News and Views
Other News
Oct 6, 2026: County Council Passes 2027 Budget and Plans for Additional Budget Work Leading into 2028-2029
Sep 25, 2026: ‘Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen’ Event Scheduled Sept. 30 on Lopez
Sep 24, 2026: Community Meeting September 30 to Review and Take Comments on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance Update
Sep 24, 2026: San Juan County Parks, Recreation & Fair Department Thanks the Lopez Community Trails Network
Sep 23, 2026: ORS/The Exchange and SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship Host Hazardous Waste Roundup Event
Sep 23, 2026: County Council Completes Series of September Budget Meetings; October 5th Public Hearing to Follow
Sep 18, 2026: ‘Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen’ Event Scheduled Sept. 23 on San Juan
Sep 14, 2026: District Court and Prosecuting Attorney's Office to Relocate During Courthouse Renovations
Sep 12, 2026: The Madrona Institute Announces 2026 Request for Proposals for San Juan Islands Stewardship Fund Grants
Sep 8, 2026: ‘Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen’ Event Scheduled Sept. 14 on Orcas
Sep 8, 2026: Come Laugh on September 18 when Rebel with a Clause Plays on San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw Islands
Sep 4, 2026: SJC Land Bank Commission Chair - Letter Re: The Talking Horse Farm Acquisition and sale project
Aug 28, 2026: Auditor’s Office Presents 2027 Preliminary Budget to Council; Council Sets October 5 Public Hearing
Aug 28, 2026: San Juan County Council Letter to the Community: Increased Oil Tanker Traffic in the Salish Sea
Aug 11, 2026: Champions of the Golden Valley Plays in Friday Harbor and on Lopez and Shaw Islands on August 21
Aug 11, 2026: Auditor Seeks Volunteers to Write Opposing Statements in Voting Guide for November Ballot Measures
Aug 10, 2026: Compass Health to Purchase County Building in Friday Harbor, Continuing Long-Term Services Locally
Aug 5, 2026: Governor Ferguson celebrates the start of construction on first new ferry in more than a decade
Jul 31, 2026: County Council to Resume 2027 Budget and Organization Discussions at August 3rd Meeting
Jul 30, 2026: A Letter from the San Juan County Council to the Community Regarding Recent Hate Speech
Jul 9, 2026: A Message From Council Member Justin Paulsen: 2027 San Juan County Budget Development Process
Jul 1, 2026: County Departments Present Potential Cuts to Staffing and Services During Series of June Meetings
Jun 30, 2026: Lopez Island's New Swim Center Opens July - The Community Dream That's Finally a Reality
Jun 9, 2026: County Issues Pride Month Proclamation in Recognition of LGBTQIA+ Community in the Islands
Jun 9, 2026: County Council Discusses Budget Priorities and Planning for 2027 Budget Amidst Funding Challenges
Jun 8, 2026: Existing Vacation Rentals in Eastsound & Lopez Village Need a Provisional Use Permit by June 25!
Jun 5, 2026: An Important Message from UW Primary Care Regarding the Transition to Sea Mar Lopez Island Medical Clinic
May 27, 2026: San Juan County Council seeks to fill open positions on the Parks and Recreation Commission!
May 7, 2026: Are You Entering Something in the Fair? Check Out These Important Dates for 2026 Fair Exhibitors!
May 5, 2026: SJC’s Agricultural Resources Committee Hosts Farmer Listening Session on Meat Processing
Apr 23, 2026: County Awards $384,000 in Cultural Access Funding to Local Non-Profit Arts & Culture Organizations
Apr 16, 2026: Special Double Feature - Sitka’s Hidden Wonders and From Sea to Shining Sea - showing April 24
Mar 30, 2026: Locally Supported Meals on Wheels Programs Support Seniors' Ability to Age Well in the Islands
Mar 26, 2026: County Pursues New State Grant & Congressional Funding to Support Public Safety & Infrastructure
Mar 25, 2026: SJC Dept. of Environmental Stewardship Hosts 2026 Hazardous Waste Roundup Events Across the Islands
Mar 25, 2026: Share Your Feedback: County & Partners are Developing Tools to Manage Human/Wildlife Interactions
Mar 23, 2026: Existing Vacation Rentals in Eastsound & Lopez Village Need a Provisional Use Permit by June 25!
