I am writing this because I feel it is my responsibility as a Lopez resident (for over 20 years) to address several increasingly disturbing issues.

For the past several months the San Juan County Sheriff’s Log has become inundated with burglaries, home invasions, car thefts, prowling, loitering,etc., etc.

Obviously, this is concerning. Why is this happening? DRUG ABUSE and CRIME are on the rise, our deputies are grossly understaffed, and drug activities are literally occurring in our very neighborhoods.

When one has to lock their doors, our beautiful community appears no longer to be the safe haven we all expect.

How, as a community, do we show we cannot tolerate these behaviors? Perhaps as a start, identify, educate and then work to eliminate these problems. To this end, please respond. I am looking forward to other concerned Lopezian comments.

Sincerely,

Nancy Rogers Kline

Lopez Island