by Colleen Smith Summers, Heather Spaulding and Joanna Massey
Staff report
At the end of the year, we take a look at the biggest headlines of the past 12 months. This is part one. We chose the top stories from our most-read online articles and events we feel had the most significant impact on our communities. This is part two.
6. Fair water issue
Renovations at the Fair Grounds last winter led to a notice of violation from the Town that threatened to cut off water. In April, the County went before the Town Council to appeal the notice. The Council upheld the notice, and in May the County took the matter to court.
The matter was held in Superior Court in October, but no decision has been made.
7. Legion sues Town
The Legion, Whale Museum and citizens grew concerned after an extensive expansion plan was presented to the Town Council by owners of the Friday Harbor House. The Legions and Whale Museum’s views of the harbor would be blocked by a parking garage, and the Whale Museum board and staff vocalized concerns blasting the neighboring rock would damage the historical building as well as the exhibits inside. In October, the American Legion filed suit against the Town, asking the court to block implementation of the proposed development agreement between the town and FHH Realestate LLC, the hotel’s owner. The Legion post is represented by Carla J. Higginson, who previously represented them in a matter involving the same property. The Town of Friday Harbor is represented by Hillary J. Evans of Kenyon Disend, PLLC in Issaquah, Washington.
8. Kayakers die in San Juan County waters
In April, two Canadian kayakers, Daniel MacAlpine, 36, and Nicolas West, 26, went missing while kayaking between Island View Beach and the Gulf Islands. Their teal blue, two-person fiberglass kayak was found off the southwest corner of Henry Island, approximately 3 miles from D’Arcy Island. Despite extensive search efforts by Canadian and American authorities, including the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deploying boats and drones, the kayakers remained unlocated for several days.
Tragically, on April 22 and 23, the bodies of two deceased males were recovered in San Juan County waters. The first was found near Grandma’s Cove on the southwest side of San Juan Island, and the second in Middle Channel, south of Cattle Point. While the identities were initially unconfirmed, the Sidney/North Saanich Royal Canadian Mounted Police later announced that American authorities had recovered the bodies off San Juan Island, and the San Juan County Coroner confirmed them to be MacAlpine and West.
The Sidney/North Saanich RCMP expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the search and recovery efforts and extended their condolences to the families of the deceased. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with kayaking in open waters and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.
9. Injured humpback
Sightings of an entangled humpback whale began on July 10 near Campbell River, British Columbia. The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch team, led by Jessica Farrer, identified the injured whale near Lopez Island on July 23. A drone revealed the whale’s fluke was entirely severed, likely due to prolonged entanglement. This injury significantly impairs its ability to migrate, feed and move effectively.
The whale later entered a no-fly zone near Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, preventing further drone observations. Soundwatch documented the incident and noted no further sightings as of press time.
Entanglements, often caused by fishing gear, pose significant threats to marine mammals. The 2023 West Coast Whale Entanglement Summary reported 27 cases, mostly involving humpbacks. Agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Large Whale Entanglement Response Network respond to such incidents, employing updated tools like the Scout buoy for real-time tracking. Volunteers play a critical role, with responders undergoing specialized training to safely assist entangled whales.
Experts stress the importance of responsible boating and immediate reporting of entanglements to prevent harm. Maintaining distance, reducing speed near whales and adhering to marine wildlife laws are essential. For emergencies, call the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline or NOAA’s entanglement hotline.
10. Orca babies born
Excitement soared on Sept. 19 as Southern Resident killer whale Ballena L-90 and her newborn calf, L-128, swam in Haro Strait near Henry Island. For a week, the pair had been navigating strong currents, with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessels protecting them from boat interference. Enthusiasts gathered onshore, eagerly scanning the waters despite fog and challenging conditions. Researchers speculate that the duo may have been moving closer to their L-Pod family, heard recently on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Ballena, 31, is part of the L-26 matriline led by her mother, Baba. Her calf, L-128, brings hope to the critically endangered Southern Resident population, which has dwindled to just 75 individuals. Each birth is celebrated as a potential step toward recovery, as this community has suffered significant losses since the 1970s. L-128’s alphanumeric designation reflects their lineage within the L-Pod.
Researchers have closely monitored L-90 since an unusual 2011 incident when she appeared to experience a miscarriage. Now, her new calf represents resilience and optimism. The Whale Museum and organizations like Sound Watch continue to protect these orcas, urging the public to follow boating guidelines and respect marine wildlife. Every new calf offers a glimpse of hope for the future of the Southern Residents.
