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On this day, April 19, 2010, Jorge Ortiz-Oliva, the kingpin of one of the biggest drug organizations in Oregon history, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.




Post an Event


Washington County 2024 Primary Candidate Meet & Greet
Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Come meet your candidates running for office here in Oregon such as Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Treasurer as well as Washington County state house and senate legislators and local county commissioners. Food and a no-host bar. Family friendly.
Scotch Church Road Vineyard 30125 NW Scotch Church Rd. Hillsboro, OR 97124



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



Multnomah County Fair
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 9:00 am
Multnomah County Fair
Oaks Amusement Park



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.



Lincoln County Fair
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.thelincolncountyfair.com
July 4-6
Lincoln County Fairgrounds



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



Marion County Fair
Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.marion.or.us/CS/Fair
July 11-14
Oregon State Fair & Expo Center



Jackson County Fair
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 8:00 am
TheExpo.com
July 16-21
Jackson County Fairgrounds - The Expo



Columbia County Fair
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 8:00 am
columbiacountyfairgrounds.com
July 17-21
Columbia County Fairgrounds



Linn County Fair
Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.linncountyfair.com/
July 18-20
Linn County Expo Center



Washington County Fair
Friday, July 19, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.bigfairfun.com/
July 19-28
Washington County Fairgrounds - Westside Commons



Coos County Fair
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.cooscountyfair.com
July 23-27
Coos County Fairgrounds



Curry County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.eventcenteronthebeach.com
July 24-27
Curry County Fairgrounds - Event Center on the Beach



Hood River County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.hoodriverfairgrounds.com
July 24-27
Hood River County Fairgrounds



Jefferson County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.jcfair.fun
July 24-27
Jefferson County Fair Complex



Lane County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.atthefair.com
July 24-28
Lane Events Center



Clatsop County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://clatsopcofair.com/
July 30 - August 3
Clatsop County Fair & Expo



Malheur County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.malheurcountyfair.com
July 30 - August 3
Malheur County Fairgrounds - Desert Sage Event Center



Benton County Fair & Rodeo
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
bceventcentercorvallis.net
July 31 - August 3, 2024
Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds



Deschutes County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://expo.deschutes.org/
July 31 - August 4
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center



Union County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.unioncountyfair.org
July 31 - August 3
Union County Fairgrounds



Yamhill County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.co.yamhill.or.us/fair
July 31 - August 3
Yamhill County Fairgrounds



Klamath County Fair
Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.klamathcountyfair.com/
August 1-4
Klamath County Fair



Wallowa County Fair
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://co.wallowa.or.us/community-services/county-fair/
August 2-10
Wallowa County Fairgrounds



Baker County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.bakerfair.com
August 4-9
Baker County Fairgrounds



Harney County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.harneyfairgrounds.com
August 4-9
Harney County Fairgrounds



Sherman County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.shermancountyfairfun.com
August 19-24
Sherman County Fairgrounds



Crook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.crookcountyfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Crook County Fairgrounds



Douglas County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.douglasfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex



Grant County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.grantcountyoregon.net
August 7-10
Grant County Fairgrounds



Josephine County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.josephinecountyfairgrounds.com/
August 7-11
Josephine County Fairgrounds & Events Center



Polk County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.polk.or.us/fair
August 7-10
Polk County Fairgrounds



Tillamook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.tillamookfair.com
August 7-10
Tillamook County Fairgrounds



Umatilla County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.umatillacountyfair.net
August 7-10
Umatilla County Fairgrounds



Wheeler County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.wheelercountyoregon.com/fair-board
August 7-10
Wheeler County Fairgrounds



Clackamas County Fair
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 8:00 am
clackamascountyfair.com
August 13-17
Clackamas County Event Center



Morrow County Fair
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.morrow.or.us/fair
August 14-17
Morrow County Fairgrounds



Wasco County Fair
Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.wascocountyfair.com
August 15-17
Wasco County Fairgrounds



Gilliam County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
http://www.co.gilliam.or.us/government/fairgrounds
August 29-31
Gilliam County Fairgrounds



Lake County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.lakecountyor.org/government/fair_grounds.php
August 29 - September 1
Lake County Fairgrounds



Oregon State Fair
Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.oregonstateexpo.org
August 31 - September 9
Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center



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


View All Calendar Events


Deschutes County Seeks Budget Committee Member
Here’s your chance to get involved

Deschutes County is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Deschutes County Budget Committee.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 14.

