Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
How recent ferry disruptions affected islanders
San Juan County Council praised Washington State Ferries during Tuesday’s regular Council meeting for dedicating two of the five operating ferries during the “sick-out” to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. The council also directed Council member Kari McVeigh to send a letter of appreciation to WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey. The gratitude, however, was sharply tempered by criticism during the Council meeting of how WSF handled the shutdown and who is paying for it.
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Nov. 3 General Election ballots: Vote! Sign! Ballot Box it!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Council. She is a great listener, and strives for communication, not conflict to resolve issues. She has worked to better our community through communication and respectful dialog. She considers all sides of an issue before making a decision, and will make a great addition to county council.
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.
Candidate’s dreams are spendy | Letter
I read Katherine Ingman Bryant’s goals to improve health care services in San Juan County and was struck by one glaring omission: How much will all of this cost—and where will the money come from?
Vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3, and why she has our full support
In support of Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have been a voter in San Juan County for more than 50 years and am writing to enthusiastically endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Commissioner. Jennifer and I worked together on the Shaw Island school board for several years. During her term as chairman she was called upon to steer the board through the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time but Jennifer based her leadership on the facts and the science. Her calm demeanor and ability to listen have made her a valuable member of our isla
Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
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.
Crew shortage strands islanders in Anacortes as WSF cancels early sailings Monday
Washington State Ferries experienced crew shortages that left many travelers stranded at the Anacortes ferry terminal on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 4. Anyone without a confirmed reservation was directed to travel without their car or delay their trip. On Sunday night, WSF announced that ferry service would be reduced on Monday, with several routes “At risk of reduced, or no service to start the day on Monday.”
County Council completes series of September budget meetings; Oct. 5 public hearing to follow
Submitted by San Juan County.
Leadership for our future: Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine represents the future leaders that I want to see locally and nationally. Energetic young people dreaming of a better future who are ready to listen and eager to work.
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
Support for Jennifer Swanson for Council | Letter
There are many reasons I support Jennifer Swanson in her bid for Council Position #3. I’d like to focus on two of her strengths: Jennifer is hard working and displays equanimity when leading.
Washington, multistate coalition victory protects social services for low-income families
Submitted by the Washington State Office of Attorney General Nick Brown.
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
Submitted by the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen.
District Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to relocate during courthouse renovations
Submitted by San Juan County.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too.
Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3 | Letter
We proudly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3 this November. Katherine has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our island communities through her work in healthcare, food security, ferry advocacy, and countless volunteer efforts. For example, as president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, she helped make sure Lopez Island didn’t lose access to healthcare when the clinic changed hands to Sea Mar Community Health Centers. She is an exceptional l
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
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I was inordinately pleased to learn that Jennifer Swanson is running for our county council. I cannot imagine a more qualified candidate. I have known Jennifer for more than 20 years. She is smart, informed, well organized, articulate, and responsible. She has a wonderful way of bringing people together, making people feel heard, and diffusing conflict and tension. She has years of experience leading community forums, addressing ferry issues and participating in educational policies.
San Juan County search for next local health officer ongoing
Submitted by San Juan County.
Vote, vote, vote | Letter
Please vote!