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On this day, March 28, 1942, Japanese-American lawyer Minoru Yasui (1916-1986) violated a military curfew in Portland, Oregon, and demanded to be arrested after he was refused enlistment to fight for the US. He was one of the few Japanese Americans who fought laws that directly targeted Japanese Americans or Japanese immigrants following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 2015 he was among 17 people awarded the presidential Medal of Freedom.

Also on this day March 28, 1939, the front page of the Eugene Register-Guard blared the headline: "Mighty Oregon Scramble Ohio State to Take Hoop Title of All America," right under a declaration that the Spanish War had ended, of course.




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Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner 5pm-9pm
Hood River, OR



Dorchester Conference 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Dorchester Conference 2024 April 26th-28th
Welches, Oregon



Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am
Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving.



Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 12:00 am
Juneteenth
Celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when in the wake of the American Civil War, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.



Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Independence Day
USA



Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla 5pm-9pm
Albany, OR


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OLCC Suspends Licence of Business for Noncompliance of Social Distancing Mandates
The business may continue to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages

On September 30, 2020, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued an Order of Immediate License Suspension to the licensee of “Top of the Bowl” in Douglas County for violating public health social distancing and face covering requirements. During an investigation that spanned two-months, OLCC enforcement staff observed non-compliance activity at Top of the Bowl that resulted in three charges against the business’ operator. The business, which holds a Full On-Premises sales licenses is NOT allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages during the suspension.

The first violation is for not complying with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) statewide mask, face shield, and face covering guidance. The second violation is for violating OHA’s Phase Two Reopening guidance for Restaurants and Bars requiring a six-foot distance between individuals in the bar – employees and patrons. The third violation is for serving food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, after 10 PM, which is outside the hours allowed under OHA’s Phase Two guidance.

OLCC’s investigation began on July 11, 2020, when an OLCC Inspector conducted an inspection of Top of the Bowl. The inspector found the licensee not wearing a face mask while bartending. The inspector provided Verbal Instruction (VI) to the licensee about social distancing, mask requirements and the 10:00 pm closure of licensed premises.

Twice in August, 2020, including one time in company with a Douglas County Sheriff deputy, OLCC enforcement observed the bar operating after 10 PM; staff and patrons were not wearing face coverings or maintaining proper social distancing, and patrons were still consuming alcoholic beverages.

In response to these incidents, OLCC compliance staff met with both the licensee and the bar manager on September 2, 2020 to discuss ways to get the licensee into compliance. OLCC cautioned the licensee that further violations could result in an immediate license suspension.

On September 19, 2020, OLCC compliance staff returned to Top of the Bowl to see if the licensee had implemented corrective actions. Upon entering the premises, inspectors instead observed that staff and patrons were again failing to adhere to the social distancing and facemask requirements.

In response, on September 30, 2020, the OLCC issued the operator of Top of the Bowl an order of immediate suspension for failing to follow OHA’s face covering and reopening guidance for restaurants and bars.

The licensee of record is Top of the Bowl LLC, and Jaimie Hennricks.

The OLCC investigation is continuing and the licensee faces the possibility of additional charges for liquor rule violations. The licensee is entitled to, and has requested, an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. The business may continue to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages on premises or for takeout or delivery, but is NOT allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-08 13:27:06Last Update: 2020-10-08 13:45:30



Measure 109
Legalizing Medical Mushrooms

Editor's note: This is part three of a multi-part series covering the 2020 Oregon General Election ballot measures.

After spending the eye-popping sum of nearly $1.5 million dollars to place this measure on the ballot New Approach PAC will present Measure 109 to the voters. That's over $13 per required signature and one almost can't help but wonder if so much has to be spent per signature, maybe it's not going to be all that popular.

New Approach PAC is a Washington, DC based, super-PAC that has it's sights set on drug legalization on a state-by-state basis. In the wake of Measure 90 in 2014, it's almost as if national drug-legalization efforts have their sights set on Oregon as a semi-willing victim. The basic proposal is to legalize psilocybic mushrooms for medical use. Research has shown that they may have some efficacy for treating PTSD, drug abuse and other disorders.

Despite the dubious record of the cumbersome process for drug approval under the onerous shadow of "big pharma," one wonders if the initiative process is any better of a way to approve medicine. The lesson here might be that if you establish too excessive of a regulatory bureaucracy, one way or the other, we the people will prevail and get our way.

Oregon is proud of the fact that it is the first in many policy areas. Voters may not wish to make Oregon the first state to legalize "magic mushrooms." Other drugs have testing, known potency, accepted dosages and we already have dispensaries called drugstores. Voter approved pharmaceuticals bypass some of the structures we have to reduce problems.