Budget committee members hear directly from department directors, staff and organizations about the county’s programs and services. The committee makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners about how Deschutes County can best use its resources to serve the community.

Residents who have an interest in the programs and budget process of the County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are focused on the bigger picture - understanding the County's programs and services, discussing challenges and opportunities that departments are considering in their budget process and providing input on key budget decisions for the next year.

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“We encourage residents of diverse backgrounds to consider applying to serve on the Budget Committee,” said Nick Lelack, County Administrator. “This is an important position that has a meaningful impact on the County’s programs and service delivery.”

There is one vacancy on the Budget Committee to complete an existing term through Dec. 31, 2022. This position may be reappointed for a full three-year term from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2025.

Committee volunteers typically attend five to seven meetings between December and the end of June, including up to four days of meetings in late May/early June.

Additional meetings may be called if necessary. Members are responsible for reviewing documents on their own time to prepare for sessions, which are held during business hours. Committee members are not paid for their time.

Those interested in serving are invited to submit a complete application that includes a letter of interest and resume, describing their interest in County finances and budget planning and ability to serve collaboratively on a committee.

Deschutes County says they strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. Residents are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not precisely match the position description—the County welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-06 16:22:40Last Update: 2022-02-06 16:39:50



Kate Brown Delivers State of the State Address
Challenging times in Oregon’s history

Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has delivered her State of the State address.

The Governor's speech highlighted what she would like to spend more taxpayer money on, including workforce development and career training, affordable housing, and child care.

"I stand here today at a pivotal moment for Oregon. Since I took office seven years ago, the world has fundamentally changed,” said Governor Brown. “Oregon has undoubtedly faced some of the most challenging times in our state’s history.

"However, even with all we’ve lost, we can see a path forward," Brown continued. "We have an opportunity before us. Our economy is strong, and we must keep it humming. Most importantly, we have to make sure that every Oregonian feels it. In order to make transformational change in our state, we need to lift up the communities that have been left behind."

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She went on, "In my last year as Governor, I view every day, every moment, as one more opportunity to focus on the big and bold work we still have to do for Oregon’s working families. I am dedicated to building a strong workforce for Oregon. I will bolster that workforce by providing access to child care so that parents can go to work knowing their kids are cared for. And I will marshal my colleagues to once again make a significant investment in affordable housing. These three investments work together to ensure every working family can thrive."

Governor Brown's speech highlighted key spending that she wants to make happen, including: The Republicans are saying that the speech ignored the public safety crisis sweeping across Oregon communities.

“Crime is at record levels here in Oregon, but you wouldn’t know that by listening to the Governor’s speech,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “People don’t feel safe and Republicans share their frustration and anger. The lack of urgency Democrats have brought to this crisis is shocking. The Governor’s workforce package won’t do anything for our economy if people don’t feel safe to work or do business here. Oregonians are desperate for real leadership and solutions on public safety.”

“Safer communities should be a priority this session,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “Any proposals from the Governor that misses this crucial element does not fully serve Oregonians. Instead, we’ve seen the Governor commute the sentences of killers, Democrats have proposed legislation to retry potentially thousands of cases of violent criminals, law enforcement budgets are lower than ever, and current law makes it harder for police to stop riots. Oregonians deserve safer neighborhoods. House Republicans demand better.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-03 13:11:46Last Update: 2022-02-03 16:42:08



School Boards May Lose Control
Bill is proposed in the legislature

The Coalition of School Administrators have decided to double down on critical race theory (CRT) and CSE indoctrination.

This has created an uproar in a number of districts. The firing of five superintendents over the past year has not set well with COSA or the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Parents are increasingly making public records requests to get to the core of issues, and COSA says it is an immoral violation on personal privacy, even though all government workers are subject to public records requests.

