Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Letter to Editor | My vote is for Jennifer Swanson
I have known Jennifer since she moved to Shaw Island with her family over 20 years ago. If I were to describe her in a few words they would be; fully engaged with family and community. She is deeply involved with both. I have volunteered with her on several non-profit boards and she is always present, an active-listener and problem solver. The strength and vitality of our community rests in the involvement of its […]
WSF Weekly Report | Record breaking summer ridership; peak season surcharge ends
A message from Steve We welcomed a record number of people on board this summer. More than seven million riders traveled with us from June 14 through this past Saturday. That’s our highest summer ridership since 2019, and nearly 130,000 more riders than last summer. Of our 16 days with 90,000 or more riders since the pandemic, half happened this year. None of this would be possible without my colleagues. I […]
Meeting of Friends of Orcas Library scheduled
The Friends of the Orcas Island Library will hold their annual meeting on Sunday, October 11th at the Orcas Island Library, from 4:30 pm – 6 pm. During the meeting, we will be electing new members to the Board of Directors and will pass on reports of the last fiscal year, including results from fundraising events. All current members are eligible and encouraged to vote. Doors open at 4pm. […]
Community meeting to review and take comments on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance Update
The County encourages community members to join the conversation set for Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m. San Juan County is updating its critical areas protections, also referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), and the public is invited to comment on the final draft. The CAO serves as key regulation to ensure that development does not harm water quality, groundwater recharge, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitats. The CAO includes regulation
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Yungchen Lhamo in concert with Rafe Pearlman
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
October 1: SJI Childcare Cooperative Open House
Thursday, October 1 | 5 to 6 PM | 425 Spring Street | in the Basement of the Presbyterian Church | Friday Harbor Families are invited to join us for an open house to see the space, meet current families, and ask questions. At SJICC, we believe play is how babies and toddlers do their […]
September 25-27: San Juan Island Farm Tours
BROCHURE (PDF) San Juan Island – September 25- 27 Download the 2026 San Juan Brochure with event details, schedule, and map.. All events are free and require no registration, unless otherwise noted. Alchemy Art Center’s Field Campus, 45 Hawthorne Lane Saturday & Sunday, 11am- 6pmWalkthrough tours at 11am and 3pm each day. Enjoy over […]
September 26: Great Islands Cleanup – Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and San Juan Island
The Fall Great Islands Cleanup is happening Saturday, September 26, 2026. Join your friends and neighbors for a day of stewardship, taking care of island beaches and roadways. We had a successful outer islands pickup earlier this week and are looking forward to gathering more litter this weekend. Are you in? Find details by island […]
September 30: Community Meeting to Review and Take Comments on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance Update
Wednesday September 30 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Online via Microsoft Teams link | OR Dial in by phone +1 360-726-3293,685490900# United States Vancouver Find a local number Phone conference ID: 685 490 900# A community meeting to review the final draft of Critical Areas Ordinance Regulations and SMP amendments will be held online September […]
September 26: Book Release and Reading: Poems for Grandmom
Sept 26, 2026 | 6:30 to 9:30 PM | Brickworks | 150 Nichols St | Friday Harbor Join us in celebrating the release of local islander Nick Benavides’ first book, Poems for Grandmom!
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined 110 House Democrats in a letter to tech industry leaders last Friday demanding that all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes. “Data center projects and the energy systems and infrastructure that support them must be built and operated responsibly with a commitment to high-quality construction, good jobs, str
San Juan County Parks, Recreation & Fair Department thanks the Lopez Community Trails Network
After years of collaboration, the San Juan County Parks, Recreation & Fair Department wants to give thanks to the Lopez Community Trails Network as they disband As the Lopez Community Trails Network (LCTN) announces its closure, the San Juan County Parks, Recreation & Fair Department wishes to acknowledge and celebrate the collaboration between our organizations regarding both the construction and maintenance of trail projects in multiple Lopez Island
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
A new analysis by Friends of the San Juans shows that ocean-going vessel traffic in the Salish Sea is projected to increase by nearly 2,000 additional shipping transits annually, including a dramatic increase in tanker traffic going to and from Canada that could more than quadruple historic tanker traffic levels. The 2026 Salish Sea Vessel Traffic Projections identifies 1,980 additional annual vessel transits associated with proposed, permitt
Port of Orcas to meet on Sept. 28
The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 28th at 4:00 p.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the airport terminal conference room. Access and agenda information can be found at portoforcas.com.
No jurors required for Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning September 28th, 2026 are excused. Thank you. View it on website
Upcoming candidate forums in October
September 25: Island Voices in Eastsound
Ten island writers. Ten unique voices. One night of stories, poems, essays, and the unexpected. Join the Orcas Island Public Library for Island Voices on Friday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Parish Hall, an evening celebrating the writers and storytellers who live right here in our community. Each writer gets just a few […]
September 27: Learn about Cub Scouts
September 27 | 1 to 3 pm | Linde Community Park Join us at Linde Park this Sunday to learn about modern day Cub Scouts. We’ll have games and crafts along with the famous pinewood derby track. All genders and ages welcome. .Hosted by San Juan Island Cub Scout Pack 4090.
When a cello recital meets a clown show | Karen Hall’s ‘Delusions and Grandeur’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Orcas Christian School students take learning outdoors at annual campout and lake day
Orcas Christian School high school students took their annual campout to Moran State Park last week, spending two nights outdoors while participating in activities designed to build community, encourage learning and create shared experiences.
Emmanuel’s Monthly Dinner Kitchen
Submitted by event organizers.
September 27: 2nd annual Harvest Festival at Madrone
September 27 | 12 noon to 8 pm | Madrone Bar and Kitchen | 40 First Street | All ages welcome | $15 cover. Join us for our second annual Harvest Festival at Madrone. It is officially our favorite time of year again, and we are excited to throw a party to celebrate. There will […]
County Council Completes Series of September Budget Meetings; October 5 Public Hearing to Follow
The San Juan County Council recently completed a series of budget conversations in September 2026, following the August 25th release of the 2027 preliminary budget. At its meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Council wrapped up its last budget related discussion scheduled for the month of September and is now preparing for a public hearing […]