This is the official title for the measure, as provided by the Attorney General, as it will appear on the ballot:

Allows manufacture, delivery, administration of psilocybin at supervised, licensed facilities;
imposes two-year development period

Result of “Yes” Vote: Allows manufacture, delivery, administration of psilocybin (psychoactive mushroom) at supervised, licensed facilities; imposes two-year development period. Creates enforcement/taxation system, advisory board, administration fund.

Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains current law, which prohibits manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin and imposes misdemeanor or felony criminal penalties.

Summary: Currently, federal and state laws prohibit the manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin (psychoactive mushroom). Initiative amends state law to require Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish Oregon Psilocybin Services Program to allow licensed/regulated production, processing, delivery, possession of psilocybin exclusively for administration of “psilocybin services” (defined) by licensed “facilitator” (defined) to “qualified client” (defined). Grants OHA authority to implement, administer, and enforce program. Imposes two-year development period before implementation of program. Establishes fund for program administration and governor-appointed advisory board that must initially include one measure sponsor; members are compensated. Imposes packaging, labeling, and dosage requirements. Requires sales tax for retail psilocybin. Preempts local laws inconsistent with program except “reasonable regulations” (defined). Exempts licensed/regulated activities from criminal penalties. Other provisions.

Major donations to Yes for Psilocybin Therapy
DateDonorAmount
08/19/2020New Approach PAC$300,000
08/14/2020Timothy Kutscha$20,000
08/09/2020Brandon Pollock$1,000
07/29/2020New Leaf Brands$20,000


Major donations to PSI 2020
DateDonorAmount
09/04/2020Yes for Psilocybin Therapy (20657)$45,000
07/17/2020Adam Wiggins$20,000
07/15/2020Adam Wiggins$25,000
07/09/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$40,000
06/30/2020David Menschel$1,000
06/19/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$80,000
06/15/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$65,000
06/09/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$40,000
06/03/2020John Gilmore$9,981
05/22/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$80,000
05/11/2020Sasha Cajkovich$10,000
05/10/2020Ron Beller$9,952
05/10/2020Mark Farr$1,738
04/19/2020Robert Faust$1,000
04/19/2020Jeffrey Zucker$2,500
04/15/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$60,000
04/12/2020Megan Frost$1,000
04/12/2020Timothy Kutscha$2,000
03/24/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$50,000
03/17/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$50,000
03/15/2020Robert Hanson$1,000
03/13/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$50,000
03/06/2020Benjamin Halper$1,000
03/06/2020Kristyn Judkins$2,500
03/06/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$50,000
03/03/2020Adam Wiggins$15,000
02/25/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$50,000
02/07/2020Field Trip Psychedelics Inc$10,000
01/21/2020New Approach PAC - 527 organization$225,000
12/20/2019New Approach PAC - 527 organization$150,000
11/19/2019New Approach PAC - 527 organization$100,000
10/18/2019New Approach PAC - 527 organization$10,000
08/14/2019PSI 2020 (19606)$58,372

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-08 11:42:14Last Update: 2020-10-02 16:01:08



Rose Quarter Improvements Coming
Auxiliary lanes are projects to improve the burdened interchange

With all the transportation infrastructure projects going on all the time, it's good to see one that's specifically dedicated to improving traffic flow, safety and congestion. The Rose Quarter Improvement Project, part of HB 2017 -- the transportation package passed in 2017, promises just that.

According to ODOT's description of the project, the new auxiliary lanes will connect on-ramps directly to the next off-ramp on I-5. As an example, about 99 percent of the vehicles that merge onto I-5 heading south from the Fremont Bridge (I-405) during the evening peak hour period are exiting at the three exits within the Project area – the Broadway, I-84 and Morrison Bridge exits. The addition of an auxiliary lane will allow drivers to make these trips without merging into the two through lanes on I-5 before exiting. This will reduce rear-end and sideswipe crashes, both of which are major causes of delay.

Adding safety shoulders will also help reduce the number of sideswipe and rear-end crashes and reduce delays caused by those crashes. The new shoulders will also provide a place for vehicles in crashes to move safely off the roadway and safer and quicker access for emergency service vehicles to reach emergencies within or beyond the Rose Quarter area.

The project schedule spans about a decade, with about half of that being design, planning and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The Project’s assumed multimodal improvements will provide enhanced separation for pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicles on the local street network. The Project assumes new multiuse paths and a pedestrian-and-bicycle-only bridge across I-5 connecting NE Clackamas Street and the Rose Quarter entertainment area.

The project is going to be pricey. With inflation factored in, the total price tag could come close to $800 million dollars.

