The U.S. Supreme Court released its ruling in the Grants Pass v. Johnson case, a decision that some say stands as a victory for the rule of law and the well-being of our communities. This decision recognizes the critical need for local governments to manage public spaces effectively, ensuring safety and order for all citizens.

The Court's ruling supports the City of Grants Pass's right to enforce ordinances that prevent public spaces from becoming unsafe and unsanitary. By upholding these regulations, the Court has validated the efforts of municipalities to protect their communities while safeguarding the safety and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, in a recent KGW interview, emphasized the need for legislative action: “Unless the legislature decides to revisit the law that HB 3115 enacted, no one in Portland is going to see sweeping policy changes after the Supreme Court issues its decision.”

HB 3115 (2021) was a reactionary piece of legislation by Democrats in response to a misguided court opinion by the Ninth Circuit. This law has suffocated local jurisdictions' efforts to keep their communities safe. It is essential that the Legislature acts promptly to ensure state laws align with the Supreme Court's decision, allowing for sensible, community-focused solutions that maintain public safety and health without infringing on individual rights.

“Despite the Supreme Court’s common sense ruling, Democrats’ 'Right to Camp' law will continue to hamper local governments' ability to address homelessness effectively,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “The Legislature should immediately provide clarity to our local governments as they work to reduce homelessness in their communities by taking action on HB 3115. This time, cities and counties that are most affected should be at the table, leading the discussions on what is best for their local jurisdictions. We stand ready to pass legislation that balances the interests of all residents – whether they are in a home or seeking shelter, utilizing both compassion and pragmatism to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

It doesn’t seem to matter that our sidewalks and parks are crowded with homeless tents. Democrats passed HB 3115 along partisan lines, and Democrat leaders continue to defend their right to litter our cities. The Supreme Court ruling did not address the housing and homelessness crisis, but limits the state in mandating how communities deal with their homeless.

Senator Kayse Jama (D - Portland), chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee, and Representative Pam Marsh (D - Ashland), chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, statement on how this decision will impact housing policy in Oregon: “Our goal remains making sure every Oregonian has access to safe, affordable housing so no one has to resort to sleeping on the streets. Homelessness will be solved by building more housing, supporting shelters and programs to get people on the path out of homelessness.

Jama continues, "Local jurisdictions have a duty to maintain livability for everyone in their communities – and, there needs to be a reasonable balance between those concerns and the reality that too many Oregonians don’t have anywhere safe to sleep. Today's Supreme Court ruling does nothing to solve the housing and homelessness crisis in Oregon. The legislature remains focused on addressing the root causes of homelessness, increasing the housing supply, and funding programs that help get people on a path out of houselessness.”

The Oregon legislature passed the Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package earlier this year, which made a $376 investment in expanding affordable housing and support for shelters. They enacted policies to distribute the $2 billion housing package passed in 2023. All that investment may have eliminated a few homeless encampments by building pod villages and subsidizing housing for the hundreds of homeless individuals. The pod villages are intended to provide temporary housing for the homeless that would otherwise occupy encampments. However, the placement of the pod villages in family neighborhoods, concerns local residents citing potential safety issues and disruptions to the community.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-29 21:02:06

Last Update: 2024-06-30 13:39:45

Escaping the notice of the local media, Portland has been running about 40 degrees F colder this year than three years ago. Portland reached 116 F on June 28, 2021, smashing the previous record high for any date of 107 F. The reason for the extreme heat was simple. Strong high pressure inland created a strong offshore flow, bringing hot air from Eastern Oregon and Washington into the Willamette Valley. As soon as that weather pattern broke down and cool Pacific Ocean air returned, we cooled way down. It was 116 F at Portland Airport at 5 pm on the 28th, but only 73 F at 11 pm that evening.

