Here’s a thought…
“There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking.”
ALFRED KORZYBSKI
First Orcas Island resident has now tested positive for COVID-19
-- from Brendan Cowan, County Department of Emergency Management -- “The [first Orcas Island resident to be infected with coronavirus patient is in stable condition and is being treated at home,” said Dr. Frank James, San Juan County Health Officer. “The patient was seen by their physician after experiencing COVID-like
HOT TOPIC #4 | Creativity and art in difficult times
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. — from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management — Note: in an effort to diversity and strengthen San Juan County’s COVID-19 response, we’ve added some people to the team from the broader community. The article below is
Inslee letter to Trump requests federal major disaster declaration
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to President Donald Trump today requesting that he declare a federal major disaster in the state of Washington to unlock a host of additional federal assistance to benefit affected Washingtonians, such as expanded unemployment assistance and basic food benefits. "Tens of thousands of
Take (or give) a moment for poetic reflection
When Giving Is All We Have Alberto Ríos - 1952- One river gives
Behind-the-scenes creative measures being taken to keep community functioning
-- from Hilary Canty for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- We are all going to have to dig deep for this one.We are also an amazing and creative community. Among the confusion and stress this week there have also been bright and wonderful efforts shining through, for example: The Food Bank
EDC mapping economic resources; fill out survey
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The Economic Development Council is currently working on a county-wide resource map of economic resources for the upcoming recovery, specifically resources and organizations of all types that can offer support during the economic recovery. Could you please take a moment as soon as
Island Market provides shopping guidelines
New hours: Open daily 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- from Jacob Linnes, Orcas Island Market -- Dear Orcas Community, Normally our goal is to get as many customers as possible in our store, but as we navigate through uncharted waters, we are asking our community to help us keep
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
