An image from the recent protests in Egypt. Read more about this photographer on page 8.
INSIDE Energy Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Spaghetti, music and more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Snowies confirmed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Contributed photo/
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Trevor Snapp.
Special to the Islands’ Weekly
Transportation makes up more than one-quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The average American household burns over 1,000 gallons of gasoline and emits 21,000 pounds of CO2 annually from its 1.85 vehicles, and spends nearly a fifth of its income doing so. These startling numbers were brought up in a lively discussion after the first showing of the Locavore’s film series, presented in November. The featured documentary “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil,� is an invaluable look at the creative resilience of Cuba after the U.S. oil embargo forced it to make radical changes in every aspect of lifestyle and economy. The film inspired Lopezians to start talking and
then brainstorming about a more sustainable and energy efficient island. “It was an inspiring film and discussion,� said Chom Greacon. “And we actually came away with concrete steps we could take to strengthen the community, conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint.� Personal carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions you contribute to the environment. Your carbon footprint may be a size EEE Sasquatch, or if you have taken steps to reduce your energy use, and consequently your carbon emissions, your footprint may be closer to a size 3 ballet slipper. You can reduce your footprint by insulating your house, growing and eating local, organic food as well as changing your transporta-
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Catch a lift Lopez style By Scott Finley
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tion habits. “Living Well, Living Green,� the useful booklet produced by Transition Fidalgo and Friends, lists several ways to reduce the amount of energy we use transporting ourselves: combine errands in one trip, keep your car tuned and tires inflated, or leave the car at home – hop on a bike, walk or share rides with others. Lopez Rocks, www.LopezRocks.org, has a link called “Off-Island Ride Share� which makes it very easy to pre-arrange a ride with others when leaving the Island or returning. A culture of ride sharing or hitchhiking has been in place on the islands for years. “We used to hitch rides home from Lopez Elementary School all the time back in the 70’s,� Faith Van De Putte said. “We’d hope for a pickup truck so we could all ride together.� Ron Metcalf has recently
Contributed photo/ Robert S. Harrison
On a rainy and cold day, Ron Metcalf demonstrates how to hitch a ride on Lopez. started hitching rides, following up on a New Year’s resolution to do more walking and less driving, and has found it efficient and convenient. But Metcalf hasn’t been doing much walking because he usually gets picked up by the first or second car passing by.
And he has discovered an additional benefit to hitchhiking. “The best part of doing this is that I get to spend time with those I already know and meet those I don’t,� said Metcalf. The after-film discussion group pounced on the idea
Happy New Year and thank you for all your encouragement and support.
Cuts put justice on the ropes Prosecutor and sheriff grapple with 2012 budget By Scott Rasmussen
The Lopez Liquor Store hopes to continue to serve you for many years to come. ~ Marc and Margie
Friends of Woodmen Hall’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner Featuring Jim Ghinazzi’s Famous Spaghetti Sauce & the music of Lance Brittain & Friends!
Monday January 16, 4:30 pm & 6 pm Take out available starting 3:30 pm; seatings start 4:30 & 6 Vegetarian & Gluten-Free pasta available upon request
Tickets can be purchased at Paper, Scissors on the Rock, Lopez Senior Services & watch for sales at LVM $25 per couple / $15 single $4 children / 5-17 & children 5 and under are free! information: 468-2738
Editor of Journal of the San Juan Islands
Not all misdemeanors are created equal. And the prosecution of some misdemeanor charges might fall by the wayside beginning this year, as the San Juan County prosecuting attorney’s office shifts priorities in anticipation of a $30,600 cut in its 2012 budget. That’s according to Prosecuting
Saturday, Jan. 14th 5-7 pm Show dates: Jan. 14th - Feb. 10th
Attorney Randy Gaylord, who, in a prepared statement released Dec. 20, said to offset that pending $30,600 cut he will be forced to reduce the hours of the attorney assigned to handle misdemeanor cases by half. Gaylord said the department will take the first two months of the year to trim down the District Court caseload, where most misdemeanors are prosecuted, and to implement new guidelines for
of reducing GHG emissions by ride sharing, and came up with a plan. They formed an impromptu committee calling itself Lopez Island Free Transit, or LIFT, committed to expanding island transportation options by facilitating our existing ride share sysSEE LIFT, PAGE 5
handling future misdemeanor cases. The cut is slated to take effect March 1. “We will refocus on those cases that involve injuries to people, and especially domestic violence, driving under the influence, and other serious charges involving reckless and damaging conduct,� Gaylord said. “My goal is to keep the community safe, but it is not practical to expect that offenders will be held accountable in the same way that we have been able to do in the past.� The prosecuting attorney’s office will begin 2012 with a budget of $954,783 and, according to Gaylord, a total of 8.5 SEE BUDGET CUTS, PAGE 6
WSU Master Gardener Native Plant Sale Preorder NOW for best selection! Deadline for orders is March 1st www.sanjuan.wsu.edu Questions? Call 378.4414 Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local extension office.