Climate alarmism ran rampant during those days. KOIN 6 Chief Meteorologist Natasha Stenbock called the high temperatures, “Portland’s new normal.” Former Oregon State Climatologist Kathie Dello said, “If we don’t do anything about climate change, 2021 will be one of Portland’s coolest summers.” Current Oregon State Climatologist Larry W. O'Neill added, “The fact that it was so strong, that is an indication I think, of climate change contributing to it.”

In contrast, here is what, a principal research scientist for the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Roy Spencer, had to say at the time. “Despite the near-normal global average temperatures, the USA Lower 48 temperature anomaly of +1.44 deg. C was the warmest in the [June] 43 year satellite record, ahead of +1.15 deg. C in 1988. In contrast, the Antarctic region (poleward of 60 S latitude) experienced its 2nd coldest June (-1.25 deg. C below the 30-year baseline), behind -1.34 deg. C in June, 2017.”

For Portland, it was all a matter of the wind speed and direction. When the wind normally blows off the ocean, we are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But when the wind reverses direction, we can get spectacularly different weather.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

By the way, with a high temperature of 118 F, The Dalles, Oregon broke the all-time highest temperature record for Washington State on June 28th, 2021. How is that possible? The Dalles weather station is located across the Columbia River at their small airport in Washington State. Oregon did not break its all-time high of 119 F set on August 10, 1898 in Pendleton. And the hottest ever temperature for the USA is 134 F set in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. These very old records still stand.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-06-28 16:54:37

Last Update: 2024-06-28 19:18:53

NW Natural released a report from Business Wire that a new poll shows that about 3 in 4 voters believe natural gas is essential. In addition, a large majority of voters from counties including Multnomah, Clackamas, Lane, Marion, Washington and Clark are opposed to natural gas bans. The polling was conducted for NW Natural by DHM Research, an independent leading public opinion research firm, showing that 72% of voters oppose banning natural gas for new homes and buildings. The number of voters who share that opinion has increased by 9 percent since the first poll conducted in 2019.

The poll also shows voters are increasingly concerned about power outages, with 81% of respondents saying we need both electricity and natural gas to reliably meet our energy needs.

NW Natural recently released a report that details how important having two systems was during the massive winter storm that impacted the region in January. During the highest energy use hour on Jan. 13, 2024, NW Natural delivered 55% more energy than local electric providers, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, combined.

Over the past five years, public opinion polls in NW Natural’s service territory have shown that voters overwhelmingly reject natural gas bans. It’s a consumer sentiment that has steadily grown as voters’ attention is more focused on what they believe are pressing concerns, such as homelessness.

DHM Research conducted polling from February 7 – March 10, 2024, with voters in NW Natural’s service territory, which includes the Willamette Valley, most of coastal Oregon, Clark County, Washington, and the Columbia Gorge. The service territory results are scientifically valid and have a margin of error of +/- 2.1%.

This polling came in time for NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen's unveiling of a new project that is producing clean hydrogen while capturing solid carbon. Innovative methane pyrolysis technology, which is online at NW Natural’s Central Portland facility, produces clean hydrogen and captures solid carbon in a process called methane pyrolysis, using equipment designed by Modern Hydrogen.

Solid carbon being captured from this process is collected and incorporated into Modern Hydrogen’s proprietary, performance-enhancing asphalt products. These are used in applications such as paving and road repair projects—including a section of asphalt surrounding the equipment installation at NW Natural’s facility.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Hydrogen generated on site is blended with natural gas and delivered via existing energy infrastructure. This three-year pilot project is the latest effort by NW Natural to explore potential hydrogen applications. This includes extensive testing at our Sherwood Operations and Training facility, demonstrating the safety and performance of hydrogen blends ranging from 5 to 20 percent in natural gas systems and equipment.

NW Natural is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on multiple fronts, reimagining the role of the natural gas system and the fuel that they deliver. This includes pursuing a combination of decarbonization measures that include energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsets, and carbon capture. Replacing conventional natural gas over time with alternatives like renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen is central to achieving that vision.

