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
CWR encounters J and L Pod off San Juan Island
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 09:43 AM ObservEnd: 04:01 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss, Other Observers: Rachel John, Taylor Redmond, Alex Smit Pods: Southern Resident: J, L Pod IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J22, J26, J27, J31, J35, J36, J37, J38, J39, J40,
Two Orcas Island Land Bank preserves are now re-open
Thank you for your patience during our temporary closures! ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Conservation Land Bank is glad to announce that Crescent Beach and Turtleback Mountain preserves are once again open to the public. The trail through Crescent Beach opened on Friday, September 26, 2025, and
Time to Batten Down the Hatches | Preparing your vessel for fall and winter
Have you prepared your boat for fall? ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| “We all want hold onto the last boating days of summer, but in doing so we get caught off guard when the heavy rains and winds hit. This can be hazardous to the marine environment, and
Larsen Op-Ed | Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published an opinion piece in the Everett Herald about the Republican health care crisis and potential government shutdown. "At a time when families are already struggling with high prices and a weak job market, Republicans in Congress
News Brief | Oregon says ‘no’ to troop deployment, files suit
||| FROM SEATTLE TIMES ||| "So far, Hegseth had ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops to be placed under federal control and mobilized in Portland, according to The Oregonian.” ORIGINALLY FROM SEATTLE TIMES "Our message today is very clear: Stay out of Seattle,” Harrell said at the City Hall news
Orcas Center commissions microgrid, securing community resilience
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center has completed commissioning of a landmark solar and battery storage microgrid, establishing the island’s performing arts and community hub as a long-term resilience center for emergencies and everyday life. Funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce under the
Lopez Island in need of financial health check, community conversation
Heavy reliance on grants and donations leaves Lopez Island’s dozens of nonprofit organizations providing much-needed services vulnerable. ||| BY CHOM GRAECEN, Originally posted by Salish Current ||| The U.S. economy faces growing challenges that impact Lopez Island. Tariffs and a weaker dollar raise costs, while Medicaid and SNAP face cuts.
No Place Like Loam | Growing figs in the Pacific Northwest
||| NO PLACE LIKE LOAM by ALEX TAMAYO WOLF ||| Why Figs Work Here Figs (Ficus carica) are among the most drought-tolerant fruit crops. In their native Mediterranean range they’re often dry-farmed—and while most cultivars crave heat, a handful have thrived in the Pacific Northwest since the late 1800s, now
Kids Got Talent is back for another year of joy and community
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Come cheer on your friends and neighbors as they sing, adance, twirl and shine across the stage during Orcas Center’s beloved youth talent show — by kids, for kids. There are two chances to catch this year’s incredible line up on
News Brief | Oregon says ‘no’ to troop deployment, files suit
||| FROM SEATTLE TIMES ||| "Oregon has filed a lawsuit to block Trump from deploying the National Guard to Portland a day after Trump authorized federal troops to protect what he dubbed “War ravaged Portland.” ORIGINALLY FROM SEATTLE TIMES "The facts cannot justify this overreach says the 41-page suit filed
Center for Whale Research update on J42 and J64
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| On September 23, CWR researchers were finally able catch up with J pod in Georgia Strait for a photo-ID encounter. During that encounter, we were thrilled to get our first look at the newest calf J64, who was originally reported to us by
News Brief | Extended fall sailing schedule for Anacortes/San Juan Islands route returns after 20 years
||| FROM KOMO-TV ||| "For the first time in 20 years, the fall sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will stay in place through winter and spring, according to Washington State Ferries (WSF)." ORIGINALLY FROM KOMO-TV "According to WSF, keeping the schedule the same for nine months gives
New piece installed at SJI Sculpture Park
||| FROM KATE BRUMSICKLE for SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCULPTURE PARK ||| San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is proud to welcome Mother and Child, a new bronze sculpture by artist Lucy Congdon-Hanson. The abstract figurative work, representing two figures, now stands among the Park’s meadows, trees, and shoreline views. Lucy’s celebrated Abstract
Drumming, needlework, watercolors at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Experience the Joy of Drumming! Discover the joy of drumming with the Spirit of Drumming Group at Orcas Senior Center Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.! This beginner-friendly group focuses on exploring the elements of drumming. There’s no cost to participate—just bring a
Community leaders to share findings on Orcas Island health care needs
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Island community is invited to attend a panel discussion titled "Building Better Community Care – Together" on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Orcas Island Public Library. This important community event, hosted by the Orcas
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue launches new community website
||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website at www.orcasfire.org , now live and serving the community with enhanced features and improved accessibility. The new site offers streamlined access to important community
