police investigation revealed that during the course of the 12 days in the
A BIG thanks to the Lopez Community for helping to make the Such a success this year. Thanks to all the businesses, churches and individuals who support this and all our programs throughout the year!
~ The Lopez Island Family Resource Center Staff
Thank you to our Wonderful Community, Donors and Volunteers from Lopez Center.
Happy Holidays!
See you in the New Year! Next concert: Eli West & Kendl Winter on Jan. 9th
Island County Jail, Farris’ fluid intake was at best 185 ounces of water — less than a quarter of the amount considered minimum for survival. He’d also lost about 20 pounds. Under terms of the settlement, Island County also agreed that the family’s own expert will review the recommendations and work provided by Stanley, and the county will make a good faith effort to incorporate any suggestions. The jail monitoring was a critical piece of the settlement, Fred Farris said. Family members didn’t want those efforts delayed by taking the case to trial. They also were concerned that a jury wouldn’t impose monitoring. “We really feel like the review touched on how far behind the times and inadequate procedures there are at the jail,” Fred Farris said. “We’re concerned about the people who are in jail now and didn’t want to wait two years.” Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson said the county is investing $700,000 into the jail, including more corrections officers and medical staff. It also is looking into the national Stepping Up Initiative, aimed at preventing people living with mental illness from ending up in jail. “I was heartbroken and outraged by what happened,” Price Johnson said. “I think we’ve worked very quickly with the sheriff to make improvements.” Brown, who oversees the jail, said significant steps have been taken to remedy some of the problems that led to Farris’ death. The county has hired a
Family photo
Keaton Farris in high school. nurse practitioner and a new jail chief. There is now a mental health professional who works 20 hours a week in the jail. Corrections officers have received additional crisis intervention training aimed at helping them work with mentally ill inmates. Brown said there is more coordination between corrections staff, human services and the jail’s new nurse. They are meeting weekly to discuss inmates. “Obviously we will continue to monitor the recommendations, and certainly the ones that were relevant in Keaton’s death are being addressed,” Brown said. Sheriff’s detective Ed Wallace investigated the death. His 700-page report said that corrections officers didn’t regularly check on Farris or offer him water. They also failed to take anyaction when Farris repeatedly refused water. The
Lopez Islander Resort
NEW YEAR’S EVE Four Course Dinner Special Glass of Champagne, Salad, Dessert
family spoke with corrections staff and explained that Farris had bipolar disorder and likely needed his medication. When he was arrested in Lynnwood, he had a prescription in his pocket for an anti-anxiety medication.Farris never received any medication at the Island County Jail. His parents were assured that Farris was being seen by a nurse. Corrections officers didn’t ask the jail nurse to evaluate Farris until the day before he died. The nurse, Nancy Barker, admitted that she didn’t go into Farris’ cell or do an adequate medical screening. She said she had been told that Farris was dangerous. Barker resigned from her job in the middle of an investigation by her employer, Island County Public Health. The state Department of Health launched an investigation in July, about a week after it was contacted by The Herald about the status of Barker’s license. A department spokeswoman declined to say anything more about that investigation. Wallace’s report docu-
mented that two corrections officers allegedly falsified records after Farris’ death. They resigned after being put on leave. Brown fired the jail lieutenant, and the jail chief retired. The case remains under investigation by the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office for possible criminal charges against those involved. “The family is holding on to hope that the criminal justice system will hold those individuals accountable for their role in Keaton’s death,” Fred Farris said. He and his family will focus efforts now on the criminal case. They also will focus on remembering their son, brother, grandson and nephew. Farris grew up on Lopez Island, where he helped bring home state championships in high school basketball and track. He’d been a storyteller since childhood and aspired to be a writer. “Keaton’s great love lives through us in our hearts and through his writings and in the loving memories of his family, friends and community,” his parents said.
Salmon or Prime Rib All for $29.95 per person
Reservations Recommended 2233 Regular menu also available
New Year’s Eve Party * Tiki Lounge 9 to close * Live Music
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Community Calendar ON-GOING: Ancestry.com Tutorials, available by appointment at the Lopez Island Library. Learn to use this remarkable tool available as part of your library’s digital access and discover where your family comes from! Call 468-2265
Lopez Island AA Meetings: Mondays - 7:30 p.m. at the Children’s Center Wednesdays - 4 p.m. Women’s meeting at the fellowship hall at Grace Episcopal Church Saturdays - noon at the Children’s Center Call 468-2809
Al-Anon: Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. at the Children’s Center Call 468-4703
or stop by the library to schedule your 30-minute
TUESDAYS ON-GOING: Pinochle night, 7 p.m., Woodmen Hall. Pinochle lovers unite. We will refresh your memory if you can’t quite remember how to play. Want to learn? We’ll teach you how. MONDAYS ON-GOING: Learn a foreign language with the digital
tool Pronunciator. www. pronunciator.com. Free tutorials, 4-5 p.m., in the library’s community room.
become a fan of stories. In the Helen Anderson Children’s Room at the Lopez Island Library.