Mar 19, 2026: Community Meeting: Provide Feedback on New Facility at Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
Feb 19, 2026: Have Ideas to Improve Building Codes & Permitting? Join the County’s Building Advisory Council
Feb 11, 2026: San Juan County Seeks Pro & Con Committee Members for Levy Lid Lift Statements in Voter’s Guide
Feb 10, 2026: Maintaining Health, Safety & Community Services: Council Places Levy Lid Lift on April Ballot
Feb 9, 2026: County Recognizes MLK Day of Service & the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month with Proclamations
Feb 5, 2026: San Juan County Publishes Guide for Reviewing OPALCO’s Proposed Solar Project on Decatur Island
Feb 4, 2026: County Council Continues Discussing Levy Lid Lift to Maintain County Services at Upcoming Feb. 10 Meeting
Feb 2, 2026: Mid-Sale Reminder: San Juan County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale Still Open for Online Orders
Jan 26, 2026: Free Best of the Fest Documentary Series Starts with the Best Overall Feature and Short Films on January 30 & 31
Dec 30, 2025: San Juan County 2025 Year-In-Review: Housing Projects, Dental Clinics, Infrastructure Updates & More
Dec 22, 2025: End-of-Year Town Hall Recap with Councilmember Fuller: County Priorities, Challenges, & What’s Ahead
Dec 17, 2025: A Victory for Affordable Housing: County Council Approves Development Agreement for Argyle Project
Dec 16, 2025: From Pilot to Payoff: SJC’s 32HR Work Week Pilot Project Brings Fiscal Savings & Workforce Gains
Dec 15, 2025: San Juan County Resident Camping Reservations Open February 24 - Set Up Your Account Now!
Dec 12, 2025: County Council Passes 2026 Budget but Prepares for Ongoing Financial Discussions in 2027
Dec 12, 2025: San Juan County Opens Cultural Access Application Materials & Recruits for New Review Board
Dec 11, 2025: County Council Adopts 2025 Comp Plan Update - Leaves Several Items for Further Discussion in 2026
Dec 5, 2025: Council Adopts Legislative Priorities for 2026: Infrastructure, Transportation, & Affordable Housing
Dec 3, 2025: County Council Opts for One-Year Budget; Focuses on Adopting 2026 at December 9 Public Hearing
Dec 1, 2025: Notice of Recount: Lopez Park & Rec. Dist. Commissioner No. 5 & Recount Certification Meeting
Nov 18, 2025: County Cuts Budget Deficit by More Than Half; Still Seeks $2M in Strategic Service & Personnel Cuts
Nov 17, 2025: County Recognizes Native American Heritage Month with Proclamation & Affirms Tribal Engagement Efforts
Nov 13, 2025: County Issues Proclamation Recognizing Veteran and Military Families Month This November
Nov 9, 2025: Thank you for the feedback regarding the picnic table at Weeks Point Way and related issues
Nov 5, 2025: U.S. & Canadian Leaders Convene Cross-Border Forum to Strengthen Collaboration & Resilience
Oct 29, 2025: How Do YOU Want to Plan for Sea Level Rise in San Juan County? Join Community Workshops this December
Oct 29, 2025: Looking to Get Involved? Join the Land Bank Commission & Guide Conservation in the Islands!
Oct 17, 2025: WSF Ferry Terminals will Close for 48 Hours in Spring of 2027: What Timing is Best for You?
Oct 14, 2025: County Issues Proclamation in Recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Oct 14, 2025: Building the Team: San Juan County Welcomes New DCD Director, Fire Marshal, and Public Defender
Oct 11, 2025: Dr. Corey Casper’s Official Candidate Statement for Lopez Island Hospital District, Position 2
Oct 8, 2025: Fall 2025 Great Islands Clean-Up Collects Over 1,300 Pounds of Litter Across San Juan County
Oct 6, 2025: San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Acquires 225-acre School Trust Land Parcel on Blakely Island
Sep 25, 2025: Meeting Recap: Community Discusses Sheriff Substation Move on Lopez with County Officials & Staff
Sep 16, 2025: Interested in Learning About the County's Sheriff Substation Move on Lopez? Join us for a Briefing & Feedback Session!
