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.
An effort in Oregon earlier in 2021 relating to prostitution, would have essentially legalized the practice, if HB 3088 hadn't stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.
Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) was the chief sponsor of the bill which would have repealed the crimes of prostitution, commercial sexual solicitation and promoting prostitution. The measure takes away some of the protections for victims of sex trafficking.
For instance, ORS 167.007 -- part of the law proposed to be repealed -- says that "A person commits the crime of prostitution if the person engages in, or offers or agrees to engage in, sexual conduct or sexual contact in return for a fee." However, also proposed to be repealed is the language protecting victims. "It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant, at the time of the alleged offense, was a victim of the crime of trafficking in persons."
Being called the "Sex Worker Rights Act" On November 16, 2021, the Elections Division received Initiative Petition 2022-042, proposed for the November 8, 2022, General Election.
To qualify for the ballot, Initiative Petition #42 will have to collect 112,020 valid signatures from Oregon voters.
Observers question whether this is perhaps not the best approach to dealing with Oregon's current problem with human trafficking, and it may be seen a continuing radical leftist agenda from the Kate Brown administration and super-majority Democrat party that may not be concerned with accountability if the results turn out to be a disaster.
This weather is expected to bring heavy snow and sustained temperatures below freezing, resulting in critical transportation failures and disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.
"Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared,†said Governor Brown. “I am directing state agencies to work proactively with local emergency management partners to coordinate on communications for emergency services, such as warming centers. Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holidays. Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely. If road conditions worsen, please help our first responders by staying home when possible.â€
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Pursuant to ORS 401.165, Governor Brown determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to severe winter weather across Oregon.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple winter storm watches, warnings, and winter weather advisories throughout the state.
The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate state resources, and to utilize personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the weather emergency.
In addition, the Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission and other state agencies are directed to provide any assistance as requested by OEM that is deemed necessary to assist in the response.
Filling new positions on Deschutes County Circuit Court
Governor Kate Brown has announced that she will appoint two judges to fill new positions on the Deschutes County Circuit Court, created by the Legislature in House Bill 3011 (2021).
Governor Brown will appoint Michelle McIver to the newly created Position 8 and Alycia Herriott to the newly created Position 9. Both appointments are effective immediately.
“I am thrilled to appoint these remarkable women to the bench in Deschutes County,†said Governor Brown. “Michelle McIver and Alycia Herriott are compassionate and skilled lawyers who will be able to pull from their years of experience in the courtroom to ensure that our justice system continues to fairly and equitably serve the people of Deschutes County.â€
Michelle McIver was raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with her bachelor’s degree in 1999. After working with AmeriCorps for two years, she obtained her law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. After law school, McIver performed work for Legal Aid Services of Oregon before becoming a public criminal defense attorney at Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense Services in 2011. She now maintains her own law practice in which she provides public criminal defense legal services to individuals in Deschutes County. McIver has also been involved in the community, including working to bring yoga to Family Drug Court and the Deschutes County Jail.
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Alycia Herriott has been a criminal defense attorney at the Gilroy, Napoli, Short Law Group since 2018 and, before that, was a prosecutor for the Deschutes County and Clackamas County District Attorney’s offices.
She also briefly served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon from 2015 to 2016. Herriott grew up in Klamath Falls, and is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and Willamette University College of Law, where she obtained her law degree in 2008. Herriott worked with programs such as the New Lawyer Mentor Program and the Deschutes County Emerging Adult Program.
If you take to the roads this holiday season be aware that your travels may become treacherous, with freezing temperatures and snow expected in many corners of Oregon.
The Willamette Valley, the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge and Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon all likely will see varying degrees of snow and freezing temperatures over the three-day holiday weekend and into the following week.
Be prepared. Travelers may encounter hazardous winter conditions.
ODOT says their staffing shortages mean they may need a little more time to clear roads, whether it be snow or slides.
This is a continuation of a staffing trend seen since last year. ODOT says they are working hard to fill vacant positions and will shift resources as needed when they see significant snow or other issues on our roads.
ODOT crews are on duty around the clock to keep the roads safe and clear problems as quickly as possible.
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Here are a few holiday travel tips.
Know before you go. Visit the tripcheck website and see road conditions along your route, start to finish
Remember that many tripcheck cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details about road conditions
Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping
Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly
Watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. In wintry conditions, visibility drops
Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead
Be patient, wear your seat belt, pay attention to conditions and keep a sober driver behind the wheel to help ensure a safe arrival for holiday activities
In recent days, snow has forced the closure of U.S. 97 into California and of Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Pass into the Mount Shasta area. Be extra careful whether traveling through the Columbia River Gorge, the Coast Range or the Cascades.
