This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
Last Chance to take the County’s Communications Survey
Have you ever said, “I didn’t hear about that” or “I wish I knew about it sooner” when it comes to County projects? In an effort to continuously improve communications, the County wants to hear from you before Sunday, April 7! The anonymous survey takes only five to eight minutes and will help the County tailor its communications methods to fit your needs. If you are having trouble accessing the survey online (engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/communications-survey), please call 360-370-7404 to ask for assistance.
San Juan County Point in Time Unhoused Count and Survey Results
The 2024 San Juan County “Point-In Time” (PIT) Unhoused Count identified 134 people who have no stable place to live, down from the 148 identified in 2023. The Washington State mandated count was conducted on Jan. 25, 2024, and is a yearly, nationwide event with a mission: to identify and better serve unhoused individuals and families.
Of the 134 people identified as having no stable place to live, 59 people were living out of doors, in vehicles, in abandoned buildings, or in an RV or boat that lacked one of the following: drinking water, a restroom, heat, the ability to cook food, or the ability to bathe. These individuals are considered “homeless” by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Dental Clinic Dates Announced for San Juan Island
San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) and Fish for Teeth are partnering up to launch a new dental program which serves Medicaid and uninsured residents on San Juan Island. The community dental clinics sponsored by Fish for Teeth will start April 20 in Friday Harbor. The upcoming clinic dates for San Juan Island are:
- Saturday, Apr. 20
- Saturday, June 8
- Friday, Sept. 20
- Friday, Nov. 8
Stay Safe This Spring
Spring is around the corner, so here are some simple actions you can do to keep you and your loved ones safe from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV:
- Consider getting vaccinated. It’s not too late! Vaccines keep many people from getting sick with respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Some people who get vaccines may still get sick. However, vaccines help reduce the severity of your illness. It will also lower your chance of needing to go to the hospital.
- Stay home when you’re sick. If you have any of the following symptoms, stay home until you feel better: fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Consider masking. If you must go out while you are sick or if you are visiting a vulnerable family member, consider wearing a well-fitting mask to protect those around you. People are considered vulnerable if they are under six months old or over sixty years old or someone who is likely to become severely ill with an illness that seems mild to others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water. If there is no soap available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Call for Vendors and Entertainment at 2024 San Juan County Fair
The San Juan County Parks & Fair Department is pleased to accept both vendor applications and entertainment inquiries for the 2024 San Juan County Fair. As the county’s largest community event, reaching over 2,000 people over four days, the Fair provides a great platform and exposure for vendors and entertainers alike.
Whether you are a new business hoping to introduce your products or services, a non-profit looking to connect with community members, or a performer ready to showcase your talents, the San Juan County Fair is the perfect opportunity for you! For more information about how to apply, visit our website at www.sjcfair.org.
Discover the Seasons of Turtleback Mountain Preserve, One Step at a Time
Are you interested in knowing more about what Land Bank staff do throughout the year on Turtleback Mountain Preserve and why? Join staff for a series of walks highlighting seasonal rhythms and stewardship activities on the mountain.
- May 19: Guided walk of viewing of wildflowers, amphibians and reptiles, and birding
- July 14: Walk and discussion of the later bloom of wildflowers and weeds and the importance of supporting biodiversity by managing certain weeds.
- September 8: All about Garry oak habitat! Head down the south slope of Turtleback to the area acquired in 2021 for a staff tour of previous thinning and planting restoration efforts.
- November 23: A small-scale thinning and pile burning operation to see firsthand how this work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Join one, or all, of the Season of Turtleback series walks! For specific event details, visit the Land Bank’s online calendar at sjclandbank.org/events-calendar or phone 360-378-4402.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
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