Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Fire District 3 introduces new fee structure for false alarms
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue hopes a new fee structure governing fire alarms will reduce the number of false alarms they respond to each year. Effective November 1, 2026, alarm system users with multiple false alarms within one year may be assessed a false alarm fee. The District responds to automatic fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarm activations as potential emergencies to protect life and property, i.e. […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is genuine, helpful, generous
I have known Jennifer Swanson for the better part of two decades. When I think of her, I think of her generosity and helpfulness the most. I have worked with her in several capacities and also consider her a dear friend— I admire her immensely. She is a notably active listener, a direct and caring communicator, and remains kind and calm through intensity. Her care shines in every aspect of her hard work. Her patience, […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is the clearly superior Council candidate
Jennifer Swanson is clearly the superior candidate in the San Juan County Council election. Her experience is directly relevant to the goals of the SJC Council. The school district budgets she developed and managed as superintendent and oversaw as a school board member are similar to the county budget in complexity and in their mix of local, state and federal funds. That work also included discussion with the other school districts and a greater understanding of
Wild Fish Conservancy serves notice of intent to sue over Alaska fisheries catching threatened, endangered Pacific Northwest Chinook without federal oversight
SEATTLE, Washington—Nearly nine out of ten Chinook salmon caught in commercial fisheries along the South Alaska Peninsula in 2024 and 2025 originated outside Alaska, according to research from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Yet these fisheries operate without federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) oversight of their impacts on threatened and endangered Pacific Northwest Chinook, even as communities where these fish return face
County Marine Facility Update | Council reviews aging infrastructure
Marine facilities are part of the County’s essential public transportation system, and the County anticipates significant challenges maintaining these facilities in the coming years During this week’s meeting, the San Juan County Council reviewed the conditions of the County’s marine facilities and the extensive repairs and maintenance they require. Most County operated marine sites are more than 30 years old, and many now need major upgrades. These fa
Jennifer Swanson is ready for the work
Since February, I’ve been on the campaign trail, meeting people across our island county. I’ve been blown away by the passion residents have for this place and their commitment to its future. In conversation after conversation, I’ve been reminded of how much we share: a deep love for our community and a desire to see it thrive, even when we have different perspectives on the challenges we face. I’ve often heard, “Thank […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Council, October 27, 2026
The San Juan County Council convened at the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Center. After presentation by Facilities Director Greg Sawyer, the Council voted to set a public hearing for November 24, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., to consider a Resolution Authorizing Direct Sale of Real Property at 520 Spring Street on San Juan Island to Compass Health, extending the sale deadlines. Trillium Swanson, the Community Health Network (CHN) Project Manager for […]
Council approves ‘home fund’ funding for three affordable housing projects
In total, the Council awarded $3,734,596 in REET funding and $310,000 in sales tax funding. The County has now awarded approximately $19 million in grants for affordable housing projects across the islands through the Home Fund since 2019 This week, San Juan County supported three significant affordable housing projects on San Juan, Orcas, and Waldron Islands using the Home Fund and the Affordable Housing Sales Tax. In total, the Council awarded $3,734
Letter to Editor | Why I changed my vote to Sean O’Donnell
At a recent community lunch, the conversation turned, as it does this time of year, to the election. Doug McDonald mentioned that his nephew is Judge Sean O’Donnell, a candidate for Position 4 on the Washington State Supreme Court. I admitted I’d already marked Ian Birk on my ballot. That evening I went home and I read deeper into their positions and asked myself why I’d chosen one candidate over the other. The answer changed […]
County deliberates pausing essential public facility siting on Shaw Island, reevaluates path forward
Given current budget constraints, staff is evaluating how to prioritize time and resources across the county During this week’s Council meeting, the siting process for an Essential Public Facility (EPF) for Public Works on Shaw Island was reviewed. The County may choose to pause the process following the November 24 Public Hearing to allow the organization time to reassess the best path forward. Given current budget constraints, staff is evaluating how
Join the Orcas Island School Board
Are you passionate about our schools and the future of Orcas Island students? We invite you to consider serving as the next Orcas Island School District Board Director for District #2! Our schools are at the heart of our island community, and strong school leadership begins with engaged community members who care about the success and well-being of every student. Serving on the Orcas Island School Board is an opportunity to share your […]
