The OPALCO crew is still at work keeping the power on – while practicing safety precautions. On March 20th, the Board approved waiving late fees and has added funding to our payment assistance programs to support our membership. Through May 20, no one will be disconnected for an unpaid balance, but members are still responsible for paying  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders We had the opportunity to talk with the fourth San Juan County resident who tested positive and is currently recovering at home from COVID-19. The patient has worked as a firefighter/ EMT for 25 years and has called San Juan Island home  Continue Reading

This announcement has been updated The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) would like to convey to business owners that applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a vital component of the CARES Act signed into law last week, will be open for local small businesses on Friday, April 3rd. The program gives small  Continue Reading

Tanja Williamson sums it up like this: Hey there, I’m helping everyone’s favorite boxer keep islanders entertained AND healthy so they’ll be able to fit into their pre-pandemic clothes. If you haven’t already downloaded zoom, DO IT! The workouts are only 30 minutes and even if you don’t do every move, you’ll definitely work your  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., April 2, 2020–To minimize face-to-face contact and ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and community members, PeaceHealth Medical Group in Friday Harbor will offer mobile COVID-19 testing for PeaceHealth Medical Group patients beginning Friday, April 3, 2020. Testing will be offered as ordered by the patient’s provider in the northeast corner  Continue Reading

At an emergency board meeting last week, the San Juan Island Community Foundation solidified its commitment to providing additional emergency funding and nonprofit support for the duration of COVID-19 response. Specifically, SJICF staff and board members will: Provide grant funding to SJI nonprofits Offer SJI nonprofit support, such as project planning and execution Help nonprofits  Continue Reading

We’re all getting cabin fever these days, and going outside to explore our beautiful island can bring a smile to your face, and perhaps help bolster your immune system at the same time. Our sculpture park on Roche Harbor Road is a perfect place to take a walk. There are enough paths in the 20-acre  Continue Reading

Just because we can’t gather in person, doesn’t mean we can’t connect through art! In lieu of the in-person classes and workshops that had been planned for the spring, Alchemy Art Center is now introducing a series of free/donation art opportunities via live Zoom classes, as well as a community mural project, to provide islanders  Continue Reading

April 1, 2020: San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a second positive COVID-19 test result on San Juan Island and a third on Orcas Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to six. The County data reporting page will be updated at the end  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

From San Juan Airlines – Hello fellow islanders, if you need supplies but don’t want to leave the islands we provide regular freight services to and from the islands and are now offering fresh grocery delivery. To find out more, visit sanjuanairlines.com/groceries or call us at (800) 874-4434. If you’re concerned about safety but need  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… How is everybody doing? As an introvert who already works at home having to stay home has not changed my lifestyle very much. Yet, it is different. I am aware now that I touch my face way too much  Continue Reading

San Juan County has over 70 WSU Master Gardener volunteers who are trained as horticulture educators. Due to COVID-19 and related Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we will not be in the community this spring as usual, but are available to answer questions about food gardening, fruit tree care, landscape plants, pollinators and more.  To  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders Many in the islands are wondering how San Juan County is preparing in case access to mainland medical care becomes limited. This is known as medical surge, which the CDC defines  as, “…the ability to provide adequate medical evaluation and care 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

In this time of COVID-19 we’ve all received tons of emails from businesses offering ‘tips’ to manage the crisis that are sales pitches in disguise. But there is very little on how to deal with the anxiety that comes with daily changes and restrictions. As a gift to our beloved community, I have put together  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

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islandersNavigating This article is from Brandon Cadwell, Chief of Visitor and Youth Engagement at San Juan Island National Historical Park. Now is the time to take the road less traveled. Or perhaps, the trail or sidewalk less traveled. As the Chief of Visitor  Continue Reading

San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a positive COVID-19 test result on San Juan Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 4. The County data reporting page will be updated on Monday, once all of the test results and numbers from all local  Continue Reading

“And because enjoying the outdoors is critical to supporting your mental health, you can still go for a walk or a bike ride or garden in your yard.” Governor Jay Inslee from his “Stay home, stay healthy” order. “English Camp is good hiking spot with its upland trails to Young Hill, Bell Point loop, Westcott  Continue Reading

Dear Customers, Thank you for your support and patience during this time of COVID-19. We continue to work hard to ensure that you and our employees stay safe and well stocked during this period. We have already discussed many of the measures we’ve implemented in this regard but will be initiating more – and could  Continue Reading

With all that is going on in the world, we pause and breathe deep. Our main concerns are for our artists, for our staff, and for you.  The fragility of life is a constant reminder to us of the importance of appreciating the beauty that exists in this world and that our artists are dependent upon  Continue Reading