NW Natural CEO David Anderson said, “Today we’re looking to renewable natural gas, clean hydrogen, carbon capture and other ways to decarbonize our system. People are eager for solutions that can be put into action today, and we’re proud to play our part.”

In 2023, the Oregon legislature passed a bill called the "Climate Resilience Package," which prohibits the use of natural gas in new structures, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as new infrastructure projects. This means that new buildings and developments will be required to use alternative energy sources, such as electricity or renewable energy systems. The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the construction industry in Oregon, but will it reduce carbon emissions? By promoting the use of alternative energy sources, there is no debate it will increase the cost of energy for everyone while contributing to energy instability.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-28 05:38:11

Last Update: 2024-06-28 01:11:11

In 2023, Oregon Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) was chief sponsor of House Bill 3409, along with 28 other Democrats, which included 24 directives related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Among them the bill directs the Oregon Environmental Quality (DEQ) Commission to establish a rebate program for purchase or lease of qualifying medium or heavy duty zero-emission vehicles.

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) account for just 5% of vehicles on the road in the United States, yet they are responsible for 21% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). They explored how the conversion of diesel MHDVs would evolve over time to result in a 65% reduction in emissions by 2050. Adding incentives, it can increase to a 70% reduction.

In Oregon, MHDVs are currently responsible for an estimated 9.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually—approximately 42% of all greenhouse gases from the on-road vehicle fleet. This new rebate program will provide critical support for Oregon's transportation fleets to transition to zero emissions technologies and reduce these emissions statewide.

HB 3409 provides $3 million in revenue for the new Zero-Emission MHDV Incentive Fund and authorizes DEQ to establish a program for providing rebates for the purchase or lease of qualifying vehicles for use in Oregon. That’s $3 million of taxpayer dollars for a 5% possible jump on emission reduction in 25 years. There is probably no chance of reaching even 50% as the probability grows that Mount St. Helens will erupt again.

DEQ proposes to complete rulemaking for the rebate program to specify details including application requirements, rebate allocation criteria, other requirements included in the statute, and program elements to alleviate disproportionate air pollution burdens among frontline communities.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

This rule will also incorporate 2024 Legislative changes that were made to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. The changes include creating a new fund for dedicated Charge Ahead funding and removing the ability to stack the Standard and Charge Ahead Rebates. Instead, it creates a new rebate level for Charge Ahead applicants purchasing or leasing a new vehicle.

DEQ will consider comments received by 4 p.m., on July 22, 2024. A public hearing, will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. For viewing details go here. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking. Send comments by email to: MHDZEV.2024@DEQ.oregon.gov. By mail, send to Oregon DEQ, Attn: Gerik Kransky, 700 NE Multnomah St., Room 600, Portland, OR 97232-4100.

DEQ plans to present the final proposal, including any modifications made in response to public comments to the Environmental Quality Commission for a decision at its September 26-27 meeting.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-26 18:41:09

Last Update: 2024-06-26 19:20:00

The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary (OOIDSS) is a 2.5 million-acre protected area in Lake County, Oregon, which is the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world. Located in a remote and sparsely populated area of southeastern Oregon, this sanctuary is a haven for astronomers, photographers, and anyone eager to gaze upon the unspoiled beauty of the cosmos.

The area is known for its breathtaking night sky viewing experiences, with minimal light pollution allowing for unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The 2.5-million-acre sanctuary about one-half the size of New Jersey, and is part of a larger project aiming to encompass 11.4-million-acres of contiguous, protected night sky, making it over twice the size of New Jersey.

Within the OOIDSS are the unincorporated communities of Adel, Plush, and Summer Lake, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a portion of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, nearly 1.7 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Summer Lake Wildlife Area, nearly 80,000 acres of state-owned rangeland, and the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.

The OOIDSS is the certification given by DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization that works to “protect the night” for the benefit of people and wildlife by advancing responsible outdoor lighting. The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001, as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education.

