Island News
Larsen Insists Coast Guard Act to Protect Salish Sea
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, July 22, 2026, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “People I represent need answers on how the new Alberta to B.C. pipeline at Roberts Bank is going to impact the Salish Sea and local marine habitats. “Due to Canada’s […]
Jamie Stephens: Supports Katherine for county Council
Katherine is a leader. As a former District 3 County Council Member, I’ve watched her work in this community over the years, and I know a leader when I see one. When the University of Washington chose not to continue operating the Lopez Island Medical Clinic last year, Katherine, as president of the Catherine Washburn […]
Cowan: Supports Katherine Bryant Ingman for county Council
I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for District 3 County Council representative. She is well known on Lopez Island as a hard-working advocate for improving our community. Over the past decade, she has taken on some of Lopez Island’s hardest issues, including her role as manager of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Food Share […]
County Council learns about new sales tax and property tax options
LWVSJ Observer Corps* summary of the: San Juan County Council, July 14, 2026 meeting. Public Access Time: residents deplored a swastika recently painted on San Juan Island; supported the SJC Public Works Department on Shaw Island; and supported the Environmental Stewardship Department. The Council heard the Department of Community Development’s (DCD) recommendations for each of […]
Editorial: Why I’ve filed Public Records requests for the sheriff’s log
Why is it important that San Juan County WA Sheriff’s Log be published. It provides the reader with an idea of the frequency of : people with mental health issues becoming a public safety/law enforcement problem. loose dogs killing farm animals. people driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs a rash of cars […]
Larsen Releases Statement on Petty, Pointless Tariffs on Canada
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 20, 2026, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “What the hell, Mr. President? Cut the BS. End the tariffs. Renegotiate USMCA. Lower prices.” Today (july 20) the Trump administration announced new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods starting next month. The 50% tariffs would include goods that had […]
Rule repeal could make life harder for small WA meat producers
Public News Service: Independent meat producers in the Pacific Northwest are decrying a move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to repeal three rules producers said prevented discrimination in the meat and poultry industries. One 2024 rule barred meat processing facilities from retaliating against producers based on race, gender or co-op membership. Alice Morrison, co-executive director of […]
August 7 and 8: Acrobatic Conundrum on Lopez Island
August 7 | 7 pm | Lopez Center August 8 | 1 pm | Lopez Center Seattle’s circus company is back with the tenth installment of their quirky cabaret series, spotlighting group synergy with aerial, acrobatics, and theatrical absurdity. Terry Crane and a band of nomadic circus performers take to the outdoor stage to present […]
Friday Harbor Mayor and Town Council participate in Day of Service
Those seeking more greenery in town will notice that the garden bed on Front Street across from the ferry landing was replanted on July 2 with help from the mayor and Town Council members in celebration of Friday Harbor’s America 250 Day of Service. Port of Friday Harbor gardener Winter Zigzagger lent his expertise in […]
July 23: Echoes of SENCOTEN 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 6 PM Sunset | Lime Kiln Point State Park | San Juan Island Join us for an evening where the land, sea, language, and people come together Echoes of SENĆOŦEN is a community gathering celebrating the living language, songs, stories, and teachings of the W̱SÁNEĆ people in one of the […]
July 23: Learn about Salish Wildlife Rescue in Friday Harbor
July 23 | 6 to 8 pm | San Juan Island Library Join us for a special presentation by Salish Wildlife Rescue (formerly Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center) about a day in the life of a wildlife rehabber! Learn more about the important work they do for the animals who share our home. Wolf Hollow […]
July 24: Clinton Fearon performs on Lopez Island
September 11-13: Archipelago Collective’s 12th Annual Chamber Music Festival
Archipelago Collective presents their 12th Annual Chamber Music Festival September 11th – 13th, 2026 at multiple venues on San Juan Island. Tickets For the first time, the Archipelago Collective is thrilled to bring their 12th Annual Chamber Music Festival to San Juan Community Theatre! Returning to San Juan Island from September 11th to 13th, the […]
The Room Knew It Last Night. Katherine for Council.
Last night, the League of Women Voters held their Voter Forum on Lopez Island, and it was standing room only with over 80 folks there. After Katherine’s closing statement, the room erupted in applause and cheers before all of the other candidates had finished their closing remarks. This was a clear sign of where the […]
July 19: Retirement Celebration for Suzie Lefever
July 18: Local Harvest Band at Fairweather Park on San Juan Island
Saturday, July 18 | 2 to 4pm | Fairweather Park | Port of Friday Harbor Port of Friday Harbor Park Concert features THE HENRY ROSE BAND as THE LOCAL HARVEST BAND for one show. We are featuring three sit in acts with the band on the second half of our two hour show. Can’t tell […]
July 18 and 19: 25th Annual Lavender Festival on San Juan Island
Saturday July 18 | 11am-9pm Sunday July 19 | 11am-5pm FREE ADMISSION Join us for the 25th Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival, Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19! Stroll fragrant lavender fields in peak bloom, enjoy stunning photo opportunities, and celebrate the “peak of purpleness” with art, music, and community. Explore handcrafted lavender […]
Victoria Compton’s message to the community as she leaves EDC
Dear Islanders, As this marks my final newsletter with the EDC, I want to take a moment to simply say thank you. It has been an incredible privilege to serve this community through my work at the EDC over the past 17 years. I’ve had the chance to work alongside dedicated board members, entrepreneurs, business […]
Washington Secretary of State responds to President Trump’s July 16 nationally televised address
OLYMPIA — As expected, the information presented yesterday does not change the fact that claims of widespread election fraud have been repeatedly disproven. What we heard last night sounds like concern about election security, when in fact this administration has dismantled the critical federal cybersecurity programs that support our elections. We have been aware of and […]
Cantwell Response to Trump’s Prime Time Speech Attacking Election Integrity
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, President Donald Trump delivered a prime time speech from the White House during which he baselessly attacked the integrity of elections in the United States. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement: “The President is wrong. Washington State’s universal vote-by-mail system is safe and secure and so was the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]