The Senate Interim Committee on Education, Chaired by Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) have sponsored SB 1521, which has a public hearing this week. The bill limits the ability of the district school board from terminating the superintendent if they are acting in compliance with state and federal law and refuse to follow the board’s policies.

A superintendent’s contract may have a mutually agreed upon clause to terminate without cause, but it can’t include actions if following state and federal law, and is required to give a superintendent a 12-month notice.

The school superintendent is hired by the district school board to carry out what the school board approves: school budgets, approved curriculum, and policies in schools. If a superintendent is not going to be supportive of the board and the district, then they are hindering what the district deems important in their schools.

The board sets policy according to their district and parents’ input. SB 1521 sets state and federal law over local school boards, including executive orders, orders of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, declarations, directives or other state or federal authorization, policy, statement, guidance, rule or regulation.

In other words, local control and parents’ voices aren’t to be considered.

COSA and ODE are pushing this bill to override parents that are flooding board meetings demanding to terminate the CRT and sexual identity agendas.

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They are upset with the firing of the Newberg superintendent for not following the board’s policy stating that only American and Oregon State flags can fly in classrooms.

Recently, Director Colt Gill, ODE, threatened Superintendent Marc Thielman and the Alsea School District to withhold COVID relief funds if they didn’t withdraw their resolution on no mask mandates in their school district.

He may have stirred the pot. There are more than a few school boards looking to follow Alsea’s lead, and as many considering withdrawing from COSA and their radical agenda.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-02-02 15:53:33Last Update: 2022-02-02 23:31:43



Protecting Hospital Workers From Physical Assault
Representative Boshart Davis introduces the legislation

Oregon State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Representative Sheri Schouten (D-Beaverton) are re-introducing legislation to expand stronger employee protections to include hospital workers.

HB 4142 expands the crime of assault in the third degree for someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury to a person working in a hospital while performing their official duties.

This legislation introduces consequences to create a safer environment in hospitals.

Some observers have expressed that the current law is neither strong enough, nor provides justice for hospital workers if they are physically injured.

Hospital workers have been overwhelmed by staffing shortages recently, some due to the mandating of the controversial COVID vaccine.

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These added tensions can result in a physically hostile work environment as they attempt to provide care to patients under increased stress.

“Our overworked hospital workers deserve stronger protection and justice while they put themselves in harm’s way to care for patients,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “Current consequences for assaulting a hospital worker are simply too weak and do not fit the seriousness of the crime. Health care workers should not have to worry about physical danger while taking care of patients. Assaulting a hospital worker trying to save lives should be a serious offense. This is not just about protecting the health care community. This is also about guaranteeing exceptional care and attention for Oregonians in need by making our hospitals a safer place.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-01 17:01:12Last Update: 2022-02-01 17:10:34



Oregon Ignores Public Input
OHA mandates made permanent

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) marches forward with four permanent rules on mandates for masking and vaccinations.

After an overwhelming number of Oregonians voiced opposition, OHA still filed the first rule with the Secretary of State’s office.

This first rule makes permanent what was a temporary rule for masking indoors at K-12 schools and that school staff be fully vaccinated.

The second rule, expected to be filed this week makes permanent requirements that health care workers wear masks and, in most health care settings, be fully vaccinated.

The temporary rules could not be renewed as temporary, giving an excuse to make them permanent.

Why would OHA pursue permanent rule after the Supreme Court blocked Biden’s vaccine mandates for large employers causing Biden administration to withdraw its Covid vaccination and testing requirements?

Does OHA not think our teachers and health care workers deserve the same liberties as corporation employees? The New York State Supreme Court said it’s an unconstitutional overstep to mandate wearing masks.

Is OHA playing a bluff that no one will challenge their authority?

The Covid vaccinations are still under an emergency use authorization and have never been approved. As more and more questionable information is released over the safety of vaccines, more people are questioning that information. England announced they will no longer require masks nor vaccine certifications and are scheduled to drop booster requirements. Some speculate that this is to get the voter base back. If true, why isn’t Governor Brown concerned about her party’s voter base? Are Oregon voters too brainwashed to connect the dots?