Year of DollarsPreliminary Cost Estimate (2017)Base Estimate Range (2025)
TOTAL$450 - $500 million$715 to $795 million
INFLATION$0$130 million to $147 million
RIGHT-OF-WAY$6 million$42 to $52.3 million
UTILITY REIMBURSEMENT$0$7.6 million
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING$64 to $71 million$74.2 to $81 million
CONSTRUCTION$380 to $423 million$461.2 to $507.1 million

Even though much of the project is targeting vehicle traffic, ODOT notes that some of the existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Project area expose users to navigational challenges, such as crossing freeway on- or off-ramps. Changes to the local street system and the addition of highway covers will reduce conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, people riding bicycles, or people rolling in the Project area. Changes to overcrossings will enhance walking and bicycling comfort.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-08 11:10:24Last Update: 2020-10-07 21:24:42



Democratic Legislative Candidate Admits to Class C Felony
Shaw claims to have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota

Today the House Republicans filed a complaint with the Secretary of State and called for an immediate investigation into Lynnette Shaw, Democratic candidate for House District 24 for falsifying her education background in the November 2020 general election voters’ pamphlet statement.

Lynnette Shaw stated in her voters’ pamphlet statement that she received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota. This statement was false, violating ORS 260.715. A representative of Lynnette Shaw’s campaign has already admitted to this serious violation.

“Intentionally misleading voters in your voters’ pamphlet statement is a serious crime. We call for an immediate investigation into this matter,” said Trey Rosser, Executive Director of Evergreen Oregon PAC, campaign arm for the House Republicans. “When the Secretary of State’s office confirms what Lynnette Shaw’s campaign has already admitted, we urge the case be referred to the Attorney General for prosecution.”

Per ORS 260.715, “A person may not knowingly make a false statement, oath or affidavit when a statement, oath or affidavit is required under the election laws. Violations under this statue are a Class C Felony.

"We also call on the Working Families Party and Senator Jeff Merkley to withdraw their support of Lynnette as they did in 2018 when another House Democrat Candidate (Amanda La Bell) fraudulently included a college degree on her Voter Pamphlet Statement”, said Trey Rosser. “As Governor Kate Brown stated at that time, ‘It’s important to me that Oregonians know who they’re voting for and that candidates are honest about their history,’ at which time she pulled her support for La Bell along with the Working Families Party and Senator Merkley."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-07 19:49:12Last Update: 2020-10-07 20:10:24



Multnomah County Encourages Inmates to Vote
Some people are surprised there

Multnomah County is making one final push to provide information and resources to anyone who is eligible to vote — including people formerly or currently involved in the justice system.

In partnership with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Election's voter education and outreach specialist has been working to help individuals currently held in jail for misdemeanors update their voter registrations and even vote from jail.

“We do have voters that are currently in jail that get their ballot through the mail and return it to us and are able to vote,” said Catherine McMullen, voter education and outreach specialist for Multnomah County Elections. “We want all eligible voters to be able to participate in the election process.”

She emphasized the resources and rights that citizens have to vote, including those who are experiencing homelessness and those who have formerly been incarcerated on felony charges, letting them know that they also have the power to vote.

“As soon as you have finished serving your time for a felony, you are eligible to re-register to vote and vote again,” said McMullen.

Through the Election Division’s efforts, she also connected with Eloise Holdship, a corrections counselor with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, who’s launched a voter registration initiative for adults in custody.

This work has been especially significant because, as Holdship found, almost none of the individuals she works with are aware of their voting rights. Holdship says she wasn’t aware of their rights, either — which is why she decided to launch the initiative.

“A lot of folks, once they are arrested and awaiting or serving a sanction, just sort of assume they are a person in custody and don’t have much choice in a lot of things,” she says.

Stephanie LaCarrubba, a programs unit manager at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, has supported the effort. She says it's important to increase voter turnout among incarcerated individuals who can be disproportionately impacted by many issues on the November ballot.

Though the goal of the initiative was to encourage incarcerated individuals to register for the Nov. 3 General Election, Holdship says she doesn’t expect voting rights awareness in Multnomah County jails to stop anytime soon.

“We want to keep it going from here on out,” she says. “Even if it’s in a month when there’s not even a local election, and the adult in custody requests to register, we’d be ready, and we could facilitate all of that.”

Some have questioned if it's a good use of tax dollars to put so much effort into encouraging people to vote who may not be up-to-date on the issues.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-07 16:36:16Last Update: 2020-10-07 16:55:47



Measure 108
More taxes on tobacco and e-cigarettes

Editor's note: This is part two of a multi-part series covering the 2020 Oregon General Election ballot measures.

