Island News
April 18: The Great Islands Cleanup
The next Great Islands Cleanup will happen on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10am-2pm. Details for each island will be added when it becomes available. The first organized “Great Island Cleanup” in San Juan County happened on San Juan Island, organized by locals Lori Stokes and David Delendorf. In 2014, through their inspiration, Orcas resident Kira […]
Study: Pacific Northwest needs to prepare for extreme heat events
The June 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave caused unprecedented mortality for intertidal shellfish, with an estimated 1 billion mussels, clams and oysters dying in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. (Adobe Stock)” /> The June 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave caused unprecedented mortality for intertidal shellfish, with an estimated 1 billion mussels, clams and oysters dying […]
The Ramba Effect, FHFF’s Best Tales from the Heart Feature, Screens Free on March 27
Friday Harbor Film Festival’s Best of the Fest Series continues with another powerful, audience-chosen documentary, The Ramba Effect, that will be shown Friday, March 27 at 7 PM at the San Juan Island Library and Lopez Center for Community and the Arts. Following the film, director Claire Sandberg will join audiences at the San Juan […]
Existing Vacation Rentals in Eastsound & Lopez Village Need a Provisional Use Permit by June 25
Press Release– If you operate a vacation rental in Eastsound Village or Lopez Village, it is a requirement to apply for a provisional use permit to remain compliant with the County code. The permit process is open until June 25, 2026, and can be completed through the mail or in person. Background All pre-existing vacation […]
San Juan Island Library Reports on Latest State Audit Findings
The San Juan Island Library reports that it has received a clean audit from the Washington State Auditor’s Office. As stated in the Accountability Audit Report, “District operations complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, and provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources.” This report, available […]
Board of Health: Orcas Island Healthcare District received funding to establish a CHN to address public health
Observer Corps summary of the San Juan County Board of Health March 18, 2026 meeting The Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) search for a CEO is ongoing. BSO (Behavioral Health Services Organization): receipt of over 2,800 questions on HB 1813 causing a resource drain. Public Comment: Dr. Dale Heisinger, former BOH member, submitted a letter […]
March 23: Community meeting for County Parks Operation facility on Lopez Island
San Juan County Parks, Recreation, & Fair Department is seeking feedback on plans to construct a new facility for the County Parks operation on Lopez Island. The facility is planned to serve as a visitor contact station, maintenance facility, and office for park rangers on Lopez Island. The facility seeks to replace the existing carport […]
Port of Friday Harbor soliciting ideas for Jacksons Beach Cannery building; tours can be arranged
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary Friday Harbor Port Commission, March 13, 2026 meeting. A motion was passed to approve the reassignment of the lease on Hangar K6A from Gossom to Howard. The new lease for the Oystertale Restaurant was approved. The Commission thanked Kyle Gropp for all of the work he and his staff put in. […]
March 26: Free presentation “Welcome to Medicare” – VIRTUAL
Your local SHIBA volunteers provide free, confidential assistance with applying for the Medicare Cost Savings Program. To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer, email shibasjco@yahoo.com or call one of the following numbers: Lopez Island: 404-259-6819 Orcas Island: 360-376-5892 San Juan Island: 360-375-0292
Friday Harbor softball players designing and building scoreboard, GoFundMe for funding
Emerald Hurley and Caylee Morton, juniors on the Friday Harbor High School varsity softball team, are leading an effort to get a new scoreboard at Linde Field. They are designing and building the scoreboard themselves. Meanwhile they’ve started a GoFundMe to ask the community to help them fund the project. As players, we’ve spent countless hours on this […]
Grow Your Own Food – Free Hands-On Gardening Series Launches This Spring
Community members interested in growing their own vegetables this spring are invited to register for Grow Your Own Food – A Hands-On Gardening Series, a free, four‑part lunchtime program designed to help new gardeners gain practical, ready-to-use skills. Hosted by Washington State University San Juan County Extension Master Gardeners, the series will feature live demonstrations, step‑by‑step […]
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Update: Buying Property in the San Juans
