Reyes Rodriguez initially moved to San Juan Island in 1991 from Mexico. After living here for more than a decade, he found his calling working overseas doing Relief Work around the world, in 2003 he married Martha Alvarado, after a few years working abroad they dreamed of returning to the island and having children, the  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., June 23, 2020–Charles Prosper, chief executive of PeaceHealth, Northwest, announced today that Merry-Ann Keane, chief administrative officer for PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, had informed him of her decision to leave PeaceHealth to be closer to family abroad. Keane’s last day will be July 17, 2020. In a statement that was sent  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., June 22, 2020– PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC) wants to express its gratitude and appreciation to the San Juan County community. Over the past several months since COVID-19 began impacting our region, this community has never wavered in expressing its support to PeaceHealth healthcare workers. To date, nearly 15 businesses, organizations  Continue Reading

A call to action for all San Juan County businesses, restaurants, non-profits, organizations, service groups, cottage industries, artist and more.  Become a virtual San Juan County Fair vendor and join the “2020: A Fair Odyssey”.  This is a new opportunity for local organizations and businesses as the San Juan County Fair transitions into a virtual  Continue Reading

In the mailbag this afternoon we have this letter from Brent Snow, General Manager of Roche Harbor Resort… Dear Friends, Neighbors and Community, The COVID-19 pandemic has put a terrible monkey wrench in all our plans. These are not easy times for any hospitality operation and Roche Harbor is founded and based on hospitality.  We are  Continue Reading

Coho Restaurant is delighted to reopen on June 23. We will offer on-site dining (five tables inside and five tables outside) plus carry-out of our entire menu. Reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited seating. Current summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5 – 9 p.m. Learn more and preview the opening menu here.

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the recipients of its 3rd Annual Tourism/Business/Communications Scholarships, awarded to four members of the Class of 2020 who are graduating from island high schools. Congratulations to Tyler Sovelove (Lopez Island High School), Camryn Thompson (Orcas Island High School), Josephine Crosby (Friday Harbor High School), and  Continue Reading

As we move forward through the re-opening phases and begin to welcome back neighbors, friends and visitors to our beautiful islands, we know that the presence of the COVID-19 virus in our communities is a real concern. Living Medical Arts would like to extend you and your business some peace of mind. Dr. Gulla is  Continue Reading

Significant increases seen in Eastern Washington, some milder spikes noted in Western Washington. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released its latest statewide COVID-19 situation report. The report shows a significant increase in viral activity in Eastern Washington with concentrated spikes in Yakima, Spokane, Benton and Franklin counties. A rising positive test rate means  Continue Reading

Merri Ann Simonson checks in with another Real Estate tips column… Do you realize that you may use all or a portion of your retirement funds to invest in real estate?   Retirement accounts are basically Trust accounts for your benefit when you retire.  In the 1970s, the IRS approved real estate as an investment option  Continue Reading

This week begins our 8th year and our next iteration! We appreciate your kindness and support since opening our doors in June 2013. And we are especially grateful for your support of our “Take Out” only Lunches and Dinners this Spring. We are excited to announce our new Take Out Dinner menu! Our Takeout Dinners  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., June 11, 2020– PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has adjusted its visitor policy to allow for limited visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer a public health threat. Patients who are not COVID-19 suspect or positive are allowed one designated visitor during their stay. Two visitors are allowed on a case-by-case basis  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update Mailbag today we find this letter to you from the Visitors Bureau… Dear Fellow Islanders, The world may no longer resemble the one we knew in early March, but San Juan County has risen to the occasion of meeting the COVID-19 challenge head-on. Now, as we start to take steps to  Continue Reading

Although this is always true in our small community, because of Covid-19 it is now more important than ever to shop local right here in Friday Harbor whenever possible to help support our neighbors. This extensive article from Groom and Style explains a lot about how and why this is so important… Buying Local: Benefits,  Continue Reading

Businesses should take a second look at the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in light of substantial revisions signed into law on Friday June 5th. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act makes several major changes to the PPP. These changes may make the program more attractive to businesses that had decided against using it and more  Continue Reading

And another letter, this one from Laura Saccio… To My Fellow Islanders, More than 20 years ago, my grandfather, a New Mexican farmer, rescued me from a life of impersonal work in the financial industry. I had been hired to work at an investment firm in Portland, and would see my family, including our two  Continue Reading