By far, the most expensive ballot measure this cycle will be Measure 108 which was referred to the voters by the legislature from HB 2270. At $13 million, it has remarkably few large contributors. One doesn't have to try hard to envision the healthcare industrial complex taking on the lowly, blue-collar smokers. Since the proceeds of the tax increase go to fund health care for low-income Oregonians, it can be regarded as taxing the poor to pay for their own health care.

One can wonder about the sustainability of funding health care through increased taxes on nicotine. What do we do when it's no longer cool to smoke and revenue declines? If this is such a good idea, why do we need $13 million from the healthcare-industrial complex against virtually no opposition to pass this? Couldn't we have used that $13 million to pay for -- uh, more health care?

This is the official title for the measure, as provided by the Attorney General, as it will appear on the ballot:

Increases cigarette and cigar taxes. Establishes tax on e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping devices. Funds health programs.

Result of 'Yes' Vote: 'Yes' vote increases cigarette tax by $2 per pack. Increases cap on cigar taxes to $1 per cigar. Establishes tax on nicotine inhalant delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping products. Funds health programs. Approves other provisions.

Result of 'NO' Vote: 'No' vote retains current law. Cigarettes are taxed at current rate of $1.33 per pack. Tax on cigars is capped at 50 cents per cigar. Nicotine inhalant delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping products, remain untaxed.

Summary: Under current law, a tax of $1.33 is imposed on each pack of 20 cigarettes, cigars are taxed at 65 percent of their wholesale price up to a maximum of 50 cents per cigar, and nicotine inhalant delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping products, are not taxed. Measure increases the cigarette tax by $2 per pack and increases the maximum tax on cigars to $1 per cigar. Measure provide for smaller cigars (sold commonly as "cigarillos") to be taxed like cigarettes. Measure establishes tax on nicotine inhalant delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping products, at 65 percent of the wholesale price. Tax on nicotine inhalant delivery systems does not apply to approved tobacco cessation products or to marijuana inhalant delivery systems. Revenue from increased and new taxes will be used to fund health care coverage for low-income families, including mental health services, and to fund public health programs, including prevention and cessation programs, addressing tobacco- and nicotine-related diseases.



Major donations to Yes for a Healthy Future
DateDonorAmount
09/09/2020Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems$500,000
07/13/2020American Lung Association$5,000
06/20/2020Adventist Health System$396,580
02/08/2020PacificSource$150,000
01/15/2020American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.$50,000
01/11/2020Sky Lakes Medical Center$352,460
12/30/2019CareOregon$150,000
12/27/2019Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems$500,000
12/02/2019Grande Ronde Hospital$201,400
11/27/2019Trinity Health$93,648
11/27/2019Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics$857,016
11/25/2019Samaritan Health Services$652,560
11/20/2019Kaiser Permanente - KP Financial Svcs$919,908
11/18/2019Legacy Health System CPC, LLC$1,732,048
11/15/2019Trinity Health$169,204
11/14/2019Nurses United Political Action Committee (12987)$200,000
11/14/2019St. Charles Health System$792,368
11/13/2019Providence Health & Services$3,296,948
11/12/2019PeaceHealth$1,056,540
10/28/2019Asante$904,304



--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-07 11:42:14Last Update: 2020-10-02 16:00:52



Follow the Money
Why we can’t have nice things in education

The Legislative Assembly shall appropriate in each biennium a sum of money sufficient to ensure that the state's system of public education meets quality goals established by law, and publish a report that either demonstrates the appropriation is sufficient, or identifies the reasons for the insufficiency, its extent, and its impact on the ability of the state's system of public education to meet those goals.

--Article VIII, Section 8, Oregon Constitution

State budgeting is a process by which various priorities compete for scarce resources. Public safety is important, as is transportation infrastructure, as is natural resource management, as are social services. And education.

Some priorities are more equal than others. Not every priority has a constitutional mandate that it be funded. Education does. Driven by the most powerful of all public employee unions -- a giant among giants, the Oregon Education Association -- education funding is mandated by the constitution and state law.

It's the ultimate self-licking ice cream cone. The teachers' union donates huge dollars to Democrat candidates and liberal causes. These politician in turn make sure that education is amply funded. Part of this funding finds its way back to the teachers' union and the process starts again for the next cycle.

As required by the Oregon Constitution, the Quality Education Model Report has been released. Many of the points raised by the report could be arguments for vouchers or increased school choice, but that doesn't really work for the teachers' union. Spoiler alert: They need more resources.

Highlights from the executive summary include:

Oregon has an inequitable education system. The result is that specific student groups consistently achieve at lower levels than their peers. The resulting opportunity and achievement gaps have existed for generations, leaving many students less well-prepared than their peers and less than what they deserve.

