WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Senate to recognize and honor those individuals that have made significant contributions to the well-being of the citizens of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca Gonzalez Torres was a most noble and gracious daughter of the State of Washington, born August 16, 1970, in Pasco to Abel and Belia Gonzalez, graduating from Pasco Senior High School; and
     WHEREAS, While attending Pasco High, Blanca met the man who would be her lifelong husband and partner, Albert Torres, and, while both began from humble beginnings, their partnership would see them recognized by Presidents, elected officials, international entertainment and sports celebrities, and even a few state senators; and
     WHEREAS, Albert and Blanca Torres and Ismael and Gracie Campos cofounded Tu Decides, the Tri-Cities area's first bilingual Hispanic newspaper to serve all generations of Hispanics which now distributes throughout the state; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca and her sister Gracie, again partnered to create another small business, EXPO NorthWest, which holds annual expositions in Bellevue, Pasco, and Yakima to bring consumers and businesses from Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities together for the advantage and betterment of both; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca's slogan, "Abriendo Puertas" / "Opening Doors," was evidence of her desire to serve as an advocate not only for the Hispanic community but also to build bridges among all cultures; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca, so exemplified the servant leadership and the commitment to increased access to education valued by both Northwest University, where she was a member of the Northwest University Foundation Board, and WSU Tri-Cities, where Blanca was asked to cochair the Destination 5000 fundraising committee, that each have established scholarship programs in her name; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca will long be remembered for finding a solution when a problem cropped up, lending calmness when a situation became tense, and bringing laughter whenever it was needed; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca was also a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend, leaving no doubt of what she truly held closest to her heart: Her faith, her family, and her friends – who can be found in all corners of the state; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca's husband, Albert, and children, Isaiah and Ezequiel, shared Blanca with their community as she attended innumerable meetings while also working countless hours at her businesses; and
     WHEREAS, Blanca, after a sudden, brief affliction, passed away on the afternoon of August 6, 2010, a few days shy of her 40th birthday, her husband, friend and partner, Albert, by her side and surrounded by her family and friends;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate together with the people of the State of Washington mourn the untimely passing of la Señora Blanca Gonzalez Torres, a great American; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate convey its most sincere condolences to the family of Blanca Gonzalez Torres, and duly recognize her profound contributions to her community and, indeed, every citizen of the State of Washington and thank them for sharing her during her all-too-brief time among us; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Mr. Albert Torres, Isaiah and Ezequiel, and Señor y Señora Abel Gonzalez.