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. […]
In support of Jeff Asher for sheriff | Letter
My name is Ray Clever. I was a SJCSO deputy and detective for 27 years, 20 of those with Jeff Asher. I am proud to say I helped train him. I’m even prouder of how he has grown his skills and served his community. He is the epitome of community service.
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.
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
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
Siting of essential public facility on Shaw to be reassessed Nov. 24
The siting process for a Public Works Essential Public Facility (EPF) on Shaw Island was reviewed at the October 27, 2026 San Juan County Council meeting.. A public hearing is set for November 24 when the council will reassess the project. Prioritizing time and resources in light of budget constraints and considerable pushback from Shaw […]
Secretary of State Statement about Washington’s safe and secure elections
OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State has received a letter from the Department of Justice requesting information about individuals appearing on Washington’s voter rolls. We are carefully reviewing the request and assessing the information sought to ensure that our response complies with applicable state and federal laws. The United States Constitution is clear […]
San Juan County receives $660K public safety grant
Submitted by San Juan County.
Ron Krebs is NOT the man he portrays himself to be | Letter
I have known Ron since he moved to the island and became a deputy. He made me believe he was a friend, a man of integrity and good intentions and someone who cared about the people in this community. It turns out that Ron is just another politician who smiles in your face and tells you what you want to hear and only wants to promote and serve himself.
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
Hiker rescued near UW FH Labs
An injured hiker on the coastal trail at University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories was carried out by San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island Fire and Rescue last week. Rescuers said it is one of the more difficult and treacherous trails on the island. According to SJ EMS Facebook post: The hiker had hurt […]
County DEM posts survey about Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
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 takes about […]
Board of Health approves 10 percent increase in environmental health fees
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026 meeting. 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 […]
Brennan: Ron Krebs is NOT the man he portrays himself to be
I have known Ron since he moved to the island and became a deputy. He made me believe he was a friend, a man of integrity and good intentions and someone who cared about the people in this community. It turns out that Ron is just another politician who smiles in your face and tells […]
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue conducts second multi-agency drill with Coast Guard
Orcas Island Fire &Rescue, along with the San Juan County Sheriff and Washington State Parks, participated in a Coast Guard helicopter drill north of Patos Island on Tuesday, Oct. 13. OIFR coordinated the drill, the second in the last 30 days, with the Coast Guard; the first training session was held on land near the airport and provided critical preparation for the water-based drill.
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 […]
Burn permits now local on Orcas Island
Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.
San Juan Island Fire Dept. will issue $500 fine if property owner has 3 false alarms in one year
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Fire District #3 Commissioners Meeting summary of the October 20, 2026 meeting. Robin Garcia, Finance Officer, received a special parking space sign in recognition of her service and her upcoming retirement in June of 2027. Andy Guiterrez of the Fire Preservation Board gave a presentation on a Fire Museum that will be […]