We must change our system if we expect to get different outcomes. Our current education system is delivering the outcomes it was designed to deliver, so if those outcomes are not the ones we want—and clearly they are not—then we need to change the system to one that delivers outcomes more consistent with our values.

Changing the system will also take more resources. Through the Student Success Act, the Oregon Legislature provided the needed resources by raising more revenue and appropriating more to education, with the clear goals of improving equity. The coronavirus pandemic means that the added revenue will come in slower than initially projected, but the added revenue is still considerable.

Despite lower than expected revenue, the K-12 funding gap will fall. While lower than earlier forecasts, the revenue from the new Corporate Activities Tax is still substantial, reducing the funding gap to a projected $834 million in the 2021-23 biennium. That’s down from a gap of $1.77 billion in the 2019-21 biennium.

Someday, parents and taxpayers will refuse to accept this sustained level of failure. Maybe they get a pass because of COVID or maybe COVID is the straw that breaks the camel's back. As union members, teachers can't be held harmless. The law now allows them to resign from the union and keep their jobs. Below is our own report of some of the possible reasons why public education has failed and will continue to fail.

Major donations from Oregon Education Association - People for Improvement of Education
DateRecipient (PAC Id)Amount
09/29/2020Eileen Kiely for Oregon (19025)$18,935
09/17/2020Friends of Tobias Read (5208)$5,000
09/17/2020Elect Ellen Rosenblum for Attorney General (15406)$5,000
09/09/2020Friends of Dan Rayfield (14046)$5,000
09/09/2020Friends of Lisa Reynolds (20209)$1,000
06/24/2020Friends of Ben Bowman (19763)$1,500
05/15/2020Oregonians for Ballot Access (20633)$3,000
05/14/2020Laurie for Oregon (20178)$25,000
05/08/2020Committee to Elect Shemia Fagan (14993)$15,000
05/04/2020Christina Stephenson for Oregon (18555)$1,000
05/04/2020Oregonians for Ballot Access (20633)$6,500
04/27/2020Friends of Khanh Pham (20376)$2,231
04/24/2020Committee to Elect Shemia Fagan (14993)$45,000
04/20/2020Committee to Elect Paige Kreisman (19452)$1,000
04/17/2020Committee to Elect Shemia Fagan (14993)$32,000
04/17/2020Campos for Oregon (20099)$1,000
04/07/2020No Fake Democrats PAC (20621)$5,000
04/01/2020Democratic Party of Oregon (353)$5,000
03/17/2020Committee to Elect Rachel Prusak (18850)$1,000
03/17/2020Committee to Elect Shemia Fagan (14993)$10,000
03/17/2020Friends of Diego Hernandez (16199)$1,000
03/17/2020Friends of Chris Gorsek (14515)$1,000
03/17/2020Friends of Paul Evans (16508)$1,000
03/17/2020Kathleen Taylor for Oregon (16757)$1,000
03/17/2020Oregonians for Clem (5133)$1,000
03/10/2020Laurie for Oregon (20178)$5,000
10/16/2019Democratic Party of Oregon (353)$1,485
09/11/2019Democratic Party of Oregon (353)$5,000
04/19/2019Friends of Lisa Fragala (19751)$1,000
04/19/2019Friends of Ben Bowman (19763)$1,000
04/19/2019Martina for School Board (19762)$2,000
04/19/2019Friends of Raul Marquez Guerrero (19789)$2,000
04/19/2019Caroline for Schools (19827)$2,500
04/19/2019Shimiko For Schools (19879)$2,500
04/19/2019Friends of Michelle DePass (19811)$2,500

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-06 20:01:57Last Update: 2020-10-06 20:41:48



Portland Leaders Train on Anti-Racism
Are they doing anything about actual violence?

On Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, the Portland City Council and City bureau directors attended trainings on the history of white supremacy and its impact on Portland and the nation. The trainings, administered and developed in collaboration with the Portland-based Western States Center, are the result of a 2019 resolution condemning white supremacist and alt-right hate groups that was unanimously co-sponsored and adopted by the Portland City Council.

The trainings reflect the Core Values Resolution passed by City Council in June 2020. The resolution identified anti-racism, equity, transparency, communication, collaboration and fiscal responsibility as the City’s core values.

“We made a commitment to becoming an anti-racist city,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said. “Our partnership with the experts at the Western States Center will help us understand the white nationalists and improve our response to the very real threats they pose to our community.”

“Given our state’s history of white supremacy and our current national leaders’ efforts to downplay its dangers, it is critical local governments like ours understand the threat and take the steps to protect Portlanders as we continue working together to build a more equitable Portland,” Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said.