One parent, Katrina Cole, speaking out against discriminatory practice between the vaccinated and unvaccinated, says, “they are requiring teachers who do not get the booster shot to quarantine for 10 days, while the boosted teachers only need to quarantine for 5 days. I cannot find any scientific data or studies that support this. The same is true for unvaccinated students.”

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The 'test to stay' policy was removed that was scheduled to start in January. It allowed unvaccinated students who were exposed to a confirmed or speculative case, to 'test out' of quarantine while vaccinated students do not have to test if they are not showing symptoms. However, the policy was cancelled with the current outbreak and the current policy automatically quarantines unvaccinated students who are contact trace to positive cases in the classroom, even if they are not showing any symptoms and test negative.

Cole says, “some of my lowest students have lost many unnecessary days of instruction due to this policy, and I have documentation from the district on all of this information.” It does seem the Oregon is testing the waters on all fronts. Are we ready to join the truckers in Canada and say enough?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-01-30 13:56:06Last Update: 2022-01-30 15:48:02



Obamacare Marketplace Enrollment Up
The federal government extended the open enrollment period

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has announced that during the 2022 open enrollment period, 146,602 Oregonians enrolled in health insurance coverage, representing about 3.4% of all Oregonians.

The federal government extended the open enrollment period for 2022 health coverage from 45 to 76 days (Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022). This extra window of time enabled more Oregonians to enroll in health coverage than either of the past two years (141,089 people in 2021 and 145,264 people in 2020).

In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) has made health insurance purchased through the Marketplace more affordable than ever. Individuals and families will pay less for health insurance thanks to financial help available through OregonHealthCare.gov.

“I am elated to see more Oregonians taking advantage of the tremendous savings available on health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,” says Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “Health coverage is essential to helping Oregonians seek the care they need to stay healthy. We are encouraged to see the benefits the American Rescue Plan Act and extended open enrollment period will have on the ability for people to seek the care they need.”

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People who missed the open enrollment deadline may still have an opportunity to get health coverage through the Marketplace if they experienced a qualifying life event such as moving, involuntarily losing health coverage, having or adopting a child, marriage, a change in citizenship, and being released from incarceration. Enrolled tribal members and Alaska natives can enroll in health coverage at any time throughout the year.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-01-30 13:09:07Last Update: 2022-01-30 14:01:53



Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers
What authorization was used to make the change?

The State of Oregon’s independent advocate to help injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system is changing its name from Ombudsman for Injured Workers to the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers.

The 1987 Legislature created the Office of the Ombudsman for Injured Workers as an independent advocate for injured workers under ORS 656.709.

That statute authorizes the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to terminate the ombudsman, but there is no authorization to change the focus adding workplace safety and health for all workers, nor does it authorize a name change without legislation.

The statute directs the ombudsman to “act as an advocate for injured workers by accepting, investigating, and attempting to resolve complaints concerning matters related to workers’ compensation".

The work proved valuable and the Legislature increased the staff in 1990.

Legislation passed in 2003 clarified the supervision and control of ombudsman services and required that quarterly reports be submitted to the governor.

The office consists of the ombudsman and five staff members. Since 2003, the office has helped from 7,500 to 9,000 injured workers per year.

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It is now the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers. It has expanded its role to help Oregon workers with workplace safety and health issues, and help workers protect their rights under Oregon OSHA’s laws and rules. Are these the same rules the Governor called for with COVID and vaccine mandates?

“We are continuing to serve injured workers in the workers’ compensation system,” said Ombuds for Oregon Workers Jennifer Flood. “We are just expanding to include all Oregon workers.” Since they were working at capacity, will this be another agency in the news for failure to serve and looking to the legislature to bail them out with more staff?

What Oregonians should be asking is what authorization was used to make a change against the laws they operate under.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-01-30 11:07:33Last Update: 2022-01-30 11:26:48



Sweet Cakes Case Continues
$135,000 fine reversed

Aaron and Melissa Klein were forced to close their Sweet Cakes bakery in 2016 after the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) determined they violated Oregon’s 2007 law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation by refusing to make a wedding cake.

The couple was fined $60,000 in noneconomic damages to Laurel Bowman-Cryer and $75,000 to Rachel Bowman-Cryer.

That assessment when against the national trend when other states were assessing fines of $5,000- $15,000.

