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Q&A with the Candidates for San Juan County Council

October 2024
Two island residents, George Zweibel (Orcas Island) y Sandy Bishop (Lopez Island), asked the candidates for the San Juan County Council questions regarding affordable housing. These questions were designed to gather insights on how each candidate plans to address this critical issue.

Running for Position 1 from San Juan Island are Kari McVeigh and Stephanie O’Day. Running for Position 2 from Orcas Island are Rick Hughes and Justin Paulsen.

The questions cover a range of topics related to affordable housing, including the Council’s role in addressing the housing crisis, specific code changes to encourage development, and the importance of housing for seniors and those on fixed incomes.

To read the full Q&A and see each candidate’s responses, please download the attached document below:

Helping Nature Take Back the Reddick Forest.

OPAL has made significant headway in restoring the Reddick Forest near the Bonnie Brae community by removing invasive species and planting native vegetation. With the expertise of ecologist, Samantha Martin (Field & Fern) and former Land Bank land steward, Eric Nelson (NW Habitat Management).

To ensure the invasive blackberries do not return, a precise “cut and dab” technique was employed, where stems are cut and immediately treated with a targeted herbicide. Similarly, large holly trees underwent stem injections for effective control. These measures are carefully executed to be seasonally appropriate and environmentally safe.

The eco-team also adopted natural restoration methods, like leaving plant material to decompose, which enriches future growth. In some areas, blackberry canes were repurposed as mulch to protect newly seeded native grasses and herbs.

OPAL’s long-term vision for the Reddick Forest is to foster an ecosystem where native flora and fauna can thrive, supporting wildlife and contributing to a balanced deer population. The project also aims to enhance the variety of native berries for birds, particularly during migration periods. The forest’s youthful alder-dominated landscape offers a unique habitat conducive to this growth.

Overall, OPAL’s work exemplifies the power of community efforts and environmental stewardship in enacting positive ecological change.

A New Chapter at Mount Baker Apartments

The Garcia Salinas family has found a fresh start in their renovated Mount Baker apartment. The family of four includes Verenice Salinas Ramírez, who works at Orcas Food Co-op, and Edson Garcia Guzman, who started his own construction business, “Black Rooster,” after learning the trade on the island. They are parents to Denilson and Alison Garcia Salinas, who enjoy their quality education at Orcas Island Public Schools.

The journey to this bright, airy home began years ago when the Garcia Salinas family arrived on Orcas, taking their first steps in a modest unit at the Mount Baker Apartments. Life, with its unpredictable rhythms, moved them across the island, changing houses, expanding their family with the addition of their daughter, and yet, fate brought them full circle back to where they began. The family’s previous rental home in the North Beach area was sold, prompting their move.

“I remember walking in for the first time after OPAL had finished their work,” Verenice recalls, her voice tinged with amazement. “The sunlight was pouring in, and it felt like we were in a completely new world. It was our old home, but with a brand-new heart.”

The once-quaint but tired apartment has been refreshed into bright, airy spaces.. Edson’s personal journey from novice to craftsman is embodied in the walls of their apartment. Collaborating with OPAL, his hands painted the walls, and his attention to detail ensured that every corner met his family’s needs.

“It’s our home. I’ve finished it with my own two hands to make sure my family has everything they need.”

– Edson Garcia

The family now revels in the newfound privacy and comfort of their individual rooms, with their son, Deni, expressing his joy at having his own space with a closet. The heart of the home, the kitchen, where Verenice loves to cook was transformed. The new design, with its large sink, wood cabinets and modern appliances, is complemented by views out the window, making cooking a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The sense of community is deep, with their extended families living next door, fostering a feeling of belonging.

“It’s more than just living next door to each other; it’s about being there for each other. That’s what family is about,” Verenice reflects.

As they settle into their renewed home, Verenice looks forward to adding the final personal touches, such as hanging family photos that will tell the story of their journey.

“We’re happy here, really happy,” sums up Verenice.

2024 Annual Meeting.

Reunión Anual OPAL

Light Refreshments provided

Tables set up to view or learn about:

Civics Class Bench: A Very Special Senior Project

Maddox Davis’s senior project in his 2023 Civics class, taught by Phil Comito, was something he wanted to be special. As he began research to build the bench for an Eastsound park, he recalled an empty space at April’s Grove in the landscape designed by Robin Kuklick.

Prior to settling on his final design, Maddox explored many styles and designs of benches. He eventually chose a live edge board of maple and another of cedar. He wanted a black metal frame for the bench. His grandpa, Ron Griffin, helped him throughout the entire process.

The two of them sorted through Ron’s collection of wood, recycled steel, and much more at Ron’s landscaping business. Amid their search, they discovered some leftover Epa wood, which they decided would make perfect arms for the bench. Erin estimates it took 45 to 50 hours to build the bench after school and on weekends. And created a lifetime of memories.

Kidder Way Update: 10 New Homes Are on the Way – Hurray!

After two years of planning, designing, and fundraising, construction of this small neighborhood of townhomes off Mt. Baker Road will begin early next year. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to make this possible — the state Housing Trust Fund, the county Home Fund, and the more than 100 individual donors who have given so generously,” expressed Lisa Byers, OPAL executive director.

This fall, while land-use and building permits are being reviewed, the contractor bidding process is underway and one final grant application has been submitted to top up funding for what is OPAL’s first new construction of ownership homes in 10 years. With 40 pre-approved applicants waiting to buy an OPAL home, OPAL is innovating again with this new housing cluster. The development comprises five duplex-style two-story buildings. The mix will include five one-bedroom residences with lofts and five two-bedroom homes. Because of the duplex structures, this is OPAL’s first condominium project.

“We’ve taken advantage of everything we learned in building April’s Grove to make each home attractive, comfortable, healthy, and efficient,” explained Byers. Completion is anticipated by early 2025.

Picture Your Home!