Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Grieving whale carries dead newborn
Another Southern Resident mother has been spotted carrying her deceased orca calf. Mark Malleson of The Center for Whale Research reported an encounter with J31 on Oct. 3, swimming near Sombrio Point in the Straight of San Juan de Fuca, with a baby on her nose.
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box | Letter
During the course of my campaign for County Council, I have had countless conversations with people across the islands and have learned a great deal about their concerns. These conversations have given form to how I will, as councilmember, approach the budget.
David B. Williams comes to Orcas Island for ‘In the Range of Fire and Ice’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by the Master Gardeners.
What seeds have you sown?: A harvest festival rooted in reflection
Orcas Islanders gathered at the fifth annual Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Fall Festival on Sept. 20 to celebrate with friends and contemplate their own harvest over the past year.
October artist at the Orcas Library
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Mount Constitution volunteers recognized with statewide award
By Hilary Clark
San Juan County fire departments announce launch of burn permit issuance
Submitted by Lopez Fire.
ORS/The Exchange and SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship host hazardous waste roundup event
Submitted by San Juan County.
Katherine Bryant Ingman’s budget spotlight | Letter
San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7M.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
Your vote for Jennifer Swanson for the San Juan County Council will be a vote for the right person. She recognizes that the tough issues facing the County demand leadership to bring islanders together to sustain and honor our values. She understands there are no easy answers to address the challenges of affordable housing, reliable ferry service, a balanced budget of prioritized countywide needs, and a healthy environment. The path forward will require a proven record of personal strength and re
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
By Russel Barsh
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
Submitted by the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen.
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.
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by San Juan County.
Swanson for Council | Letter
Taking time to listen and asking thoughtful questions are the two superpowers of County Council candidate Jennifer Swanson. I am writing to support Jennifer’s candidacy for the District 3 County Council position. I have known Jennifer for over 20 years — first as a parent and school board member at Shaw Island School, then as the school superintendent, and most recently as a colleague in the San Juan County CLT Alliance. Jennifer shares many of my priorities — affordable housing, fiscal accounta
County tsunami preparation in the face of new model
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has released a new report modeling a tsunami scenario for an Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquake. The San Juan Islands are shown to have a 3- to 10-foot wave amplitude within five hours, depending on location. Eastsound, notably, has some of the highest measurements in the model.
Experience island life at its best: 2026 Farm Tours of the San Juans
Three weekends of farms, food, fiber and community on Lopez, San Juan and Orcas islands
Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program update process
Submitted by San Juan County.
The Madrona Institute announces 2026 Request for Proposals for San Juan Islands Stewardship Fund grants
Submitted by The Madrona Institute.
A message from Peggy Bill, SJC Conservation Land Bank Commission chair
Submitted by San Juan County.