The
INSIDE Jet noise continues
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Local author’s shark book
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Election news
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VOLUME 37, NUMBER 19 • MAY 13, 2014
Washington named ‘Most Bicycle-Friendly State’ By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
No one at the Lopez Chamber of Commerce was surprised that Washington was named America’s “Most Bicycle-Friendly State” for
the seventh year in a row by the League of American Bicyclists, especially after sponsoring what proved to be yet another successful Tour de Lopez on Saturday, April 26.
TRAPDOOR SOCIAL West Coast Tour presents on the Islander’s Tiki Stage
Thursday, May 15 8 p.m. Budlight draft $4
Islander
Resort & Marina Family owned since 1997
Akin to annual boat parades opening the summer boating season, the Lopez bike ride opens biking season in the San Juans. The non-competitive Tour around three different courses on Lopez is an annual introduction to Washington’s participation in the 58th annual National Bike Month. Organized for the 11th straight year by Becky Smith, the annual ride welcomed more than 800 riders who contributed more than $11,000 to defray the costs of operating Lopez Village Park. “What a great summer season kick-off,” Smith said.
“As a bike rider I get to see firsthand all that Washington has done to make bicycling part of a sustainable transportation system,” Inslee said. “Bicycling helps make healthy communities, healthy people and a rich quality of life. There’s always more to do, but being named the most bike-friendly state shows we are moving on the right path.” The League of American Bicyclists annually ranks all 50 states on how “bikeable” they are. The League evaluates each state’s cycling success in several categories: legislation and enforcement; policies and
programs; infrastructure and funding; education and encouragement; and evaluation and planning. “Being an avid bicyclist, I’ve had an opportunity to explore Washington’s urban and rural roadways this past year,” Washington Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson said. “We’ll continue to work with our local partners to identify and fund bicycle needs in their areas, especially on highways that also function as main streets in our communities.” For more about the League of American Bicyclists, go to bikeleague. org.
No marijuana retail on Lopez By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
Lopez come hear what the kids have to say
“Everybody had a great time and we’re all looking forward to the 12th Annual Tour next year.” After another successful island ride introduced Washington Bike Month so appropriately, the Lopez Chamber’s Lia Noreen said, “We think Lopez and the San Juan Islands are a big reason the state’s been honored seven years in a row, and we’re happy it came just a few days after our successful event.” Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the May Bike Month proclamation and lauded the benefits of biking and the bike-friendly award.
If you’re looking to buy a bag of legal pot on Lopez
Lopez Center
Island, don’t hold your breath. Both applicants for marijuana retail store licenses on Lopez failed to provide qual-
Live in Concert
Thursday, May 22nd, 7:30 pm
Purchase tickets at PSR, Lopez Book Shop, lopezcenter.org $12/adult, $5/youth
ifying applications to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, charged by Initiative 502 to implement and regulate marijuana legalization in the state. Those on Lopez will have to travel off-island to score legal weed, at least until the WSLCB reopens the window to apply for a Marijuana Retailer license later this summer. But Lopezians won’t have to travel far. Potential retailers were approved for Orcas and San Juan Island, one for each. Only one of two applicants for a retail pot shop on Orcas Island, apparently to be named “Token Herb,” survived the initial application screen. The application for Token Herb listed 837A Crescent Beach Road in
Eastsound as its potential store location. Two applications were originally filed for Orcas, but only Token Herb survived the first cut, thus obviating the need for a lottery drawing. A lottery was required for San Juan Island, however, where 13 applicants vied for one retail marijuana store. Lawrence Enterprises of San Juan Island won that lottery. Assuming that further financial and criminal background checks are satisfactory, a retail store for sale of marijuana, pot products and paraphernalia could be opened in Friday Harbor as early as July, according to Mikhail Carpenter of the Liquor Control Board in Olympia. James Lawrence, ownerSEE RETAIL, PAGE 3
Scholarship Opportunity A $1,000 scholarship is available to a former Lopez High School graduate who is currently a first, second or third year university or college student. For an application contact Jeanna Carter, 468-2202, ext. 2214, Lopez School, 86 School Road, Lopez Island, WA 98261 application deadline June 1st