Here’s a thought…
“The belief in the possibility of a short decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions.”
ROBERT LYND
State Parks urges Fourth of July revelers to recreate responsibly
Parks staff offer fireworks reminders and tips and rules for safe gatherings -- from Washington State Parks -- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year,
Guest Opinion | Should the county move to Phase 3?
-- from Michael Riordan -- In view of the recent upsurge in coronavirus cases throughout the Western United States, it would be foolhardy for the County to proceed further with plans to reopen the San Juan Islands to visitors from the mainland. According to the official New York Times database
Keep your child safe by staying up to date on vaccinations during COVID-19
-- from San Juan County Communications -- While there isn’t a vaccine against COVID-19 yet, the good news is that vaccines can protect children from 14 other serious diseases. Delaying or missing vaccines could put your child, your family and your community at risk for these diseases. Vaccinating children on
Norm Stamper’s viewpoint on police reform more relevant than ever
-- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- "For the first time in my life I honestly believe we are going to see actual institutional change in American policing," muses islander Norm Stamper. The author of two books on the topic (Breaking Rank and To Protect and Serve), Stamper has
Letter to Editor | Light posts on Prune Alley?
-- from Eleanor Hoague and Marc Cohen -- Although planning for the Prune Alley improvement project has already moved into its final stages, one important aspect of it has not, in our opinion, received adequate attention: lighting. And this is not just our opinion, as has been made clear by
Letter to Editor | Science is our friend
-- from Tom Eversole -- My public health coworkers used to quip that Primary Care was Public Health’s failure to prevent disease. Today, CDC fails us under a presidential choke hold, while the VP posits that free speech isn’t free if it comes through a mask. The governors of FL,
Public hearing upcoming on marijuana production, processing regulations
-- from San Juan County Communications -- NOTICE OF A SAN JUAN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020, AT THE COUNTY COUNCIL HEARING ROOM, LEGISLATIVE BUILDING, 55 SECOND STREET, FRIDAY HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND BEGINNING AT OR AFTER 8:45 a.m. TO OBTAIN TESTIMONY ON AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MARIJUANA PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING
Chamber & Film Fest team up for July 4 laser show
-- from Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce -- There may not be a typical fireworks display on Orcas Island this year but get ready for a Fourth of July Laser Light Drive-In Show to take place at Mt. Baker Farm on Saturday, July 4. The event is co-sponsored by the
Keeping the San Juans safe: A partner pledge & visitor guidelines checklist
-- from Amy Nesler for San Juans Visitors Bureau -- Summer is here, and that normally means an increase in visitors to our Islands. While 2020 is redefining what ‘normal’ is, there are steps the tourism industry is taking to safely welcome visitors back to the Islands. One of our most important goals
No Building Advisory Council meeting this month
-- from Lisa Jolie DesJardins for Department of Community Development -- The Building Advisory Council will not be meeting this month. The next regularly scheduled meeting is July 31, 2020, at 11:45 a.m., in the Legislative Conference Room at 55 2nd St, Friday Harbor, WA.
Kruse Reviews | The Ghost Map
-- by Jens Kruse -- Steven Johnson’s The Ghost Map (2007) is, as the subtitle says, The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic -- and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World. Johnson, who is the author of several books and a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New
New report shows COVID-19 increasing in Puget Sound and across state
-- from State Department of Health -- OLYMPIA – [Friday] the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report, which shows increasing COVID-19 transmission across the state as of mid-June. The report also estimates the percentage of the population actively infected with COVID-19 in King, Pierce, Snohomish
Port calls special meeting for Monday
-- from Kim Kimple for Port of Orcas -- The Port of Orcas has scheduled a special meeting for Monday, June 29. Agenda follows. Meeting LinkMeeting ID: 889 2432 2976Password: 060498One tap mobile+12532158782,,88924322976#,,,,0#,,060498# SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA -- June 29, 2020, 5 p.m. CALL TO ORDER – 5:00 p.m.CorrespondenceExecutive Session for
State announces pause on county progressions to Phase 4
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. John Wiesman announced today the Washington State Department of Health is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase 4 though the “Safe Start” phased approach. Rising cases across the state and concerns about continued spread of the COVID
Perfect prescription for pandemics, protests, and politics
Om Mani Padme Om Om Mane Padme Om by Annie Smith is, without a doubt, a beautiful piece of music, even though it seems somewhat rough in its presentation. With its fascinating instrumentation, it seems to melt and become soothing bodily fluids flowing in healing unison. Annie Smith is a
Aging Like a Guru | It’s not if you die …
It’s how you face the inevitability of your death -- by Rosie Kuhn -- It is said that Japanese Samurai warriors remind themselves of the inevitability of loss by using the phrase, “Die before going into battle.” This practice allows a warrior to enter combat without fear of death because
