Here’s a thought…
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.”
ALFRED HITCHCOCK
Guest Opinion | Orcas businesses need a human handoff rule before AI becomes routine
||| FROM GLEB TSIPURSKY for DISASTER AVOIDANCE EXPERTS ||| Orcas businesses do not need a grand AI strategy before they start experimenting. They need a clear rule for when automation stops and a person takes over. San Juan County itself recently adopted generative AI use policies, with the recognition that the guidelines
Senator Murray secures nearly $30 Million for ferries in WA | Murray made WA ferries eligible for rural ferry grants for first time ever
Murray authored and passed new language into law to make Washington state eligible for rural ferry grants for the first time ever Murray leads efforts to fund federal support for urban and rural ferry funding streams Murray has supported both the Passenger Ferry Grant Program and Rural Ferry Grant Program
NWCAA adds air quality monitor in Friday Harbor
||| FROM NORTHWEST CLEAN AIR AGENCY ||| The Northwest Clean Air Agency has installed and started operating a high-quality, regulatory-grade air monitoring station in Friday Harbor. At this facility, NWCAA is using high-precision instrumentation to monitor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – a primary health hazard associated with wildfire smoke. “Installing
WSF Weekly Report | Upcoming online community meetings; Salish crew makes rescue; Anacortes traffic delays
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Since we marked the start of construction on our new ferries in Florida last week, I’ve seen a lot of questions about how the vessels will eventually make their way to Washington state. One question in particular keeps coming up:
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.
WSF makes schedule adjustments due to SJC Fair
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Expect delays and long lines on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route during the San Juan County Fair, Aug. 13–16, especially on the interisland route. If possible, travel earlier in the week or after the fair. To accommodate livestock trailers and vendors on the last day of the fair, we’re limiting reservation space on the 9:50 p.m. sailing
Larsen announces $7 Million for ferries in Island & San Juan counties
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Rural communities I represent need more support and funding from the federal government,” said Rep. Larsen. “These dollars will help Washington State Ferries serve my constituents whose lives and livelihoods
Dr. Triplett to hold free tooth extraction clinic
||| FROM THE DENTAL OFFICE OF DR. MICHAEL TRIPLETT ||| Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound has reserved Wednesday August 26 for free tooth extractions for our Orcas, Shaw, and Waldron residents in financial need. Services are limited to both routine and surgical extractions (including wisdom
Ferry Alert | Ana/SJs- Service during San Juan County Fair, Aug. 13-16
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Expect delays and long lines on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route during the San Juan County Fair, Aug. 13–16, especially on the interisland route. If possible, travel earlier in the week or after the fair. To accommodate livestock trailers and vendors on the last day of the fair, we’re limiting reservation space on the 9:50 p.m. sailing
The Exchange update | August 2026
||| FROM ORCAS RECYCLING SERVICES - THE EXCHANGE ||| SWAP Meet August 29th We still have a few spaces left at the SWAP Meet - Saturday, August 29th from 10am-4pm. Send us an email to reserve your free spot: info@exchangeorcas.org. There’ll be free food and great finds at this annual
Jurors required to report, beginning Monday
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: AUGUST 17-21, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning Monday August 17th 2026 are required to report to the San Juan County Courthouse at 8:30 am on Wednesday August 19th. Thank you.
Orcas Island Garden Club upcoming fall events
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Upcoming Fall Garden Club Events We hope you all are enjoying your Summer! Here's a sneak peak into all the exciting events coming your way soon so mark your calendars. Mushroom lovers, rejoice! September is about to be absolute fungi Flower Pressing Workshop
Results of 56th annual Shaw Island Classic race
||| FROM PEG GERLOCK for SAN JUAN ISLAND YACHT CLUB ||| The Shaw Island Classic, hosted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club, is notorious for light winds, strong currents and avoiding obstacles such as rocks, reefs and ferries. Luckily the scenery is gorgeous, and racers love a challenge, which
Twice-rescued Humpback calf returns to Salish Sea
||| FROM CONOR AGNEW for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| On July 14 2026, Vancouver Island Whale Watch spotted a young humpback whale CRC-22662, known locally as Starry Knight, whose return to the Salish Sea carried unusual significance. The whale was last seen in the central Strait of Georgia on Sept.
Basic hygiene items make a difference for Orcas families
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| A roll of toilet paper, a tube of toothpaste, laundry soap, diapers — these are ordinary household items until a family cannot afford them. Coates Cabinet Hygiene Bank, a program of Orcas Community Resource Center, helps islanders access basic hygiene and household
Kid Faire and Up Up Up! in its last Orcas performance
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center is proud to present its annual Summer Concert Series on the Village Green, bringing free, live music to the heart of Eastsound. This vibrant outdoor series, supported in part by Joe Brotherton and the Doe Bay team, celebrates community,
