San Juan County Health and Community Services is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. The health and safety of our Land Bank staff, volunteers, supporters and partners is paramount, as is the public health of our community, particularly those most vulnerable to this illness. Following the guidance of our county public health staff,  Continue Reading

We hear from the Food Bank… We have had a few patrons tell us they’ve seen our hours posted online as 10:30-2:00 so I’m emailing today to let you know that our hours HAVE NOT changed… We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 11:30 to 2pm and are offering pre-packaged bags according to household size.  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

Here’s this month’s history column from the San Juan Historical Society and Museum… Here’s a little trivia question for you: When did farming first begin on San Juan Island? If you said “about 1850” or “with Hudson Bay Company’s Belle Vue Sheep Farm” you would not be alone, but that’s not quite early enough.  Too  Continue Reading

A message from Dr. House… Our initial selection of VSee as a client to host our telemedicine proved to be the wrong choice as they couldn’t keep up with our demand or needs. As such we’ve switched our Telemedicine service to Zoom. Please download the Zoom client onto your phone or tablet. It’s also available  Continue Reading

A message from Dr. House… Huge thank you to patients that have reached out to request telemedicine. Out of my 18 visits Tuesday 6 of those were via telemedicine. We’re scheduling more every day and we’re working with other providers both in our office and outside our walls to expand this service. We had planned  Continue Reading

Washington State Ferries will extend its current winter sailing schedule through the end of next month due to declines in ridership from COVID-19. The spring sailing schedule will now tentatively begin on April 26 rather than March 29. Customers should continue following the winter schedule. All vehicle reservations made for dates between March 29 and  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 message from Alchemy Arts… At Alchemy Art Center we believe that art is essential, especially in times of crisis. That’s why we are redirecting our resources into free online art classes, as well as an ambitious community mural project, in order to best serve our community during this challenging time Just because our physical  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders… Our community has a strong history of neighbors helping neighbors – a quick scroll through our online news and local Facebook pages exemplifies that spirit with posts centered around getting supplies to those in need; supporting local businesses; caring for our most  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

Dear friends and neighbors of San Juan County, The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed the world around us. It’s disrupted our way of life and created new realities for each of us. It’s understandable to find it all unsettling and concerning. On behalf of PeaceHealth, I want to assure you that we are working purposefully  Continue Reading

Thanks to Brooks Munro for this photo of the Beaverton Valley Rock… 

Dear OPALCO members, I wanted to reach out and let you know that your Co-op is doing all we can to help our members during these challenging times.  OPALCO’s Board of Directors decided yesterday to suspend all late fees and disconnects during the Covid-19 crisis. This is effective immediately and for the next 60 days.  Continue Reading

We are taking credit card payments over the phone once your order is received, assembled, and ready for pick up. As soon as your order is put together and ready for pickup, we will contact you to take payment by credit card over the phone. Please be patient as this service is growing in popularity.  Continue Reading

  Today we launched a resource called HOMESCHOOL that will allow homebound students to explore the Salish Sea during this period of self-isolation. These videos and activities can be easily deployed amid the chaos of the current moment. Also, they’re fun!    We’ll continue to add content to this page, so keep an eye out and share  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. Note: in an effort to diversity and strengthen San Juan County’s COVID-19 response, we’ve added some people to the team from the broader community. The article below is from Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, the Executive Artistic Director at the San Juan Community Theater. Thanks  Continue Reading

Co-op Committed to Keeping Islanders Energized The OPALCO Board of Directors suspended late fees on member bills and service disconnects to support members affected by COVID-19 effective immediately and for the next 60 days. A full COVID-19 program is quickly being developed to ensure reliable power delivery in the islands as disruptions and human impacts multiply and  Continue Reading

Please join us Outside for Grafting Fruit Trees: Workshop & Exchange  Limit of 10; first come, first served. Saturday, April 11. Workshop (1-2 pm), Scion and seed exchange (2-4 pm). Please do not attend if you are sick in any way or there’s a chance you’ve been exposed! Join Greg Meyer of Dancing Seeds Farm and friends to  Continue Reading

Dear SJCT Community,   For the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and the community in general, we have decided for the time being to close our box office. We will still be responding to voicemails and emails.   For questions and concerns regarding tickets and other box office matters, please contact our Front  Continue Reading