TUESDAYS ON-GOING: Learn how to download eBooks! Free tutorials every Tuesday in the library’s community room, 4-5 p.m. Bring your device and log-in information (for Kindles your Amazon log-in info).
THURS, DEC. 24 EVENT: Christmas Pageant, 4 p.m., The Christmas Pageant at Grace Episcopal Church has been a favorite local tradition for over 20 years! Children from the island as well as children from off island come together to perform this wonderful story. Join us in one of this season’s most miraculous moments.
WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME: Wednesday Morning Story Time at the Lopez Island Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Baby and Toddler Story Time; 11 -11:30 a.m. Preschoolers Story Time. Join us each Wednesday morning for rhymes, songs and books. You’re never too young to
JAN. 1 - 3 NEW YEAR’S LABYRINTH WALK: Whispers of Nature’s Labyrinth will be open Jan. 1st-3rd, all day. Come by, take a winter labyrinth walk and set your
intentions for the New Year. All are welcome! For more info please send email to whispersofnature@gmail.com.
SAT, JAN. 2 AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: 9 a.m., North Twothirds of Lopez Island (outdoors!) Join other birdwatchers to count birds on Lopez for the 116th annual Christmas Bird Count. All abilities welcome. Contact beth.stgeorge@gmail.com for more information.More Info: http://www.audubon. org/content/join-christmasbird-count SAT, JAN. 9 TALK: A Jungle Story: Memories of War in the South Pacific, WWII Veteran Dan Silkiss, 2 - 3
p.m., Lopez Island Library - meeting room . WWII veteran Dan Silkiss shares stories of his time on a “Ship and Gun Crew” in the South Pacific. Dan’s sailed Australia, Papua, Dutch New Guinea and the Phillipines as a gunner on U.S tankers delivering aviation fuel. He was also a sergeant in command of gun crews on the S.S.Karsik and the M.S. Janssens. In Biak, Dutch New Guinea he was injured when the Japanese attacked and recovered in an Australian hospital. Remarkable photographs accompany Dan’s talk. We would like to extend a special invitation to Lopez Island veterans from all wars to attend. Coffee and cookies will be provided.
Salmon protections drive brake market innovation Submitted by Sen. Ranker’s office
Brake manufacturers now offer brake pads that reduce or eliminate the use of copper, a material toxic to salmon and other aquatic species, as a result of legislation introduced by state Sen. Kevin
Ranker, D-Orcas Island. Ranker’s Senate Bill 6557, passed in 2010, spurred more than 100 manufacturers to develop more than 3,000 different low-copper or copper-free brake pads for sale in Washington state. The law allowed manufacturers five years to develop the new products and became a model for a national agreement between brake manufacturers, states and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to fully eliminate the use of copper in brakes across the country in coming years. The law also restricts the use of other heavy metals and asbestos in brake pads. “Copper is deadly to salmon and other marine life,” Ranker said today. “It disrupts their sense of smell and makes them more vulnerable to predators and unable to return to their spawning streams. And it’s especially toxic to young salmon.” Ranker said copper dust
from brakes collects on roadways and is washed into streams and rivers, and has been linked by scientists to the decline of salmon runs across the state. Since 2011, according to the state Dept. of Ecology, the average concentration of copper in brakes has fallen nearly 25 percent. “Copper enters the environment through numerous sources, including household pesticides and water pipes, but brake pads in particular account for up to half the copper entering our waterways
in urban areas,” Ranker said. “We are eliminating a massive source of the toxin.” Consumers can tell whether the brakes they buy meet low-copper or copper-free standards by looking for the LeafMark on the packaging. Brakes with less than 5 percent copper will have two leaves filled in, while those that contain less than 0.5 percent copper will have all three leaves filled in. Brakes manufactured prior to 2015 may not carry the LeafMark.
