New Legislation Increases Senior and Disabled Persons Income Limits for Tax Purposes

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 26, 2023 – San Juan County’s Assessor’s Office is alerting the public of new income limits that affect taxes for senior citizens and people with disabilities in San Juan County. 

Subs...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

Seeking Argument Against San Juan County Fire Protection Dist. No. 2 (Orcas Island Fire & Rescue)

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 22, 2023 – San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 ballot measure for the voters’ guide.

In orde...

Candidate Filing Week – May 15 through May 19

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 18, 2023 – If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance. Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the upcoming fi...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

Rescheduled: Retirement Send-off for San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA December 28, 2022 – The retirement send-off for San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley, has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 29 from 11am-12pm at the San Juan County Courthouse. As warmer weather permits sa...

2023 Dog Licenses Now on Sale

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 28, 2022 - The San Juan County Auditor’s office is ready for the 2023 dog licensing season! Each year, the department has the pleasure of recognizing a ‘Celebrity Dog’ and issuing them the first dog tag. Competition in 2023 w...

Postponed: San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley's, Retirement Party

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA December 20, 2022 – UPDATE: Retirement party postponed due to inclement weather. San Juan County is grateful for Milene Henley's 16 years of service and hopes to be able to celebrate her when the we...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

Newly Adopted Comprehensive Plan Will Serve as the County’s Road Map for Next 20 Years

County Council officially adopted the Plan on November 30 – marking the culmination of six years of work

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 30, 2022 – San Juan County Council adopted the 2036 Comprehensive Plan Update today after six years of meetings, public hearings, and input. The several-hundred-page document will serve as the road map for future de...

Melting Snow is Stormwater – Protect Your Property and Drains

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 23, 2022 – With high levels of expected snow melt (stormwater), San Juan County’s Public Works Department encourages residents to be proactive in monitoring and reporting potential blockages to culverts an...

San Juan County is Prepared for Inclement Weather – And You Should Be, Too

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 16, 2022 – San Juan County is pleased to provide the public with a reminder of Public Works services, priorities, and mission during inclement weather. Additionally, there are several ways in which the public can su...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

San Juan County Courts Update Community Service Program

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA.  November 8, 2022 – The courts of San Juan County are updating their community service program and are looking to add more local organizations to the roster. 

Please help the courts update the list with any ...

San Juan County Holds Special Three-day Filing Period in June

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 23, 2023 – San Juan County's Elections Office is opening a special three-day filing period in June for those offices where no candidates filed during the regular candidate filing week. The special three...

Seeking Argument Against San Juan County Fire Protection Dist. No. 2 (Orcas Island Fire & Rescue)

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 22, 2023 – San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 ballot measure for the voters’ guide.

In orde...

Candidate Filing Week – May 15 through May 19

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 18, 2023 – If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance. Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the upcoming fi...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

San Juan County Celebrates New Protections for Endangered Orca During Orca Action Month

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 1, 2023 – June is Orca Action Month, and this year, San Juan County is joining partners around the Salish Sea to celebrate the Lasting Legacies of these sentinel animals. This month, the County’s Marine Progra...

San Juan County Citizen Input Needed: Do You Have Waste Tires?

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 1, 2023 - Do you have old tires you’d like to dispose of? Let the County know! San Juan County’s Solid Waste Program is assessing the waste tire disposal needs of local citizens in an effort to provid...

Please Don’t Pick the Field Mustard! Help the Endangered Island Marble Butterfly Thrive

SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA. May 25, 2023 – The San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship asks the local community to refrain from picking field mustard (Brassica rapa), a critical plant for the survival of the endangered Island Marble Butterfly (Eu...

301 Volunteers Made the Spring Great Islands Clean-up a Success!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 2, 2023 - San Juan County would like to thank the 301 dedicated volunteers who collected 4,574 pounds of litter on Shaw, Orcas, San Juan, Stuart, Decatur, Sucia, and Lopez Islands during this year’s Spring Great...

San Juan County’s Annual Hazardous Waste Round-Ups this Spring

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 20, 2023 - San Juan County’s hazardous waste round-up collection event is our community’s once-yearly opportunity to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive or other hazard...

Invest in Your Planet! The Great Islands Clean-up is on Earth Day, April 22!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 6, 2023 - Join your fellow islanders for the 2023 Spring Great Islands Clean-up on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. During this event, participants of all ages can sign-up to collect trash on a designated beach or road, t...

