Apology for Kings and FH Marketplace Grocery Supply Challenge The major supplier of NW independent grocery stores is undergoing a major warehouse and systems change, further complicating grocery delivery to the islands. The management of Kings Market and Friday Harbor Marketplace want to sincerely apologize for the supply shortages in the stores in recent weeks.  Continue Reading

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies. Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council  Continue Reading

Fellow Film Buffs, Our next two films deal with the plight of Palestinian refugees confined to a camp within the city of Beirut, Lebanon.  The first shows how a small problem can lead to major conflict (sort of like a butterfly flapping its wings can be the start of a hurricane in the Gulf of  Continue Reading

Announcing San Juan Island Community Foundation County Fair Match! All Fairgoers are invited to visit the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s Fair booth next week in the main hall to learn about and boost support of eight special community projects. The Community Foundation is pleased to match 50 cents on every dollar raised until each  Continue Reading

New Zealand-based Ren Lunicke (formerly Michelle Grube) grew up on San Juan Island part-time, then full-time, then in holiday time, and returns regularly to their home in Roche Harbor. After attending university in neighboring B.C., Canada, they started their professional career with the Island Stage Left, but relationships and opportunities drew them to Seattle for  Continue Reading

The San Juan Islands Community Resource Guide: Help finding resources is now just a click away The Community Health Initiatives Consortium – a group of civic leaders from across the county – recently launched the San Juan Islands Community Resource Guide. This web-based directory provides a central source of social, health and community resources for  Continue Reading

“Sasquatch: Man-Ape or Myth?” with David George Gordon Author and Washington Humanities Speaker David George Gordon evaluates the data gathered about the legendary Northwest icon. David discusses the rules of critical thinking and explains how one can become an effective “citizen scientist” by gathering credible evidence that can be used to substantiate the Sasquatch’s status  Continue Reading

Dear Beer and Wine Fans – The 2018 San Juan County Fair is approaching! I will again be setting-up and the Beer and Wine booth. Pete Rose will manage the booth in my absence. And—I am looking for volunteers to sign up to help watch over the booth. If you would like to help out,  Continue Reading

To the Editor: We thank Representative Kris Lytton for her service to the 40th District and wish her well in her retirement. Kris Lytton did so much to support education in our state. We now need a leader who will work effectively to ensure the future for all of our children and grandchildren. Alex Ramel  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning… We could all make a list of the many reasons we choose to live on San Juan Island, but this afternoon I received another one to add. I was walking to Peace Island Medical Center for a late afternoon appointment. It was a warm afternoon, and I was  Continue Reading

OPALCO’s first big community solar project is complete and energized! On July 31, 2018, the 504KW-DC array began producing power. The 272 OPALCO members who invested in the project will begin to see credits on their September bill for the energy produced to date. Member participation ranged from one unit to as many as 160  Continue Reading

Further to what Sandy Strehlou just wrote about the other day, here is the county asking for your input… 2018 Fairgrounds Master Plan – Take the Survey! The San Juan County Fairgrounds Master Plan, which was last updated in 2012, provides a roadmap for developing and operating the fairgrounds in a manner that is responsive  Continue Reading

August 3, 2018, Roche Harbor, Washington. David King, a long-time resident of San Juan Island, died yesterday in a plane crash near the Lopez Island Airport. There were two highly-experienced pilots on board the single-engine plane, but no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, but San Juan County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord,  Continue Reading

The San Juan Community Home Trust shares this announcement with you… Bike And Build, the national organization that combines bicycling trips and volunteerism in support of affordable housing, will be returning to San Juan Island on August 28 and 29. This year, 24 riders and 4 support staff will be working on a Sun Rise  Continue Reading

Heritage Bank is doing a month-long food drive to end childhood hunger. Here they are with the details… We believe in building strong communities. 1 in 5 kids lives in a household that struggles to put food on the table. That’s why, during the month of August, we are collecting donations of kid-friendly non-perishable food  Continue Reading

There’s a good business opportunity right here in Friday Harbor. Post San Juan is for sale, and here are the details from the current owners… Business Opportunity Rare opportunity to own a viable commercial business in the quaint seaside town of Friday Harbor, Washington. Located on San Juan Island approximately 60 miles NW of Seattle  Continue Reading

Birds FLY – Recent Works Michael Dickter (Mixed media paintings) and Robin & John Gumaelius (Ceramic Sculpture), on display from August 3rd to 31st. This delightful show represents a fusion of forms: painterly canvases on the wall and ceramic sculptures on pedestals. The gallery is alive with kinetic ceramic creatures from Robin and John, that  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update mailbag this morning… I am Colleen Kenimond and I am the adult public defender for San Juan County. This is my sixth year in this position, and my 24th in criminal practice both as a defender and as a senior deputy prosecutor in other counties. Normally I would not broadcast my  Continue Reading

UPDATED – The SJ Update has just learned there will be another event here on San Juan Island as well. So – 2 events, One at the UW Labs on August 8, and one on Orcas in Eastsound on August 9th… This past March, Washington state successfully passed a law phasing out open-water Atlantic salmon  Continue Reading

San Juan Community Theatre is proud to have launched a new Musical Theatre Production Fund. A very generous donor has provided a $10,000 matching gift honoring the Beauty and the Beast production team, led by Director Carol Hooper. The fund will help to cover production costs for SJCT’s upcoming musicals. If you would like to  Continue Reading

Sandy Strehlou writes to ask for your participation in this FMP Update… You may have heard that the County is preparing to update the Fairgrounds Master Plan. A consulting firm has been hired to help solicit public input and provide guidance in crafting the plan. The update will direct fairgrounds development, maintenance and activities for  Continue Reading

San Juan Brewing Takes Home Top Place for Their ESB at the Washington State Brewers Awards Friday Harbor— July 27, 2018 —San Juan Brewing Company proudly took home a Gold medal in the ESB (Extra Special Bitter) category at the Washington State Brewery association awards.  With over 390 breweries in Washington State taking home any  Continue Reading