Snow is expected so be prepared, be flexible and be careful.
"When I first ran for mayor in 2018, I was tired of past elected officials saying that solving our growing transportation problems was not possible," said Pulliam. "I knew Sandy wanted a leader who tried to say 'yes' and not 'no' when it came to such basic infrastructure needs."
The study released by the City of Sandy found that, if a bypass is not completed, intersections in Sandy on Highway 26 would exceed mobility targets, even with local street improvements. According to the report, adding the bypass is feasible, much less expensive than previously thought, and would reduce travel times through Sandy both directions.
"Politicians in Portland are spending millions building expensive light rail and other projects that will not solve congestion," continued Pulliam. "Here in Sandy we are talking about building roads, not reducing lanes."
"Sandy needs to take its destiny into its own hands and look out for its future, which is currently headed towards worsening gridlock. Building a bypass will make Sandy an even more attractive destination, not just a passthrough."
"Our city is committed to moving forward and addressing our major traffic congestion needs. We will carefully review the presented data and take action in the near future."
“The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an ongoing statewide emergency.â€
It's almost as if Governor Brown has admitted to the fraud on Oregonians in Executive Order 21-36. She extended her declaration of a state of emergency by authority conferred to her in ORS 401.165 to 401.236, and ORS 401.192 claiming the full force and effect of law with no recourse of any individual rights or privileges against the State.
401-165-188 – emergency declared at requests of a county, and specifies the geographical area, and Governor’s authority within the designated area including removal of disaster debris or wreckage, and providing temporary housing and unemployment for disaster victims. The Governor may issue, amend and enforce rules and orders to manage resources during and after an emergency.
401.192 - All rules and orders issued under authority conferred by ORS 401.165 (Declaration of state of emergency) to 401.236 (Rules) shall have the full force and effect of law both during and after the declaration of a state of emergency. All existing laws, ordinances, rules and orders inconsistent with ORS 401.165 to 401.236 shall be inoperative during the period of time and to the extent such inconsistencies exist.
401.204 - The Governor shall terminate the state of emergency by proclamation when the emergency no longer exists, or when the threat of an emergency has passed, or terminated at any time by joint resolution of the Legislative Assembly.
401.232-236 - Federal financial assistance to political subdivision, or to individuals or families. The Governor is authorized to make rules to carry out the purposes of ORS 401.165 to 401.236.
Also brought forward from Executive Order 20-03 is ORS 401.025(1), which applies “Emergency†to mean a human created or natural event or circumstance that causes or threatens widespread loss of life, injury to person or property, human suffering or financial loss. “Emergency service agency†includes health and medical services.
Governor Brown writes in the order: “In June 2021. the state's pandemic response shifted from acute emergency response to long-term management and recovery. At that time, in Executive Order 21-15, I rescinded executive orders that had imposed COVID- l9 safety measures. Although we knew the pandemic was not over, and recovery would be a longer-term proposition, it was time to begin transitioning from managing the pandemic under emergency powers to managing the pandemic under “ordinary government processes†like legislative action to address the ongoing eviction crisis, and agency rulemaking to address COVID-19-as we would any other established public health challenge.â€
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However, Executive Order 21-15 was issued June 25, 2021, two days before the 2021 legislative session ended without addressing the authority of an ongoing emergency status giving the Governor authority to extend the emergency as an “ordinary government process.â€
Executive Order 21-36 is attempting to justify extending an emergency under unrelated statutes based on 2020 data. It claims that 21-15 was made law transitioning to “ordinary government processes†for managing COVID-19 was tested almost immediately, as the new Delta variant arrived in Oregon. Good thing we had Executive Order 21-15 because breakthrough cases drove hospitals to capacity all while the Governor issued orders to fire healthcare providers that weren’t vaccinated.
Executive Order 21-36 states: “I find that although we have reached the point where the vast majority of pandemic-related business and public health restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 have been transitioned to non-emergency authorities, the needs associated with Oregon’s ongoing efforts to respond to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic constitute an ongoing statewide emergency.â€
It says there is no emergency, controls have been transitioned to non-emergency authorities so they can make rules out of prior emergency orders that are unlawful. Admitting the transition seems like a direct admission of violating ORS 401.204 requiring termination of an emergency. But never mind the law, I (Governor Brown) am still declaring an ongoing emergency because I need more control and I like doing press conferences that keep Oregonians divided.
