Says SF Appeal:
“As we reported yesterday, sources say that sometime in the next few days, Judge Walker is expected to issue a very short ruling on the current hold on same sex marriage (called a ‘stay’) to either say that it should remain in place through the process appealing his decision to overturn Proposition 8 (which could be many months), or to lift it and allow same sex marriages to be performed in California.
“No matter which side ‘wins’ his ruling on the stay, the decision gets immediately appealed to the 9th Circuit court, which is expected to enforce it — that is, prevent any same-sex marriages from being performed until they rule on the Prop 8 supporters’ appeal of Walker’s decision on marriage equality.
“This creates an interesting possibility — if Walker lifts the stay, as many say he will, there could be a 6-48 hour window for marriages until the 9th Circuit court shuts it down (as they’re expected to do).
“Given that this wedding window could be as short as a few hours, that’s where the volunteer part comes in — ‘we’re committed to getting as many people as possible married in the time permitting’ one City Hall source told the Appeal, and by having volunteers to help staff in the Assessor-Recorder’s office and the City Clerk, lines will move more quickly and more marriages will be performed.