Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Larsen, colleagues succeed in delaying new CBP rule harming access to lower-cost medications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “In the past few months, my office has received dozens of messages from constituents worried about how they are going to afford prescription medications if the Trump administration’s new CBP rule goes into effect on October 22. I urged the Administration to delay the rule and stop health care from getting even more expensive, and last week, the […]
Letter to Editor | We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council
For many years Jennifer has been at the center of making the Shaw community run smoothly. She serves effectively as a leader on local and county boards, a careful and patient listener, respectful of others’ opinions. We are eager to see her courtesy, wisdom and energy at work serving the entire county, and support her for San Juan County Council position 3.
Getting to Know Katherine | What I bring to the table
First and most importantly, I bring to the County Council a deep love for these islands and the people who live here. I’m running for County Council to improve the lives of everyone who lives here — especially those of us most impacted by the challenges and uncertainties that we face. I know how knowledgeable, creative, resourceful, and resilient we are. I’ve seen first-hand the power of coalition-building in […]
Letter to Editor | Wholehearted support for Jennifer Swanson
Jennifer Swanson has my wholehearted support for the San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings an exceptional and effective combination of thoroughness, thoughtfulness, practicality and kindness. She has the rare ability to bring together people with divergent points of view. She’s a pleasure to work with and to know, and her actions inspire trust while helping bring out the best in others. Living in the islands comes with unique challenges. Jennifer i
County employee union endorses Katherine Bryant Ingman
Members of AFSCME Local 1849, the union representing San Juan County employees, have endorsed Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council and Heather Lee for County Auditor. The endorsements follow the candidates’ clear commitments to transparent leadership and to the workforce that keep county services running. AFSCME Local 1849 represents approximately 55% of San Juan County’s workers. Our members provide a vast array of critical services across the islands—rangi
Levy Information | Orcas Island Park and Rec public info session
Orcas Island Park and Recreation District will hold a public information session about the upcoming levy on Monday, October 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Station, 45 Lavender Lane. Join OIPRD staff for a presentation about the history of the district, services being offered today, and a breakdown of the levy. There will also be a Q&A session. For more information, visit www.oiprd.org
Health Care District to hold special board meeting on Monday
The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, October 19th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Orcas Island Community Foundation, 33 Urner Street, Suite 4, Eastsound. The public meeting packet is available below. The meeting Zoom link can be found at the top of the agenda. 01. 2026_10_19 Agenda_Special_Board.pdf 02. 2026_10_13 OIHCD Claim Request_signed.pdf 03. CHN Update – October 2026.pdf 04. Pub
Letter to the Editor | Decatur’s open-space decision deserves countywide attention
San Juan County’s October 1 approval relocating recorded open space for OPALCO’s proposed Decatur solar expansion raises questions that matter throughout our islands. The County acknowledges that portions of the replacement open space overlap land already protected by a Native Growth Area covenant. It maintains that those protections remain enforceable and that the revised configuration meets conservation requirements. County explanation But maintaining a perce
Letter to Editor | I want to recommend Jennifer Swanson for County Council District 3
I’ve worked with Jennifer through Shaw Islanders Inc, where she’s been the Recording Secretary for the Shaw Inc board for the last three years. She’s steady, organized and easy to work with. She keeps things on track and communicates clearly, which makes a big difference when a group is trying to get things done. She initiated the “Brown Bag” lunches once a month. It’s informal open forum where residents can meet and discuss issues that are […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson will represent all of San Juan County
Having served eight years on the San Juan County Council, participated in the Ferry Advisory Committee, and spent much of my life operating small businesses on Orcas Island, I know firsthand the challenges of representing our island communities. That experience is why I am proud to support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings something especially valuable to public service: kindness, honesty, independence, and a genuine willingness t
Larsen statement on Bend school shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am horrified and heartbroken by the shooting in Bend. These sickening tragedies must end. I am thinking of the families of the victims, and the child and teacher who are fighting for their lives in the hospital.”