“As Oregon prepares for what could be our worst surge in hospitalizations during this pandemic, I know that this is not the beginning of the new year any of us had hoped for,†said Governor Brown. “Time and again over the last two years, Oregonians have proven that we will stand with each other in our most difficult times. Your actions have saved lives, and it is because we have worked together to keep each other safe that Oregon still has some of the lowest infection and mortality rates in the nation. Please, do your part again––get vaccinated, get your booster shot, and wear a mask.â€
The emergency declaration continues, with Kate Brown claiming that it is necessary to provide flexibility and resources for the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, including allowing for the use of SERV-OR volunteer medical providers in hospitals, providing flexibility around professional health licensing, and ensuring Oregon can continue to access all available federal disaster relief funds available, such as enhanced SNAP benefits. Executive Order 21-36 will remain in effect until June 30, 2022, unless earlier rescinded or extended.
Most of the Governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19 were rescinded on June 30, 2021.
She then issued vaccine mandates upon news of the Delta variant. She also took other steps, such as activating the Oregon National Guard, and coordinated with the Oregon Health Authority to bring healthcare workers to Oregon after mandating vaccinations for healthcare workers.
Oregon’s requirements in place today regarding masks, vaccinations for K-12 educators and staff, and vaccinations for healthcare workers do not rely on the state of emergency declaration––instead, they are covered by agency administrative rules issued under existing state authority.
“It is a small price to pay for keeping the grassroots healthyâ€
If you're at all politically active, and political organizations have you email address or your mailing address, chances are they are asking you for donations at the end of the year. Most will reference Oregon's political tax credit, which almost sounds too good to be true. Give $50 for an individual or $100 for a joint return and all of that money comes back to you in the form of a credit -- not a deduction, as with charitable contributions -- when you file.
As a tax credit, there is a cost to the taxpayers in tax revenue lost due to people using the credit. The Oregon Department of Revenue, under the direction of Betsy Imholt, estimated that the cost to the taxpayers would be about $6.7 million for the 2019-21 biennium. That means that about 67,000 people claim the credit each year -- a mere fraction of the 1.92 million individual tax returns filed in 2018.
According to one PAC treasurer, the program is worth it. "It keeps individual contributions flowing and that helps offset large interest and corporate donations. It is a small price to pay for keeping the grassroots healthy."
The rights of parents will be on the ballot January 18th
Progressive Yamhill gained enough signature to put Newberg School Board Chair Brian Shannon on a recall ballot. The election will be January 18th. A second recall effort involving school board member Dave Brown will conclude soon. A third recall effort involving County Commissioner Lindsay Berschauer will conclude in about two months.
The yard signs have gone up and canvassing began as both sides dig in for the contest about whether indoctrinating kids into critical theory and sexualizing them belongs in the teaching environment. Parents requests for the list of library books and the curriculum have gone unanswered by school administrators, who apparently don’t want to discuss the matter.
Recently the Newberg School Board fired Superintendent Joe Morelock for failing to follow orders. A temporary superintendent has been hired as the search for a permanent replacement continues. Many teachers are in defiance of school board decisions regarding the classroom environment. American flags have been removed by some who refer to the flag as a symbol of hate.
The Oregon Education Association has made is clear that teachers first amendment rights end when they enter the classroom. By contract they must teach the OEA curriculum in an OEA approved environment. Many parents are frustrated that they are first in line to pay for public education, but last in line when it comes to deciding how their kids will be taught.
This is another example of how out of touch Governor Brown is with Oregonians
Ever since a contentious 2019 session in which Republicans walked out in order to deny the Oregon House a quorum to block the passage of HB 2020 -- a sweeping bill that would have established the Climate Policy Office within Oregon Department of Administrative Services and would have directed the office to adopt Oregon Climate Action Program by rule -- Oregon Governor Kate Brown has been trying to sneak climate change legislation through the back door.
In March 2020, Governor Brown put state government under an anti-carbon regime with an Executive Order, but she lacked the authority to subject the whole state to a climate policy.
Now, the the Environmental Quality Commission -- the body which oversees policy and direction for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality -- is proposing a Climate Protection Program to do rulemaking on climate issues, much as proposed by HB 2020 in 2019.
Governor Brown has a law degree specializing in environmental law.
Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) responded to the new regulations passed by the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission that passes an aggressive version of cap-and-trade from the Governor’s office. She noted that critical public comments point to the lack of cost controls that will drastically raise prices for Oregonians.
