Here’s a thought…
“Before we work on artificial intelligence, why don’t we do something about natural stupidity?”
READER BOARD
First Sounder gray whale of season spotted in Salish Sea, continues early arrival trend
||| FROM KOMO NEWS STAFF ||| The first of many Sounder gray whales returning to Puget Sound was seen in the Salish Sea earlier this week. The whale’s appearance marks the continuance of a recent trend of early arrivals for the North Puget Sound Gray Whales or “Sounders,” according to
Victory! Europe’s largest marine prison will finally close In January 2025
||| FROM WORLD ANIMAL NEWS ||| After years of relentless campaigning by PETA, animal protection groups, and tens of thousands of activists, Marineland d’Antibes (Marineland France) is finally closing its doors in January 2025. This monumental victory highlights the power of advocacy and the growing public rejection of keeping marine
Holiday Jammie Jam
||| FROM ANITA ORNE for FLOATING UKULELE JAM ||| It’s December, and the Floating Ukulele Jam is slightly different…still bring your uke, your voice, and maybe a song (holiday or otherwise) to share, but for this one – we wear pajamas! Not sure why, but we do…so grab your favorite pair
Port of Orcas Meeting
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, December 16th at 5:00 p.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the airport terminal. Access information as well as the Agenda can be found at portoforcas.com.
LWVSJ Observer Corps | County Council December 10, 2024
||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| During public access eight people from Orcas Island spoke in favor of the cultural access program. A person from Lopez supported the tree planting plan for Lopez Village. This was the last in-person meeting for council members Minney and Wolf, but they
Midnight Mutterings | Huh?
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| I had planned to write about something much different, something academic that happened a half century ago in California that has repercussions today, that is still controversial and has ties to what is going on socially, politically and personally to each of us.
Sheriff’s Report | December 4 – 10, 2024
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 24-007707 Agency Assistance 09:00:04 12/04/24 A Detective on San Juan Island responded to an agency assist. The incident was investigated and found no probable cause for a crime. The incident was documented. 24-007712 Trespassing 12:32:47 12/04/24 A San Juan
Wind, coastal flooding in forecast for tonight / tomorrow
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Seattle WA 157 PM PST Fri Dec 13 2024 San Juan County-Western Whatcom County-Western Skagit County- Everett and Vicinity-Admiralty Inlet Area-Central Coast- Including the cities of Port Townsend, Burlington, Everett, Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, Marysville, Bellingham, Lynnwood, Friday
Medical Assistants: A guided path to helping others
||| FROM GRAY GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| From left to right: Kailley, Bridget, Mary, Alenna, Gabi, Syann, & Noah. Medical Assistant Kailley describes her work at Island Primary Care - Orcas as the “most challenging and rewarding career [she] could have ever fathomed pursuing.” Kailley is
Last week, I asked: How far can we go together?
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| You, our amazing and generous Orcas Island community of friends, neighbors, kids, leaders, superheroes…answered the call by donating an incredible $278,303. OICF rounded out our shared goal by contributing $6,000, for a total of $284,303! Together, we fully funded 30 grant requests, empowering
OPALCO Board passes 2025 budget and rates
||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE ||| The 2025 OPALCO annual budget was approved at the November 20 board meeting including a 6% rate increase for all members. This works out to an increase of approximately $11/month for the average San Juan County residence. The budget
County seeks to address flooding, sightlines, congestion with Douglas/Bailer Hill Rd project
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Public Works Department is preparing to advertise to bid the Douglas/Bailer Hill Road Improvements Project this month. The County expects to evaluate bids at the end of January and determine if the project can move forward. In the event the County is
Washington State poised to set precedent as first government in the world to successfully remove and permanently ban commercial net pen aquaculture
||| FROM EMMA HELVERSON for WILD FISH CONSERVANCY ||| Washington State recently garnered international attention for its successful removal of all polluting and hazardous commercial net pens from Puget Sound. Now, the state is on the verge of adopting a statute that would prohibit this commercial industry from ever returning
WSF Weekly Report | Onboard memorials, boat fire in Elliott Bay, (rein)deer games
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve This year, nearly 200 families have trusted us as hosts of memorial services for their loved ones. It is a great honor to provide this opportunity for Washingtonians to say goodbye amid the beauty of the waterways
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.
Litch Bros., Crow Valley String Band return for holiday concerts
||| FROM RACHEL BISHOP for CROW VALLEY STRING BAND ||| Come and join the Crow Valley String Band, the Litch Brothers and friends for their annual Home for the Holidays Concert. Bring friends and family for a cozy evening at the Grange with bluegrass and folk music, seasonal tunes and