As Oregon rural counties are looking for opportunities to replace the income from the cut in timber sales, the OOIDSS could partially fill-in by increasing tourism. Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon said, “This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism. It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

It’s a high desert area characterized by sage scrub and abrupt changes in topography that alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat, arid valleys and basins. Within this unique geography of geological wonders is priority habitat for an array of wildlife, including American pronghorn, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, white-tailed jack rabbit, and migratory birds navigating the Pacific Flyway. The region is also culturally significant and is home to a 13,000-year-old human occupation site. Dispersed within the OOIDSS are hot springs, wild horses, private rangelands, ranches, and cattle.

The DarkSky Oregon chapter has established a network of continuously recording Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) in Oregon to measure skyglow. Skyglow is literally the measurement of the glowing sky at night, due to both man-made artificial light and natural light. The project’s primary aim is to quantitatively measure, interpret, and share skyglow measurements in Oregon to better understand the current level of light pollution in comparison to other regions and to document any changes over a five-year period. The skyglow data will help to inform action toward healthier and safer communities with less light pollution.

Atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, haze, and air pollution such as wildfires, chemtrails, and CO2 can also limit visibility in night skies. Some controllable and some are natures processing.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2024-06-26 16:29:33

Last Update: 2024-06-26 19:18:20

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released information of an emerging criminal tactic used to further defraud cryptocurrency scam victims.

Using social media or other messaging platforms, fraudsters posing as lawyers representing fictitious law firms may contact scam victims and offer their services, claiming to have the authorization to investigate fund recovery cases. To validate the contact, the “lawyers” claim they are working with, or have received information on, the scam victim’s case from the FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other government agency. In some instances, scam victims have contacted fraudsters on fake websites, which appear legitimate, hoping to recover their funds.

To further the recovery scam, the “lawyers” may:

• Request victims verify their identities by providing personal identifying information or banking information to get their money back;
• Request victims provide a judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster;
• Request victims pay a portion of initial fees up front with balance due when funds are recovered;
• Direct victims to make payments for back taxes and other fees to recover their funds; or
• Reference actual financial institutions and money exchanges, to build credibility and further their schemes.

Between February 2023 and February 2024, cryptocurrency scam victims who were further exploited by fictitious law firms reported losses totaling over $9.9 million, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Tips to Protect Yourself

• Be wary of advertisements for cryptocurrency recovery services. Research the advertised company and beware if the company uses vague language, has a minimal online presence, and makes promises regarding an ability to recover funds.
• If an unknown individual contacts you and claims to be able to recover stolen cryptocurrency, do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send money.
• Law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. If someone claims an affiliation with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office to confirm.

For more information on cryptocurrency investment schemes, see PSA Alert I0100322-PSA: Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

If you believe you have been a victim of a cryptocurrency scheme or other fraudulent scheme, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. It is helpful to include:

• Information regarding how the individual initially contacted you and how they identified themselves. Include identifying information such as name, phone number, address, email address, and username.
• Financial transaction information such as date, type of payment, amount, account numbers involved (to include cryptocurrency address), name and address of the receiving financial institution, and receiving cryptocurrency addresses.

--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2024-06-25 13:08:31

Last Update: 2024-06-25 13:40:27

Republican 4th District Congressional candidate Monique DeSpain has challenged scandal-plagued incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle to six debates, one in each of the major counties in the district with at least three televised and the rest streamed online live or broadcast on the radio, to provide all voters across OR-04 the radical transparency and accountability they deserve when selecting their next Member of Congress.

“I am challenging Congresswoman Val Hoyle to six debates between August and October,” said DeSpain. “Val Hoyle has been the least transparent, least accountable Representative this district has seen in a long time. Whether it is her radical voting record for open borders and skyrocketing inflation or hiding her public records from investigators looking into her unethical actions, it is time Val faces the voters and explains this atrocious record. These debates will give voters a chance to hear and compare Val’s disastrous record of corruption and shilling for DC special interests with my track record of bringing people together to solve tough problems and my bold vision for securing our border and communities, restoring economic prosperity, and holding government accountable - starting with Val Hoyle herself.”