Buying Property in the San Juans Select an Agent to Represent You As you may be aware, all of the brokerage firms on San Juan Island are members of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service; therefore, any of the agents can assist you with any of the properties listed with Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands or other […]
San Juan Island Fire District adopt 20-year Capital Plan
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of San Juan Island Fire District #3 Commissioners March 17 Meeting. Chief Monin reviewed changes to the 2026 budget, reflecting adjustments for an additional $100K for new fire hoses and outfitting of new engine purchases. Another large addition is $63K for Professional Service, mostly tech work. Chief Monin anticipates this amount […]
Daffodil Frolic at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Spring is arriving, and it’s time to get outside and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is the perfect place to start. This year, we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary Mid-March to Mid-April with our Daffodil Frolic. David Jenkins, the board president, has planted 1,000 bulbs every year for the past 10 years, culminating in 10,000 […]
San Juan County WA Sheriff’s Log March 11-17: High speed chase of sex offender smoking meth, derelict vessel, speeding, trespassing
San Juan County Deputies responded to 112 calls from March 11-17, 2026 including: San Juan Island deputies attempted to stop a driver for felony warrants for failing to register as a sex offender. The driver fled and a pursuit ensued before the driver drove into a ditch and was unable to continue. The driver was […]
March 19: San Juan Island Grange Launches “Grow Local” Campaign at Free Community Event
March 19 | 5 pm | San Juan Island Grange Hall | Friday Harbor Are you concerned about rising food costs and fragile supply chains? Take action close to home and keep your family and community fed. On March 19 @ 5:00 pm, San Juan Grange will host a special event “Grow Local“. The topic […]
March 19: Volunteer Bluebird Blitz 1 on San Juan Island
March 19 | 7 a.m. | Red Mill Farm Preserve | San Juan Island Become an independent community scientist during our first Bluebird Blitz of the year, led by SJPT’s Special Projects Director, Kathleen Lewis. After registering, we will email you further details. All participants should plan to meet at Red Mill Farm Preserve, at […]
USPS issues Sunflowers Forever Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service is celebrating a beloved native flower with the release of the Sunflowers Forever stamp, issued March 17, 2026 at the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club’s 136th annual March Party in Strongsville, Ohio. The stamp highlights the sunflower’s beauty and positive symbolism as well as its nutritional and ecological importance. Stamp Artwork Designed by Greg […]
Multiple county advisory board and committee seats seeking volunteers
Press release: San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and committees that help shape daily life in the San Juan Islands. Key positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources Committee, Ferry Advisory Committee, Parks and Rec Commission, and other boards are open. Are you interested in participating in local […]
March 28: :No Kings Rally and March in Friday Harbor
This coming week is all about the NO KINGS mobilization on March 28 across the nation. On San Juan Island the following events are scheduled: “Singing Resistance” Saturday, March 21, from 3 to 4 pm St. David’s Church on Park Street in Friday Harbor – “Singing Resistance” All welcome to join this peacemaker’s activity. Sign-Making event! […]
March 25: DOL mobile licensing unit on San Juan Island
March 25 | 9 am to 3 pm | San Juan Island Grange Hall DOL2Go focuses on helping under-resourced Washington residents get the services they need to live, work, drive and thrive. The mobile unit offers the same services as our traditional offices, including:
April 3: Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Jacksons Beach
Island Rec’s Annual Teen Easter Egg Hunt takes place from 8 to 9 pm April 3 at Jacksons Beach on San Juan Island. Bring your flashlight and your bag for a challenging nighttime Easter egg hunt amongst the driftwood. Afterwards you can hang out around the bonfire and enjoy your treats! Keep an eye out […]
Report: Data center boom puts WA’s climate goals at risk
Public News Service: A new report argued the spread of data centers is threatening Washington and Oregon’s shift to renewable energy. The report, released by the environmental advocacy group Columbia Riverkeeper, identifies more than 100 data centers either completed or in progress across 12 counties bordering the Columbia River. Kelly Campbell, policy director for the group, […]
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Update: Market Snapshot
Below is a Market Snap Shot for the number of Active and Pending listings for February from the Simonson & Zambrovitz Team at Coldwell Banker SJI. They thought you would find the information interesting. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to contact one of them.