San Juan County Seeks Ferry Advisory Committee Member from San Juan Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 15, 2023 – San Juan County Council is soliciting volunteers to serve on the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC). The Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) studies and recommends resolutions on ferry transp...

Public Health Clinic Fees Resume on June 1

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 12, 2023 – On June 1, 2023, San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) will begin collecting fees for some public health services again. HCS will also be rolling out their new sliding fee scale. This ...

The Public Health Emergency Declaration Ends on May 11 – What Does This Mean?

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 10, 2023 – On May 11, 2023, the public health emergency (PHE) declaration will end. What does that mean for folks in San Juan County? Let’s take a look.

Is COVID-19 gone? No. The virus is still present in Washin...

Council Takes Next Step in Argyle Lots Housing Project by Selecting San Juan Community Home Trust

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 18, 2023 – During the April 18 meeting, Council members voted to accept the Housing Advisory Committee’s recommendation of selecting the San Juan Community Home Trust as the chosen applicant from the...

Hannah Heights Water System Tests Positive for PFAS

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 15, 2023 – San Juan County Health and Community Services (HCS) received confirmed test results on Friday April 14^th indicating that a well belonging to the Hannah Heights Water System on San Juan Island tested positive...

Concern For San Juan County’s Most Vulnerable Prompts Latest Health Officer Order

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2023 – On Apr. 3, 2023, San Juan County Health Officer Order 2023-1 went into effect which continues the masking requirements in patient-facing healthcare facilities. The order excludes dental offices, optometry off...

San Juan County Publishes 'Point in Time Homeless Count' Results

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – The 2023 San Juan County “Point-In Time” (PIT) Homeless Count identified 148 people who have no stable place to live, nearly matching the 2022 count of 146. 

Of the 148 people identified as having no stable pl...

San Juan County Honors Lucinda Elizabeth Stewart Boyce’s Legacy of Care with Community Health Van

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Lucinda Elizabeth Stewart Boyce lived on San Juan Island in the late 1800s and, through radical acts of public service, cultivated a legacy of care. She was known to travel by horseback, buggy, and canoe to ...

You’re Invited: Luci B Community Wellness Van Launch Party on March 15

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 2, 2023 – San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) is hosting a launch party for the new Luci B Community Wellness Van at the San Juan County Fairgrounds main building from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Light refreshm...

Washington State Department of Health Approves Use of Expired COVID-19 Tests

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. Jan. 26, 2023 – If you have a stockpile of expired at-home COVID-19 tests, don’t throw them out. You can still use them! The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) approved the use of expired at-home COVID-19 tests.

At-home COVID-...

San Juan County Launches New Oral Health Program for School-age Children

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 11, 2023 – San Juan County Health and Community Services will be providing “Smile Checks” as part of an oral health prevention program. Healthy teeth are part of overall health and wellness. In pa...

San Juan County Seeks San Juan Island Member for Housing Advisory Committee

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 7, 2022 – Are you a San Juan Island resident who is passionate and knowledgeable about affordable housing in San Juan County? The County is seeking a new member for the Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) to fill the S...

Hot Topic 63: Changes to COVID-19 Data Reporting

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 5, 2022 – Key changes in COVID-19 data reporting that everyone should be aware of.

As of December 1, 2022, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has decommissioned the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COV...

Hot Topic 62: Influenza Treatments

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 30, 2022 – With influenza spreading rapidly throughout Washington and our own community, it is important to be aware of treatment options.

Rates of influenza in our community and throughout Washington state are very high, with...

Sharing is caring—except when it comes to viruses

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 23, 2022 – Washington state is seeing an increase in cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold and COVID-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, ...

Affordable Housing: The Future of Affordability

The need for affordable housing is a widespread and growing issue – not just in the Islands, but throughout the region and nation. The San Juan Islands are home to multiple organizations working to create long-term affordable housing opportuniti...

Hot Topic 61: Best Practices for COVID, Cold, and Flu Season

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 16, 2022 – You’ve always been asked to stay home when you’re sick, but it’s not always that simple. This year, more than ever, it’s important to stay home when you have cold o...