In her first term as our Representative, Val Hoyle has voted against fully funding veterans’ health care and benefits and voted to block pay raises for active-duty military personnel in July 2023. Earlier this year, Val Hoyle went to El Paso, TX, and praised open borders while lecturing her constituents who asked her, “Why don’t you just shut down the border?” explaining that “We need to have movement through the border and how much we need the workforce.” Seven weeks later, Texas National Guard Troops at an El Paso, TX checkpoint were overrun and assaulted by foreign military-aged males forcing their way into our country. These are the people Val wants to allow access to our limited veteran resources. In a slap to law enforcement, Hoyle recently voted against H.R.7343, the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act.

This past February, Willamette Week reported that Federal Investigators have expanded their current investigation into La Mota and ex-Secretary of State Shemia Fagan to include Congresswoman Val Hoyle’s $500,000 grant to La Mota’s non-profit while leading BOLI. A subpoena was issued just five days after Hoyle Challenger Monique DeSpain’s January 24th press conference announcing her letter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Natalie K. Wight, calling on Ms. Wight to expand her investigation to include Hoyle and her activities described as a “demonstrated pattern of corruption.” In early April, a story published by the national news outlet The Daily Beast stated that the U.S. Attorney’s office has confirmed Val Hoyle’s BOLI activities are now under federal investigation and, according to the newly publicized emails, which was featured in local TV coverage on KEZI ABC News in Eugene. A full chronology of the media reports of the Hoyle-La Mota-BOLI scandal can be found at https://whatsvalhiding.com/. At the end of May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents.

“During her time so far in Congress, Career politician Val Hoyle has consistently rubberstamped every catastrophic policy and instance of bad behavior by the Biden Administration at great detriment to the hard-working families and businesses of our district,” added DeSpain. “Voters have had enough, leading her own party bosses to recently list her as one of the incumbents most in jeopardy of defeat in 2024. Now the voters get to deliver the final measure of accountability this November by retiring Val Hoyle and deploying me to Congress.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-06-21 10:06:27

Last Update: 2024-06-21 10:41:40

Self-proclaimed organizer, Antonio Gisbert, moved to Oregon and organized a team to turn Oregon into a socialist utopia. He founded Oregon People’s Rebate and filed initiative petition 17 for the 2024 ballot. IP 17 will rebate about $750 to every Oregonian, every year. This would mean putting about $3,000 in the pockets of a family of four, funded by increasing the minimum tax rate to 3% on gross receipts for big corporations over $25 million of Oregon revenue. This is on sales, and not profit, which means it would tax companies that are not making a profit.

Gisbert initially attempted his idea in 2016 as measure 97, which aimed to increase taxes on certain businesses with annual sales exceeding $25 million. That tax rate was 2.5% of the businesses’ gross receipts, used to fund education, healthcare and senior services. It was defeated by voters 59% to 41%, but it didn’t go unnoticed by the 2019 legislature.

The legislature passed House Bill 3427 adopting the corporate activity tax (CAT), also based on sales at 0.57 percent in excess of $1 million sales. Restaurants and pharmacies, particularly, have closed siting the CAT tax as the reason. Every time Oregon threatens such concepts, Nike and Intel threaten to leave the state until the Governor gives them a special deal.

Gisbert took the failure of measure 97 as a base. He found that everyone agreed that big corporations don’t pay their fair share of taxes, that people don’t feel government would use millions of new dollars effectively, and that voters bought into the argument that businesses would leave the state. Gisbert set out to capitalize on his findings. He argues that there is no reason businesses would raise prices if taxes were increase and directed back to citizens to purchase more. He also argues that businesses will come to Oregon if families have more to spend.

