Here’s a thought…
“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.”
WILLIAM GIBSON
Inslee letter requests U.S.S. Mercy be sent to Puget Sound region
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting that the federal government dispatch the U.S.S. Mercy to the Puget Sound region. Washington represents 20 percent of U.S. COVID-19 infections and 61 percent of nation-wide fatalities. "It is clear that our medical capacity
Inslee orders halt to elective surgeries, dental services to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 health care workers
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Inslee announced new restrictions today on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s order applies to any non-urgent
COVID cancellation | Land Bank Commission meeting
-- from Tanja Williamson for San Juan County Land Bank -- Due to concern for public safety, as well as the recent orders from Governor Inslee and guidelines from the federal government, the March 20, 2020 Land Bank Commission meeting on San Juan Island is cancelled. The next scheduled Land
Governor outlines steps to support workers, employers
-- Governor Inslee's Office -- [Yesterday], Gov. Jay Inslee announced substantial measures for Washington state businesses and workers, as well as renters and other residents who may struggle financially to pay utility bills while dealing with loss of income during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is in addition to the state support
Visitors Bureau suspends tourism marketing campaigns
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak – linked to a travel advisory on the Visitors Bureau website home page and linked to in Visitors Bureau social media. -- from San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Staff and Board -- The safety of our island communities is our highest priority. In
Letter to Editor | Let’s not forget the value, impact of census to San Juan County
Respond by phone or online to maintain social distancing -- from Merri Ann Simonson -- It is imperative that you complete the 2020 census report as it aids in improving the quality of life in San Juan County. Our County needs federal funding. Do your part, be counted! The request
WSF offering ticket refunds and suspending no-show fees
--- from Washington State Ferries -- While WSF cannot extend the 90-day period for tickets and travel passes, customers who are unable to use tickets or travel passes because of COVID-19 concerns may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of their fare. All refund requests can be
EDC Board of Directors urges property owners to offer leniency to tenants
-- from Victoria Compton for SJC Economic Development Council -- The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) Board of Directors would like to urge commercial and residential property owners to extend extraordinary leniency to tenants during this financial downturn. Extending repayment times, halting payments during enforced closure times, waiving
Governor signs bill to expand access to nutritious foods program
Effective date is months away -- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law today a bill that will establish a minimum allocation for fresh foods for those enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program in Washington. Senate Bill 6309 will require the Department
Covid-19 impact on island resorts, lodges, hotels, spas
— by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues Reporter — In most years, this is the time when things are just beginning to gather momentum in the island tourism economy. This year, of course, things are very different. On Monday, the Governor mandated that all restaurants, bars, entertainment, and recreational facilities throughout
Auditor services are available remotely
-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- Staying home? Need Auditor services (vehicle licensing, marriage licensing, dog licensing, voter registration, lost checks)? We can help you from home! “Social distancing” wasn’t even a phrase until recently, and now everybody’s doing it. If you haven’t heard the term yet,
Keeping order in the courts during a pandemic
-- from Jane Severin, Court Administrator, San Juan County Superior Court -- San Juan County Superior and District Courts are taking immediate steps to address public health concerns raised by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Washington. The virus poses a risk to members of the public who need to
Shoreline Master Program Ordinance official comment period
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The Washington Department of Ecology and SJ County will hold a joint public hearing in Council’s legislative hearing room on April 21, 2020 on an ordinance to amend the shoreline regulations for the required periodic review. Ecology staff will participate via SKYPE. Within
Orcas Island fire stations closed to public due to COVID-19
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Fire & Rescue -- Due to the ongoing and changing COVID-19 situation, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue has made the decision to close the fire station to the public. We took the step last week of cancelling all public meetings through the end of
HOT TOPIC #3 | Volunteering: Islanders unite
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. We're in this together. -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- We are greatly heartened, though not at all surprised, by the outpouring of islanders looking to be of service to their communities. As we
WSF suspends international service to British Columbia
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Washington State Ferries is delaying the start of its international service to Sidney, B.C. because of concerns around COVID-19. At this time, service between Anacortes and B.C. is suspended until April 28. Please note that this does not affect domestic service. WSF will continue