Holiday coat drive on Lopez Submitted by Rosie Sumner
Lopez Business Hours Lopez Islander
Southend Restaurant
BREAKFAST 10 a.m. Sat/Sun LUNCH DAILY 11:30-4:30 p.m. DINNER DAILY 4:30-8 p.m. Sun-Thurs 4:30-9 p.m. Fri/Sat
Thursday-Saturday 11:30-8 Sunday 11:30-3:00 Beer-Wine-Great Food Delicious Baked Goods Weekend Specials, Deli To Go Items
Come in and enjoy our renowned special RR Prime Rib Thurs.-Sat.
www.lopezfun.com 468-2233
Southend General Store Full Service Grocery Store Winter Hours 7:30 to 7:30 everyday southendgeneralstore andrestaurant.com
468-2315
Just Heavenly Fudge Factory OPEN DAILY 11:00 - 5:00 pm Dec. 24 9:30 - 3:30 pm
Socking stuffer headquarters Find the perfect Gift
Happy Holidays! 468-2439
justheavenlyfudge.com
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The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • Month ##, 2012 – Page 2
It’s December in the islands. Some days are cold, wet and dark. Others are clear and crisp and beautiful, inviting us to get outside and watch the ducks on the water, the little winter birds in the trees, and explore the wonders of the natural world. It’s also holiday season, there is a sense of bustle in the air as folks decorate, make special foods, gather to share them and get themselves ready for family gatherings. It is the season of giving. And receiving. In this vein, the Lopez Family Resource
Graphic Designers 360.378.5696 Scott Herning, ext. 4054 sherning@soundpublishing.com Kathryn Sherman, ext. 4050 ksherman@soundpublishing.com Classified Advertising 800-388-2527 classifieds@soundpublishing.com Mailing/Street Address PO Box 758, Eastsound, WA 98245 Phone: (360) 378-5696 Fax: (888) 562-8818 Classifieds: (800) 388-2527
Center and the San Juan Islands National Monument have joined together to ask the community to help make winter an easier time for our children to get outside and enjoy themselves. We are hosting a coat drive. Kids need to stay warm and dry, Check your closets for gently used coats you would like to pass on. See what you can find in thrift stores. We gladly accept new coats as well. There are receiving boxes at the Lopez Village Market, the South End Grocery and the Family Resource Center. This drive will continue on
past Christmas as long as the need is there. It feels great to drop a warm cozy garment into the box and it is wonderful to receive a needed gift from the community. Balance out the holiday bustle by this simple act of giving. If your children or a child you know is in need of extra warmth, let the Lopez Family Resource Center know so that all our children will be taken care of. Their phone number is 468-4117. Monetary donations are also welcome and tax deductible if made by cash or check to the Lopez Resource Center (LIFRC).
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Hanging by a thread, secrets of mussel’s attachment Contributed photo
Dr. Emily Carrington explains byssal effects to Governor Jay Inslee.
By Elizabeth Cooney WSG Communications Fellow, Washington Sea Grant
Though they’re less glamorous than oysters, mussels dominate rocky coastlines and support aquaculture worldwide. Now Washington Sea Grant-suppor ted researchers at University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs are investigating potential climate-related threats to the amazingly tough mussel threads that anchor them to wave-pounded rocks and docks.
The unassuming but commercially valuable mussel dominates temperate seas worldwide, clinging to rocks and docks by a cluster of thread-like anchors called the byssus or “the beard.” The byssus’s unique protein matrix gives each thread extraordinary strength, even in salt water. But will byssal threads still hold fast as the seas become warmer and more acidic? Supported by Washington Sea Grant, UW biology professor Emily Carrington is trying
to answer that question and determine whether food supply and spawning may also affect byssal strength. The answers she’s finding aren’t simple, but they’re sometimes surprising. Carrington and her colleagues have found that impacts vary depending on mussel species. When temperature rises, the West Coast’s native Pacific blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus) grows fewer threads, but the naturalized Mediterranean mussel (M. galloprovincia-
lis) grows more. The native California mussel (M. californianus) shows no change as waters warm, but is more sensitive to low pH and less resilient in low salinity. These results suggest that Mediterranean mussels may outcompete the native species as the ocean becomes warmer and more acidic. Measuring byssal strength is a straightforward process; the researchers yank mussels from the rocks with a force gauge or stretch individual threads in a tensometer to determine extension and breaking point. Working with Carrington, graduate student Laura Newcomb has investigated byssal strength in laboratory experiments and field assessments. She found that byssal strength and elasticity decline when seawater pH drops below 7.6. Since pH ranges from just above 7.0 to well above 8.0 in the bays where the mussels grow, this threshold presents a real danger. Fortunately, 66°C, the temperature at which byssal strength drops off, is still well above the average temperatures in Puget
Myhr to retire from OPALCO board after 30 years of service OPALCO Board Member Bob Myhr will retire at the end of the year. Myhr is currently serving as Vice President and represents District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands). He joined the Co-op in 1967 and was elected to the board in 1986. The Board will appoint a new board member to fill the vacancy, in accordance with our bylaws (Article III, Section 4). The appointee will run for election in 2016. President Jim Lett invites members to attend the December 17th board meeting (Eastsound) to honor Bob at his last meeting as a director. “Bob’s long-time commitment to the Co-op membership, his wisdom on the Board and his deep caring for the community will be missed,” said Lett. “Those are some pretty big shoes
to fill.” Bob and his wife Joyce aren’t going far – just a short hop to Bellingham – and they have promised to come back often for visits. “It has been an honor to serve our Co-op,” said Myhr. “OPALCO is at the heart of our communities in the islands and I hold the utmost regard for my fellow directors, the OPALCO staff and especially our General Manager Foster Hildreth for their commitment to continually improving our quality of life in San Juan County.” At the December 17th meeting, the Board decided that they will not appoint a temporary director to fill the vacancy because the District 3 election process begins early next year. Members who reside in District 3 and are interested in running for election may contact the Nominations
Committee through Bev Madan (bmadan@opalco. com). The nomination and election process is clearly defined in our bylaws, also posted online http://ow.ly/ W5CsU.
