Wilson hasn’t signed — but don’t panic, Boyle says C1
SUNDAY, 03.29.2015
●
EVERETT, WASHINGTON
●
WWW.HERALDNET.COM
●
$1.50 (HIGHER IN OUTLYING AREAS)
Olympia aims for oil trains Tougher rules for track inspections, community notification, and railroad crew size are among the changes being considered. By Jerry Cornfield Herald writer
OLYMPIA — State lawmakers are trying to reach agreement on tougher rules for the transportation of oil in Washington, including a requirement that rail carriers give local firefighters advance notice of when oil trains are coming. Competing bills in the House and Senate could bring higher taxes for refiners, larger crew sizes on trains for railroads and more inspections of tracks and railroad crossings. Sponsors of the bills are trying to reconcile differences and avoid legislative derailment, but the chasm might be too great in the typically contentious final weeks of the legislative session. “The public wants us to act,” said Rep. Jessyn Farrell, D-Seattle, prime sponsor of the House bill. “Our local officials want us to act. We’ve made some progress. I think both the Senate and the House want to get a bill passed.” Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, author of the Senate bill, expressed the same degree of optimism. “We’ve been listening and working with them,” he said. “We’ll get a bill passed.” A spate of oil train accidents the past two years has fueled state and federal lawmakers’ concerns about the ability of railroads to safely transport the material and the capability of communities to See OIL TRAINS, Page A8
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E3 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . .D4 Dear Abby. . . . . . . . . . . . . .D4 Horoscope . . . . . . . . . . . . .D4 Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9 Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D4
MARK MULLIGAN / THE HERALD
Gia Soriano’s cousins, 11-year-old Gabby (left) and 14-year-old Titan (middle), with Gia’s brother, 11-year-old Anthony Soriano, on a memorial bench Gia’s grandmother, Elaine, had installed in Legion Park in Everett. Gia Soriano was killed in the shooting at Marysville Pilchuck High School last year. The family will celebrate Gia’s birthday at the park on March 31.
Close to Gia
Legion Memorial Park’s newest angel is watched over by her family nearby By Andrea Brown
March 31 at the bench, which sits about 100 feet from Gia’s paternal grandparents’ home bordering the park. EVERETT — This Tuesday would have “When Gia died, I thought right away we been Gia Soriano’s 15th birthday. are going to get a bench,” said grandmother Her name should be on a learner’s permit. Elaine Soriano, who led the project. “I know Instead, it’s on a memorial park how much people enjoy coming for bench. the view. I wanted it to be close to Gia Christine Soriano was among my house, so when I get old I can the four students fatally shot by still get to the bench.” a classmate in the Marysville PilShe ordered the bench from chuck High School cafeteria on Oct. Everett Parks and Recreation 24. She died two days later. Department and paid the $3,500 A bench was recently installed herself. Donations reimbursed her in her honor in Everett’s Legion the cost. Gia Soriano Memorial Park, overlooking Port Many of Gia’s close relatives live Gardner Bay. in Everett, where the family has It’s a place where her family, her strong ties. friends and the community can come to “I drive by here all the time on my way remember the sweet girl with the radiant to work,” said Gia’s father, Bryan Soriano, smile. See BENCH, Page A7 An intimate birthday gathering is planned Herald Writer
Many places in Elaine Soriano’s Everett home hold remembrances of Gia. The park is visible in the background, from her deck.
“I wanted it to be close to my house, so when I get old I can still get to the bench.” Elaine Soriano Gia’s grandmother
Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . .B4 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9
SHARING THE PAIN
SURFING SANS SURF
WRECKING CREW
The difference between ‘the media’ and local journalists. Viewpoints, B7
This new fitness craze embraces the shake. Good Life, D1
They backed up rock’s royalty; now see their story. Entertainment, D5
Splotchy 60/50, C10
SUNDAY
VOL. 115, NO. 46 © 2015 THE DAILY HERALD CO.
6
42963 55555
7
PASSENGER CAR
GREAT BUY!
39
1253671
STARTING AT
99
• AN ECONOMCAL ALL-SEASON CHOICE THAT HELPS PROVIDE A QUIET, STABLE RIDE
P155/80R-13
FREE
MOUNTING • AIRCHECKS ROAD HAZARD FLAT REPAIR • ROTATIONS