Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
New impact report on Salish Sea & the San Juan Islands
||| FROM AYN GAILEY for FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUANS ||| “It’s so important to celebrate natural beauty and to rise to the occasion to protect it,” says National Geographic photographer and Friends member Robert Dash. His words and moving photos open Friends of the San Juans’ new 2021–2025 Impact report—and they
Is there something for you at Orcas Senior Center?
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Discover your Artistic Side With a background in teaching classes at the Funhouse Commons, Orcas Island Parks and Recreation, Poppie's, and Orcas Island School District and a history of art contest victories, most recently for the San Juan County Luci B
Sheriff’s Report | December 10 – 16, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 25-008391 Trespassing 09:55:28 12/10/25 I received a report from the Port of Friday Harbor wanting to trespass people from the Port property. Trespass letters were issued. 25-008393 Death Investigation 10:01:17 12/10/25 A citizen reported finding a human body in
Illuminating Togetherness
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| This may have been one of the most challenging years for nonprofits across the country, with uncertainty still ahead. Together on Orcas Island, we have supplied much needed light and brightness for nonprofits, supporting opportunity and well-being for the whole
As the Paradigm Shifts | ‘Tis the season
True Generosity — You’ll Know It When You Feel It ||| AS THE PARADIGM SHIFTS by ROSIE KUHN ||| These holidays—Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa—arrive each year offering opportunities to experience our hearts expressing the joy and love that can arise through generosity of spirit. And yet, this piece began somewhere else entirely.
Ferry Alert: Ana/SJs – Update – Alternate schedule changes 12/20-12/22
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Beginning Saturday, Dec. 20, the Salish will operate as the #3 vessel, and the Tillikum will move to the #4 interisland position. This change allows the Tillikum to return to its regular interisland route and helps prepare for future vessel moves once the Kaleetan
Guest Opinion | L&I workplace safety citations issued to Eastsound Water
||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON ||| The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued multiple workplace safety citations to Eastsound Water Users Association in 2025 following two inspections. The violations cited primarily relate to fall protection, hazard assessment, safety training, and hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) — all core elements
LWVSJ Observer Corps | County Council December 16, 2025
||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| The council met the Land Bank’s Beaverton Trail project manager, Rachel Dietzman. They approved an engagement letter to tribes for the Climate Action Plan. They approved the third set of amendments to the 2025 budget. They approved another bid round
WSF Weekly Report | From every corner of our fleet, happy holidays and cheers to an amazing 2026
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve The holiday season is a time when many pause and reflect on those who matter most. Everything we do at Washington State Ferries is possible because of people. This includes the communities that rely on and support
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.
Gusts up to 55mph until 11pm tonight
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Seattle WA 351 PM PST Thu Dec 18 2025 San Juan County-Lowlands of Western Whatcom County-Lowlands of Western Skagit and Northwestern Snohomish Counties-Island County- Including Anacortes, Langley, Mount Vernon, Bellingham, Sedro-Woolley, Freeland, Burlington, and Friday Harbor 351
Checking in with J Pod and J45
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 10:44 AM ObservEnd: 02:16 PM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Other Observers: George Hamilton Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J22, J26, J27, J31, J35, J36, J37, J38, J39, J41, J42, J45, J47, J49, J51, J56, J62 LocationDescr: Victoria
County Float at MacKaye Harbor on Lopez Island closed due to storm damage
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Due to recent storm damage, the float at MacKaye Harbor Marine Facility on Lopez Island is closed until further notice. The County’s Public Works Department has been monitoring the condition of the facility throughout recent weather events, and for the safety of the
Could Mount Baker be tapped for geothermal energy? Salish Current reports
State officials and clean energy developers investigate the potential of tapping into the nearby volcano. ||| FROM THE SALISH CURRENT ||| Seen from afar, Mount Baker appears to be a sleeping giant, a glacier-armored peak lying in repose. Mountaineers who have reached the summit know that the stratovolcano is very
Larsen, WA democratic members demand answers from ICE on deteriorating conditions and inadequate food, medical care, access to legal counsel at NWIPC
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U .S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Democratic members of Washington state’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing
San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigates mail thefts
If you see suspected mail thieves, please call the Sheriff’s Office to make a report. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| The Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of stolen mail and packages in recent weeks. On December 11, 2025, deputies recovered over 250 pieces of suspected stolen
