Island News
Update. End of the Sheriff’s Log?
Monday, July 6, San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter informed the media that “Effective immediately, the Sheriff’s Office will no longer prepare or distribute the weekly media line report to local newspapers.” Local media publish the reports weekly. Prior to the creation of the line report, copies of individual incident reports were available for reporters […]
What Percentage Does San Juan County Real Estate Appreciate?
In the course of my real estate business, I am often asked by clients what percentage of appreciation they should expect if they invest here. It is a very difficult question to answer because, in my opinion, our market is not large enough to accurately calculate appreciation. On an individual property, you could calculate average […]
August 8: Walk the OPAL neighborhoods with Rusty
OPAL Community Land Trust invites community members to lace up their walking shoes and join longtime OPAL homeowner, historian, and storyteller Rusty Diggs for a guided tour of OPAL neighborhoods this summer. The 2 to 3 hours tours take place at 1 pm July 11, 2026 and 1 p.m. August 8. Meet at the Village […]
July 18: Olga Daze on Orcas Island
Olga Daze, a beloved annual celebration that captures the laid-back charm and artistic spirit of the tiny hamlet of Olga, begins at 10 am July 18 on Orcas Island. This annual event features live music, local art displays, delicious food, yard sale and a quilt raffle. At 12 noon, the parade begins complete with an […]
July 25: Summer Social: 20 Years of Turtleback Mountain
July 25 | 1 to 3:30 pm | Coffelt Farm Preserve | 1071 Crow Valley Rd | Eastsound | Free | REGISTER Join San Juan Preservation Trust for Summer Social: 20 Years of Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island to celebrate two decades of protecting one of the most beloved landscapes in the San Juan Islands. […]
Chamber send thanks for parade support
Dear Editor, On behalf of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this 4th of July celebration so memorable! Our 2026 Parade theme, Cheers to 250 years!, featured 62 outstanding entries, many beautifully decorated. The route was packed, red, white and blue adorned the streets, and […]
Coalition Seeks $150 Million for State’s Premier Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Programs
TACOMA, WA – The Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition (the Coalition) is launching its advocacy and outreach campaign to secure $150 million for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program (WWRP) in the 2027–29 state capital budget, calling the investment essential to meeting growing demand for, and protection of, parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and working lands […]
San Juan County Council considers funding cuts to Meals on Wheels, IOSA, parks maintenance, and potential closure of Eastsound Village Green
San Juan County press release: Over a series of regularly scheduled and special meetings throughout the month of June, the San Juan County Council heard from County department leaders and elected officials on potential cuts to staffing and service levels. Council held meetings on June 9, 15, 16, 24, 29 and 30 to accommodate these […]
And the winners are….
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce released the list of winners of the Friday Harbor 4th of July parade. Best use of THEME – Non-Float: The Cutthroat Pirates Best Use of Theme – float: Soroptimist of Friday Harbor Best use of THEME – Children/Youth – 4H 4-H members San Juan County 4-H Judges Special Choice – […]
Love to sing – Join Master Chorale and Nova Stella
Love to sing? Join the Master Chorale or NovaStella. Master Chorale begins rehearsals begin September 1. 2026. Rehearsals take place every Tuesday from 3 to 4:30 pm. NovaStella, the youth group, rehearsals beginning August 23. Rehearsals take place every Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact sjmasterchorale@gmail.com
July 14: Island Verse Literary Collective seek to name Poet Laureates
Island Verse Literary Collective is hosting a weekly series of workshops from July 7 to September 8 at San Juan Island Library. These writing workshops will be a series of sessions focused on craft, style, and recitation/performance, with an emphasis on community engagement. As part of the program, IVLC is seeking the first Poet Laureates […]
100 UW football players will be in town July 18; Grover Street improvement project set for 2027
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of Friday Harbor Town Council, July 2, 2026 meeting. A Town resident from the Finnegan Ridge neighborhood thanked the council for paying attention to their community needs and the progress being made with the neighborhood improvements. More than 100 University of Washington Football players will be in Friday Harbor on July 18, participating […]
Friday Harbor celebrates the nation’s Semiquincentennial
July 6: Changes to ferry reservations and making new reservations blocked for Friday Harbor departures
New vehicle Washington State Ferries reservations and changes to existing reservations for all Friday Harbor departures are blocked for Monday, July 6. Limited standby space will be available on a first come, first served basis for drivers without a reservation. Updates will be provided as more information is available. WSF ALERTS
Friday Harbor celebrates the nation’s Semiquincentennial
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Friday Harbor throws a 4th of July parade celebrating the nation’s Semiquincentennial
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2026 Friday Harbor 4th of July parade – a few images – more later
IOSA letter to community about fundraising opportunity
Dearest Community, So this happened and we’re still kind of amazed by it: someone in our community stepped up with a $20,000 gift to IOSA. No conditions. Just real belief in our work. We looked at that and knew we had to rise to meet it as an organization. So we challenged ourselves to match […]
July 3: Annual Lopez Center Concert
July 3 | 6 pm The Annual Lopez Center Concert on July 3rd brings the community together for a lively evening of music and celebration. Enjoy local bands, great company, and a festive atmosphere that sets the stage for Lopez Island’s Fourth of July festivities. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, this concert […]
July 3: Rock ‘n’ Roche Roche Harbor
Friday, July 3, 2026 T-Mobile partnered with Roche Harbor Resort throws its annual 4th of July weekend party. Headlining the free concert is PNW native, Mat Kearney. Preceding Mat are the Dusty 45s out of Seattle and Wheelie Fargo from right here on San Juan Island. Rock ‘n’ Roche Harbor will once again be held […]
July 3: Orcas Island Firecracker 5K Fun Run
July 3 @ 8:30 am Kick off your Fourth of July with a burst of energy and island spirit by joining the annual 5K Fun Run- whether you race, jog, or stroll, it’s a festive way to be part of the celebration from the very start. REGISTER HERE
July 3: Ms. Christina’s Cake Walk
July 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Participants dance in a circle similar to musical chairs with the chance of winning prized cakes at the famous cake walk,. Get ready to strut, spin, and snack your way to sugary glory at the most deliciously delightful event of the day — the internationally renowned Ms. Christina’s Cakewalk! It’s part […]
July 3: 4th Annual Orcas Island Community Picnic
July 3 | 1 pm Join the island as Orcasians come together to celebrate the weekend! Bring a blanket and join in the fun at the cakewalk, chili cook off and pie contest, and watch incredible live music, this year featuring Petty Fever, a Tom Petty tribute band! Vendors, beer & wine, food, and family […]
Auditor: proposed federal revisions about grants could impact the county
LWVSJ Observer Corps* summary of the San Juan County Council Regular Meeting June 30,2026 meeting Council has held several budget consideration meetings this month. Discussions of possible budget adjustments continue, as Council considers ways to reduce expenditures by $4 million. Council has requested budget adjustment and cost-saving proposals from all departments, and continues with discussions […]