News Briefs | Nov. 27 edition
Published 11:30 am Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Thanksgiving ferry travel tips
Washington State Ferries expects about 300,000 riders from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30. Drivers should plan for long lines and extra wait times. Before heading to the terminal, riders can check the WSDOT app or website for schedules, terminal conditions, alerts, real-time vessel locations and vehicle reservations.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, the Seattle/Bainbridge Island and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth routes will run on holiday schedules. The Edmonds/Kingston and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes will also have holiday adjustments. Find out more at tinyurl.com/495f4x5p.
Join the Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group
The Washington State Transportation Commission is inviting the public to join the Ferry Riders’ Opinion Group (FROG), an online panel that provides feedback on ferry service, operations and fares. Members receive periodic surveys to share their experiences and help guide improvements at Washington State Ferries. Sign up at ferryridersopiniongroup.com.
Bag fee increase starts Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, shoppers in Washington will pay 12 cents for each reusable plastic carryout bag at stores and restaurants, up from the current 8 cents. The increase, part of the state’s 2020 plastic bag law, is intended to encourage customers to bring their own bags. Paper bags will remain at a minimum charge of 8 cents.
Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban, in effect since 2021, prohibits thin disposable bags and sets recycled-content and durability standards for compliant paper and plastic bags.
Bag fees are taxable retail charges that go to the business. Shoppers using WIC, TANF, SNAP or EBT benefits are exempt, as are food banks.
Flood control
King County Flood Control District is now making sandbag materials available free of charge to help protect homes, businesses and property during the current flood season.
On Vashon, find sandbag materials at the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue property operated by King County Roads at 10019 SW Bank Rd. The self-service site (bring your own shovel) is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Islanders are limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle.
Sandbag materials are also available at multiple other locations throughout King County. Find a full list of locations and instructions for proper sandbag use at tinyurl.com/2cn4e5uh.
“Preparing for flooding before heavy rain arrives can make a huge difference in protecting people and property,” said King County Flood Control District Chair Reagan Dunn. “The Flood Control District invests in flood risk reduction projects across King County, but we also want residents to have the tools and information they need to protect their homes and neighborhoods. Programs like free sandbag distribution are an important part of keeping our communities safe.”
The King County area typically experiences its highest flood risks between October and April, when heavy rainfall, saturated soils and rising river levels can combine to cause flooding.
“When rain events coincide with King Tides, flood risk can rise quickly,” said King County Flood Control District Supervisor Teresa Mosqueda. “Taking advantage of the free sandbag program now is a simple, effective way to protect your property.”
King Tides — defined as tides above the highest water level reached by an average daily high tide — are the highest predicted tides of the year and are expected to occur on the following dates in 2025: Dec. 6–9. In 2026, King Tides are expected between Jan. 4–6.
The district encourages all residents to review their flood risk and make a preparedness plan. Resources include information about flood alerts, insurance, evacuation routes and floodplain maps — all available on the district’s Flood Resources website at tinyurl.com/4h6cu446.
Warm clothing/gear needed
Hilary Emmer, who has long worked with the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness to assist islanders who lack stable housing, is collecting apparel and gear for islanders sleeping outside in cold weather. To donate warm socks, gloves, coats, sweatshirts, sleeping bags and raincoats, email hilonvashon@yahoo.com.
Silent auction
The Vashon-Maury Community Council is holding an online auction throughout November, featuring gift cards from island businesses, handmade goods and more.
Proceeds will support the council’s operating costs for the 2026 budget cycle.
Find out what’s on offer at tinyurl.com/4bhpy3fb, and learn more about the work of the council at v-mcc.org.
Shellfishing closures
Some Vashon-Maury Island beaches remain closed to recreational shellfishing due to unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish toxins. Check the Department of Health’s map at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html or call 800-562-5632. Commercial shellfish sites are monitored separately.