In recent months, alt-right and paramilitary organizations have mobilized in opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement and government actions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Portland’s leadership in racial justice reform and community demands for change have made the city a target for right-wing politicians and white supremacist groups, who use Portland as a rhetorical tool for division.

“The alt-right and white nationalist groups go to great lengths to radically intensify division during ANY crisis—creating anxiety, division, and exhaustion. Their goal is the devastation of an inclusive and civil society,” Commissioner Dan Ryan said. “Portlanders will not be fooled. We will come together as one to amplify our inclusive and loving values. We will build forward from the profound lessons of 2020 with shared humility, sacrifice, prosperity and pride.”

“While the federal administration adopts fascist policies like banning Critical Race Theory in federal agencies, white supremacist groups in turn have become even more visible and confident,” Commissioner Chloe Eudaly said. “I am grateful to local experts Western States Center for showing Council how to identify and disrupt white supremacy in our community. I am committed to applying my learnings to eliminate extremist ideologies from our city and our government.”

“I am proud of Portland today. Our city is demonstrating to the nation how to come together and reject hate and violence,” said Eric K. Ward, Executive director of Western States Center. “Western States Center welcomes the opportunity to engage with City leaders and looks forward to continuing the hard work of ensuring our city is safe for all.”

Some observers have noted that for the past few months, nearly all the hate and violence has come from left-wing groups like Black Lives Matter and Antifa and that these sorts of trainings are nothing more than a red-herring smoke screen to provide cover for lack of action against actual violence. A recent gathering of Proud Boys in Portland was peaceful.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-06 18:43:41Last Update: 2020-10-06 19:32:09



The Endorsement Game
If you think these are the comments of a supporter of the Second Amendment, you’d be wrong

Editor's note: The author, Kevin Starrett is the Director of Oregon Firearms Federation.

“It was a pleasure to speak with you this evening after the wonderful presentation at Threat Dynamics. As I briefly mentioned, I'm a candidate for Lake Oswego City Councilor and to my knowledge, mine is the only election advocating for responsible gun ownership. I'm a lifetime NRA member and have held active Utah and Oregon CHLs since before my youngest (who is almost 9 years old) was born.”

“I am disgusted at the Dem. Leadership in Salem, and applauded the Republican walk--outs for issues relating to medical freedom, and other rights that the majority party seeks to take away from good citizens.”

“Based on my feelings before we met, and especially after I've had time to process our conversation (and through the recent immersion into this community), I feel even more camaraderie with gun-toting patriots and hope to earn the endorsement from reputable lovers of 2A (and potentially the OFFPAC, too)!”

“Thanks for the update! Hope you're well=) I might have already mentioned I'm voting all Oregon Republicans this November;)”

If you think these are the comments of a principled conservative and supporter of the Second Amendment, no one could blame you. But you’d be wrong.

These are the comments of Emma Burke, a self-described, union backed, “progressive” running for Lake Oswego City Council.

Most reasonable people would read these comments and feel a sense of relief that a person who identifies with the left would have such open and refreshing views. But, sadly they too, would be wrong.

Because these were the comments made by Burke in emails to me when she was seeking support and the endorsement from the Oregon Firearms Federation.

Burke approached me after a class I teach about Oregon’s gun laws. She explained that she was running for city council and was hoping to reach out to gun owners and asked for Oregon Firearm Federation’s (OFF) support. So, eager to see some representation in a City that is not known for the values OFF stands for, I was happy to meet with her to learn more about her positions. That meeting took place at my gun club on August 3rd. Burke and I spent a few hours together while she explained in detail her positions and why she was actively seeking our endorsement.

Except for her claim to support gun rights, Burke checked every liberal box. Her personal history and preferences are decidedly “non traditional”. She expressed past support for Bernie Sanders because she thought his election would mean someone else would have to pay off her college loans. Her allies clearly leaned left. But she was convincing while claiming strong support for gun rights.

OFF endorsed her and made a donation to her campaign. And that, was pretty much that, until Oct 3rd.

That night Emma left a very lengthy message explaining her dismay at having failed to properly explain to her other supporters why she would associate with an organization like OFF. The left was not happy. And when the left is unhappy, a toll must be extracted. Her other supporters would pull their endorsements if she did not reject ours. Things apparently had blown up on her social media pages.

Emma was sending back the donation our PAC sent her and rejecting our endorsement. She was sorry, because she did “respect” us.

I called Emma back that night and we talked at length. I told her I was not surprised this happened. That was the way of the left. She was free to run her campaign as she chose, but she was still stuck with the fact that she had already printed our endorsement in the voter’s guide.

