Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Resource Center invites islanders to help identify unmet legal needs
A housing dispute, a confusing medical bill, a family breakup, or questions about a parenting plan can leave someone unsure where to turn. On Orcas Island, the cost of legal help – and the challenge of traveling off island to get it – can make a difficult situation even harder. The Orcas Community Resource Center is inviting island residents to complete a short civil legal needs survey to help identify where legal […]
The Creeks Beneath the Fields | Part 1 of 5
First of a five part journalism series by the San Juan Islands Conservation District on steams and wetlands in the islands, and what people can do to restore them On summer mornings in the San Juan Islands, the freshwater world can feel almost imaginary. Streams are often hidden behind pastures or culverts, wetlands tucked into folds of land that most people drive past without noticing. The islands appear governed by stone, saltwater light, Garr
Montessori launches holiday bazaar and wreath sale
The Orcas Montessori Annual Wreath Sale is officially open! We’re excited to help you fulfill all your holiday greenery needs with beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, perfect for bringing festive cheer to your home. Orders are open now, and wreaths will be available for pickup just after Thanksgiving. You can place your order by calling 360-376-5350, emailing info@orcasmontessori.org, or visiting www.orcasmontessori.
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, […]
Library features photos by Andrea Cohen
For the month of November, The Orcas Island Library’s ‘Art in the Library’ series will feature photographs by Andrea Cohen. Andrea’s background is as an artist, art therapist and art teacher, but this exhibit, entitled The Lives of Mannequins is a group of color photographs taken during recent travels. “Artists see with artist’s eyes, even when they’re not making art,” she comments. “In the markets and bazaars of Morocco, Bulgaria and […]
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
County budget analyst casts a spell on Q3 numbers
“September’s spell has closed this year. On October 27, a spirit draws near, and Halloween whispers on the frontier. I bring forth on this bewitched debut the third sort of review I’ve summoned for you, drawn from the ledgers old and true.” — Dr. Molly Foote.
Ready for the work | Letter
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.
Vote for Jennifer Swanson | Letter
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, understanding, finely tuned moral compass and deep care for all the earth’s i
Take a magical trip to the Renaissance in Orcas Center’s next show
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Full funding awarded to SJI Home Trust’s Lee’s Landing
Lee’s Landing now has the County’s full support. In a unanimous vote on Monday, October 26, 2026 San Juan County Council committed an additional $3,709,596 from the County’s Home Fund to the San Juan Community Home Trust’s Lee’s Landing project, bringing the County’s total investment to $5.5 million, the full amount requested. Lee’s Landing will […]
Home fund and affordable housing sales tax supports Pea Patch Townhomes and Lee’s Landing
San Juan County Council approved using $3,734,596 in REET funding and $310,000 in the Affordable Housing sales tax to support three significant affordable housing projects on San Juan, Orcas, and Waldron Islands. Affordable Housing Projects This year marks the sixth funding round conducted by the Home Fund. $3,700,000 was made available to qualifying affordable housing […]
SJICF to Offer Workshop, Understanding Nonprofit 990s, for Donors, Board Members, and Organizational Leaders
As the first of a new workshop series, the San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF) invites nonprofit donors, board members, and leadership to a workshop entitled Understanding Nonprofit 990s on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Community Foundation offices at 640 Mullis Steet in Friday Harbor. Each year, most […]
Orcas Garden Club presents ‘why plant names change’
Botanical nomenclature, biology, the beauty of plants Wednesday, November 11th, 10 am (at the Orcas Center or by Zoom) COME AT 9:30 AM (just before the program) for social time, and remember to bring something for the Sharing Table! Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as we welcome Linda Ann Vorobik. In this presentation, Linda Ann includes beautiful landscapes, wildflower closeups, and botanical watercolors of the plant
Grannie’s Holiday Sale coming to Orcas Senior Center
Mark your calendars—Grannie’s Holiday Sale is back at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Browse a wide array of festive décor, holiday treasures, and unique creations from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to find special gifts and seasonal inspiration. Get Involved Sign up to volunteer by contacting Edy Hansen at 206-413-6157 or edy@orcasseniors.org.
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 […]
Chloe Mason: Praises Jennifer Swanson’s generosity and helpfulness
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 […]
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
2025 Friday Harbor Elementary School Halloween parade
Mike Vouri: Vietnam Journal 2003, Part One
Welcome to this five-part series. In earlier posts—most recently “The Ghost on My Shoulder: Remembering Larry Heinemann”—I refer to my return to Vietnam in 2003 with Don Macaluso, a life-long friend, and retired Air Force colonel, who, along with my sister, Denise, urged me to go. This sparked a long-ago ambition—to visit the country sometime […]
Guest Column by Jennifer Swanson: 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 […]
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
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
Sportsmen Club invites you to win a Thanksgiving turkey
The Orcas Island Sportsmen Club invites the public to come out and win their Thanksgiving Turkey at the 71ST annual fall Turkey-Time Family Fun Shooting Contests. The shoot is on Saturday November 14th from l0 am to 4 pm at the clubhouse and ranges at 1906 Enchanted Forest Road. Adults and young shooters will compete in separate events. Shooters at the small bore range will shoot 22 rifles at paper […]