The Kleins lost in the court of appeals and appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court only to be declined. They then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court with hopes that a recent ruling in a similar case would benefit them. The Supreme Court ruled that the Colorado Commission on Civil Rights did not employ “religious neutrality” and reversed that state’s decision against the bakery owner. Even though it had applications, the Supreme Court sent the Klein case back to the Oregon Court of Appeals for reconsideration.

The court of appeals was charged with applying the Supreme Court ruling to the Klein case.

Justice Lagesen wrote in the case Klein v BOLI, “We reverse and remand the order’s damages award … BOLI’s handling of the damages portion of the case does not reflect the neutrality toward religion required by the free-exercise (of religion) clause. We therefore set aside the damages portion of the order and remand for further proceedings related to remedy.”

Even though the Court of Appeal reversed the $135,000 fine, they stuck to the charge of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Judge Lagesen wrote, “Neither the state constitution nor the federal constitution precludes the enforcement of the statute against Aaron (Klein), even though the enforcement of the statute burdens Aaron’s practice of his faith. In so doing, we conclude that (the 2021 federal decision) does not displace our previous conclusion that it is a genuinely applicable and neutral law.” In so doing they do not provide for the First Amendment as the authority over state laws.

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Counsel Stephanie Taub said, “Oregon is trying to have its cake and eat it, too.” The court admitted that BOLI acted with hostility against the Kleins’ religious beliefs.

It will become apparent in how BOLI handles the penalties against the Kleins for living out their faith. Whatever BOLI imposes, the Kleins intend to appeal to the Oregon and U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of millions of faith-based small business owners.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-01-29 07:26:20Last Update: 2022-01-28 21:44:43



Analysis: The Value of Mobility
Why isn’t fresh thinking finding its way into public transit?

If you could choose only one, would you choose the right to keep and bear arms or the right to mobility? You do need a car more often than a gun. The Second Amendment that protects the Right to Bear Arms is under assault every day by groups seeking to limit the use of guns. The arguments and methods of attacking gun owners rights are an accumulation of the latest crises de jour. Opponents of the Second Amendment don’t appear to support any of the Bill of Rights or even the Constitution itself. It is all lumped into one category of contempt for America and its founding principles.

We hear that the F.B.I. estimates 2.5 million crimes are not committed each year because people are armed. The vast majority of these attempts at crime go unreported hence the word ‘estimate’ used by the F.B.I. Ignoring those statistics and focusing on emotional stories of whoa citizens are constantly encouraged to give up their freedom for perceived security in many ways. The arguments calling for limits to gun ownership are just a fraction of the attacks on freedom.

Another attack on freedom is one that seeks to limit the mobility of citizens. Unlike the attacks on gun ownership this threat is administered in a Fabian method. That means the change comes so slowly the victim doesn’t realize they have been trapped until it is to late to resist. Fabians argue that giving up free mobility is a tradeoff for other benefits. The problem is those benefits are phantom in which operatives sample false arguments. Those that find acceptance in focus groups get test cases. Those that attract sympathetic audiences are repeated, for generations if necessary, to break down resistance.

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80% of Americans live in urban locations. Public Mass transit is essential in only the most densely populated urban centers. Dependency on mass transit is the goal of those who are the equivalent of the gun control advocates seeking to limit the Second Amendment. Promotion of mass transit has required huge subsidies. Over time, most citizens unconsciously accept the necessity of subsidies. The reasoning is that we must care for those unable to move about without public transportation. How many times do you see mass transit sparsely occupied? How many times do you see high utilization? Could the goal of accommodating the less fortunate be served more efficiently?

We saw Uber and Lyft revolutionize cars for hire. Why isn’t fresh thinking finding its way into public transit? Could it be that Fabian methods don’t allow fresh thinking? Those less well-off receive food stamps. In Oregon that amounts to 21% of the population. What if they got transportation vouchers for Uber and Lyft and mass transit was displaced? Has anyone run the numbers on such an idea? How would that change the OVERALL cost of transportation that is paid for by taxpayers?