That’s politics. But not so fast. After concluding our conversation I decided to see exactly what was said on her social media pages. And there, unsanitized, was Burke’s deceitful, but predictable grovelfest to her leftist comrades.

On several of her pages she wrote, (apparently with a straight face)

“Today, I removed an endorsement post and will be returning funds to an organization whose values don't align with mine. I'm very appreciative to those who brought this to my attention. I've learned a valuable lesson through this and vow to vet folks who offer endorsements from now on.”

The replies to her brazen, bald face lies were the fawning, gushing responses of her liberal followers who were in awe of her bravery and conviction. (Although there were a few that wondered how she could make such a terrible mistake.) The sheer absurdity of the idea that OFF had “offered” an endorsement that was not actively sought and requested seem to occur to none of the social justice warriors who responded to her nonsense.

“Lana LaMuse” wrote, “It takes a strong moral code to stay true to self and community in such uncertain times. Your willingness to question and reevaluate is refreshing!”

Lynn Peterson (that Lynn Peterson) said “ Thank you Emma”.

Megan Barella posted “Thank you Emma Leigh Burke for your integrity.”

And on and on. Of course, at no point did Burke ever feel the need to tell the truth. That she had sought out OFF’s support and endorsement. That she had lied to obtain it or that she damn well knew what our “values” were, and that we did not “offer” an endorsement. That it was comical to think that she should be “vetting” OFF when she was the person asking for support from an organization that is over 20 years old and well known for its no compromise positions.

But, this is the state of liberal mind. Lie if you think it will help you. If that fails, and your comrades attack you, lie about lying. And gladly and unapologetically accept the fawning accolades of the people who still buy your lies even when the truth has been exposed.

There is no question that OFF was sold a bill of goods. We clearly made a mistake. Granted, this emailed line from her was pretty convincing:

“As an elected official, I'll have greater influence and audience to help advocate for gun rights than I currently do as a regular citizen, and I believe that platform, combined with my status as a mom, and survivor of a violent sexual assault (which I truly believe would not have occured if I had been armed) will help further the cause.”

But at least when we’ve been had, we admit it.


--Kevin Starrett, Director, Oregon Firearms Federation

Post Date: 2020-10-06 11:28:02Last Update: 2020-10-06 17:47:26



Firearm Sales Spark Waits
When you couldn’t buy toilet paper, you were trying to buy a Glock, weren’t you?

The Oregon State Police, Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) reports a 57% increase as of the end of September over the same period last year. That’s 310,570 people buying firearms this year.

In step with the Governor’s COVID-19 shut down in March, gun sales went from a modest increase to a 78% jump. Staying around that level until the special session in June calling for police restrictions, sales increased to 107%. Oregon Firearms Federation reported 5000 people waiting in the “queue” for a background check. The increases have continued at 49% last month.

In March, FICS began temporarily discontinuing phone transactions and shifted resources toward online submissions to expedite the process. While gun sales are at an all-time high, Oregon’s FICS for background checks is in the worst shape ever as 65% of the employees work from home with no reliable access to the system and no cell phone access to the system. To complicate resources, four background examiners took extended COVID FMLA/OFIA leave March-May, plus two resignations. The remaining 22 background examiners are expected to clear an average of 1,133 per day, a 57% increase from 2019. Of those 94% are approved.

A common reason for delay in approval is a “near hit” on the name, DOB or SSN# typed into the transaction, incorrect information. Or need to update information. These have to be reviewed by the FICS staff even if the applicant does not have a criminal history. There were 91 denied for mental health adjudication. However, the most common reason for denial is from a convicted felon or on probation with other criminal activities making up the rest of the list. Ninety guns were determined to be stolen.

Oregon State Police list their obligations as: While law enforcement is being restricted by the majority party in the legislature, violence escalates, leaving many law-abiding citizens struggling to have the means to defend their homes. At least we don't have background checks for ammo... If you can still find it.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-10-05 23:22:13Last Update: 2020-10-06 02:52:56



Measure 107
Measure 107 would limit free speech in Oregon

Editor's note: This is part one of a multi-part series covering the 2020 Oregon General Election ballot measures.

Ballot measure 107 was referred to the Oregon voters by the 2019 legislature. Senate Joint Resolution was sponsored by Senators Tim Knopp (R-Bend), Mark Hass (D-Portland), Jeff Golden (D-Ashland), Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego), and Representatives Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) and Alyssa Keny-Guyer (D-Portland). The resolution is a response to an Oregon Supreme Court decision which allows the state and inferior jurisdictions to enact campaign finance reforms. Ballot Measure 107 merely updates the Oregon Constitution to reflect that possibility. It does not itself enact any limits.