Gisbert claims that giving people money reduces poverty by 15%, but admits that it is an untested number. The inspiration was the Alaska oil dividend that is paid into a fund and interest is paid to residence, which is around $1200 annually. He points out that when Portland gets their rebate, it will become $1.4 billion wealthier and it will have the same effect on smaller communities.

Gisbert says “It is us investing in ourselves… Money in a capitalistic society will help you make all other problems less big.” But, whose money is it really? Redistribution of wealth has failed where this was tried as Universal Basic Income. Universal Basic Income was tried in very progressive nations such as Canada and Finland, it failed, and it was repealed.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Under IP 17, virtually anyone living in Oregon for 200 days can claim the rebate, even a dead person. Some measure features:

• "Eligibility year" means the calendar year in which the individual qualifies for the Oregon Rebate by residing in this state in the aggregate more than 200 days.
• "Rebate year" means the first calendar year following the eligibility year.
• Moneys not distributed as a rebate for the reasons described… shall be used to provide additional funding for services for senior citizens, health care, public early childhood education and public kindergarten through grade 12 education.

Is this measure a continuation of Governor Kotek doling out cash as a pilot program that gives out free $1,000 to homeless young people on a monthly basis? Liberals and the media define handing out money as a measure of success, but handing out doesn't measure results. Oregon needs growth, but handing out benefits to attract growth isn’t the best practice standards Oregonians want. The more free money that is handled out, the more homeless people there will be, forcing taxpayers to fund subsidies.

Initiative Petition 17 and Gisbert are counting on voter desperation and greed to sell their Marxist concept. They have turned in 130,000 signatures to verify 117,173 needed to could qualify for the November ballot.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-20 22:58:23

Last Update: 2024-06-20 23:27:45

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation honoring June 19, 2024 as Juneteenth across Oregon. In 2021, the Oregon legislature passed HB 2168 to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, the same year it became a federal holiday. Governor Kotek joined the Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers, and Just Walk Salem Keizer for their annual Juneteenth In Freedom’s Footsteps Walk.

“On Juneteenth, we remember our history and honor the resilience of the Black community,” Governor Kotek said. “We must continue to work to end racial injustice and ensure equity, inclusion, and opportunity for Black Oregonians. It was wonderful to join Oregon Black Pioneers and the Willamette Heritage Center for their Salem Juneteenth Community History Walk honoring Rev. Daniel Jones, an unwavering leader in Oregon.”

The Rev. Daniel Jones was born in 1830 in Reading, Pennsylvania to a father who had escaped his enslavers in Maryland. As a teenager Rev. Jones became a ‘49er and sought his fortune in California’s gold fields. He eventually made his way to Jacksonville, Oregon, and met and married his wife Anne. The family relocated to Salem, where he somehow found time to run a barbershop, attend Willamette University’s college preparatory school, help found a school, become ordained, and plant a church where he made several Emancipation Day speeches. When he was transferred by the Church to New Jersey and Kentucky, he continued to represent Oregon, becoming its delegate to several national Civil Rights conferences.

The talk in the state capitol would have you believe that Oregon’s racist history is all consuming and there is a continuing injustice. Rev. Daniel Jones is one example of why all Oregonians join to celebrate “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The Juneteenth flag tells the story of freedom. It features a star symbolizing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states, surrounded by a bursting outline inspired by a nova, representing a new beginning for African Americans. That new beginning was June 19, 1865. The flag is raised in celebrations across the country, marking the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom for African Americans.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

"Juneteenth is like a second Fourth of July for Black Americans," said Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. "It's a day for us to remember our enslaved ancestors, and to celebrate the anniversary of when freedom came to Black people nationwide."

The Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers and Just Walk Salem Keizer host an annual community history walking tour every Juneteenth Holiday. The vision for this event, which started in 2023, was to bring people together to walk as a community and follow in the footsteps of local families whose lives were impacted by emancipation. The walks tell family stories by visiting the physical locations in which they lived, worked, worshiped, and commemorated the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Willamette Heritage Center holds historical events throughout the year.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-19 15:06:17

Last Update: 2024-06-19 15:40:04

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the bump stock ban on June 14, 2024, in Garland v. Cargill. In 2017, Trump directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to enact a ban in reaction to the massacre at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Gun rights proponents declared the act an unconstitutional power grab that created thousands of felons out of thin air without legislative support. The use of bump stocks in that horrible crime is highly suspect even after months of investigation.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the opinion for the court, “We hold that a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is not a ‘machinegun’ because it cannot fire more than one shot by a single function of the trigger. And, even if it could, it would not do so ‘automatically.’ ATF therefore exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a Rule that classifies bump stocks as machineguns.”

Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF) reports this as the third major pro-rights victory in two days including the court victory against Biden’s rule to close ‘gun show loophole’ as efforts to entrap any gun owner who transferred a firearm.

OFF praises this victory as common sense. “Given that the dedicated public servants over at ATF have actually determined that a shoelace is a machine gun this is a tremendous victory for sanity, common sense, and the all too rare notion that words actually mean something. Remember, the bump stock ban did not say bump stocks identified as machine guns. It said they were machine guns.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“The firearms community has long argued over the value of bump stocks and some have expressed the opinion that they are pointless gadgets that serve no useful purpose. Some even felt that their prohibition was no big deal,” OFF disagrees. “ While the only real purpose they may serve is turning money into noise, if bureaucrats, even the President of the United States, can arbitrarily change the meaning of words, nothing is safe. It is a short distance between saying sliding plastic parts are machine guns to saying AR-15’s are machine guns. In fact, we have seen this very issue arise with the just overturned ban on stabilizing braces, the reinvention of what defines a ‘firearm’ for the purpose of mandatory registration.”

The ruling on this case is a good indication of where the Supreme Court is at today. Whether it will remain the same for the case against Oregon’s SB 554 passed in 2021, remains to be seen. This law levies fines for failure to report a stolen gun with a serial number – you can be held responsible for any crime committed with guns that have been stolen from you, and your liability when you lawfully transfer a firearm is exponentially higher. In addition, under this law, you need to keep any gun you are not carrying locked up and useless, your rights to allow a minor to use one of your firearms are now extremely restricted and complicated by conflicting language, and you may no longer carry a firearm with a concealed handgun license in the Portland Airport Terminal, in the state capitol building and the grounds of any school that chooses to make its property off limits. There remains ongoing debate over contradicting language within the bill and what proponents said it would do.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-19 11:56:56

Last Update: 2024-06-19 23:34:06

In 2007, the documentary "This is War" captured the harrowing experiences of an Oregon National Guard unit deployed to Iraq, where they faced some of the war's heaviest fighting. As the 20th anniversary of the 2004 deployment approaches, it's a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers and the successes and struggles they've encountered since then.

"This is War" follows the journey of the Oregon National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Grim Reapers," during their deployment to Iraq. The film provides an intimate look at the challenges and dangers these soldiers face as they navigate the complexities of war.

Gary Mortensen, President of Stoller Wine Group and the filmmaker behind "This is War," was inspired to create the documentary after witnessing the experiences of National Guard soldiers who leave behind their families, jobs, and more to serve their country. Mortensen's goal was to shed light on the sacrifices made by these men and women and to honor their bravery in the face of adversity.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In an interview, Mortensen reflected on the film's impact and the journeys of the soldiers it portrayed.

"The 20th anniversary of the deployment depicted in 'This is War' is an important reminder of the resilience and dedication of our National Guard members," he said. "Since the documentary was released, many of these soldiers have experienced both triumphs and challenges."

