INSIDE
Contributed
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Take a look at this year’s wedding special inside this week’s paper.
photo/ Robert S. Harrison
Senior spotlight Library news
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Seedy Saturday
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The
Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 36, NUMBER 10 • March 5, 2013
Judge rules against challenge to charter changes By Steve Wehrly Journal editor
In a clean sweep for supporters of the voterapproved changes to the county charter, all three propositions presented to the people in the November election were upheld in a decision handed down Feb. 26 in San Juan County Superior Court. The ruling means that the election of a new three-member council will proceed as scheduled on April 23, executive authority will be returned to the council, and all council meetings, including subcommittee meetings, will be open to the public.
In a four-page letter detailing his decision on each of the seven causes of action presented by the plaintiffs, Judge John M. Meyer, as Visiting Judge in San Juan County Superior Court, ruled that the charter amendments do not violate either the Washington or the U. S. Constitution, or state law. On the key issue of the disproportionate populations of the three legislative districts, Meyer wrote, “residency districts, as opposed to voting districts, may be unequal in population and size.” On the other key issue of voting rights, he wrote: “Not one of the propositions put before the voters has an impact on the fundamental
right to vote.” Friday Harbor’s Stephanie Johnson O’Day, attorney for the plaintiffs, said she would appeal the decision, probably on an emergency basis to the state Supreme Court, and she would renew her request for a temporary injunction halting the April 23 election. “We always anticipated that one side or the other would appeal,” she said. Although not happy with the result, Johnson O’Day is gratified by Meyer’s comments near the end of his decision that the plaintiffs “raised good and debatable issues” and “people participated for more than merely not liking the political result, but to question
the process.” In his decision, Meyer noted that voters basically reinstated the same type of government they had just eight years earlier by approving the three propositions championed by the Charter Review Commission. “Most interesting to me, though perhaps not particularly relevant, is that the propositions 1, 2 and 3 essentially implement the same system of government that existed before the original (home rule charter) was put into effect in 2005,” he said. To read a more detailed history of this case visit www.islandsweekly.com and click on the news tab.
The myths and truths about dry skin in the winter By Cali Bagby Weekly editor
It’s not life-threatening, but can cause serious discomfort and self-consciousness. Whether you suffer from dry patches on your
elbows or have white flakes dusting your shoulders, dry skin can be irritating. Here’s how showering less, applecider vinegar and a little bit of sun could come to your rescue.
Home & Garden April 2013 Providing a full schedule of activites and events plus, informative feature stories. This special section of The Journal, The Sounder, & The Weekly will be distributed to over 7500 readers throughout San Juan County and also online in our new Green Editions!
Copy & Sales Deadline: Monday, April 8, 2013, 12 pm Publication Dates: Week of April 16, 2013 For more information call Dubi at the Islands’ Weekly 376-4500
YES FOR LOPEZ IT’S OUR SCHOOL
Please come to this informational meeting about the campus-wide school renovation plan which will be on the April ballot!
Meet the team • Architects • Bond consultants • School board • Educators
Questions? Learn more @ www.lopezislandschool.org. Or www.yesforlopez.org
March 14, 6:30 PM Community Center Paid for by YES for Lopez campaign committee
Dr. Frank James, San Juan County Health Officer said “dry skin” is a garbage can word, meaning it’s not an official medical term and could fall under many different categories. Run of the mill dry skin, which is usually genetic, he said, can be treated with emollients in moisturizer or by limiting your skin’s contact with water, which can cause dryness. “People think if you put water on skin it will moisturize it, but water evaporates and skin becomes drier in the long run,” James said. His wife’s hands have a tendency to get dry so she uses simple techniques of washing dishes with gloves and using moisturizers. According to the Mayo Clinic, limiting your bath or shower time to about 15
minutes or less, and using warm, rather than hot water can also help to reduce drying out. Immediately moisturize your skin after a shower with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells. It’s a common assumption that the changing seasons are responsible for dry skin, but James said that is not the case. In the winter there is more humidity outside, according to James, but inside where wood stoves or electric heat blast the moisture content is lowered. Get a humidifier or buy a “steamer” for your wood stove, both add moisture to the air and can help prevent your skin from drying out. A common myth is that drinking water helps your skin stay young looking, Mayo Clinic staff say this
is not true – though drinking lots of water can never hurt. Other common skin issues are eczema, dandruff and psoriasis. Eczema symptoms include patches of dry flaky skin and can be treated with mild steroid creams. Psoriasis causes flaky, dry skin on elbows or knees and sometimes all over the body. It’s not caused by the dark days of winter, but sunshine can help with symptoms. “It’s one that responds positively to sunlight,” said James. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over the counter topical treatments — medications applied to the skin — are usually the first line of defense in treating this skin condition. Dandruff, also known
as seborrhoeic dermatitis, or called cradle crap when found in children, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form. Its caused be an overproduction of the oil gland and sometimes yeast taking up residence. James said there is a difference between dandruff and dry skin on the scalp. James recommends selenium sulfide shampoos, such as Selsun Blue or antifungal treatments for dandruff. Mayo Clinic staff suggest a diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and certain types of fats may help prevent dandruff. According to the famed Dr. Oz Show apple cider vinegar is one homeopathic cure for dandruff or dry scalp to avoid harsh chemicals See Skin, page 6
Lopez School Drama Club ✧
presents ✧
9th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays
Dinner Theatre at the Galley!
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday March 6, 7, 8 Dinner from 5pm; Show at 6:45pm Call the Galley for reservations:
Dinner and Show: $30 Show only: $5 at the door (available 6:30 pm)