In the State of Oregon Democrats operate a Super-majority legislature, and much of the agenda for the State is set by them. They would now like to further limit the ability of Grassroots Oregonian's to fund raise.

The Democrats have put forth Measure 107 which "Authorizes the state legislature and local governments to (1) enact laws or ordinances limiting campaign contributions and expenditures; (2) require disclosure of contributions and expenditures; and (3) require that political advertisements identify the people or entities that paid for them."

The referring of this free-speech limiting bill to the November ballot has been largely paid for by in-kind Democrat contributions and Big Union money.

Major donations to Yes for Fair and Honest Elections
DateDonorAmount
09/28/2020North Star Action Center$3,000
09/11/2020Team Oregon Victory Fund (19420)$5,000
09/04/2020End Citizen's United $1,200
08/31/2020Alliance for Democracy Portland$1,200
08/17/2020Oregon AFSCME council 75$5,000
08/16/2020Kafoury & McDougal$2,000
08/07/2020Norman Turrill$1,000
08/07/2020End Citizen's United $14,000
07/27/2020Voters' Right to Know$14,000
06/29/2020Team Oregon Victory Fund (19420)$5,000
06/02/2020Honest Elections Oregon$5,000
06/01/2020David Delk$1,000
05/22/2020Kafoury & McDougal$2,500
04/20/2020AFSCME Council 75$10,000
04/12/2020Thomas Keffer$1,000


The above chart of major donors to the Yes on 107 Campaign, highlights a certain irony. This collection of big donors all are advocating for campaign finance limits. No political action committee has yet been established for the No on 107 effort.

For further irony, one of the biggest defender of not having any campaign finance limits was the American Civil Liberties Union. In a Friend of the Court brief the ACLU declares a change of heart.

"The ACLU of Oregon has a particular interest in this case because in recent years, the organization’s understanding of the relationship between campaign finance regulation and the freedom of expression enshrined in both the U.S. and Oregon Constitutions has evolved. This reckoning started in 2011, in the wake of Citizens United. ACLU National came to recognize the multiple, deleterious effects of excessive money in politics – including its negative impact on communities historically excluded from meaningful political participation – and reconsidered its previous absolute opposition to any regulation of campaign finance."


This is the official title for the measure, as provided by the Attorney General, as it will appear on the ballot:

Amends Constitution: Allows laws limiting political campaign contributions and expenditures, requiring disclosure of political campaign contributions and expenditures, and requiring political campaign advertisements to identify who paid for them

Result of “Yes” Vote: “Yes” vote allows laws, created by the Legislative Assembly, local governments or voters that limit contributions and expenditures made to influence an election. Allows laws that require disclosure of contributions and expenditures made to influence an election. Allows laws that require campaign or election advertisements to identify who paid for them. Campaign contribution limits cannot prevent effective advocacy. Applies to laws enacted or approved on or after January 1, 2016.

Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains current law. Courts currently find the Oregon Constitution does not allow laws limiting campaign expenditures. Laws limiting contributions are allowed if the text of the law does not target expression.

Summary: The Oregon Supreme Court has interpreted the Oregon Constitution to prohibit limits on expenditures made in connection with a political campaign or to influence the outcome of an election. Limits on contributions are allowed if the text of the law does not target expression. The proposed measure amends the Oregon Constitution to allow the Oregon Legislative Assembly, local governments, and the voters by initiative to pass laws that limit contributions and expenditures made in connection with a political campaign and contributions and expenditures made to influence an election. The measure would allow laws that require disclosure of political campaign and election contributions and expenditures. The measure would allow laws that require political campaign and election advertisements to identify who paid for them. Laws limiting campaign contributions cannot prevent effective advocacy. Measure applies to all laws enacted or approved on or after January 1, 2016.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-05 11:42:14Last Update: 2020-10-04 07:51:46



St. Helens Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Mail Theft
Significant mail theft from the Columbia County area

On Tuesday, September 15 at approximately 5:08 p.m., St. Helens officers conducted a traffic stop which led to the discovery of significant mail theft from the Columbia County area.

Jessica Ann Ackerman, 34, was lodged at the Columbia County Jail on charges of mail theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Shanika Leann Rice, 29, was lodged at Columbia County Jail on charges of mail theft and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Further charges are pending.

A large portion of the stolen mail recovered by officers was from the Warren, Oregon area. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation and is in the process of contacting mail theft victims.

The St. Helens Police is regarding this is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information related to this case, you can contact the St. Helens Police Department at 503-397-1521.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-04 20:26:35Last Update: 2020-10-04 22:08:05



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