Board meetings are open to the Co-op membership. The January board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 21 on Lopez Island.
Sound. The picture gets more complicated: pH and temperature seem to make less difference when mussels spawn, apparently because they’re already shifting energy to producing sperm and eggs rather than byssus. But for the mussels themselves the imperative is always simple: hold tight or die. That’s gotten the attention of Ian Jefferds, the general manager of the Penn Cove Shellfish Company on Washington’s Whidbey Island, where Carrington and Newcomb conduct their fieldwork. Jefferd’s operation remains healthy and seems
sustainable, but he doesn’t take things for granted: “We don’t want a situation. Why wait for one to happen?” The effects of warming, acidifying waters on byssal strength have “important implications for a major global industry,” notes Carrington. Many countries, including China, Canada and Spain, grow even more mussels than the United States, and Carrington hopes her lab’s work will also benefit them. “What we’re learning here in Washington will be transferable to other industries.”
FIBER UPDATE Rock Island Communications has been busy installing fiber optic broadband to homes and businesses around the county. This historic undertaking will provide fast, reliable Internet up to 200Mbps+ to those who want it. We’re currently managing hundreds of construction projects countywide. Here are some of the groups we’ve been working with to date: Current Group Projects: Matia View on Orcas Island Morning Light on Orcas Island Suncrest on Orcas Island Whiskey Hill on Lopez Island Cape San Juan on San Juan Island Mineral Point on San Juan Island Spring Point on Orcas Island Mineral Heights on San Juan Island The Highlands on San Juan Island Upcoming Group Projects: Cayou Valley on Orcas Island Gary Oak on San Juan Island Portland Fair Area on San Juan Island Panorama Place on San Juan Island Brown Island on Brown Island Salmon Point on Lopez Island You Can Get Connected Too! Learn more about organizing at rockisland.com, or attend one of our monthly meetings.
MONTHLY FIBER MEETUPS Monthly Open Fiber Meeting: Join us this month our general information session. All are welcome! Next Meeting: January 6, 2016 – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monthly Group Organizer Meeting: Learn more about organizing your group at this session. Next Meeting: January 13, 2016 – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Both meetings held on Orcas Island this October (meetings will rotate islands every month). Join us at: rockisland.com
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • December 22, 2015 – Page 3
Economic council crowns winners of business contest Staff photo/ Colleen Smith Armtrong
By Colleen Armstrong Publisher
Local entrepreneurs are one step closer to seeing their business dreams come true. The San Juan County Economic Development Council’s first annual “Launch San Juan Islands” business plan competition culminated with four winners at a luncheon on Dec. 2. There were 12 entries with plans that ranged from a dog bakery to iPhone instructions to advanced marine technology. “We hope to make it better every year,” said EDC Outreach Coordinator Robin Carroll. “And we plan on offering a similar program for non-profits.” The grand prize winner of $2,000 went to Sasha von Dassow of San Juan Island Transport. He will be bringing agricultural products from local farmers to the mainland – and vice-versa. The second prize of $1,000 went to Leslie and Jacob Betcher of Upright Marine on Orcas Island. They
The contest winners: Tim Fry, Sasha von Dassow, Leslie and Jacob Betcher and Sandhya Sreerama.
invented a new type of marine buoy anchors that are ecologically sensitive. The two runner up awards of $250 each went to Sandhya Sreerama for her San Juan Island-based Indian food company Port of Spice and Tim Fry of 468 Communications on Lopez for an app that chambers of commerce and the visitors bureau can use for tourists. Since the beginning of October, the group has participated in business planning and marketing workshops, mentoring sessions and an entrepreneur trade show. The participants also made oral presentations to the panel of judges. The winners were selected based on the following criteria: market viability, competitive strategy, management, likelihood of success and impact on San Juan County.