The Master’s Delight, a poem from Wasakalobo
Well, after Trump’s umpteenth betrayal of Ukraine in less than a week, I can’t imagine what a Russian asset in his position would do differently. It’s pathetic, dangerous and shameful. It triggered this poem in me: The Master’s Delight By Wasakalobo His Kremlin master hardly could Believe his endless luck That callous Potus ever would Treat allies with such muck Decades of friendships smashed and wrecked Their added strength ignored Abuse of power […]
Reminder! It’s No Kings Day on Saturday at Village Green
This Saturday, October 17, is the next national No King’s Day. Both San Juan and Lopez Islands already have events scheduled, and we don’t want to be left out here on Orcas. Therefore, please join us this Saturday at the Village Green at NOON. Bring signs to protest the current administration and to encourage voting. We will march around Eastsound at least once, maybe twice. We will end at the Village Green, and […]
Letter to Editor | Homes we can afford, islands we must protect
Two of my four priorities as a candidate, affordable housing and protecting our environment, are really about the same thing: keeping these islands a healthy, desirable and affordable place where people can live, work and thrive for generations. Expanding access to the full spectrum of affordable housing starts with the people already doing the work. We have experienced housing experts and non-profits on each of our major islands, along with the Home Fund, a targete
Governor Ferguson sends video to Trump Administration to support Washington’s request for wildfire assistance
OLYMPIA – To support Washington’s request for federal assistance following this summer’s devastating wildfires, Governor Bob Ferguson is sending a video to the Trump Administration to help show the severity of the damage. The video is available for download here, and features interviews with impacted residents, and bipartisan leaders calling on the federal government to approve Washington’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The Governor’s
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council, District 3
Katherine Bryant Ingman has my support to be our next San Juan County Council Representative for District 3 for many reasons: Every SJC District Representative is sworn to support the welfare of the entire San Juan County. I firmly believe, as shown by Katherine’s efforts to reach out to the Waldron, Shaw, Decatur, San Juan and Orcas communities throughout her campaign, that Katherine has demonstrated her energy, interest, and willingness to do that very thing. […]
Letter to Editor | Questions every OPALCO member should ask
Whether we live on Shaw, Orcas, Lopez, San Juan, or an outer island, we share an interest in OPALCO’s spending, reliable electricity, and accountable decisions. The proposed Decatur solar expansion raises questions that belong to every cooperative member. What will members pay over the project’s life, and what purchased-power costs will it actually avoid? OPALCO should publish an independent financial review, including financing, maintenance, equipment replacem
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman gets things done
District Three deserves a Councilmember who District Three voters chose. That’s Katherine Bryant Ingman. Between Katherine and Jennifer Swanson, primary voters of District Three voted 61% to 39% for Katherine. There are differences between the two candidates. A graduate of Leadership San Juans, she is a leader that gets things done. Issues that affect us all are bigger on the more populated islands. She knows what islands comprise her district. Her opponent repeated e
WSF Weekly Report | History behind service disruptions; terminal upgrades coming; winter schedule update
A message from Steve Last week, I shared some of the history behind the pay dispute that led to significant ferry service disruptions on Monday, October 5. I also acknowledged the impact those disruptions had on the thousands of people who depend on our ferries every day. I want to follow up with an update on what has happened since. Governor Ferguson met directly with the union representing our marine engineers […]
Letter to Editor | Jay and Trudi Inslee and former leaders endorse Katherine
Former Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and former First Lady Trudi Inslee have endorsed me for San Juan County Council, District 3. I am proud that the members of AFSCME Local 1849, the union representing San Juan County employees, voted to endorse me. They join Jane Fuller, the current District 3 Councilperson, who is not seeking another term, and former San Juan County Council members Tom Cowan, Lovel Pratt, […]
Letter to Editor | My vote is for Katherine
On November 3, you will vote for a councilmember to fill the District 3 seat I am vacating this year. We are fortunate to have two capable candidates, and I have worked with both. Jennifer Swanson and I served on the Ferry Advisory Committee (’23, ’24), and I engaged with her as a Shaw Island constituent on Shaw-specific issues. With Katherine Bryant Ingman, I worked on the WSF Schedule Re-write Task Force (’23-25) and I […]
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue bonds available to local investors
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2), San Juan County, Washington (the “District”) is in the process of issuing phase 1 of voter approved Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds (the “Bonds”) to provide $14,000,000 to construct, acquire, equip, renovate and make capital improvements to apparatus and facilities of the District, and to pay costs of issuing the Bonds. Pursuant to the Election Resolution, the improvement
Land Bank October 2026 meeting and agenda
The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting October 16. The meeting is scheduled from 8:45am – 11:10am via Zoom. The meeting will also be available for in person public attendance at the Mullis Community Senior Center, located at 589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor, WA. The public is invited to attend. Click HERE to download the agenda (includes Zoom meeting link) and meeting materials.
Write in Jeff Asher for Sheriff
Wow! I am truly taken aback by the outpouring of support encouraging me to run for Sheriff. Thank you all for the calls and texts requesting my participation in the upcoming Sheriff’s election. When I was first asked to consider this opportunity, I was hesitant, as it is not something I take lightly. As many of you know, I have been commuting between San Juan Island and the Bay Area […]