By Town of Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor business owners are once again encouraged to apply to the Town of Friday Harbor for assistance with business rent and mortgage payments to be awarded through the Friday Harbor Business Rent Relief Grant II Program.

Grant awards of $500 to $2,000 per business will be funded with monies received from the state under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Applicants with brick and mortar businesses within the town may seek reimbursement or direct payment of business rent or mortgage expenses incurred between March 1 and Nov. 30, 2020.

Applications must be received at town hall by Nov. 6, 2020. Continue Reading

The San Juan Island School District Board of Directors will hold a special school board meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19, as a Zoom meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

To access the Zoom meeting, click on “Video” within the electronic board agenda, or call the number listed on the agenda for audio-only. Viewers will be muted.

At the meeting, the board is requested to approve the San Juan Island School District grades K-2 Return to In-person Learning Plan. Continue Reading

San Juan Island Community Foundation continues to commit our time, resources and open “virtual” doors to meeting the needs of islanders during the COVID-19 crisis.

Even as we continue day-to-day work from remote spaces, we’ve been delighted to find that physical distance does not hinder our ability to unite to help the community.

Here are some highlights from the last few months: Continue Reading

Contributed Image

James Longley, recipient of the 2020 Friday Harbor Film Festival Local Hero Award, will participate in a special livestream Q&A at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, giving viewers the opportunity to learn about his work and ask questions.

His most recent film about Afghanistan, “Angels Are Made of Light,” is showing on demand during the festival, Oct.15-25.

Full details about his film and Q&A are available at www.fhff.org. Continue Reading

By Christopher Minney, San Juan Island

We’ve seen what inexperience and ineptitude looks like at the highest levels of our federal government over the past four years.

The last thing our islands need is to bring that type of leadership home to San Juan County in the midst of a 100-year pandemic and severe economic uncertainty.

We need to elect a county councilperson who is experienced in policy and government and who will work for all islanders.

That’s why I’m voting for Ryan Palmanteer.

Dr. Mandy Gulla / Contributed Photo

Dr. Mandy Gulla, Medical Director at Living Medical Arts PLLC in Friday Harbor, recently participated in an expert panel discussion at the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ annual conference.

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Teresa Richter, was dedicated to updates on Covid-19 testing options, status of vaccine development, and impacts on health of patients and communities. Besides Gulla, panelists included Department of Health expert Chas DeBolt, Dr. Sunita Iyer, Dr. David Musnick, and Dr. Decker Weiss.

Gulla wants to share with the community the DOH expert and WANP take-homes: Continue Reading

By Chuck Dalldorf, Friday Harbor

I am a full-time resident in Friday Harbor and I strongly support Christine Minney for San Juan County Council in the upcoming November election.

Council is a nonpartisan position (there’s no political party potholes or sewers). Christine is an independent, long-time resident of our islands, who is fully committed to serve all islanders.

She embodies representative government and she is an extraordinary listener. Continue Reading

Contributed Photo

Andrew Veith of Seattle has created a podcast called “Rebel History,” which features the San Juan Islands. Listen to episodes at www.rebelhistory.com.

By Andrew Veith, Rebel History Podcast

This podcast will forever change your view of Seattle, the San Juan Islands and their history. International criminal empires, gun battles, double agents, sex, treachery, and so much more.

Ambitious men took to the waters of the Puget Sound, paying a visit north of the border to purchase alcohol from their Canadian neighbors. In the dead of night, on stormy seas, they’d “jump the line” darting in and out of coves, wary of prowling Coast Guard ships. Continue Reading

By Rep. Debra Lekanoff, Washington State 40th Legislative District

In 2018, Cindy Wolf invested in me as a candidate, and today I am investing in her as a candidate for San Juan County Council.

A solid community leader, Cindy listens with a keen ear to the issues around her and takes action to address those issues. She brings with her the power of a mother and represents the right values for the islands. Continue Reading

Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor is now accepting applications for their women’s educational and training awards, to be given out in the Spring of 2021.

Three awards are available, each with differing eligibility requirements. Continue Reading

By Sandy Strehlou, San Juan Island

We have four fine candidates to choose from in our county council races. All are decent, caring, competent candidates and we will be well-represented by whoever is elected.

That said, I am voting for Christine Minney. Continue Reading

By San Juan County Government

One new positive COVID-19 case has been attributed to San Juan County, which brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to date to 33.

This new case was reported in a part-time resident of a non-ferry served island. The initial case investigation is complete.

No close contacts in San Juan County have been identified and the patient was outside of San Juan County during the period of time they were infectious. Continue Reading

Contributed Photo / Kenny Luo

By Barbara Marrett, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

As many local restaurants are losing their outside seating options due to inclement weather, they received good news from Governor Jay Inslee’s office last week.

Table occupancy has been expanded from allowing five individuals from the same household per table, to six individuals per table who may be from different households. Tables still must be spaced 6-feet apart and restaurant capacity remains at 50%.

Many islands restaurants are struggling to keep their doors open, or are continuing to do take-out only. Please support them with your patronage or consider buying gift cards for future use.

With the energy world changing dramatically, OPALCO leadership invited San Juan County Council candidates to state their positions on key issues affecting the co-op members.

Climate change, carbon legislation and the transition to renewable power are all affecting energy for the region. OPALCO has a plan to meet these new challenges but OPALCO will need a county council that will work closely with them to realize a healthy, sustainable energy future in the islands.

Answers from: 

• District 1 candidates Christine Minney and Ryan Palmateer.
• District 2 candidates Rick Hughes and Cindy Wolf.

Each of the candidates was asked the following 12 questions: Continue Reading

The Funhouse, in collaboration with the Coalition for Orcas Youth, will be hosting an online parenting workshop called “Guiando Buenas Decisiones,” or “Guiding Good Choices,” for Spanish-speaking parents, beginning Nov 5.

Contact [email protected] for details and sign up. Continue Reading

By Steve Ulvi and Lynette Roberts, San Juan Island

There is so much to be concerned about these days.

Much of it well beyond our abilities as individuals to effect any change. Except that we each have a vote.

Please do your homework and vote. Continue Reading