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“This executive action is another example of how out of touch Governor Brown is with Oregonians,†said Leader Breese-Iverson. “People want more inclusive and collaborative responses to issues. Instead, the Governor is forcing people to pay higher prices to compensate for global emissions originating outside of our state. This approach is no different than a partisan proposal we saw in the Legislature, ignoring serious concerns to push an expensive and political climate plan on the state. Oregonians would be better served with a balanced approach benefiting everyone.â€
A report from the Department of Environmental Quality acknowledged that this plan could increase fuel prices and the cost of goods while pushing businesses out of state.
The state plan to fight Omicron is boosters and more boosters
In a press conference, Oregon Governor Kate Brown unveiled the state plan to fight the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. The press conference, held in conjunction with Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the State Epidemiologist, Director Patrick Allen of the Oregon Health Authority, Dr. Renee Edwards, Chief Medical Officer at the Oregon Health & Science University, and Dr. Peter Graven, Lead Data Scientist at OHSU’s Business Intelligence Unit.
In her prepared opening remarks, Governor Brown placed the most hope on boosters. "The science and data are clear: vaccinations are the strongest line of defense we have against COVID-19 -- and the preliminary research shows boosters provide a critical layer of protection against the Omicron variant.
"Today I am calling on one million Oregonians to step up and get their booster dose by the end of January. I’ve directed OHA to get the vaccine supply and distribution capacity in place to support this goal. However, we will only reach it if everyone does their part.
She outlined a five point plan to address the Omicron variant which centered on boosters.
Oregon will urge 1 million Oregonians to get boosters by the end of January.
Oregon will prioritize boosters for people who are most vulnerable to becoming hospitalized if they catch the Omicron variant.
Rapidly deliver new COVID-19 treatments and dramatically expand needed testing.
Support health care workers and hospitals in the face of the coming Omicron surge.
Connect more people to boosters, treatments and testing.
For those hoping to keep schools open to in-person learning, Dr. Sidelinger spoke of measures being encouraged at schools, including increasing ventilation, requiring masks, and keeping students apart.
"These measures taken together make schools the least likely place where students or children will get infected. It's more in the community, in the social settings and extra-curricular activities where the risk is higher."
Not addressed by Governor Brown, her panel of state experts or members of the media in virtual attendance was the role that natural immunity may play in keeping a lid on the Omicron variant. According to some experts infection with the Omicron variant -- and its mild symptoms -- may provide better protection than even boosted vaccinations.
The estimated street value of the drug is nearly a quarter-million dollars
The Second Special Session for 2021 just passed legislation to hold the state accountable to the promise made earlier this year: take action against illegal drug cartels in Southern Oregon. Who thinks the drug cartels limit their activities to Southern Oregon?
The Salem Police Department Strategic Investigations Unit made an arrest late Tuesday evening, December 14, 2021, which resulted in the large seizure of narcotics, weapons, ammunition, and cash.
Arrested without incident was Rico Anthony Russell Rigutto, age 25, of Salem. A subsequent service of a federal search warrant at Rigutto’s residence in west Salem resulted in the cumulative seizure of the following:
Fraudulent oxycodone pills, approximately 25,000 tablets
Methamphetamine, 28 pounds
Heroin, six pounds
Firearms, 16, and thousands of rounds of ammunition
Approximately $75,000 in cash
The estimated street value of the heroin, methamphetamine, and pills is nearly a quarter-million dollars, according to investigators. Lieutenant Ben Bales, who supervises the special investigations team, explained the rise in fraudulent pill distribution is of particular concern locally. Said Bales, “The increased presence of these polydrug pills coincides with the cases of overdoses in our community.â€
Additionally, two of the confiscated firearms were modified to be fully automatic which is illegal without a stamp from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Rigutto was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. His apprehension was part of an interagency partnership between the Salem Police Department Criminal Investigations Section, the ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate these high-level crimes in the city. As part of the partnership, an SIU detective is assigned to the FBI Task Force.
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The federal charges mean the District of Oregon US Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Under presumption of innocence, Rigutto made his initial appearance in court during which the USAO succeeded in attaining his detention as a danger to the community and risk of no appearance.
Bales said, “We very much appreciate the partnership we have with our federal counterparts. The collaboration helps us combat serious criminal activity that affects Salem, and really, the entire valley.â€
Now, the the Environmental Quality Commission -- the body which oversees policy and direction for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality -- is proposing a Climate Protection Program to do rulemaking on climate issues, much as proposed by HB 2020 in 2019.
