Island News
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Find treats and treasures July 25 at Market Day
Submitted by Emmanuel Church.
Online registration for San Juan County Fair Entries open
The 2026 San Juan County Fair “Red, White, & Ewe” will be held Thursday through Sunday, August 13-16. Entry Days: Island Writers: July 19th, 2026, email entries to fair@sanjuancountywa.gov or mail to SJC Parks & Fair, 350 Court St, #8, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Tuesday 8/11, 9 am – 6 pm – Non-Perishable entries (i.e., Beer & Wine, Crafts & Hobbies, […]
Larsen Releases Statement on Trump’s Election Speech
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “The President’s speech tonight should be about lowering costs and creating jobs. Instead, he will continue spreading lies about American elections. The truth is simple: Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. America’s elections are secure, transparent and run by state and local officials from […]
Larsen releases statement on Trump’s election speech
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “The President’s speech tonight should be about lowering costs and creating jobs. Instead, he will continue spreading lies about American elections. The truth is simple: Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. America’s elections are secure, transparent and run by state and local officials from both parties. “After the 2020 election, the CIA, the Department
Exchange Update | Styrofoam, swap meet, beach cleanup, more
||| FROM ORCAS RECYCLING SERVICE ||| Styrofoam Recycling Update In last month’s newsletter, we shared our mission to keep Styrofoam out of the landfill by using a Styrofoam densifier. This month, a team from The Exchange took a fact-finding trip to Whidbey Island to see a densifier in operation at an exciting new startup called Repurpose Whidbey. Learn more about the trip and find out how you can help make this project a reality! Learn More Reserve Your SWAP Meet […]
League of Women Voters of Washington launches “Four Questions” video series
Featuring Washington Supreme Court candidates ||| FROM AMY PELOFF for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| SEATTLE — With five of the nine seats on the Washington State Supreme Court on the ballot this year, the League of Women Voters of Washington has launched a new online resource to help voters make informed decisions in one of the most consequential—and often least understood—parts of the ballot. Beginning today, voters can access “Washington Supreme Court Candidate Interviews: Four Questions,” a new
Genealogy Group to hold open meeting
||| FROM KATHI CISKOWSKI for ORCAS ISLAND GENEALOGY GROUP ||| The Orcas Island Genealogy Group is having an open meeting on Tuesday, July 21 from noon to 2 in the community room of the Orcas Island Public Library. There are two topics that will be discussed and hopefully information can be shared. The first will be the use of AI in genealogical research. The second is for addressing an interesting new twist in Canadian law called Bill C-3, Canadian Citizenship […]
August 1: Summer Book Fair – Friends of San Juan Island Library fundraiser
It’s time once again for our annual Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale – a fun-filled community event for the whole family! Browse and choose from thousands of books, Treasure Cove items, and flowers. Enjoy face painting and story reading, and don’t miss the ever-popular Fortune Teller! Please support the San Juan Island Public […]
A message from Council member Justin Paulsen: 2027 San Juan County budget development process
By Justin Paulsen
Compass Health recognized as a Quasquicentennial Corporation, marking 125 years of service in Northwest Washington
Submitted by Compass Health.
July 17: Tara Craig Trio Benefit for Salish Wildlife Rescue
Spend an evening where music and compassion come together for a meaningful cause. This lively benefit concert supports the care of injured and orphaned wildlife at Salish Wildlife Rescue. Enjoy delicious, handcrafted nibbles, a cash bar, and an outstanding live performance by the Tara Craig Band. Meet the inspiring women behind the rescue efforts and […]
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Update: San Juan County Real Estate Market Summary
The second quarter results, which complete the first half of the year, in San Juan County and on San Juan Island reflect stable dollar volume with a fewer number of sales. Per the NWMLS, the dollar volume for the first half of the year in San Juan County was $159,961,071 which is an increase […]
Stitched Stories | A quilters showcase at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Discover a beautiful display of local artistry this July and August at Orcas Senior Center! Visit weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to explore a vibrant collection of handcrafted quilts created by talented quilters in our community. Each quilt reflects creativity, craftsmanship, and personal stories woven into every stitch. From bold patterns to delicate details, this special exhibition celebrates the warmth, color, and inspiration of quilting traditi
Larsen votes No on Republican amendment to limit funds for humanitarian efforts
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I voted “no” on a Republican amendment that would have prohibited any diplomatic, humanitarian, development or security funding related to Israel. I support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. The amendment would have stopped critical U.S. efforts in the region to distribute humanitarian aid, resettle refugees, support security collaboration
News Brief | Gray whale deaths near record levels in WA
||| FROM KREM 2 NEWS via YOUTUBE |||
No jury duty for July 20-31
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JULY 20-31, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday July 20th through Friday July 17, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
2026 Poetry Garden entries due July 31
San Juan County residents of all ages are encouraged to submit your best original poems to the 2026 POETRY GARDENS CONTEST. Winning entries will be displayed in the town’s four Poetry Gardens! Deadline for submission: July 31, 2026. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION Author must be a resident of San Juan County, WA. Poems must be your […]
July 15: Music on the Lawn presents Joel Astley
July 15 | 6:30 to 8:15 pm | San Juan Historical Museum | 405 Price St. | Friday Harbor July 8 – Flipside July 15 – Joel Astley Since forming his first band in 2014, Joel Astley quickly established himself as a world-class bandleader, harmonica player, singer, songwriter, and entertainer. In the past year he […]
July 23: Friends of the San Juans: The Song of the Orca: An Evening of Art, Music, and Community to Benefit Southern Resident Killer Whales
Friday Harbor, WA — Friends of the San Juans invites the community to The Song of the Orca, a special benefit event celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and collective action helping protect the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea for endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The event will take place Thursday, July 23, from 5:30 to […]
Backers of Washington’s Millionaire Tax launch effort to keep it
Washington News Service: A coalition of more than 100 groups, including labor unions and community organizations, has launched the “No on 645” campaign to defend Washington’s Millionaire Tax, which will be on the November ballot. The new law applies a nearly 10% income tax on household earnings above $1 million. Sam Hatzenbeler, legislative director for […]
San Juan Preservation Trust to celebrate 20 years of Turtleback Mountain at Orcas Island Summer Social
Submitted by the San Juan Preservation Trust.
Waste tire disposal: San Juan County wants to hear from you
Submitted by San Juan County.
San Juan County Council weighs four paths to ease housing crunch
San Juan County Council members spent part of their June 9 meeting on the county’s housing shortage, narrowing a list of possible code changes to four priorities: pre-approved building plans, updated accessory dwelling unit standards, legalization of temporary and mobile housing, and rural cluster development changes.