In his Aug. 5 letter, John Boyd suggested that I “turn myself in” and that I apologize to Kari Koski (and everyone who volunteers for Soundwatch) for making the point that Koski, in her role as Soundwatch spokesperson, serves as an echo chamber for the whale-watch industry. To Koski, I would say, if you’re going to act as a spokesperson and be quoted in the newspaper on public policy issues, you have to be ready for people to disagree with you.
It has been a month now and I have searched each issue of The Journal for the expected reports of fireworks-caused forest fires, homes and barns burned down, human deaths or injuries from fireworks, even reports of animal injury. And what horror stories have I found? None! Nothing, nada, zero. Another safe and sane Fourth of July!
On Sunday, July 26, our beloved son, Paul Jaholkowski, was tragically killed after being hit by a car on Lopez Island. We would like to thank all the thoughtful people of your community for all the kind cards, e-mails and phone calls we received.
Friends, here I am at a serious crossroad! Today is one year since my life was change (not stopped), thank God. Today is also officially my retirement from VanderYacht Propane. I have never been without a job since 1962, so it does hit me as an adjustment. They gave me a wonderful opportunity to challenge my abilities and convictions, but I must finally admit that they deserve a full-bodied person and I will focus on self-advancement of getting back to normal. I’m not giving up, just shifting gears.
I re-read “Atlas Shrugged” recently and was dumbfounded that a book written in the ’50s was so eerily current; almost a prophesy of where our nation is headed if we stand by and continue to be star struck with this amazingly charismatic politician.
I have read enough letters to the editor from people who think that whale-watching boats are harassing the orcas, that we are causing them to become disoriented in their environment, that we are causing them stress and are making it impossible for them to find food.
I understand that many of you don’t believe that real estate sales are being affected by the council’s decision to move forward on the 100-foot shoreline setback portion of the CAO. As a REALTOR, on the front line, I can attest that there is an impact, and it is a huge economic impact to our community.
Thirty years ago, the waters around the San Juan Islands teemed with waterfowl, salmon, rockfish, and ling cod. The fish and waterfowl fed on the locally spawned forage fish. Now, the birds and the larger fish are almost gone. There is little left for them and for the orcas to eat.
The proposed Critical Areas Ordinance, although perhaps needing strengthening, moves us in the right direction. Property rights are relative rights and are related to the health and welfare of the broader community in all of its dimensions and with that comes responsibility.
Logically and relative to the daily deluge of toxins that are dumped into our waters, what percentage is being contributed from the newer homes built to current codes? Is a new house the problem?
As I travel around the island this summer, I have time to think of jobs to be had or maybe some work that I could get.
Imagine a pack of Harleys chasing after a pack of endangered wolves 12 or more hours a day, every day. That, in essence, is what the whale-watching boats are doing to the Southern residents. As someone who once served as a National Park Service ranger, it is deeply disturbing to see so many people who claim to want to protect the orcas do something that specifically causes them harm.
Our property is our nest, and we care about it more than government planners or people who do not own property. I model my interest in the environment by volunteering in numerous recycling efforts. The issue facing all of us is not whether to protect the environment, but how.