Even though we are in the quiet season there are still things moving and shaking.

Here are a few hot topics around the island that might be worth keeping up to date on:

Critical Area Ordinance. This is a movement to redefine land use including setbacks, compliancy of structures, etc. The outcome of this issue could affect nearly every property owner in San Juan County. A great website to track activity and keep abreast of the latest developments is the Common Sense Alliance (http://www.commonsensealliance.net/). The Common Sense Alliance is a grassroots organization formed by concerned citizens in 2009 to inform the community about San Juan County’s proposed land use regulations affecting wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and shorelines. The purpose of our website is to keep you informed.
The “Library” on this website which is located in the black bar at the top of this page will provide you with a list of addresses for contacting the County Council, the Planning Commission, the County Planning Staff, the Prosecuting Attorney(s), and the more common print and online papers on the major islands.
Additionally, the “Library” contains all of the CSA Comments on the proposed regulations and the Best Available Science; handouts from Forums and Town Hall Meetings; all Newsletters sent to our subscribers; and links to YouTube and other videos.

Voters on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands approved ballot measures for their school districts. It is amazing to see such support for our local schools.
• San Juan Island School District: 67 percent yes to 32 percent no for a $3,763,000 capital facilities and technology levy.
• Lopez Island School District: 74 percent yes to 25 percent no for a $1 million bond and to levy a property tax to pay for it.
• Orcas Island School District: 64 percent yes to 35 percent no for a $1.8 million maintenance and operations levy.
For more details visit the district websites as follows:
      San Juan School Island District at www.sjisd.wednet.edu

      Orcas Island School District at www.orcasislandschools.org

      Lopez Island School District at www.lopezislandschool.org

It is not too late to join a fishing derby!!! It looks to be a great season of Blackmouth (Chinook) salmon this year. With two derbies in the bag, the numbers per fisherman are looking very good. If this trend continues, it will be fun to watch our local anglers battle it out for TEN WEEKS to the finish line, during the upcoming King’s Marine/Frank Wilson Derby starting on Wednesday, Feb 1.
The 8th Annual Frank Wilson Memorial Winter Blackmouth Derby will run from Feb. 1 to April 15.
Weekly prizes for the largest fish of the week will be handed out. Weigh in at King’s Market Meat Dept by 5 p.m. daily. On the final day, April 15 weigh in by 3 p.m.
1st Prize – $1000
2nd Place – $500
3rd Place – $250
Women’s Division – $250
Mystery Fish – $250
Kids (14 and under) prizes also!
*One prize per person
Entry fee $50
Tickets are available at King’s Marine Center. Cash or check only please.

Check our community calendar link. http://www.sanjuancalendar.com/

It’s been an exciting 2012 so far concerning weather.

We’ve seen snow, ice, wind, rain, and thankfully a great stretch of beautiful blue skies. If these gray skies inspire you to do indoor things I don’t think you are alone. Hang on, spring and summer are just around the corner!

There are many wonderful things in the works, the Community Theater is setting up to perform The Sound of Music. Stay tuned for the show dates, the performances are historically fantastic! The schools are also gearing up for performances, it warms the heart to watch young old kids perform on the stage.

If movies are your things, the Palace Theater is hosting The Gray with Liam Neeson, and The Iron Lady featuring Meryl Streep. Two great options for a dry and warm evening.

Tuesday is Valentines Day! Many of the restaurants have specials that may make your sweetie feel extra special on this day. Call your favorite and see what they have going on. This is a great day to indulge in an island “staycation”. Thousands flock here during the summer months, so if you live here full time consider making a reservation for dinner and a hotel room and pretend you are on your own mini vacation!

There is something for everyone, take your pick!

Check our community calendar link. http://www.sanjuancalendar.com/

Unseasonably great weather

The atypical wonderful sunny and warm weather has islanders out and about without jackets and donning sunglasses. Popular pursuits include getting the boats and garden prepared for Spring. Here is what to do this week in the islands, for further information please check our community calendar link. http://www.sanjuancalendar.com/
Feb. 5:  Yesterday was the last day of the popular 2012 annual Salmon Classic Invitational fishing tournament at Roche Harbor. Someone who has had the pleasure of fishing in the smooth water in this sunny weather will have caught the winning fish and get a lucky $10,000 first prize, besides.
Feb. 5-18 is the 2012 Annual Islands Playwrights Festival. The abundance of fine writers and actors in the islands, many with experience in the greater non-island world, present a popular event for entertainment. This is made special by the fact that the actors and the playwrights may be well known by the audience members, and the topics may refer to well known aspects of island living. Or example, one play is about three women who plan an islander’s empty nest party when their children leave for college. This year there are six light-hearted plays, each of them about twelve minutes long. The event takes place at the community theatre in the evening at 7:30.
Coming up: for new boaters, there is a FREE comprehensive basic boating safety course for Power, Sail, and Paddle Boats being held at San Juan Island’s Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor. It will take us six Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. and begins on February 13th.