Sep 9, 2025: Rising Tides: Protecting our Homes, Roads, and Habitat - Save The Date for Sea Level Rise Workshops this Fall
Sep 5, 2025: *POSTPONED* Watch Over Yourself Well: Coast Salish Gender, Sexuality, & the Canoe Journey
Aug 29, 2025: Black-tail deer Hunting Season Opens September 1 at Lopez Hill and Mount Grant Preserves
Aug 28, 2025: Free Public Lecture and Field Seminar Growing Old Growth: The Relationships that Define the Future of our Forests
Aug 20, 2025: Meeting Recap: Community Members Discuss County’s Potential Purchase of Decatur Island Property
Aug 19, 2025: San Juan County Awards $815,000 in Public Facilities Assistance Funding to Local Organizations
Aug 14, 2025: ‘Coffee with Kari’ Offers Lopez Islanders a Chance to Meet with Councilmember McVeigh on Sep. 27
Jul 31, 2025: Interested in discussing the potential Property Purchase on Decatur? Join us for a Brown Bag Lunch!
Jul 17, 2025: San Juan County Responds to Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Actions in the Islands
Jul 16, 2025: County Council Discusses Ferry Service with Governor Ferguson at Orcas Community Meeting
Jul 9, 2025: Potential Purchase by the County of Property on Decatur Island to Support Barge Landing Access
Jul 1, 2025: Updated County Fairgrounds Ready to Welcome Summer Picnickers, Fairgoers, Campers, and More
Jun 18, 2025: How Does the New State Budget Impact San Juan County Funding & Programs? Council Reviews Highlights
May 22, 2025: San Juan County Elections Disability Advisory Committee Annual Meeting June 10 at 9:00AM
May 17, 2025: Need Urgent Community Support: Tell Governor Ferguson to Sign HB2049 and Increase Funding for Lopez School
May 16, 2025: One Month Mark: County’s Pilot Transport Services Shows Steady Ridership & Variety of Uses
May 14, 2025: Hazardous Waste Round-Ups: What Lopez and Orcas Residents Need to Know Before Drop-Off Day
May 7, 2025: Auditor Seeks Writers of Argument against Lopez Island Library and Lopez Island School District Ballot Measures
May 2, 2025: Plastic Free Salish Sea Sets Sail with the San Juan Island Yacht Club and Washington State Parks
Apr 25, 2025: New Daily Service Schedule, Growing Ridership & Other Insights on County’s Pilot Transport Services
Apr 24, 2025: Building and Land Use Permits, Long-Range Planning Projects, & Staff Recruitments: DCD Leadership Provides Spring Update
Apr 4, 2025: 2025 Comp Plan Update: Transportation Element, Plan Intro, & Administration Piece Ready for Review
Mar 19, 2025: San Juan County Establishes Interim Inter-Island Transportation Services as RFP Process Continues
Mar 7, 2025: 2025 Comp Plan Update: Climate Element and Draft Official Map Amendments Available for Review
Mar 6, 2025: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer
Mar 4, 2025: Public Meeting: Land Bank Using Prescribed Fires to Manage Wildfire Risks & Restore Ecosystems
Feb 19, 2025: San Juan County Seeks Proposals from Transportation Service Providers for Pilot Project
Feb 12, 2025: Call for Candidates: Three-Day Special Filing Period for Lopez Metropolitan Park District Commissioners
Jan 19, 2025: Four districts, six unions, three PTAs, and county leadership all agree: legislators must take action to fully fund education no
Dec 19, 2024: San Juan County Parks and Fair Announces New Camping Software; Delaying Reservation Availability
Dec 10, 2024: County Council Considers Extending Agreement with Lopez Solid Waste to Allow for More Collaboration
Dec 5, 2024: San Juan County to Consider Updated Interlocal Agreement with Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District
Dec 2, 2024: San Juan County Council Sets Public Hearing for Cultural Access Sales Tax at Dec. 10 Meeting
Nov 25, 2024: San Juan County Celebrates Completion of Lopez Skate Park and Calls for Inaugural Skaters
Nov 7, 2024: How Has Extreme Weather Impacted You? Participate in the County’s Climate Resilience Planning Effort
Nov 1, 2024: UPDATE: Sea Wall Repairs Temporarily Close MacKaye Harbor Dock and Boat Ramp on Lopez Island
Oct 22, 2024: DRAFT North Shore Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Oct 21, 2024: Reminder: You’re Invited to Attend Open Houses for the 2025 Comp Plan Update This Fall
Oct 1, 2024: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE SAN JUANS SPONSORS OCTOBER COUNTY COUNCIL VOTER FORUMS ON SJI, ORCAS, AND LOPEZ
Sep 24, 2024: County Hosts Community Meeting on Lopez Island to Discuss Public Safety during Hunting Season
