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
Washington State Ferries hosting virtual community meeting
June 30 online meeting replaces traditional spring outreach events -- from Washington State Ferries -- SEATTLE – Washington State Ferries is hosting an online public meeting to share the latest information about ferry service and to engage people in ferry-served communities from Tacoma to the San Juan Islands. Instead of
Governor joins bipartisan coalition of governors requesting federal investments in broadband
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee joined a bipartisan coalition of governors today to send a letter to the president and congressional leadership requesting federal investments to ensure internet access for every American. Broadband is an essential element to COVID-19 recovery, especially in
Port Commission discussing wages, benefits for new Port Manager in special meeting
-- from Kim Kimple for Port Commission -- The Port Commission will meet later today in a discussion of wages and benefits for a new Port Manager. Zoom Meeting LinkMeeting ID: 823 8162 4547Password: 494265One tap mobile+12532158782,,82381624547#,,,,0#,,494265# US (Tacoma) AGENDA June 25, 2020 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER – 6
COVID-19 news and updates for today
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- 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. Several sections of the risk assessment dashboard page are updated on Wednesdays with new information about PPE procurement, activity in long-term
Health District schedules town hall as they consider medical clinic proposals
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The deadline for proposals responding to the Orcas Island Health Care District’s request for a partner to operate a consolidated clinic on Orcas is this Friday, June 26. At that point, the District commissioners will begin the process of reviewing the proposals.
Short Notice | Special EPRC Zoom meeting to focus on Prune Alley
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues Reporter -- In what might be the last opportunity for the public to weigh in on the proposed Prune Alley redevelopment project, the EPRC has scheduled a special “virtual” meeting on Thursday, June 25, from 3 – 5pm. It is certainly short notice, and
Roche Harbor releases July 4th guidelines to reduce crowds
-- from Brent Snow, Roche Harbor, General Manager -- The COVID-19 pandemic has put a terrible monkey wrench in all our plans. These are not easy times for any hospitality operation and Roche Harbor is founded and based on hospitality. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our crew, guests,
San Juan County requests Phase 3 approval from State
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Following a recommendation from San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James, both the County Board of Health and the San Juan County Council approved submitting an application to the WA State Secretary of Health to enter a modified version of
SJC Democrats draft resolution on police reform
-- from David Turnoy for San Juan County Democrats -- We in the San Juan County Democrats are as concerned as anyone about police violence against people of color. One of our members, Bob O’Connell, had a visceral reaction when he witnessed the video of George Floyd’s murder, and he
Library discussion: At the heart of everything human is story
A discussion with Mark Ferrari, July 2, 6 p.m. -- from Mary Pugh for Orcas Island Library -- Birds build nests, bees make hives, snails secrete shells… But human beings create stories to live in. We literally live and die by them—waking and sleeping, from the day we’re born to
Orcas Health Care District will be hosting a virtual Town Hall
Everyone invited to participate via Zoom -- from Anne Presson for Orcas Island Health Care District -- The Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) is hosting a Town Hall meeting to update the community on the status of the Medical Clinic Operator Request for Proposal (RFP) that closes on June
Today’s ongoing COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- 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. Kittitas County approved to move to Phase 3 of Safe Start plan. Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved Kittitas
Update on recent San Juan County cases
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- Over the past week, San Juan County reported three new COVID-19 cases. Two were on San Juan Island and one on Lopez Island. The County Health & Community Service Department’s surveillance team has performed initial investigation, contact tracing, and testing for
Center for Whale Research shares mind-blowing orca encounters
An interview with Dave Ellifrit about how he got started with CWR -- from Center for Whale Research -- CWR's Dave Ellifrit and Michael Weiss taking photo-ID shots of orcas (photograph by Gary Sutton) This article first appeared in the September 2018 issue of the WHALE Report (CWR Member's exclusive
Inslee announces statewide mask mandate — inside and outside
Effective Friday, June 26 -- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman today announced a statewide mandatory face covering order that will take effect Friday, June 26. The order comes after a Saturday announcement of a mandatory mask proclamation for Yakima County
Editorial | A step back from the fray
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- There is no question that we are living through a time of great upheaval and disarray. It is a time when the necessity for change is being thrust upon us in profound and often heart-wrenching ways. This is true on a local,