Literally hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars has been consumed in building an electric car industry and infrastructure. Only 1% of Americans have purchased electric vehicles even though their cost is taxpayer subsidized $7500. To accelerated electric car sales we have seen America abandon its energy independence and in just one year gasoline costs rose 40%. If you can’t subsidize Americans into electric cars maybe you can punish them sufficiently at the pump to bring that change about. Ratepayers have been forced to pay for wind and solar farms and now they are paying to build car charging stations.

The thing about electricity that is different from petroleum is who controls the source. America’s gas and oil industry is still privately owned and privately directed. America’s electric utilities are privately owned but are state regulated monopolies. Government can deny electricity to those it finds out of favor. When a citizen threw a maskless backyard party in L.A. last year Governor Newsome had his electricity cut off. Newsome was just protecting the public from party goers spreading COVID. What a convenient excuse for asserting unchecked power. Good thing that homeowner had a vehicle that ran on petroleum.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2022-01-29 06:27:34Last Update: 2022-01-28 21:09:07



Congressional Candidate Demands Accountability in Education
Angela Plowhead is running for Oregon’s new district

Voters in the Newberg School District decided on January 18 to oppose the attempted recall of two of its board members.

Board Chair Dave Brown and Vice Chair Brian Shannon were targeted for recall by special interest groups that have grown used to getting their way far too often. Some of them even organized phone banks and neighborhood canvasses to try and sway the vote. Hollywood elites also became involved and chipped in financially to help fund the effort.

The voters recognized that outsiders with undue influence were involving themselves in a local matter primarily affecting parents and students and rejected the recall. Brown and Shannon will continue to serve in the positions that these same voters elected to put them in.

"In the weeks before the recall election, I publicly stated my support for those board members. I went to Newberg several times to physically stand alongside those who campaigned against the recall and was the only top Congressional District 6 candidate to do so," Said Dr. Angela Plowhead.

"This election is a good example of how school board races are being politicized in Oregon and nationally," Plowhead explained. "What we’ve seen in Oregon, for years, is the strong political power of the teachers union over state politics. It routinely donates millions of dollars every election cycle to candidates pledging to raise taxes to maintain the status quo of academic failure. The recipients of those donations include at least two Democratic lawmakers who have announced their candidacies for Congressional District 6, who have been more than happy to carry out the union’s wishes throughout their legislative careers."

Nationally, parents are growing increasingly concerned about what their children are being taught in these taxpayer-funded public schools. This has caused many of them to get involved and pay attention to what’s going on at their local school board meetings. Some, like Brown and Shannon, have run for school board positions, gotten elected and worked to bring accountability back to the classroom.

But the same teachers unions are now funding candidates in local school board elections, much as they’ve done so successfully at the state level in Oregon for decades. Although this is undoubtedly a conflict of interest, it is still allowed.

The same people and groups who tried to recall Brown and Shannon were hoping to make examples of them. They wanted to show that if you’re a school board member who doesn’t do what the teachers union wants, you will be forced out of office.

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"Education is always a top issue for candidates and voters every election," Dr. Plowhead continued. "But when some candidates talk about it, what they mean is that they will raise taxes to increase funding for a system that we all know is broken. That’s why I’m taking a different approach with this race. Academic excellence is critical. But what’s becoming increasingly obvious is that funding isn’t the issue—it’s the lack of accountability for the actual results, or lack thereof."

"I’m running on a platform of educational accountability, in which the voices of parents, students and community members are not drowned out or silenced by special interest groups," declared Dr. Plowhead. "What took place in Newberg was indeed a victory, but it’s just the beginning. As a candidate and as your next member of Congress, I will continue to stand with parents and school board members who most certainly should have a say in what students are being taught in schools. We must have true accountability in our education system."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-01-28 12:09:38Last Update: 2022-01-31 14:02:28



Illegal Growers Turn to Other Crimes in Off Season
Oregon’s problem of illegal cannabis

The December Special Session passed Senate Bill 893 and Senate Bill 5561 to provide relief for the humanitarian crisis facing migrant workers caught up in illegal cannabis operations.

It will create financial assistance to local law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to work with a statewide plan to address the problem of illegal cannabis.