Crossword Puzzle Across 1. Door fastener 5. "___ on Down the Road" 9. Charm 14. A chorus line 15. Intelligence 16. ___ Abzug, Women's Movement leader 17. Traveling to and from over the same route 19. Adjust 20. What marinating does to meat 22. Coastal raptors 23. "Comprende?" 24. Examine and comprehend printed material a second time 26. Rent payer 30. Hawaiian tuber 31. Check for accuracy 33. ___ alia 34. "Haystacks" painter 35. Anger 36. Brown ermine 37. Amazon, e.g. 38. Shipping weights 40. Anderson's "High ___" 41. Safari sight 43. Cast out 44. Bottom line 45. Bang-up 46. Covered in frozen condensation 47. Gaping grimace 49. Good, in the 'hood 50. Supernatural force in a person or sacred object 51. Joint pain 57. Bond, for one 59. Worthy of respect 60. Quark-plus-
Merry Christmas from the Weekly Sudoku
Honeymoon" antiquark particle 10. Donnybrook 61. Beanery sign 62. Enlarge, as a hole 11. Beyond the legal power of a person 63. Money in the bank, or corporation (2 say wds) 64. Rear 12. Most slim 65. Big show 13. Listening devices 18. British soldier who Down served in North 1. "B.C." cartoonist Africa (2 wds) 2. ___ vera 21. Arid 3. Bowl over 25. Netherlands' 4. Duck's home second-largest city 5. Main dish of a meal 26. Catalogs 6. Cliffside dwelling 27. Groups following 7. Swindle (British and attending to slang) important people 8. Artificial language 28. Condition of based on many inclemency European 29. Caribbean, e.g. languages 30. 1,000 kilograms 9. "The ___ Daba
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • December 22, 2015 – Page 4
32. Cantankerous 34. The rope that controls the angle of a sail 39. "Give it ___!" (2 wds) 42. 2:00 or 3:00 46. Starve 48. Birchbark 49. Rams 50. Mother 52. Biblical birthright seller 53. Container weight 54. Surefooted goat 55. High-five, e.g. 56. Exec's note 58. Atlanta-based station Answers to today's puzzle on page 8
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty ranges from 1-5 (easy) 6-10 (moderate) and 11-15 (hard). Today’s puzzle is level 2. Sudoku and Crossword answers on page 8
Holidays can be a good reminder for what matters | Part 2 By Emily Metcalf Special to the Weekly
Genetics are responsible for the onset of mental illness. This is science, it makes sense. We delve into science in order to study synapses and inhibitors, to create medicine for the minds that suffer. There are other causes for losing people through the cracks of society. Not all people that suffer chemically have a diagnosis. Many come from families where substance abuse is the age old way of dealing with emotional problems. Our schools are machines for pumping out people that are raring to go in our highly dysfunctional society. Do you see the nonsensical recipe here? Many are changing what their
children are metabolizing spiritually, socialemotionally, and mentally. The sad thing is that our schools have become adjacent and serving to our sick society. We are losing funds for music and art. And, success, what does that mean? It should be being happy and well fed. Again appears the pyramid, or the caterpillar pole that I recently mentioned. We must become aware human beings and not allow our young spirits to fit into a sick society. At our public schools an emotional child detaches and becomes invisible. A child acting out gets held back and medicated. At these early moments is where the gifts begin. We could catch so many by paying our teachers more, with having smaller class sizes, and
providing low stress ways for our children to express themselves and find their voices. These opportunities have mostly been provided for a high tuition. It is possible that the children that need it most cannot afford to go to a private school. What if a wealthy parent took time out of their busy job to play with their child, instead of shuttling them to soccer where they are bullied, or ballet where they develop body issues? What if we were so grateful that we were not in a refugee camp, we stopped and thought about what we do have and are able to do for others? We wish it were that easy. We desperately want things to change but lack the energy to turn the entire ship. One can break away from the ship like our tired
caterpillar friend, become a butterfly, and influence others to do so. Small acts of kindness, faith, love… this is the spare change that truly makes change. We must stop fanning the flames of this great epidemic. We must stop shopping at Walmart, we must reassess our values, we must start eating local and supporting our nearby farmers. If this is too much for you to think about, because you too are focused on getting through the day and managing your own basic mental health, all you need to do is love your neighbor. Be courageous; notice every opportunity that lies before you every single day. Talk to the homeless; see if they smile when you look them in the eyes. We are all loved, but sometimes we need to be reminded.