Larsen urges voters to return ballots to drop boxes and pushes back on new USPS policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) expressed concerns to the United States Postal Service (USPS) about delays in postmarking ballots delivered in Northwest Washington. “Between August and October 2026, I visited local election offices in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan counties,” said Rep. Larsen. “During these visits, local election officials raised concern that changes to USPS policy may delay p
Multiple county advisory board & committee seats open
Key positions on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Clean Water Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources Committee, and other boards are open San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and committees that help shape daily life in the San Juan Islands. Key positions on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Clean Water Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is full of energy, optimism, determination
I got to know Katherine Bryant Ingman when UW Medicine announced it was no longer going to operate the Lopez Island clinic, leaving islanders scrambling to keep the clinic open. That crucial moment for Lopez showed me Katherine’s grit and determination. As President of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, owner of the clinic building, Katherine dug in and worked hard to ensure that Lopez had quality health care that matched our needs, at an affordable […]
County DEM seeks public input on disaster preparedness
Complete a short survey The San Juan County Department of Emergency Management (www.islandsready.org) is updating the County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which outlines local natural hazard risks and identifies strategies to reduce their impacts. The current plan is available at: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/21421/HazardMitigationPlan As part of this update, we’re asking San Juan County residents to complete a short survey. It
About my two hours observing SJC Elections Office this morning
Important Voter Information I served as an Election Observer at the San Juan County Elections Office in Friday Harbor for two hours this morning (Oct. 27), following sending a pile of questions about our elections process and security to County Elections Manager Camolyn Armstrong. Some of them were answered by Justin Paulsen a few days ago in her place, and some by Camolyn by phone last night. Some I will follow up with the Washington […]
Larsen continues to press ICE for answers about local activity
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding Larsen’s visit to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) suboffice in Ferndale on October 9th: “I support HSI’s mission to investigate and apprehend individuals involved in cross-border criminal activity, including human and drug trafficking,” said Rep. Larsen. “However, I am conc
Coming to Odd Fellows | The failed attempts to halt North Korea nuclear weapons program
What happens when diplomacy, nuclear science, and international security collide? Join nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation expert Mark Schanfein on Friday, November 7 at 7pm at Odd Fellows Hall for Assignment North Korea: The Failed Attempts to Halt Their Nuclear Weapons Program, an inside look at international efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Schanfein brings a rare firsthand perspective to the subject. During his nearly five de
What makes me different | Katherine’s closing statement
What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience. I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We were lucky enough to buy a fixer-upper, and we’re still fixing it up today. […]
Letter to Editor | Who is being represented?
I would like to know whom the selection committee for the artisans holiday fare would have been for this year. Why? Could you please advise. Yes, your letter said and I paraphrase: “received 45 entrants, and please try again and maybe you will qualify, and thank you,” etc. How is this responsible to a community member in the least? One that has built up the Makers Guild significantly, and produced significantly exceptional events […]
It’s time to vote
I filled my ballot out this morning, and it reminded me of how many of you showed up to see the candidates for council and learn about the awful initiatives on the ballot this year. We so appreciate every one of you. Couldn’t make it? That’s okay! That’s what this email is for. We break down the initiatives and the harm they’re causing below. We strongly encourage you to vote “no” on […]
Letter to Editor | I’m voting for our future
I am 21 years old, raised on Lopez. I moved back while pregnant and have been living here since with my fiancé and daughter who is now 9 months old. I’ve known Katherine since I was little and have seen how she’s always been there for her community. I feel very aligned with how invested she is in the health of our special island environment as someone who hopes to raise children here. I also […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson brings people together
We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. Jennifer has shown great leadership and the ability to bring people together to create creative and workable solutions to many of the challenges of those living in San Juan County in a variety of roles over many years. Jennifer’s ability to work tirelessly and her dedication to improving island life is admirable, and she will make an excellent representative on the county […]
The Pacific Salmon Treaty isn’t working for salmon, orcas, or salmon-dependent communities, coastwide movement tells US and Canadian leaders
As the Pacific Salmon Commission discusses the treaty’s future behind closed doors, salmon advocates rally in Sequim and call on both countries to Let Our Salmon Come Home SEQUIM, Washington—Salmon advocates from across the coast rallied in Sequim, where the Pacific Salmon Commission is meeting as the United States and Canada negotiate the future of the Pacific Salmon Treaty—an international agreement governing marine fisheries that intercep