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/