Here’s a thought…
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
ANNIE DILLARD
Orcas whales captured on camera in Deception Pass breathtaking encounter
||| FROM YOU TUBE |||
Letter to Editor | Eastsound Water’s “The Source” raises more questions than it answers
||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON ||| Eastsound Water recently introduced a new member newsletter, The Source, presented as a step toward improved transparency and communication. Clear communication is welcome—but it is not the same as accountability. In recent months, members and employees have raised concerns about governance, financial oversight, staffing stability,
Happy May Day from the Land Bank
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY LAND BANK ||| Director's Note Lincoln Bormann Happy May Day! One of the best things about living in the islands is the opportunity to watch spring unfold in all its splendor. This season hasn’t disappointed with spectacular wildflower displays throughout natural areas, and the successive
OCS students explore aviation history, Boeing production on Everett field trip
||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| On April 28, the Orcas Christian School (OCS) freshman class traveled to Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour for an educational field trip focused on aviation history, aircraft manufacturing and hands-on learning. Chaperones Kami Griffin and Mike Parnell accompanied the group during
Rep. Debra Lekanoff | A season of reflection, gratitude, and continued work together
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF ||| As we move into this next season, I find myself reflecting deeply on the 2026 legislative session: what we were called to protect, what we were able to advance, and the work that continues ahead of us. This session asked a
Project Updates | Community input redesigns proposed Odlin County Park project
Two community meetings and a small working group provided new ideas to adjust the design of the maintenance facility and public contact station to better address community concerns ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan County Parks, Recreation, & Fair Department is seeking to construct a new
WSF Weekly Update | Boating season opens; public service recognition; national bike week
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve At Washington State Ferries, community engagement is at the center of every decision we make. As a public system, we serve the people of our state and the many visitors who come to enjoy our beautiful region.
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
WE-Bike rebate program | You may qualify for help purchasing a NEW E Bike!
Let's get riding ||| FROM VICKI LEIMBACK for WILDLIFE CYCLES ||| Program: Washington State Department of Transportation – WE-Bike e-bike rebate program Application window: March 30, 2026 → March 29, 2027 Selection method: Random monthly drawings starting April 13, 2026 Eligibility: Must live in Washington State Age 16 or older Only one application needed for the whole year Rebate
How sweet! Check out this art installation at Library
||| FROM SAM GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| The Sweet Shop is an art installation celebrating books, reading, and public libraries. Growing up in Oakland, California, Rachel Brumer looked forward to her weekly weekend bike ride over to her library to check out books for the week. On the
Larsen demands ICE accountability; votes to fund FEMA, U.S. Coast Guard, TSA
||| FROM THE OFFICE O U .S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am proud to have voted for bipartisan legislation to pay FEMA staff, Coasties, TSA agents, CISA experts and other DHS employees who do important work to protect our country. The
CWR Biggs encounter #2
||| FROM THE CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 11:36 AM ObservEnd: 12:27 PM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg's killer whales IDsEncountered: T049A2, T051 LocationDescr: Parry Bay EncSummary: Mark headed out after a report, and within a few minutes, he was able to confirm that
CWR Biggs encounter #1
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 11:36 AM ObservEnd: 12:27 PM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg's killer whales IDsEncountered: T049A2, T051 LocationDescr: Parry Bay EncSummary: Mark headed out after a report, and within a few minutes, he was able to confirm that it
Larsen fights for lower costs, supports farmers
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Republicans are doing nothing in this Farm Bill to lower food prices for families, lower costs for farmers or lower tariffs for small businesses. This bill also does nothing to address the sky-high fertilizer and fuel costs caused by Trump’s illegal
OPAL welcomes four new board members
Annual Meeting and Election Results ||| FROM QASIM ALI DINO for OPAL COMMUNITY LAND TRUST ||| OPAL Community Land Trust warmly welcomes four new members of the Board of Trustees, who were elected by unanimous vote of the members in attendance at OPAL’s 36th Annual Meeting on April 23. The newest
Capital Planning | What’s next for county buildings and facilities?
A review of significant updates, anticipated projects for 2026, and future planning efforts ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During the April 20 Council meeting, County leadership discussed long-term plans for capital projects throughout the organization. Aged buildings, dispersed offices, and seismic deficiencies require diligent planning and creative solutions that
