Here’s a thought…
“No one, I mean no one, has the right to sit in judgment of who’s American enough.”
MICHELLE OBAMA
EWUA members call for third-party review amid workplace, leadership concerns
||| FROM SAM GAILEY, SPECIAL REPORT TO THE ORCASONIAN ||| The Eastsound Water Users Association held a listening session this week as the organization continues to face internal disputes, leadership concerns, labor-related tensions, and questions from members about transparency and governance. At the start of the meeting, the board stated
Kindergarten transition brings joy, confidence, connection to Orcas families
||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Community Resource Center welcomed more than 25 families to its annual Kindergarten Transition event — a warm and lively evening designed to help young islanders take their first big step into school with confidence, curiosity, and community behind them. Hosted this
Letter to Editor | Thanks to community partner during 2026 Firewise event
||| FROM CHIEF NOEL MONIN for SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue wants to commend a Firewise Community partner - the Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association - and many volunteers for all their hard work in May to maintain Firewise USA status. Thank you
Taking Action Together | Communitywide climate survey to guide climate action
Your input guided the first steps—now help us build the next phase of the Climate Action Plan. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide how we respond to climate change while protecting our community and environment. The County
Orcas is now blooming with gratitude
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| On Orcas Island, each and every one of us plays a role in providing the seeds, soil, water, and sunlight needed to grow and sustain a high quality of life for all. Thank you for digging deep and nurturing the
WSF Weekly Report | Pets on board; upcoming holiday travel; online community meetings afoot
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Pets become members of our families, providing comfort and unconditional love. Washingtonians rightly enjoy including them in family events and travel. To align with partner transit agencies and public feedback, we rolled out an updated pet policy
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.
All 6 certified Eastsound Water operators speak out
||| FROM ALL SIX EASTSOUND WATER USER OPERATORS ||| First of all, we want to express to the membership how seriously we take our commitment to providing safe drinking water to our island community. One of us is available to you at every moment of every day. We want you
San Juan Fire & Rescue swears in 6 new firefighters
||| FROM SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed 6 new firefighters into the ranks during a swearing-in ceremony held at Station 31 on Mullis Street. All of them are neighbors across San Juan Island. Fire Department leadership, firefighters, and family members attended the
An open letter to the EWUA board members
||| FROM EASTSOUND STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE ||| At the recent Board meeting on May 19th, over 75 members attended and delivered a clear and urgent request through public comment and applause: We need a 3rd party investigation into the workplace environment at EWUA. This meeting was also attended by EWUA’s operators,
Orcas Community Band to present music for America’s 250 anniversary
||| FROM KAREN KEY SPECK for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY BAND ||| The Orcas Island Community Band is proud to announce a special musical tribute to the United State’s 250th anniversary. Taking place on Friday, June 19 at 7:00pm at Orcas Center, the performance will celebrate the nation’s history through iconic
Larsen fights to make housing more affordable in Northwest Washington
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U. S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to make housing more affordable across the United States (the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act). “Families in Northwest Washington are struggling to afford their skyrocketing
No jurors needed for May 26-29
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MAY 26-29, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Tuesday May 20th through Friday May 29th, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Orcas Island seniors urged to take action following Bank of America data breaches
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER FINANCIAL LITERACY TEAM ||| The Financial Literacy Team at the Orcas Community Resource Center is alerting Orcas Island residents — particularly seniors — to a series of data breaches affecting Bank of America customers and urging immediate protective action. Bank of America is formally warning
Union responds to EWUA Board claims about staff communication
||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON ||| For months, EWUA members have repeatedly been told that the Board could not communicate directly with staff or move forward with an outside investigation because of the ongoing union negotiations. Today, I received a letter from IBEW Local 77 dated May 20, 2026 directly addressing
WSF All Routes | Service during Memorial Day weekend
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of our busy season, and we expect 350,000 riders over the holiday weekend. Please prepare for long lines and extended wait times if you are traveling starting Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the following
