In the News

July 21, 2020

Anacortes construction on rise in 2020

Despite the crushing impact on business activity due to COVID-19, the rate of new construction, residential additions and mechanical/plumbing work is greater this year in Anacortes than last year. Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere recently reported active permits at this time: 8 accessory dwelling unit permits; 30 single family residential permits; 74 single family residential alteration […]

July 19, 2020

Hungry herons greet new day

I had the beach to myself early this morning, taking the opportunity to settle in among shoreline pilings to watch and photograph a dozen or so blue herons. I definitely was present at breakfast time for these beautiful birds. What would be “bait” to humans makes an excellent “breakfast bite” for the herons, and they […]

July 16, 2020

Building permits exceed 2019 numbers

Despite the dramatic disruption of business activity due to COVID-19, Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere reports that the number of building permits issued by the city is actually up over this same time in 2019. Gere did not give a breakdown of permit types in 2019, but she reported active permits at this time: 8 accessory […]

July 16, 2020

City closes ‘Open Streets’ plan

The City of Anacortes has cancelled an “Open Streets” event planned this Friday and Saturday. The event was intended to “stimulate economic recovery” by opening more outdoor areas to city businesses, especially restaurants. A city statement read: “Based on a surge in the COVID-19 cases the Skagit County Public Health Department has directed the City […]

July 15, 2020

North Basin, Cap Sante Marina

Always beautiful, particularly so on a summer morning like today: the North Basin at Cap Sante Marina. The popular Rotary Park paved path runs along the base of Cap Sante to a gazebo near the marina breakwater. There is also a nice stretch of public beach.

July 14, 2020

The first Anacortes refinery

Marathon Refinery on March’s Point, as viewed through the trees Monday evening from south Anacortes. This refinery, built by Shell Oil Company starting in 1953, marks 65 years of operation this summer. The refinery next door, operational since 1958, was originally built and operated by Texaco but is now owned by Shell.

July 12, 2020

Classic cars cruise Commercial

It was exciting Sunday afternoon to stumble onto a gathering of classic car/truck owners on Commercial Avenue. They rallied in front of historic Anacortes Marine Supply & Hardware, leaving at 3 p.m. to cruise south on Commercial, around the Highway 20 roundabout and back downtown. Good stuff.

July 11, 2020

Under the sea (at Rosario)

I encountered two groups of divers Saturday at Rosario Beach. I thought the first diver I spotted was a seal, and in fact he and two others were later joined by a curious seal. Pacific Northwest waters are renowned among divers. Lots of color, both plant life and underwater creatures.

July 10, 2020

Gallery hosts NW Pastel Society

Scott Milo Gallery welcomes back the Signature Members of the NW Pastel Society for their 9th show, July 3 – August 4. This year the gallery is spotlighting the work of 30 members, all of whom have won awards for their work in juried shows. “Come see 56 beautiful original pastels and consider adding them […]

July 9, 2020

Marathon conducts spill response exercise

Marathon Refinery is conducting a spill response exercise this morning, July 9, in the area around its wharf (top left in photo). This exercise, which includes representatives from the state Department of Ecology, is a regularly scheduled drill. In this case, the event will include deployment of some containment boom around the wharf.

July 8, 2020

Osprey doing what ospreys do

Go Seahawks! I had a treat today at Ship Harbor when I discovered six ospreys gliding over Ship Harbor at low tide. One of them went into “hover mode,” then dove successfully for lunch. Two of these beauties headed east, four toward the wetlands west of the ferry terminal.