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. […]
San Juan Fire employment opportunity as Logistics Director
San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 3 is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Logistics Director, a full-time exempt administrative leadership position reporting directly to the Fire Chief. Position Details • Position: Logistics Director • Department: Administration • Reports To: Fire Chief • FLSA Status: Exempt • Work Schedule: 40-hour work week • Anticipated Start Date: January 2027 Salary and Benefits • Starting Salary: $114,000 a
Jury Duty: Excused for November 2-6
JURY DUTY: NOVEMBER 2-6, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning November 2nd, are excused. Thank you.
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
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
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
LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026
Community Collaboration Council: Approved funding for Safe San Juans ($20K); and San Juan Island Winter Shelter ($15K), with a full time shelter at the fairgrounds’ Marie Boe Building. Behavioral Health ASO: A temporary agreement will maintain the Intensive Treatment Act court operations for people needing involuntary treatment through year-end. A long term solution is expected under the incoming Skagit County prosecutor. Opioid Abat
Questions about San Juan County’s new Generative AI Use Policy
San Juan County has adopted a policy governing the use of generative AI by County employees. It lists approved AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Grammarly, and Canva, and also includes tools such as Verkada security cameras with facial recognition and KnowBe4 AIDA that could be used for profiling. Residents deserve to understand what this policy means in practice. Here are some questions to ask our candidates, County Council members, and other elected o
Neighbor to neighbor shelter seeking community volunteers
Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter opens November 8, and we’re looking for volunteers to help welcome and support our neighbors. There are lots of ways to pitch in—whether you can take a shift, help with laundry, or make a meal. Morning | 6:30–9:00 a.m. Help with breakfast, cleanup, and getting the shelter ready for the day. Mid shift | Dusk–7:00 p.m. Support guests and help with daily tasks. Overnight | 7:00 […]
Trump wanted the power to make arrests without providing a reason
The Trump White House seriously studied how to “cancel” habeas corpus, your right to know why the government has arrested you Last year, the White House considered a proposal that could’ve enabled the president to arrest anyone, without a stated reason. A bombshell report from two New York Times journalists reveals that the Trump administration debated suspending what’s called “habeas corpus,” the centuries-old right to force the government to explain, in front of a jud
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Ron Krebs for Sheriff
I am writing to publicly and wholeheartedly support Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff. I had the privilege of working for Ron during his tenure as Sheriff, and I witnessed firsthand the leadership, professionalism, and integrity he brought to the office every day. Ron always leads by example. He commands the respect of his peers as well as his team members and is not afraid to allow his […]
Sheriff’s Guild endorses Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff
We, the Members of the San Juan County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild, by majority vote endorse Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is at critically low staffing levels and being the only 24/7 department in San Juan County has caused burn-out and low morale. We believe Ron Krebs will meet our expectations of community policing, responsiveness, communication and will improve morale and recruitment within the San Juan County […]
No jurors required for Oct. 26 – Nov. 6
JURY DUTY: OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 6, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning October 26th, are excused. Jurors with summonses for the week beginning November 2nd, need to check beginning next Thursday, October 27th to see if they are needed. Thank you.
EWUA Board Meeting | Public utility petition, Clark Well costs, Board election
The Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) Board met Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026 with several notable developments involving public ownership, capital expenditures, and the upcoming Board election. Members Preparing Petition to Explore Public Ownership During the meeting’s only public comment, an EWUA member informed the Board that a group of members is preparing a petition requesting a feasibility study of transitioning EWUA to public ownership through a pot
Local fire districts now issue burn permits; Available as of Oct. 12
Residents can apply for burn permits via their local fire district. There is no change in cost, and permits can be obtained quickly and easily online Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issu
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.”
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
Introducing mobile integrated healthcare on Orcas
A new pilot program from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, supported by OIHCD On an island with no hospital, care often starts too late. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is launching a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) pilot to reach neighbors at home before small problems become emergencies. OIHCD is proud to support this project financially, alongside other funding partners. MIH brings care directly to residents in their homes. Rather than waiting for […
Calling all community members: Neighbor to neighbor shelter needs you
The Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter is preparing for another winter season, and we need our community’s help! We are looking for caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors by helping provide a warm, safe place to sleep, hot meals, and a welcoming environment for those in need. Join us for our Volunteer Meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00pm in the basement […]
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
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 […]
No jurors needed for October 19-23
JURY DUTY: OCTOBER 19-23, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning October 19th, are excused. Thank you.