The documentary captured moments of intense combat, camaraderie, and the soldiers' profound sense of duty. It also highlighted the toll that war takes on individuals and their families and the importance of community support in times of need.

As we mark two decades since the deployment depicted in "This is War," it serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Oregon National Guard and all those who have served their country. It reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to duty in the face of adversity.

Watch the documentary


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2024-06-19 10:57:14

Last Update: 2024-06-19 23:33:20

Governor Tina Kotek established the Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council through Executive Order 23-12 in May 2023 to strengthen the preparation of teachers and school administrators to instruct elementary students on reading and writing.

The council voted to approve recommendations in its final meeting, and released Strengthening Literacy Preparation and Support for Oregon’s Educators. These recommendations revise educator and school administrator preparation program standards for literacy instruction.

“These recommendations are a significant step forward,” Governor Kotek said. “I appreciate that the council has not just layered on new requirements. They have also tried to streamline existing standards and build on the things we’ve had and continue to be important, like dyslexia standards.”

“We must always do what’s in the best interest of our children,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay), who served on the council. “These recommendations represent a way to support teachers and principals to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to do what we’re asking them to do for students. And to make sure that happens well, we also need to set up the right level of resources and support for our educator preparation programs to meet the new expectations the Council has recommended.”

The recommendations were broken into three sections: educator preparation program (EPP) approval standards, implementation recommendations, and educator licensing standards recommendations. The final council recommendations on educator preparation program approval standards include:

• Combining Reading Instruction Standards with Dyslexia Standards into one cohesive standard. This will streamline standards that are focused on teaching reading and writing.
• Creating new Literacy Standards that combine targeted existing standards providing additional detail that aligns with Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework and the models of reading designed to guide the preparation of Kindergarten through 5th Grade teachers and administrators on evidence-based practices for teaching literacy.
• Leverage existing standards as essential and underlying expectations for literacy instruction: Culturally Sustaining Practices to Promote Equity, Social and Emotional Development to Promote Equity, and Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educator.

It may be disappointed to some to know that CRT and “identity” instruction remains in the curriculum regardless of the science on brain development and best practices claims. Research proves that cursive writing is an essential component for cognitive development, including improved brain function, memory, and problem-solving skills. Oregon math levels dramatically dropped after removing cursive from the curriculum. Cursive writing strengthens cross-hemisphere connections in the brain, which are essential for language development, reading, and writing, and activates areas not involved in keyboarding. Still, the council ignores viable studies.

Key takeaways from the implementation recommendations include:

• Phase in the proposed recommendations so that all Oregon EPPs are implementing new standards by the fall of the 2026-27 academic year.
• State support for Oregon EPPs to adapt to the new standards.
• Ensuring that all educators, including experienced teachers and graduates of out-of-state EPPs, are supported and held accountable for meeting high standards for literacy instruction.
• Investing in the implementation infrastructure needed to enable consistent, research-aligned implementation of new standards in educator preparation and in schools.

Key takeaways from the recommendations on educator licensing standards include:

• Preliminary licensure requirements for all newly licensed educators should take effect in 2027.
• Consider funding and capacity needs, develop processes for how all educators can demonstrate competency of standards, and minimize economic barriers to certification.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The council was directed to create recommendations to the Governor and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). TSPC has already begun considering the Council’s recommendations. Was the purpose of the council to improve literacy in K-5, or train teachers to comply?

"I have been honored to serve on this council alongside an outstanding group of individuals with one goal in mind: improving literacy outcomes for all of Oregon's children,” said Ronda Fritz, council co-chair and Associate Professor at Eastern Oregon University. “We were able to move the standards for Oregon's teacher preparation programs to reflect what science tells us about how children learn to read as well as the content and methods that are critical for ensuring proficient readers. I believe these standards will give educator preparation programs a clear roadmap for designing courses and programs that will produce teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to create proficient readers and writers."


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-06-18 12:56:56

Last Update: 2024-06-18 19:20:46