Here’s a thought…
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
Forums will be exploring workable solutions to ongoing vacation rental dilemma
||| FROM LARRY GREENE for SAN JUAN ISLANDS COMMUNITY NETWORK ||| The number of vacation rentals in the San Juans has been a contentious issue in the county over the past few years. Letters to the Editor of local news outlets presented a divided community on the viability, use, and
Statewide recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 403,882 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on June 2. There have been 5,821 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit
WSF weekly update for 70th anniversary celebration (with Olga Symphony accompaniment)
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| It’s our 70th anniversary week! Tuesday marked 70 years since we began operations following the state’s purchase of the ferry system from Puget Sound Navigation Company (Black Ball Line). Since 1951, we’ve been proud to serve Washingtonians and visitors by operating the state’s marine highway system.
Fire Commission set to meet in executive session
||| FROM KIM KIMPLE for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Special Meeting Agenda San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 Monday – June 7th, 2021 10:00 a.m. Online / by phone via ZOOM: Dial # (253) 215-8782 / Meeting ID: 811 3245 1726/ Passcode: 446553 Call to Order /
Weekly COVID case update for San Juan County
||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ||| Note: Current positive case numbers are available online at the County Case Data Dashboard. Since the last update on Friday, May 28, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 189 to 191. There are no close contacts of
Senior Center is re-opening medical transportation services
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| The Orcas Senior Center is pleased to announce the immediate re-opening of medical transportation services, both on- and off-island. Both passengers and drivers will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in the program, although for very short,
‘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.
Inslee announces vaccination incentives
If you're already vaccinated, you're already entered to win! ||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE ||| Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a suite of new incentives to help encourage unvaccinated Washingtonians to get the COVID shot. The Washington State Lottery will be conducting a “Shot of a Lifetime”
COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from the Washington State Department of Health
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently reached another vaccination milestone. As of May 31, more than 7,071,595 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given across the state. Nearly 63% of people 16 and older have received at least one dose and 54%
State explains its process, reasoning, alternatives for adjusting ferry fares
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ||| 2021-2023 Ferry Fare Setting The Commission has begun its process for adjusting ferry fares for the 2021-2023 biennium. The process will take a few months, and begins with recommendations from Washington State Ferries (WSF.) Fare recommendations are based upon the Transportation Budget passed
Chelan replaces Suquamish, so capacity reduced by 20 vehicles for next week
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| The 124-vehicle Chelan has temporarily replaced the 144-vehicle Suquamish on the Anacortes/San Juan Island route starting on June 3, due to unplanned maintenance. This will be a reduction in capacity of 20 vehicles. Customers are encouraged to arrive early at the terminal during this
Master Gardeners available for gardening, pest* questions at Driftwood Nursery
||| FROM DIANNE MACONDRAY for SAN JUAN MASTER GARDENERS ||| The Master Gardeners of San Juan County will be available to answer your gardening and pest questions at Driftwood Nursery on Wednesday June 9 from 11 - 1. Please accompany your plant samples or bug specimens with the appropriate form
Inslee announces update to business and employee guidance documents
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE ||| Gov. Jay Inslee today issued updates for most business and employee guidance documents to incorporate the new facial covering guidance from the CDC and Washington Department of Health. Additionally, the governor announced that some industries with minimal customer or general public interaction will no longer need
Washington State Transportation Commission still seeking your feedback on ferry fares
||| FROM REEMA GRIFFITH for STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ||| The Transportation Commission will need to increase fares on all routes to meet current state revenue requirements set forth in the 2021/23 Transportation Budget that was passed by the Legislature this spring. In an effort to gather public comment on the
Hot Topic #47 | As we move into a new COVID phase, we look to our way forward
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders ||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ||| As we move into a new (and far better!) phase of the pandemic, now is a good time to look at the current COVID situation, and where
Mark your calendars for these upcoming summer concerts on The Village Green
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER || Orcas Center and Doe Bay are collaborating to bring great performers to the Village Green this Summer. That's right: LIVE and IN-PERSON outdoor concerts! Naturally, COVID-friendly precautions will be taken to limit the number of guests in the immediate stage area. See