Sep 24, 2024: SJC Reviews Shoreline Habitat & Infrastructure Adaptation Strategies in the face of Sea Level Rise
Sep 23, 2024: DRAFT Watmough Bay Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Aug 29, 2024: San Juan County’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Survey Sets Baseline for Ongoing Change
Aug 27, 2024: 2024 San Juan County WSU Master Gardeners Gardening Workshop Series, October 15-24, 2024
Aug 27, 2024: County Representatives Discuss Solutions to Ferry Service Disruptions with Governor Inslee
Aug 21, 2024: County Council’s Request to Governor for Relief from Ferry Service Disruptions Not Fulfilled
Aug 20, 2024: San Juan County Certifies Primary Election Results & Celebrates Highest Primary Turnout in Years
Aug 13, 2024: WSF Commits Additional Crews to Interisland Route to Ensure Service During County Fair Week
Aug 13, 2024: Ferry Data from Staff and Local Partners Shapes Council Request for ‘Executive Relief’ From WA State
Aug 5, 2024: The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival returns to Lopez for its 27th Summer Concert Season
May 2, 2024: WA State Governor and Assistant Secretary of WSF Talk Ferry Service & Solar Power with SJC Officials
Apr 11, 2024: Community Meeting: Sea Level Rise Adaptation for Outer Bay and Agate Beach Areas on Lopez Island
Mar 11, 2024: Queers in Unexpected Places: Searching for (and Finding) Gender and Sexual Non-Conformity in the Rural and Early PNW
Mar 7, 2024: DRAFT Richardson Marsh Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Dec 5, 2023: County Council Member Jane Fuller and Senator Liz Lovelett to Host Public Meeting on Lopez
Nov 3, 2023: County and Town Send Open Letter to State Officials Regarding Impacts of Poor Ferry Service
Sep 29, 2023: Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmough Bay Preserve Addition
Sep 14, 2023: The mobile dental van is coming to Lopez! // ¡La camioneta dental móvil ya llega a López!
Aug 22, 2023: San Juan County Adopts 32-Hour Work Week in the Name of Fiscal Health, Recruitment, and Islander Wellness
May 25, 2023: Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities
May 23, 2023: District 3 Councilmember Jane Fuller Opens Office on Lopez and Hosts Community Conversation
Apr 17, 2023: Give Lopez Starts April 17th - A two week fundraiser benefiting 15 Lopez Island Non-Profits
Sep 22, 2022: Interim Watmough Preserve Addition Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
9/30 Issue of the Islands' Weekly released
September 30, 2026
By Islands' Weekly
This week's headlines on Lopez:
- Grant-funded beach makeover for Lopez couple
- Lopez School 'Community Homecoming' celebrating 85 years
- Preliminary county budget 2027
- Lopezian Link: letters to the editor from locals and a Crow Party Poem
- Interfaith retreat brings San Juan Islands faith communities together on environmental stewardship
- Lobos volleyball wins home opener
- Are you safe? Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Lopez Island's Community Health Fair Returns
- Fiber to Fabric at Chimera Gallery
- Lopez community trails network disbands
- San Juan County fire departments announce launch of burn permit issuance
- Local author releases new memoir
- Preparing your home for winter
Check out the e-edition online or you can find the print version at Lopez Village Market and Islandale Lopez. Would you like it delivered directly to your mailbox? Right now you get a free Islands' Sounder subscription with your Weekly!!
- Lopez School 'Community Homecoming' celebrating 85 years
- Preliminary county budget 2027
- Lopezian Link: letters to the editor from locals and a Crow Party Poem
- Interfaith retreat brings San Juan Islands faith communities together on environmental stewardship
- Lobos volleyball wins home opener
- Are you safe? Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Lopez Island's Community Health Fair Returns
- Fiber to Fabric at Chimera Gallery
- Lopez community trails network disbands
- San Juan County fire departments announce launch of burn permit issuance
- Local author releases new memoir
- Preparing your home for winter
Check out the e-edition online or you can find the print version at Lopez Village Market and Islandale Lopez. Would you like it delivered directly to your mailbox? Right now you get a free Islands' Sounder subscription with your Weekly!!
