Here’s a thought…
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Letter to Editor | Why add streetlights when it’s unhealthy for our kids?
-- from James Libby -- A new multi year US Government study of over 10,000 teenagers shows outdoor lighting messes up their sleep and affects them mentally/physically causing disorders that can last throughout life. This is a separate finding that also took into consideration the well known cell phone light health
Paycheck Protection Program deadline for businesses extended
-- from Economic Development Council -- The big news this week is that the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to August 8, as of July 6. As of Monday there was $130 billion in the program.As a reminder, businesses work with lenders to apply for
Friday night drive-in: Palm Springs
-- from Orcas Island Film Fest -- Orcas Drive-In Theatre PresentsPALM SPRINGSRomantic Comedy • 2020 | Rated R | No one under 17 without a parent."Ground Hogs Day Meets Bridesmaids!" Friday, July 10 at Dusk (Approx. 9:30pm) $15 Advance Per Car | $20 at the Gate (if available) Orcas Drive-In
Inslee announces five insurance carriers intend to participate in public option
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced today five insurance carriers have applied to offer public option plans in a majority of counties across the state. The first year of Cascade Care, the public option program, begins later this year with plans to start coverage on Jan.
Reservations now open for many State Parks roofed accommodations
-- from Washington State Parks -- Washington State Parks announces that cabins, yurts and other roofed accommodations in more than 30 state parks are now open and available to reserve. These facilities are located in diverse state park landscapes across Washington — from the coast to Hood Canal, Puget Sound,
Guest Opinion | Coronavirus is now transmitted by air?
-- from Michael Riordan -- The most troublesome aspect of the County’s application to move to Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start program was the proposal to increase restaurant occupancy levels from 50 to 75 percent. Scientific research increasingly points to inhalation of virus- laden indoor air in confined
SJC Virtual Fair releases call to action for performers
Participate in “2020: A Fair Odyssey” August 12-15! -- from Adrienne Bourne for San Juan County Fair -- This year has presented a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and celebrate the culture of the Islands. Help represent this region through music, dance, comedy, theater, improv, storytelling, poetry, visual artists,
Today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Newest numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. As of July 6, the state reported 1088 new cases for a total confirmed case count of 36,985. These new numbers are
Recovery and Resiliency community meetings continue this week
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – A series of online meetings are continuing throughout the week as the community involvement phase of the Orcas Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project gathers momentum. The overall aim of the project is to develop an action plan for economic recovery and community
Funhouse offers FREE online course: Fresh ideas for parenting
-- from Nicole Spinogatti for Orcas Funhouse Commons -- The Funhouse is offering an interactive course called Parenting Wisely. Designed by family and social scientists to help parents with tips and tools to parent their children in different situations, this program has the COVID seal of approval as all content
Letter to Editor | About that viral ad campaign during virus
-- from Russel Barsh -- Congrats, Visitors Bureau, your ad campaign went viral. How far-sighted you were to begin promoting a return of tourism to the islands weeks BEFORE the County Council asked the state’s approval to move to Phase III. Too bad that the Governor rejected the Council’s request
KIRO Radio: Enter to win a San Juan Islands getaway!
-- from KIRO Radio -- KIRO Radio has your chance to win a San Juan Islands getaway trip for two, including a two-night stay at Earthbox Inn & Spa in Friday Harbor plus a Maya’s Legacy Whale and Wildlife tour! All you have to do is complete the entry form...and you’ll be entered to
Kruse Reviews | Epidemics and Society
Book review by Jens Kruse A little more than a week ago, I reviewed Steven Johnson’s The Ghost Map for these pages. It is the story of London’s cholera epidemic of 1854. By examining this outbreak at the microcosmic level of neighborhood and street it gives us an up- close
New COVID-19 positive test result on Orcas
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Over the weekend, the San Juan County Health & Community Service Department was notified of a new positive test result from a resident of Orcas Island. The patient has been asymptomatic and was tested as part of a routine medical screening.
Due to COVID, Visitors Bureau suspends all advertising
-- from Barbara Marrett for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau -- The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau resumed its regional advertising campaign when County officials anticipated that we would be moving to Phase 3 within a day or two. Many were surprised when the County Health officer postponed the original
Necessary travel: Ferries’ winter schedule in summer brings travel delays for locals, visitors in San Juans
-- from Salish Current -- Is the boat on time? Maybe, maybe not. Lanes fill with cars awaiting the call to board for the San Juan Islands on the Friday afternoon of Independence Day weekend. Riders have been met with delays of up to 90 minutes — and more —