Senator Jeff Golden (D-Ashland), who co-carried the bill on the Senate floor with Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend), said, “Illegal cannabis operations in Southern Oregon have been using our limited water supply, abusing local workers, threatening neighbors and negatively impacting businesses run by legal marijuana growers. This is urgent funding we need right now to protect our agriculture industry, a pillar of Oregon’s economy and the Rogue Valley’s quality of life.”

The hope for the bills is that illicit growers would leave the state facing increased enforcement. Although some are reporting a decrease in activity, residences are saying it’s only a pause for the winter.

Last year, the biggest bust was 1000 plants. A recent bust reaped 200,000 plants. The illegal operations are linked to national and international criminal organization.

These growers are coordinated from out of state and run by a mid-level person, mostly connected to Mexico. It isn’t just the Mexican cartels, there is growing evidence of direct ties to Russia, Albania, Guatemala, Costa Rica, France, China and the Mid-East.

The crime ring doesn’t take the winter off from illegally growing. They shift to other illegal activities. Jackson County Commissioner Rick Dyer told the Register-Guard that “the illegal marijuana situation in Jackson, as well as in neighboring Josephine County, has produced a number of negative impacts for the region.

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Some of the issues include human trafficking, narco slavery and forced labor amid deplorable living conditions. Drug traffickers intimidate and abuse workers, some of whom are parents to young children, or are minors themselves.”

This week Eugene police ended a high speed chase by puncturing the tires of their stolen vehicle to rescued a 10-year-old girl abducted from her bike. Eugene and Portland police worked together to rescue six girls in a Portland hotel room, including four from Eugene. Oregon state police are looking for a man that tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl.

Eugene police forced another vehicle through a fence and rescued a 17- year-old girl from a 40-year-old that is reported to have been arrested over 40 times. Another 17-year-old girl was rescued last week in Coos Bay in similar circumstances. Jackson County exposed a commercial prostitution and human trafficking parlor. These are just a tip of what is impacting communities.

Oregon voters legalized recreational drugs under a false pretense that the industry would force cartels out-of-state.

But, the state’s policy welcoming illegals giving them free health care and other benefits may have encouraged these illegal activities and exasperated the enforcement of illegal growers and traffickers.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-01-28 08:03:35Last Update: 2022-01-28 08:26:43



The Upcoming Short Legislative Session
Get ready for more government spending

The proposed schedule for the Oregon Legislative Session is to begin February 1.

It begins what is called a Short session and has a 35 day limit.

It was passed by voters to deal with issues from the Regular session that could or best not wait until the next Regular session, such as budget fixes and technical issues. Voters are now questioning what this session will look like after two special sessions called last year seemed unnecessary.

There are 256 bills introduced of which health issues are the most popular, and that wasn’t on the Governor’s list of priorities.

The timeline proposed is to have a scheduled work session in the chamber of origin no later than February 7 and to have bills out of that chamber by February 14.

The second chamber must schedule a work session by February 18 and consider those bills by February 24.

However, that is not the end-all. This timeline does not apply to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, other joint committees except for the Joint Committee on Transportation, Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, House Committee on Revenue, Senate Committee on Rules, House Committee on Rules, Senate Committee on Conduct and House Committee on Conduct. That involves more than one-fifth of the bills, and it only takes one to destroy our liberties.

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For instance, Election bills are exempt from the timeline. HB 4133, a bill sponsored by Democrat Representative Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) and Senator Akasha Lawrence Spence (D-Portland), allows a person with a Social Security number to register to vote with their signature, and it allows an approved third-party organization to submit registration cards electronically on behalf of individuals. No proof of residency, it’s an alternative to an Oregon driver license or permit, or a state identification card. Oregon’s biggest issue in fraudulent voting is ineligible voters.

This will legalize ineligible voters where, over time, Oregonians will have no say.

Governor Brown wants the legislature to deal with affordable housing, education, public safety, advancing the Private Forest Accord, allocating $100 million package in investments for child care services, a $200 million package to bolster the state’s workforce and $38 million to invest in small businesses, and increase funding to regional economic development organizations.

Those are some major issues to resolve in 35 days when some have been on the table for years.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-01-28 06:47:56Last Update: 2022-01-28 08:08:12



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