County pulls Cascadia contract, new contract to be decided By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter
A contract proposed by Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. that included San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas’s wife Jennifer Thomas did not move forward on its scheduled date Dec. 7 in front of San Juan County Council. The county contracted Cascadia Consulting to update the county’s Parks Trails and Natural Areas Plan. According
to Cascadia Consulting Principal Ruth Bell, Cascadia chose Jennifer Thomas to work as a sub consultant, and the county council and county manager were in no way involved in the selection process. As required by state code, county manager Mike Thomas disclosed to the council and prosecuting attorney’s office that he had a “remote interest in the contract due to inclusion of a family member as a sub-consultant,” according to a press release from the county.
rates are determined and submitted by the individual selected and are based on their professional qualifications. “Jennifer Thomas is a highly experienced environmental professional with a great reputation throughout the Puget Sound region,” said senior associate Gretchen Muller to the Journal in an email. “We identified highly qualified residents for each of the ferry served islands to serve in the community liaison capacity.”
According to Cascadia Consulting and confirmed by Dona Wuthnow, director at parks and recreation, Jennifer Thomas is no longer on the contract. Thomas was listed as an island liaison to San Juan Island at $115 an hour, as much as some of the key staff members on the project and significantly higher than liaisons on Shaw, Orcas and Lopez who were listed at hourly rates of $40, $65 and $40 respectively. According to Bell, consultant
Muller said the liaison position for Jennifer Thomas was a “minor role” in the overall project, and she would have worked approximately 10 hours under the contract. A new contract will be presented to the county council by Wuthnow Dec. 15. The revised contract is available on the county’s website as an attachment on the agenda. The contract lists the new San Juan Island liaison is “to be decided.”
New orca baby in Jpod confirmed and designated as J54 Submitted by the Center for Whale Research
Another new Baby in J Pod designated J54, sex unknown. Mother is J28, a twentytwo year old female Southern resident killer whale in the Pacific Northwest. The mother had a previous baby designated J46, a female, born in 2009 and still surviving. This brings the known births of Southern resident killer whales to eight since last December, and the total population as of now is 84 known individuals. 1977 is the only previous year in the past forty years in which as many baby killer whales were born into this community of whales, and there were nine in that year. From calculations accounting for all reproductive age females, we estimate that typically up to nine babies could be produced each year, but there is usually a high rate of neonatal and perinatal mortality, and we have seen only three babies annually on average. In the years immediately following poor salmon years, we see fewer babies and higher mortality of all age cohorts. The new baby, J54, was first seen on Dec. 1 by several whale-watchers near San Juan Island, and photographed with J28 by
Ivan Reiff, a Pacific Whale Watch Association member. However, the Dec. 1 photographs were not conclusive in that they did not reveal distinct features of eyepatch and “saddle” pigment shape that could unequivocally rule out that it was not another baby being “baby sat” by J28. Today’s photographs in Haro Strait between San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island confirm the distinct features required for alpha-numeric designation. The new baby is estimated to be two and a half to three weeks old as of now. The family, including mother and sister, grandmother, aunt, uncles, and cousin, and other J pod members continued north in Haro Strait and Swanson Channel by sunset. Presumably, they are destined for the Strait of Georgia where J pod spent an extended amount of time last December. It is clear that the Southern resident orca population (in
particular J pod) is investing in the future, and that survival of all of the new calves and their mothers and relatives depends upon a future with plentiful salmon, especially Chinook salmon, in the eastern North Pacific Ocean ecosystem. This may be problematic with pending and unfolding climate
change that is anticipated to be detrimental to salmon survival, in the ocean and in the rivers. Warmer ocean waters are less productive, and rivers without continual water (no snow melt – rains runoff too quickly) and with warmer water are lethal to salmon. The Pacific Salmon Foundation and Long Live
Early Holiday Deadlines 12/30 edition: ads and editorial due Dec. 22 at noon 1/5 edition: ads and editorial due Dec. 29 at noon
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the Kings are non-profit organizations concerned with the declining survival of juvenile salmon in the Salish Sea, and the Center for Whale Research is a non-profit organization concerned with the
survival and demographic vigor of the Southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea and coastally from Vancouver Island to California.