A Good Time to Plan

If a San Juan Islander ever wanted to leave the island for a vacation, it would likely be during the winter, when the days are shorter and it rains or snows more. However, there are many reasons to enjoy this time of the year: it’s easy to find a parking place, no lines at the grocery store, a real small town feeling of appreciation for place. For these reasons, we suggest that this is a good week to visit to see how San Juan Island might fit into your future. Start your plans!

1. Plan for your future retirement or second home. Some people like to visit the islands during these quiet times to see the “off-season” island lifestyle. For them, it makes perfect sense to see what the San Juans are like on a year-round basis before they come to any decisions. They are not disappointed.
2. Plan a stress-free weekend in a place that is unique. Here in the islands you will not find a McDonalds, a Rite-Aid, or a Macy’s. Since the rates are less during the off-season, you can pick a comfy bed and breakfast in town, see some good live theatre or a movie, visit galleries and museums, and eat some great food. Drive down to South beach off of Pickett’s Lane at American Camp, if it is a windy day; see the waves roll in and crash on the beach. Wear a parka and try your skills at flying a kite. You deserve a break today!
3. Plan to see a few properties with a knowledgeable Realtor. (http://www.sanjuanrealestate.idxco.com/idx/3151/roster.php) This is the time of year when Realtors have more time to spend with you, and their knowledge is invaluable. Any of us would be happy to help you begin your search process and we understand that many people are not ready when they start looking.
4. Plan an event. Does your family have a reunion or a big birthday coming up? How about a wedding? Wedding providers in the island have gotten together recently to offer their services and suggestions. There are many places where you can have a unique wedding here in the islands, and now is the time to start checking out venues and dates for Spring and Summer events.

Islanders are planning; too, they are planning for the Spring Garden. It is hard to resist on a cloudy day, sitting down with a cup of tea and a seed catalog and making goals about the garden. Visitors or non-gardeners will want to visit our farmer’s market for seasonal delights. If you decide to come up this week for a visit, check out our Calendar of events. http://www.sanjuancalendar.com/ Have a great week!

Go with the snow.

Last week’s snow was a great excuse to stay home, make some soup and catch up on some reading. I was surprised to see snow last Sunday on my way to recycle.  The storm had come in from the north east and done a pretty good job of turning RocheHarbor road into a very long slip and slide. The snow had covered some ice and it quickly got ugly for about 9 cars without 4 wheel drive.  Here are some tips to remember when we occasionally get snow.

• Get the feel of the road by starting out slowly and testing your steering control and braking ability. Avoid spinning your tires when you start by gently pressing your gas pedal until the car starts to roll. Start slowing down at least three times sooner than you normally would when turning or stopping.
• Equip your vehicle with chains or snow tires. Chains are by far the most effective, and they should be used where ice and snow remain on the roadway. Remember that snow tires will slide on ice or packed snow so keep your distance. (more…)

It feels as though winter may actually be here.

It has been unseasonably mild so far this winter here in the San Juans. This week an arctic storm that has been dumping snow in Alaska is apparently heading our way.

When it gets real cold and even when it’s snowing I like to bundle up and head out into nature. One of my favorite walks is the hike to the top of Mount Young. The trail head is located on West Valley Road just north of the entrance to English Camp Visitors Center there is a little area on the side of the road to park. The hike to the top is not very long but, it is very steep. The incredible view looking west towards Vancouver Island is especially fantastic during a winter sunset. If you go up there at sunset do not forget to bring a flashlight or head lamp as it gets dark very quickly here in the northwest.

Another good winter activity is to walk around downtown Friday Harbor checking out the shops and getting a bite to eat before going to a movie at the Palace Theatre call 370-5666 for schedule.

If venturing out is not your thing there is always grabbing a few books from Serendipity second hand book store and curling up by the fire or heater. Serendipity is located in downtown Friday Harbor at 223 A Street next door to the Hungry Clam.

For a complete schedule of events happening this week please click on our calendar button. It is complete with high school sporting events, plays, programs happening at the parks as well as many other activities.

Have a great week and stay warm.

Things have slowed down quite a bit since just one week ago.

This is a fantastic time to enjoy the quite lifestyle that helps to re-energize our batteries before the pace picks up again.

Take some time to visit our local beaches…head to South Beach and watch the waves tumble over the weather worn rocks, better yet pick up the flat rocks and have a rock skipping contest! If you are on the north side of San Juan walk the paths of Roche Harbor and visit the mausoleum, you are almost guaranteed to have the place to yourself!

If one of your resolutions was to get in better shape try out one of the many nightly programs that our local Island Rec offers:

• Monday and Wednesday you can join others for some competitive Badminton (yep, Badminton) or Ping Pong
• Tuesday and Thursday you can join in a game of Adult Basketball
• Thursday offers Indoor Soccer

To see the full schedule go to www.islandrec.org.

The Community Theatre is hosting the Friday Harbor High School Drama Group as they present Little Women, to see all showings visit the Community Theater’s website at www.sjctheatre.org.

Enjoy this peaceful time of year!