Here’s a thought…
“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.”
WILLIAM GIBSON
Auditor: April special election is cancelled
-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- On March 17, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman formally asked Governor Jay Inslee to cancel the April special election. On March 26, the Governor made the decision not to cancel the election. The only measure on San Juan County’s ballot
What about shopping and delivery exposures? Is it on the bag?
-- from Washington Post -- Joseph G. Allen is an assistant professor of exposure and assessment science and director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine is making people think twice about how they might
HOT TOPIC #9 | Navigating nature
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brandon Cadwell, Chief of Visitor and Youth Engagement, San Juan Island National Historical Park -- Now is the time to take the road less traveled. Or perhaps, the trail or sidewalk less traveled. As the
Inslee signs health care licensing waivers, other COVID-19 related orders
-- from Governor Jay Inslee -- Gov. Jay Inslee tonight announced several new proclamations and a directive aimed at opening up the healthcare and childcare workforce, reducing transmission between families and children in DCYF custody, and lengthening the deadline for local governments to file their annual fiscal reports. “We must
EDC launches weekly Business Recovery Call for local businesses
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) has launched a weekly Business Recovery Call for business owners affected by COVID-19 implications. The first meeting will be held via Zoom, on Wednesday, April 1, from 10-11 a.m., and subsequent meetings will be
Letter to community from economic development council
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- These are challenging times. We know that you are facing extraordinary difficulties right now and we want to help. Local non-profits such as ourselves, and government agencies at all levels, are working to create programs to help businesses, employees, and the community
School district updates community about ongoing whirlwind of educational activity, and FOOD
-- from Eric Webb, Orcas Schools Superintendent -- Dear Students, Parents, & Community, It is hard to believe that it has only been 14 days since Governor Inslee issued the proclamation to close schools across the state for six weeks. For OISD, it has been a whirlwind of action and team
Reflections on an unusual Saturday on Orcas Island
-- from Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- It was a Saturday unlike most others in island history. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing, there’s a general feeling of disorientation in the air and we are all unsure about what comes next. Somehow at the same time there were
San Juan islander tests positive; total county cases at four
-- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a positive COVID-19 test result on San Juan Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 4. The County data reporting page will be
Despite COVID-19, virtual weddings still go on
-- from Didier Gincig -- Despite COVID-19, couples are getting married via Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype. "With two witnesses (or more), the couple, and myself, the officiant, a virtual wedding is heartfelt, personal, and certainly memorable!" says Didier Gincig, wedding officiant based on Orcas Island. Milene Henley, from the San Juan County Auditor's office, shares, "Under the
Aging Like a Guru | The fear virus
-- from Rosie Kuhn | Aging Like a Guru -- I’m not at all afraid of the COVID-19 virus. I’m healthy, I live far away from people and am an introvert, which makes me happy being reclusive. In my perspective, the virus that is a greater problem in our world
EDC: All business owners should consider doing the following things
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- First and most importantly, don't panic.Apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loan.Familiarize yourself with employment security programs and rule changes (at the WA Employment Security Department) that can help you maintain your workforce.Communicate with your community and customers using online
Letter to Editor | Our community rocks
-- from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue -- Orcas Island Fire and Rescue would like to thank the community for the actions everyone is taking to help support community needs. In addition to social distancing measures, those who have been able to help provide food, shelter and other daily needs
Inslee issues additional guidance on funerals, real estate transactions, letter to tribal governments
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced additional guidance today related to the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" proclamation to slow the spread of COVID-19. Inslee also sent a government-to-government letter to Washington's tribal communities. Guidance on funerals In partnership with the governor's office, the Washington State
April’s Grove construction is authorized to continue
-- from Lisa Byers for OPAL -- Governor Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order identified certain essential activities that are allowed to continue while most of us stay home. The construction of affordable housing is one of those essential activities. Therefore, construction of April's Grove will continue as long as suppliers continue
HOT TOPIC #8 | Construction guidance under Governor’s stay home, stay healthy proclamation
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- We are hearing a lot of questions about which construction activities are allowed under the Governor’s Stay at Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25) issued March 23, 2020 and
