America and Americans are struggling financially. We’re divided on whether the Stimulus Act was a bailout or an investment in the economy. The jobless rate in Washington state is at 8.9 percent. But the solutions are more complex than simply “cut taxes” and “lower government spending,” which is what many candidates are spouting. Lowering taxes is one thing. Bringing in enough revenue to cover the cost of providing public services is another. No, today’s candidate has to be creative and innovative, as well as knowledgeable. We need ideas, not slogans.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s annual gypsy moth summer trapping program is under way. More than 22,000 small cardboard traps have been placed around the state — 875 in San Juan County — and are being checked every two to three weeks through September. Traps have been placed in all 39 counties.
Island Rec’s Skateboard and BMX Competition is scheduled for Aug. 29, 12:30 p.m. The competition will be held at the Skateboard Park, which is located on the San Juan County Fairgrounds. There will be emcee, music and prizes. There are three divisions: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
United Way of San Juan County provides generous support to many programs in San Juan County. One of those is the Readiness to Learn program – a partnership between the San Juan Island Family Resource Center and the San Juan Island School District. The goal of “RTL”, as it is informally known, is to provide support to students and families so that all children will come to school ready to learn every day.
Bruce Conway of MacMan Computer Services will be working and living in Boulder, Colo., this winter, where several large book publishing projects are presently under way. Conway plans on returning to the islands in April, and will resume his Macintosh tech-support services then.
Family Art Days continues Aug. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the IMA Sculpture Park. Family Art Days is a free, family-oriented art activity led by a local or visiting artist. Materials are provided.
Bob Wilson and Dan Boes will instruct a hunter safety course on San Juan Island this month. Seating is limited to 20. Register online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/classes/basic.php
Pete and Erin Ancich are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Layla Evelyn Ancich, on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Layla was born at Stevens Hospital in Edmonds, Wash., at 1 a.m. She weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and was 19.75 inches long.
More photos from the car fire near the Friday Harbor ferry landing, Tuesday. Top photo: A Jeep Wagoneer smolders as…
An older-model Jeep Wagoneer station wagon was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning on A and First streets, above the ferry parking lanes. There were no injuries. Friday Harbor Fire was on the scene within six minutes of getting the call, department spokesman Ron Gardner said.
He knows all too well the trials of budget omissions and shortfalls. During times of funding deficits, Rob was able to find the funds through grants to purchase firearms needed in his department. He was an instrumental driving force in starting the Harney County Safe Communities and Safe Kids of Harney County programs, which in turn brought the only child safety seat and bicycle helmet retail to Harney County. These programs were completely grant-funded, costing the city nothing. They were huge benefits to the citizens of Burns-Hines and Harney County.
What I will say is that in my 25 years of experience of working with Jeff, he has consistently been the most professional member of the department, both in proficiency and character. He has never had a reprimand and his file is full of commendations. He doesn’t rely on stars or stripes on his uniform to establish his authority. He does it by simply being a leader.
Sunday marks the 40th anniversary of the capture of local killer whale Lolita – also known as Tokitae — at Penn Cove on Whidbey Island. Events commemorating the capture are scheduled at Penn Cove beginning at 3 p.m.; and at Lime Kiln State Park from 6-9 p.m. The Lime Kiln event includes a candlelight ceremony at dusk.
