Gathering of Island Voices and Expressions, better known as KLOI-LP, 102.9 FM, Lopez Island’s Community Radio station, would like to publicly thank United Way of San Juan County for the grant awarded to them this year.
I wrote the following response to Kevin Ranker’s request for input on ferry reservations: Kevin, thank you for soliciting ideas on reservations.
Thank you OPALCO for placing a huge strain on some of us and destroying the trust in “our” co-op for many of us. I sometimes feel Enron didn’t die, it has returned as a Phoenix rising out of the Salish Sea.
In addition to the harm to citizens in San Juan County and surrounding communities, the Growler jet noise is destroying the serenity of our public places.
Last fall I went to a community workshop in the village called “Leave No Trace.” I was very taken with the trainers and the program that promotes making good decisions to protect the environment.
Gregg Blomberg’s excellent piece in last week’s Weekly brought up a number of important points. I should like to amplify one of them: affordable housing.
It is with the ongoing support of United Way that Hamlet House continues to provide top notch care in Lopez Islands only Adult Family Home.
I agree with Senator Kevin Ranker’s frustration resulting from inaction by the Washington State Legislature to pass an anti-discrimination statute.
In his recent letter, Bill Wertz envisions the worst. His allegations of my having a conflict of interest have no merit. He jumps to the erroneous conclusion that I knew what the future would bring.
Lopez Children’s Center believes that early childhood education develops skills for school and for life. It also builds community by enabling families to live and work, keeping Lopez Island diverse and vibrant.
The U.S. is currently experiencing outbreaks of measles, mumps and pertussis (whooping cough), including cases reported in Washington state.
Feb. 14 marks our 95th anniversary of the oldest nonpartisan voter registration organization in the U.S. – the League of Women Voters. After a struggle of more than 50 years, Washington women won the right to vote on Nov. 8, 1910 – 105 years ago.
Several years ago a friend expressed her frustration about her need to drive a car, which only added to the destruction of the air quality and contributed to global warming.
I support the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal to be located in the Cherry Point area of Whatcom County. I believe in sound environmental principles, but firmly feel this can be built in an environmentally compatible manner.
According to the state Department of Health, San Juan County has the lowest vaccination rate in the state. Of the 1,929 students enrolled in grades K-12, (2013-14), only 57.2 percent are vaccinated. Vaccinations are required but parents/guardians can, and do, obtain exemptions for their children.
The letter from Herb Schiessl titled “Money not well spent at ferry terminal” questions the costs to implement the reservations program, pointing to a recently-awarded $199.5 million contract.
Citizen Ludwig says OPALCO’s “Unfair”, no matter that I just received a check for 90 some dollars as a co-op member, which would have otherwise been delivered to a greedy capitalist shareholder.
Let’s say the whole area of Capitol Hill or Alki Beach was told they had to have reservations in order to return to their neighborhood after going on an outing to downtown Seattle. That would not be right. Nobody would accept that burden.
The worst thing about OPALCO’s new “rate structure” is how grossly unfair it is.
For example: With the higher “facility charge” added to the kilowatt-hour charge a typical small user of 400 kilowatt-hour per month would pay $34 for power plus the $38.90 facility charge, a total of $72.90 divided by 400 equals 18.2 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Since the discussion regarding growing marijuana in San Juan County is complicated and multi-faceted, I would like to start a conversation with one concern at this time.
My wife and I have lived in the San Juans for seven years and we are now asking our community for help.
Jeff and Debbie Walvatne would like to thank this community for all of your support after fire destroyed our home on Lopez.
Thanksgiving lives on at Hamlet House.
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who keep Lopez Thrift Shop thriving. Our islands’ residents not only have access to great deals the whole year through but many non-profit organizations also reap the benefits of their hard work.
Navy Growler noise and over flights have been increasing over the past year. We have an opportunity on Wednesday, Dec. 3, between 3-6 p.m., at the Lopez Center to meet one-on-one with the Navy and express our concerns.
I wish to express my praise and gratitude for Undersheriff Bruce Distler’s years of service for our community.
We recently underwent a national election with possible negative consequences. A disturbing aspect of our election system is the increasing use of attack ads.
I become apoplectic (in my own sedate and refined way) when I read that Chris Greacen questions Rick Larson’s definition of Morality because he (Rick) votes for Growlers!
Thank you for the feedback regarding the Silent Witness Project on Fisherman Bay Road. Creating the installation has been a healing and enlightening experience for everyone involved. Some of you have asked me why we put up the Silent Witness Project when our island had no domestic violence fatalities last year.
I see that the only thing that’s changed from the original school bond proposal is that now they have a wish list. The problem is there are no costs for any of the repairs or upgrades on their list.
The undersigned support staff of Lopez School would like to speak in favor of the Capital Projects Bond. We, who work every day in the buildings that house our students, staff and programs understand too clearly that major work is overdue.
Today I received my general election ballot, and I happily selected “Approved” for the Lopez Island School District bond measure.
Along with supporting the Lopez School bond and the Lopez Solid Waste levy, please vote to support San Juan County Proposition 1.
We are writing to express our support for Joan White’s reelection as San Juan County Clerk.
I am writing this letter to voice my opinion on the Sheriff’s race. I have served over 25 years in law enforcement and over 26 years in the military. I have worked as a patrol officer and am currently one of your patrol sergeants.
September is the start of OPALCO’s budget season and the board will be discussing rates at the Sept. 18 regular board meeting in Friday Harbor.
We understand that the proposed school bond includes funds for significant upgrades to the science teaching facilities at the Lopez School.
The pun is intended. First of all, Joanne and I join in the continued support of our dump by voting yes on Proposition 1, the Solid Waste Levy. Next, the “vested” part is to invite you to come and put on one of those orange vests that we volunteers wear during our shifts.
We must keep the heart of Lopez beating for generations to follow.
With great optimism Bob and I urge a yes vote on the proposed Lopez Island School District’s construction bond.
I’ve worked at Lopez School for 24 years in the school kitchen. I’m proud of our program. We serve healthy meals in collaboration with the garden program and the culinary class.