Affordable Housing: A Foundation for San Juan’s Future

Take a stroll through Friday Harbor’s neighborhoods and you’ll find the next wave of affordable housing. On Price Street, passersby will see walls being framed in, hear the hum of compressors hard at work, and feel the excitement in th...

Affordable Housing: Lopez’s Community-Driven Solutions

Leyna Lavinthal and her family of three are about to celebrate a major milestone – one year in secure, affordable housing. The Lavinthal family left Seattle behind and moved to Lopez Island in 2018 in search of a safe community to raise their so...

Affordable Housing: Providing Opportunity on Orcas

To some, the term ‘affordable housing’ means nothing more than a low monthly payment. But to Stephanie Nouvel and her family of four, ‘affordable housing’ means so much more. For the Orcas Island family, it means co...

JURY DUTY: JUNE 5-9, 2023

All jurors called for jury duty the week of June 5th through 9th, are excused and do not need to report for jury duty.

Thank you.

A Second Generation of Coho Salmon Found at the Land Bank’s Coho Preserve on Orcas Island!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 8, 2023 – Local Fisheries Biologist, Jenny De Groot, shares an update on the emergence of Coho salmon at Coho Preserve on Orcas Island. 

"Spring is a time for optimism and hope. A time for rebirth. ...

Conservation Land Bank Events – May Round Up!

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 4, 2023 – San Juan County’s Conservation Land Bank is excited to share a series of events throughout May. From guided walks to habitat tours, there’s something for everyone!

North Shore Property Guided Tours | Orcas Island | May 5,...

Fact vs Fiction – Learn What $15 Gets You with the Land Bank

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2023 – Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank on Zoom OR in person for our Spring Community Conversation series. The Land Bank will host public meetings on Wednesdays - April 12, April 19, and Tuesday, Apri...

Land Bank Requests Seasonal Sheep Grazing Lease Proposals for 2023-2024

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 16, 2023 – The San Juan County Conservation Land Bank is requesting proposals from anyone interested in a short-term seasonal sheep grazing lease on areas of the Fowler’s Pond Preserve Property, on Orcas Isla...

County Council Awards Five Year Lease at Coffelt Farm Preserve

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. 10 February, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to announce Lum Farm has been awarded a long-term lease at Coffelt Farm on Orcas Island.  

Eric and Amy Lum have been stalwart stewards of Coffelt Farm since 20...

Open House for Three Lopez Island Preserves

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 3, 2023 – Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank for an open house meeting to provide input on three Lopez Preserves: Spencer Spit, Richardson Marsh, and Lopez Hill.

Spencer Spit Preserve is 18 fore...

Notice of Scheduled Prescribed Burn at Turtleback Mountain Preserve

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 14, 2022 – The Land Bank will begin burning small piles on Turtleback Mountain Preserve this week under a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This work follows strict protocols designed t...

San Juan County Celebrates New Protections for Endangered Orca During Orca Action Month

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 1, 2023 – June is Orca Action Month, and this year, San Juan County is joining partners around the Salish Sea to celebrate the Lasting Legacies of these sentinel animals. This month, the County’s Marine Progra...

Breaking Ground at the Fairgrounds – New Projects Underway

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 24, 2023 – The San Juan County Fairgrounds is beginning a series of projects beginning in late March. Projects will enhance the annual County Fair and year-round use of the Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Updates

In late March,...

San Juan County Parks and Fair Readied to Respond to Opioid Overdose

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Staff at San Juan County Parks are now better equipped to respond to opioid overdoses, thanks to a partnership with the Health & Community Services Department (HCS). Parks staff now have access to Naloxo...

San Juan County Opens Resident Camping Reservations for 2023

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA.  January 3, 2023 - San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department is offering advanced camping reservations for San Juan County year-round residents beginning January 25 at 6:00 am until February 8 at 4:00 pm. This tw...

San Juan County Fair Seeks Artists for 2023 Poster

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 14, 2022 – San Juan County Parks and Fair staff are already planning for the 2023 Fair! It is with great excitement that San Juan County announces the theme: “Dancing with the Steers,” a play on ...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...

County to Begin Work on Orcas Island’s Bayhead Creek Culvert Replacement

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 31, 2023 – The County will begin a project to replace a culvert on Killebrew Lake Road, just east of Laporte Road. The FEMA-funded project will install a 12-foot-wide box culvert, specially designed to improve f...

Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – On Monday, May 15, 2023 County Council Member Jane Fuller (District 3), County Manager Mike Thomas, and the Director of Public Works Colin Huntemer, convened a meeting with the neighbors of the MacKaye Harbor ...

WSF Announces Orcas Road Reduced to One Lane Near Ferry Terminal the Week of May 23

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 22, 2023 – Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced the beginning of paving activity for a portion of Orcas Road, adjacent to the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. This paving effort is part of the current constructi...

County Hosts Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding Public Works Facilities Relocation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 5, 20232 – San Juan County is in the process of relocating its Public Works facilities on Lopez Island to the MacKaye Harbor area. In advance of this move, the County is holding a community meeting on Monday, Ma...

San Juan County Resurfaces Over 14 Miles of Roads this Summer

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 4, 2023 – San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road resurfacing schedule to chip seal over 14 miles of roads on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island. Chip sealing is a pavement...

“What’s Important to You?” Deadline Approaches for County Public Works Survey

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 26, 2023 – You have a chance to impact future projects around the County! Do you want more slip space at County docks? Are you passionate about building new bike trails? Have you experienced a road washout or culvert f...

‘How should San Juan County prioritize Public Works projects?’ Asks New Survey

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 10, 2023 – San Juan County's Public Works wants to hear from YOU! How often do you use marine facilities? Do you feel safe driving, biking, or walking on County roads? How should funding be prioritized into th...

Work to complete ADA upgrades at Orcas Ferry Terminal Begins

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 17, 2023 – San Juan County (SJC) and the Washington State Ferries (WSF) are eager to announce a public access upgrade for the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. Thanks to this partnership, the project will provide improved A...

County Answers FAQs About Proposed Public Works Relocation on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 16, 2023 – San Juan County is in the process of exploring the possibility of relocating its Public Works facilities on Lopez Island to the MacKaye Harbor area. This multi-year process has included ...

Update: Orcas Island’s Fish Trap Culvert Replacement Enters Second Phase

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 10, 2023 – The County’s Public Works Department is entering phase two of a project to replace a culvert and repair a section of Cormorant Bay Road near Deer Harbor. The FEMA-funded project is installing a ten...

County Begins Planning for Zylstra Lake Trail and Answers FAQs

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 15, 2023 – San Juan County is eager to begin developing a plan for a multi-use trail connecting the Town of Friday Harbor to the Zylstra Lake Preserve. Recently awarded $5.28 million in federal transportati...

Melting Snow is Stormwater – Protect Your Property and Drains

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 23, 2022 – With high levels of expected snow melt (stormwater), San Juan County’s Public Works Department encourages residents to be proactive in monitoring and reporting potential blockages to culverts an...

San Juan County is Prepared for Inclement Weather – And You Should Be, Too

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 16, 2022 – San Juan County is pleased to provide the public with a reminder of Public Works services, priorities, and mission during inclement weather. Additionally, there are several ways in which the public can su...

Project Update: Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. December 5, 2022– San Juan County Public Works is pleased to provide the public with updates on the Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project.  The Public Works crew has completed the new stormwater channel which...

San Juan County Considers Relocating Lopez’s Public Works Facility

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 21, 2022– San Juan County is entering the planning stages of an exciting project on Lopez Island. County Council has directed staff to develop a plan to relocate Public Works operations from Fisherman Bay Rd to the ...

Concern For San Juan County’s Most Vulnerable Prompts Latest Health Officer Order

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 4, 2023 – On Apr. 3, 2023, San Juan County Health Officer Order 2023-1 went into effect which continues the masking requirements in patient-facing healthcare facilities. The order excludes dental offices, optometry off...

Real and Personal Property Taxes Due May 1

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 24, 2023 – San Juan County Treasurer, Rhonda Pederson, would like to remind county property owners that the first half property taxes and personal property taxes are due May 1.  Since the due date falls on a w...

County Hosts “Meet Your Elected Officials” Event on Lopez Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 9, 2023 - San Juan County is pleased to host its final “Meet Your Elected Officials” event of the series on Lopez Island. After two previous meetings on Orcas and San Juan Islands, the group of elected offici...

County Invites the Public to “Meet Your Elected Officials” Events

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. January 13, 2023 – San Juan County is pleased to host a series of “Meet Your Elected Officials” events. Scheduled during the first three months of the year, these events will offer the public an ...