Island News
A fleet of neighbors: Boaters from Orcas and San Juan Islands carry the Aqua Chautauqua across the Salish Sea
A flotilla of small boats from Orcas Island and San Juan Island has spent the summer ferrying performers and gear across the Canadian Gulf Islands, and pitching in with labor and supplies to help the Chautauqua and the island communities it visits, tying together communities on both sides of the border through a traveling circus, service project and family reunion known as the Aqua Chautauqua. Along the way, performers and hosts alike say the real story isn’t the juggling or the parades — it’s t
Eastsound Water Users Association reaches first-ever collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 77
Submitted by the Eastsound Water Users Association.
Bredahl sentenced for firearm possession and assault
Thomas Alexander Bredahl, 37, was arrested on June 1 after a domestic dispute at a family member’s home in Eastsound escalated when he allegedly grabbed her by the neck, threatened to kill her partner and threw her phone to stop her from calling 911. The victim said she was “shell-shocked” but physically fine and declined medical attention.
World-class jazz under the summer sky: The Charlie Porter Quintet returns to Orcas Island
By Steve Alboucq
San Juan County Council weighs new revenue options amid $4 million budget gap
The San Juan County Council spent much of its July 14 meeting wrestling with a stark fiscal reality: a $4 million deficit looming over the 2027 budget, and only a handful of new revenue tools to help close it.
SHCPHD1 statement regarding plane incident on Shallow Bay near Sucia Island
Submitted by the San Juan County Public Hospital District 1
Satirical argument against children’s education makes it into official voters’ pamphlet
Many registered voters in San Juan County are raising an eyebrow at the SJC Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet for the Aug. 4 primary election. The “Argument Against” the Lopez Island School District No. 144’s Proposition 1, written by Mike Minor, appears to be satirical.
Sea plane makes emergency landing off Sucia Island
A Kenmore seaplane glides low over the water past multiple boats before disappearing behind a bluff, video footage shows. The plane had left Lake Union at around 4 p.m. on July 23, but at 5:15 p.m. made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay. Coast Guard environmental response personnel have been notified and are coordinating with partner agencies to assess potential environmental impacts.
Swinomish and Squaxin Island tribes file lawsuit challenging rescission of ESA harm rule
Submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
‘Stitched Stories: A Quilter’s Showcase’ at Orcas Senior Center
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
The room knew it last night — Katherine for Council | Column
By Ed Andrews
‘James and the Giant Peach, Jr.’ featuring an all-local kids cast
For the first time in the history of Orcas Center’s theater camp, the program is presenting a full production for the community.
The Grange was a full house for candidate forum
Ballots are in the mail for the Aug. 4 primary election, and three are running for the District 3 County Council position: Renee J. Koplan and Katherine Bryant Ingman of Lopez, and Jennifer Swanson of Shaw. District 3 includes Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands. The League of Women Voters hosted forums with the three candidates: July 13 on Orcas, July 14 on San Juan and July 15 on Lopez.
Wildland fire scorches Lopez Island cliffside, multi-agency response prevents damage to homes
A wildland fire broke out Monday, July 13, on a cliffside off Shark Reef Road near Meadow Lane, prompting a rapid mutual aid response from fire agencies across the San Juan Islands and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. By 6 p.m., the fire was contained, though crews planned to remain on scene overnight to monitor for flare-ups.
Orcas Island Health Care District announces newsletter, social media accounts and expansion plan | Column
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
New federal housing law takes effect, bringing new tools — and open questions — to San Juan County
At midnight on July 10, the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” became federal law without a presidential signature. The president had threatened to veto the bill, H.R. 6644, but failed to act within the Constitution’s 10-day review window, allowing it to become law automatically. For San Juan County, the law’s fine print may matter as much as its headline goal of increasing the national housing supply.
Executive director of EDC exits | Letter
Dear Islanders,
Swanson is an amazing community advocate | Letter
Jennifer Swanson is an amazing community advocate who is well-versed in the history of our beautiful islands. In my many interactions with her, she has always been warm, welcoming, responsive and thoughtful. I’m very grateful to know her and was thrilled to learn that she’s running for local office.
Odd Fellows Hall show a success | Letter
I was very happy to read that The Big Show was a big success at the big Chautauqua Show held at Odd Fellows Hall on June 20th. It had performers, artists, and magical experiences.
Supporting the Department of Environmental Stewardship | Letter
One of the arguments for keeping the Department of Environmental Stewardship in its present form (rather than spreading its mission to other departments) is that the Department’s funding comes largely from State and Federal grants. What happens if those funds dry up? Unfortunately, we have seen several examples of this in recent times. This would increase the budget deficit.
Welcome to Medicare
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Help inspire the next generation of scientists
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Charlie Porter Quintet will play outdoor concert
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Discontinuing the sheriff’s log is a mistake | Letter
Sheriff Eric Peters has made a terrible mistake by pulling the weekly sheriff reports. I can think of no better tool of community engagement and support than these weekly reports. His ill-thought-out change will lead to a dramatic decrease in citizen trust and erodes support of his department by removing the very transparency required for such trust. In its place will beg the question surely forming in citizens’ minds, “What are you hiding?”