San Juan Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors 2016 Election The San Juan Islands Conservation District is currently accepting applications for one open position on its Board of Supervisors. Candidates for this position must be a registered voter, reside within the boundaries of San Juan County, and be an agricultural producer to qualify. Supervisors must attend monthly Board Meetings to discuss and approve policy, plans and budget. Supervisors serve without compensation. The San Juan Islands Conservation District will hold an election for one open position of District Supervisor with a term of 3 years to begin May 19, 2016. The position is currently held by Henning Sehmsdorf whose term expires on May 19, 2016. The Board of Supervisors has elected Linda Lyshall to serve as the Election Supervisor. To File as a Candidate: Please request an application by emailing linda@sjislandscd.org or call 360-378-6621. Candidate filing deadline is 12/31/2015. Applications may be submitted in person or by mail to either of the following organizations: San Juan Islands Conservation District Mailing Address: 350 Court Street, #10, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Office: 530 Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA Washington State Conservation Commission Mailing Address: PO Box 47721, Olympia, WA 98504-7721 Office: 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Voting will be by mail only. Please request a ballot by sending an email to linda@sjislandscd.org, call 360-378-6621, or pick one up in person at 530 Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Ballots must be requested between 1/1/2016 and 1/21/2016. All ballots must be received no later than 5:00pm on 02/02/16.
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • December 22, 2015 – Page 5
A fresh face on the police force Sheriff ’s Department in Riverside, California. He has more than 10 years of law enforcement work and was named the 2014 Deputy of the Year for the Riverside County Sheriff ’s Department. He spent eight years as a street-level deputy with Riverside County, assigned to Indio Station,
by LESLIE KELLY
Special to the sounder
There’s a few new faces at the San Juan County sheriff ’s department. David Holland has been hired to patrol on Orcas Island. He began working on Nov. 30. Holland is formerly of the Riverside County
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and two years as a military police officer. Prior to that he spent 12 years in corporate investigations. “When I interviewed him, it was immediately apparent that he would fit in here,” said Sheriff Ron Krebs. “He fits the vision of community policing that I have for this department.”
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Although Riverside is a much larger community than Orcas, Krebs said Holland’s ideals of how law enforcement should operate matched his own. Holland, who is in his 30s, is currently in field training and in mid February will attend a two-week equivalency course at the Washington State Criminal Justice Academy in Burien, where he will become more familiar with Washington state law as it applies to actions of law enforcement officers. “Some of the laws are different here than in California,” Krebs said. “This two week class addresses that.” Holland said he and his spouse wanted to move to Washington and eventually retire here. “We determined that if we could find an agency that would be a good fit for me, and a community we both could start and raise our family in, then we would make the move from southern California,” he said. “I did about six months’ worth of research, looking into law enforcement agencies, and made four different trips up here. During one of those trips we found the San Juan
Islands.” He met with officials at the San Juan County Sheriff ’s office and “that’s how it all started.” He said what they liked most about the community was “getting to meet our neighbors, folks in town and being in an area that is beautiful. We enjoy the outdoors, spending our time exploring the islands. And feeling as though we are far enough away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city that we have come to be way too familiar with. “Washington, politically, is very similar to California, however, I think the biggest difference is accessibility to the great outdoors. The geography, demographics and weather is what’s really been the key draw us to Washington. Washington does get sunshine, and more than what I was led to believe. My initial impression was that it rained everyday out here.” He and his spouse, Carlos Salas, have been together for 20 years. They have two great “kids,” Sarra, a Bessingi dog, and Zeke a German Shepard. “We are looking at eventually adopting (children),”
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Call Cali at the Weekly 376-4500 The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • December 22, 2015 – Page 6
lopez@ctkonline.com Phone: 888-421-4CTK ext. 819. GRACE
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468-3477. Everyone welcome! COMMUNITY CHURCH, Please join us Sun. mornings. Adult Bible study, 9:30. Worship Service, 10:30. Nursery (birth3 yrs) and Jr. Church (4-12 yrs) provided during worship service. Small groups meet throughout the week. 91 Lopez Rd., in the village. Pastor Jeff Smith 468-3877. www.ourlicc.org. LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE SAN JUANS (ELCA) Please join us for worship and children’s Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. in Center Church on Davis Bay Road. Also in Friday Harbor at 11:00 a.m. in St. David’s and in Eastsound at 1:15 p.m. in Emmanuel. Pastor Beth Purdum, 370-0023. ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH Come worship with us at Center Church on Davis Bay Rd. We welcome you to join us for Mass at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday starting January 2nd. Call 378-2910 for Mass times on San Juan and Orcas Islands.
