In the last three weeks, SJICF has raised $145k for the newly established SJICF Community Emergency Response Fund. The fund was created to meet the increasing community needs as a result of COVID-19 response. In March, a goal was set to raise $100k in the first few weeks and an additional $150k to continue to  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders The first thing you need to know is that there are abbreviations for everything. From EOC (Emergency Operations Center) to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to IC (Incident Commander), everything this team does is designed to make the most of every resource, down  Continue Reading

Due to concern for public safety, as well as the extended orders from Governor Inslee and guidelines from the federal government, the April 17, 2020 Land Bank Commission meeting on Lopez Island is cancelled. The next scheduled Land Bank Commission meeting is Friday, May 15, 2020 on San Juan Island at the San Juan Island  Continue Reading

In the San Juan Update mailbag today we have this letter from Brandon Cadwell and Erin Wygant… When we’re faced with uncertainty, we seek a sense of rootedness. How do we ground ourselves? We might ask, “What is it that gives me a sense of place?” For some, it’s the sweeping views of the Olympic  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. It has been nearly a month since the release of Hot Topic #1, which also focused on testing. Since then, a lot has changed, but some things remain the same. This article is going to give an update on testing, and take  Continue Reading

In Appreciation to our Partners in Healthcare and the Public This is a demanding time for healthcare in all of our communities as we work to help ensure the safety of the public. It’s a time of worry and anxiety for everyone. We are grateful to Chief Administrative Officer Merry-Ann Keane for representing PeaceHealth Peace  Continue Reading

Eventide Health will begin voluntary testing for Essential employees and volunteers, who provide essential functions in our community, as defined by the Governor of the State of Washington beginning tomorrow, Monday, April 13. We have developed a list of volunteers already for a diverse group of essential services providers from around the community. We have  Continue Reading

Over the last few days, we have been getting a lot of calls and complaints regarding the vacation rentals in San Juan County advertising their rentals. Everyone is concerned about a huge influx of visitors during this time of crisis, and rightfully so. We have looked into nearly all of the complaints to date on  Continue Reading

As of today, April 10, 2020, Friday Harbor Drug is operating as a closed door pharmacy. We will be utilizing curbside pickup completely. We will gladly do personal shopping for everyday items. Call us at 360-378-4421 and use option 4 (Retail Department) if you are only picking up retail items. We ask that you give  Continue Reading

While a majority of San Juan County residents have been doing all they can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, there are  reports of individuals or businesses choosing to ignore the recent orders from the Governor and the San Juan County Health Officer. In an effort to improve the County’s ability to  Continue Reading

Land Bank Preserves remain open despite other public land closures because we believe people need access to nature close to home, especially when nothing else in life seems normal. Early evidence suggests that dogs don’t spread COVID-19. However, current social distancing rules apply to both people and their pets. To that end, we want to  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders Disclaimer: Authors Courtney and Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey are in no way relationship experts. They are not therapists. They have BEEN to a lot of therapy. (They find it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy relationship. You’ll probably understand why when you finish  Continue Reading

During the COVID-19 crisis the San Juan County COVID Response Team have made a real effort to keep the public informed through our website (www.sjccovid.com), via local media, through Facebook (@sjcpublichealth), Twitter (@SanJuanCountyWA), through several video updates, and in both Spanish and English, in a unified effort to speak with one voice to as many  Continue Reading

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a new Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (WWSBEG) program to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses which qualify for the grant program and are located within San Juan County must go to the Commerce site at http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/covid-grants/, download the application, fill it out  Continue Reading

Deb Langhans shares some thoughts with you on grief… Last April 3rd, the San Juan Update posted an “invitation” for me about an online “ITM (In This Moment) Circle” I hope to start soon as another way fellow islanders can “come together” and co-create a “glass half full” virtual gathering each week during this COVID-19  Continue Reading

The following notice was submitted by a San Juan Update reader who wishes to remain anonymous… KUDOS to (symptom-free) Sheilah Mezzo who created the mask for this rooster and is making more for any interested islanders. Her contact number is: (541) 575-5612. The masks are quality cotton with a layer of tighter-weave flannel next to  Continue Reading