During this time of social distancing, the San Juan County Council Hearing Room will be closed. If you wish to provide oral public comment at an upcoming County Council meeting, please fill out the form listed on the front page of the SJC website form to be added to the Speakers List. Forms must be  Continue Reading

As Washington State approaches the anticipated peak of COVID-19 medical surge cases, San Juan County urges everyone to take more aggressive precautions to protect their families and neighbors when coming to the islands from the mainland. “As cases multiply throughout the state, including Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties, islanders traveling back to the islands from  Continue Reading

At their March 31, 2020 meeting the San Juan County Council directed staff to make available as soon as possible funds for rental assistance to assist those in our community struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties with your rent or mortgage payments during  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – San Juan Island County Fire District #3 Commissioners joined the Town of Friday Harbor requesting postponement of the scheduled April 28, 2020 election asking voters to annex the Town into the Fire District. Fire District #3 Commissioners requested the postponement due to the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled  Continue Reading

A list of San Juan County Government Departments, their status during the COVID-19 crisis, and info on how to access services has been posted online at:  https://www.sanjuanco.com/Department-Service-Status   This resource will be updated going forward, and is intended to help citizens utilize vital San Juan County functions in a safe and accessible way. If you have  Continue Reading

A message from F. Milene Henley, County Auditor… On March 17, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman formally asked Governor Jay Inslee to cancel the April special election.  On March 26, the Governor made the decision not to cancel the election. The only measure on San Juan County’s ballot was the annexation of the Town  Continue Reading

This week, we announced the temporary full closure of all Washington state parks for at least two weeks. The decision follows Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued on Tuesday. We want to do our part to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The measure adds to our March 22 decision  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders By Mark Tompkins, SJC Health and Community Services Director, and Dr. Frank James, SJC Health Officer As San Juan County begins to see positive COVID-19 test results in our community, we want to explain how San Juan County Health and Community Services  Continue Reading

Frequently Asked Questions: What do these orders mean for the San Juan Islands? On Monday, March 23, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued a “Stay at home” proclamation, an order for all of us to limit our daily exposure due to COVID-19. On March 25th, the San Juan County Health Officer issued an order restricting  Continue Reading

Today, Wednesday March 25, 2020, San Juan County Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, MD, issued an immediate order to restrict non-essential travel to San Juan County, control contact with playgrounds and playground equipment, and limit transient accommodations and camping. Travel and lodging for individuals engaged in essential activities or providing essential services may continue. The  Continue Reading

A message from the county with more to come… Second confirmed positive case on Orcas Island: A close household contact of the first positive case has also tested positive for COVID-19. This positive result was anticipated by San Juan County Public Health Staff and close contact tracing was completed over the weekend to ensure the individuals  Continue Reading

To defeat COVID-19, we’re hunkering down. Last night, I issued an order to every Washingtonian: “Stay home, stay healthy” for at least the next two weeks. Let me take a moment to explain to you why and what it means. Washingtonians are required to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. All  Continue Reading

A reminder from Merri Ann Simonson to be sure to fill out your census form. It only takes a few minutes, you can do it online, and it brings critically needed funds into our county… It is imperative that you complete the 2020 census report as it aids in improving the quality of life in  Continue Reading

On Friday, March 20, the Washington Supreme Court issued a new emergency order outlining required procedures in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. As our state’s highest court, the Washington Supreme Court’s order is binding on San Juan County courts. In response to this new directive, San Juan County Superior and District Courts have  Continue Reading

An important message from Merri Ann Simonson… It is imperative that you complete the 2020 census report as it aids in improving the quality of life in San Juan County.   Our County needs federal funding.  Do your part, be counted! The request for information will be either mailed as a letter or post card on  Continue Reading

The long-awaited proposal to annex the Town of Friday Harbor into San Juan Island Fire & Rescue will have to wait a bit longer.  It had been slated to be on the April 28 special election ballot.  Unfortunately, on Tuesday, March 17, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman formally asked Governor Jay Inslee to cancel  Continue Reading