Contributed photo
David Holland
he said. Carlos is an entrepreneur and they have plans to start a tour guide business on Orcas. Also hired to patrol on Orcas Island was Jason Gross, 31, who currently lives in Lacey, Washington. Gross is a former U.S. Marine who served eight years. He will start the Washington State criminal justice academy training on Dec. 27. Following six months of training, he will begin patrolling on Orcas. “He just knocked my socks off,” Krebs said of Gross’s interview. “He is new to police work, but I know he’s going to be great at it.” Krebs said when he hires he likes to have a mix of officers who have experience elsewhere and some whom don’t. “We can mold them to our policing style,” he said. “That mix is important.” Gross is single and will move to Orcas after completing his academy training. He is currently employed at a retail home improvement store. “He just loves the islands,” Krebs said. “He’s very excited to be coming here.” Once the two deputies are in place on Orcas, Deputy Doug Maya will move from Orcas to be based out of the Friday Harbor sheriff ’s office. “There’s no firm date for that,” said Krebs, “but it’s in the works.” Maya has been with the department nine years and requested the move to Friday Harbor. The department currently has 17 sworn officers, Undersheriff Brent Johnson and Krebs on staff.
School receives distinction award
islandsweekly.com
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The school was recognized at the Dec. 16 school board meeting by NWESD’s superintendent,Jerry Jenkins.
An island birding tradition continues The holiday season has become so hectic that San Juan Islands Audubon has moved their Christmas Bird Count to the end of the count period. “Consider this a wonderful way to extend the celebration season,” say organizers. The CBC is set to take flight Saturday, Jan. 2. Grab your binoculars and get ready to tally. “The thing that’s exciting for our count is that the wide variety of habitats leads to a greater variety of birds: fresh water birds, sea birds, land birds, raptors and possible rarities” said Barbara Jensen, president of the local Audubon Society chapter. “We’re count every single
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Lopez Island School District received the School of Distinction award for 2015. “This is a big-deal in the world of education and only the top 5 percent of schools in the state receive this award,” said Superintendent Brian Auckland. The school was recognized at the Dec. 16 school board meeting by NWESD’s superintendent, Jerry Jenkins. This is the first time Lopez School district has received this award. “This is quite an honor to receive this award and we are very honored to be receiving the award,” added Auckland. “This award goes to the hardworking Lopez Island School District staff that are dedicated to educating our children. It is an honor for me to be a part of the amazing team here on Lopez.”
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The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • December 22, 2015 – Page 8
bird and besides the things we expect to find we usually find something new. The wrap ups afterwards are the most fun when we find out what the other birders have seen and what the numbers look like.” Keep an eye out this year for rarities in particular, like ospreys which won’t fly south unless there’s a freeze, golden eagles, winter duck species and the elusive redbreasted sap sucker. In 1900 ornithologist Frank Chapman along with other conservationist were disturbed at the slaughter of birds in the annual holiday event called the “side hunt”. The team that shot the most birds and other small animals was the winner. As a protest, Chapman organized 27 friends in 25 locations on Christmas Day, 1900 to count live animals instead of shooting them. This became an annual event and the National Audubon Society has now sponsored the CBC for 116 years. Each Audubon chapter chooses a 24-hour time period from the middle of December to early January for their count. The area covered is a 15-mile wide circle of about 177 square miles. San Juan’s circle has the center at the University of Washington Labs in Friday Harbor and includes parts of San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw. More information about the history and how the count works can be found at National Aububon’s website: www.audubon.org/ conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
For the seasoned birder and for the novice, the bird count offers as little or as much involvement as one desires. Identify featheredfriends solo from your own bird feeder in the backyard, the deck of your boat, or tag along with experienced birders to an assigned area. Wherever you chose to count make sure to contact Jensen so she can set you up with paperwork and make sure there’s no double-dipping as far as areas to cover are concerned. The Christmas Bird Count is now the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, providing critical data on population trends from the tallies of more than 2,300 bird-count circles in many different countries. The San Juans’ Christmas Bird Count, which got its start in 1987, has shown variations in population during its 28-year history, some good, others not so good. The number of Anna’s Hummingbirds and Eurasian Collared-Doves are on the rise, while the populations of seabirds and shorebirds have dropped precipitously over the years. So why is this data important? Bird populations are indicators of the overall health of our environment. As the database continues to grow and becomes long-term, it is possible to monitor the abundance and distribution patterns of wintering bird populations. Although its roots are scientific, the bird count is a chance to connect with fellow
nature enthusiasts, experience winter’s splendor, and introduce newcomers to the magical world of birding. Some birders take a little rest during the count. “As birders we love whatever is seasonal,” Jensen said. “The first Varied Thrush call of the fall signals approaching winter and then we start looking for returning swans, ducks and raptors and maybe a Snowy Owl.” Scientific with a dose of whimsy—and not to mention some competition. Every chirp counts and the rarer the more exciting it is. Jensen said she hopes the San Juan chapter will beat some of the other chapters on rare sightings and big collection of birds overall. For more information and to get down for the count call Barbara Jensen at 378-3068.