Here’s a thought…
“Neither the evil nor the good in our history determines who we are. It is what we do now. If we do not say something ourselves about this horror, we allow ourselves to be changed.”
TIMOTHY SNYDER
Salish Current: Council candidates outline positions on vacation rentals, COVID rules, more
||| FROM SALISH CURRENT ||| With issues ranging from strengthening the county’s economic base to balancing vacation rental inventory in an area inhabited year-round by tourists and second-home owners — not to mention year-round residents — two of three seats on the San Juan County Council are up for election
Letter to Editor | Read up on local, state ballot issues
||| FROM MARGIE DOYLE ||| What are we voting for besides President? well in San Juan County there are a couple of commissioner races and ballot measure representatives to find out more to inform your votes, consider going to the 2020-General-Voters-Pamphlet published through the county elections office. The PDF version
Here’s a recap of recent COVID-19 news, updates
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 90,663 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on October 5. There have been 2,165 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and
Inslee announces updates to Safe Start re-opening plan
||| FROM GOVERNOR INSLEE'S OFFICE ||| Gov. Jay Inslee [yesterday] announced several updates to Washington's Safe Start reopening plan. The changes seek to align guidance and adjustments to regulations of several industries. "We’re doing this now because we have had ongoing conversations with businesses about how to do these activities safely,"
PeaceHealth warns of phone scams impacting patients
||| FROM PEACEHEALTH ||| BELLINGHAM, Wash. – PeaceHealth has received reports of recent phone scams – or “vishing" scams – impacting patients in the Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan areas. Scammers are pretending to be from PeaceHealth or other health agencies and attempting to steal personal information or private health details over the phone. The scammers
County’s 2020 Home Fund round is now closed
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Approved by voters in November 2018, the San Juan County Home Fund is projected to generate $15.2 million over a 12‐year period to develop, produce, and/or preserve affordable housing in San Juan County. The Home Fund will be used exclusively for the development
San Juan County extends CARES small business relief grant deadline and eligibility
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY ECONOMIC COUNCIL ||| San Juan County has extended its Small Business Relief Grant program that launched on September 1, 2020, to assist for-profit businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and opened eligibility to more organizations. Awards will range up to $5,000 for eligible San Juan
Savor the San Juans at home! Enjoy the farm-fresh flavors of the Islands from the comfort of your kitchen
||| FROM AMY NESLER FOR SJ VISITORS BUREAU ||| Fall is the season we celebrate the food, farm, and film culture our Islands are known for. This year COVID has changed the way we do things, so we are bringing Savor the San Juans right into your home. Take virtual
Letter to Editor | Wolves, foxes, and hen houses
||| FROM JOHN PIERRE AND ANNETTE VAN DONGEN ||| Having escaped the greedy over-development of “anywhere USA” to this paradise of Orcas Island, we feel protective of the unique charm and character that is our island home. Current conversations about expanding the airport, street-lights, speed-bump-like raised fancy brick crosswalks, chopping
District 2 candidates respond: Is SJC prepared for “unanticipated growth”?
||| BY MATTHEW GILBERT, theORCASONIAN REPORTER ||| First, a lengthy preamble for context. In “How Climate Migration Will Reshape America,” journalist Abrahm Lustgarten, looking at the not-too-distant future, writes that “The millions of people moving north will mostly head to the cities of the Northeast and Northwest, which will see
Upcoming: A fun, helpful ZOOM-session on the art of practicing
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL ||| On Thursday, October 22, at 7 p.m. PDT, Monique Mead will join Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival in a live Zoom session to teach and inspire. Whether you play music yourself or are just interested in the process of bringing music to
Statement from Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman
||| FROM STATE SECRETARY OF HEALTH ||| “The president’s tweet is highly irresponsible and makes every public health official’s job that much more difficult. COVID-19 is a serious disease that is easily spread. We shouldn’t fear it; we should protect ourselves from it. Wear your mask. Watch your distance. Wash
Inslee statement on Trump comments downplaying dangers of COVID-19
||| FROM GOVERNOR INSLEE'S OFFICE ||| Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today on President Trump’s tweet downplaying the threat of COVID-19. “The president’s reckless comments reflect exactly the same nonsense thinking behind his failed pandemic response that increased the risk of COVID, a virus that has caused 210,000 deaths
Salish Current queries candidates for 40th & 42nd District House, Senate positions
||| FROM SALISH CURRENT ||| Policies and funding decisions set at the state level have profound influence on our daily lives — and our long-term safety, health and well-being. Where do the candidates vying for the responsibility of representing your voice in those deliberations stand on issues important to you?
Island Goods Auction: Bringing the best of the San Juans to you
||| FROM SAN JUAN MAKERS GUILD ||| We are opening the gate! Come view the online auction of island made art, food, music, flowers, clothing with premium art, food plus art and farm experiences (live and virtual). Preview through Oct 9. Live bidding starts 9am on the 10th. Lively art
Letter to Editor | These Orcas women support Ryan Palmateer for County Council
||| FROM JANET ALDERTON, ET. AL * ||| As long-time residents of Orcas Island who care deeply about both our environment and our community, we are so pleased that Ryan Palmateer is running for San Juan County Council! Ryan’s values of sustainability align with our values. Ryan’s expertise in renewable
