Contributed photo/
INSIDE
George Willis
Natural History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
A Red-Tailed Hawk on Lopez. Read more about birds of prey on page 8.
The Sun King’s Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Bandit makes record books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
www.islandsweekly.com t 800-654-6142
The
Islands’ eekly W
70-6.& /6.#&3 t +"/6"3:
Ranker backs equal unions Ferry upgrade and expansion SJ senator supports Gov.’s legislation San Juan Journal staff report
Gov. Christine Gregoire will have support in the San Juans for her bid to put gay marriage on the books in the 2012 legislative session. State Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, last week endorsed the governor’s proposed legislation, which, if approved, would make Washington state the seventh in the nation to allow same-sex marriages. Gay couples can legally wed in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, and in the District of Columbia. As of today, Washington state recognizes “domestic partnerships, and a law passed by the Legislature in 2006 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, insurance and lending. “Marriage is more than just a collection of rights and protections — it is the commitment between two people who love each other and
Contributed photo
Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island have pledged to support one another in life,� Ranker said in a prepared statement. “By continuing to differentiate between types of loving relationships, we separate and isolate those within our communities. We must recognize that separate can never be equal and a domestic partnership can never be a marriage.� Ranker, who grew up with
Lopez Center Community Performance Night
Friday January 20th, 7:00 pm
Groups: l a c i s u M %&&1
% t 36/4 &4 #"/ "- #-6 5 & E . O 5 40/ B t 4)&& "/%&3 "#*54 t %"7*% : "45 ) / & ) 5 Admission: By donation No-host bar free popcorn!
t
JOGP BU XXX MPQF[DFOUFS PSH
By Scott Panitz, Reporter for WNPA Olympia News Bureau
a gay father, said he was taught as a youth that family is not determined by gender, but rather by love and commitment. He said it will take time, education and sacrifice to conquer discrimination, but that tolerance and equality will always prevail. In 2009, Referendum 71 appeared on the Nov. 3, ballot in Washington and was upheld by voters, thus granting state registered domestic partners in Washington all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples. It was approved by voters in San Juan County by 70.98 percent, which could indicate more island voters on Ranker’s side. “This year, we have a chance to do something wonderful for thousands of Washingtonians,� said Ranker. “This year we have the opportunity to stand up for equality for all.�
In the first phase of a plan to expand and upgrade its reservation program, Washington State Ferries launches a new vehicle reservation system this June for the Port Townsend/ Coupeville and Anacortes/ Sidney, B.C. routes, as well as commercial routes in the San Juan Islands. The reservation system is scheduled to expand in Weekly photo/ Cali Bagby two more phases to the The ferry pulls into the Lopez landing terminal. general San Juan Islands routes in 2014 and the Ferry officials believe Central Puget Sound routes is, how many people, and the institution of a deposit end up making that reservain 2016, pending successful should curb no-shows, who tion,� he said. “We collect implementation and funding pose the greatest problem the deposit online and you approval. for the current reservation pay the remainder when you The new system would system. be an improvement over the show up at the terminal.� “What does change is conAccording to Capacci, antiquated one the ferries venience and predictability who is also the Project use now, officials claim. for our customers. A deposit Director for the Vehicle WSF Deputy Chief of ensures compliance,� said Reservations Program, the Operations and Construction Capacci. “If you have some new online interface is more Capt. George Capacci said the new reservation process user-friendly than the cur- skin in the game, you are rent one and requires the more likely to show up for will be simple and reliable. “You can pick the route, payment of a deposit during your reservation, which increases our predictability tell us how big the vehicle the registration process. The deposit is essentially and [the customer’s] flexa down-payment — a por- ibility and predictability.� This helps commuters tion of the fare paid at the Lopez Community Theater time of the reservation. who need to get to work durinvites you to audition for Upon arrival at a terminal, ing peak time each morning about 30 minutes before avoid being late due to a scheduled sailings, drivers missed ferry. It also aids redeem their reservations travelers who want to avoid Thursday & Friday and pay the balance of their long lines at the terminals fares. The exact price of the and extended periods inside Jan. 26th & 27th, 6:30 pm deposit has not been final- their vehicles. Lopez Library The reservation system ized, but it would likely be Adults / older teens & set at the lowest possible is part of the state’s plan some children’s roles fare at a given time in order to make Washington State Questions? to minimize the chance of Carol Steckler, 468-2138 overcharging, said Capacci. SEE FERRY, PAGE 6
“Wizard of Oz�
Lopez School Presents: K-12 Winter Arts Night Thursday, Jan. 19th @ LCCA Art show - 6pm Concert - 7pm
(Drama; Instrumental Ensemble & HS Bands)
Admission FREE
Growing a Great Business Do you have an idea for a new business or an existing one you’d like to make more successful? Jan. 27-28th James Dunn returns for this lively, interactive workshop. Four Classes: Business Development, Financial, Marketing, and Operations Planning. Take 1 or take them ALL! Preregistration Required. Contact the LIFRC at 468-4117 to sign up, or for more information go to our website at www.lifrc.org Sponsored by, Communities Connect Network, Broadband USA, Harvest Foundation, United Way, and the San Juan Economic Development Council and in collaboration with the Lopez Island Library.