The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
Ashland Independent Film Festival Announces Documentary Showcase
The Ashland Independent Film Festival announced Monday the nonprofit’s six on-screen film lineup as a documentary showcase coming April 14-20 to the Varsity Theatre.
Organizers said local filmmakers were always an integral part of an AIFF festival and the 2023 Documentary Showcase restores this tradition by including six additional short films screened virtually as well as in-person post-films talks with local filmmakers. Each Varsity feature will be paired with a short documentary directed by a local filmmaker.
“Ashland in April has always meant movies and conversations,” said co-producer Lorraine Vail, in a news release issued Monday by the organization. “Now we’re back together and that makes it even more special.”
The theater will host the following films, starting on Friday, April 14:
• “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project,” directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, which will be a Northwest premiere. AIFF will present directors with the AIFF Rogue Award and there will also be a Question & Answer session, moderated by the author and screenwriter Leigh Davenport. The film is described by organizers as “an inventive documentary portrait that encompasses the poet’s blazing personality,” showcasing the filmmaker’s “unwavering confidence, and her commitment to community.” The film was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
• “Joonam,” a young Iranian filmmaker integrates her mother’s and grandmother’s narratives into her own. Directed by Sierra Urich.
• “The Tuba Thieves,” which examines the presence and absence of sound from the perspective of the deaf and hard of hearing. Directed by Alison O’Daniel.
• “Subject,” A documentary about the making of documentaries and the subjects at the center of these stories. Film explores the “life-altering impact of sharing one’s life on screen with the subjects of five renowned documentary films.” Directed by Camilla Hall and Jennifer Tiexiera.
• “I Like It,” a film that features reflections on aging. Directed by Ralph Arlyck.
The closing night film, “Sam Now,” tells the story of a mother’s mysterious disappearance,
filmed over the course of 25 years by Portland Director Reed Harkness. Harkness will participate in a “Talkback” with former AIFF Artistic Director Richard Herskowitz following the Thursday, April 20, screening.
Organizers said that before the COVID-19 pandemic darkened movie screens nationwide, the Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) had steadily moved up the ranks of independent film festivals.
“For five days in April, over 7,000 film lovers gathered in downtown Ashland to watch over 100 documentary, feature, and short films,” according to an AIFF news release.
The Washington Post called it “a dream you’ll never want to leave” and MovieMaker Magazine named it one of the “Top 25 Coolest Festivals in the World.”
AIFF 2023 Documentary Showcase at-a-glance
In-person: April 14-20, Ashland’s Varsity theatre
Virtual: Streaming on KINO NOW’s AIFF Playlist (linked from ashlandfilm.org) April 14-28
Varsity Ticket price: $9.50, $8 seniors, $7.75 students, and other discounts available at the
theater or in advance at Coming Attractions website.
KINO NOW ticket price: $4.99.
Those wishing to volunteer for the festival can reach organizers by email at info@ashlandfilm.org or by phone ay 541-488-3823.
Organizers of the festival this year tagged it as a “mini” festival as it is smaller than past years due to financial constraints stemming from COVID-19.
Reduced financial resources from those three years of mostly virtual screenings precipitated a downsizing of the festival program and a rebuilding of the festival organization, led by AIFF board Chair Kirkaldy Myers.
“This is a big comeback,” Vail told Ashland.news on Monday. “If you compare it to pre-virtual, it looks small. If you compare it more to where they’ve been the last few years, and what had to be done, it doesn’t look that small.”
“I think that we’ll learn a lot this year with all of this, and all the film festivals will learn a lot,” she added. “Some of them are not back, some of the regional ones … are still suspended and so it’s a learning time for regional festivals.”
Vail said organizers don’t have specific expectations for attendance but are hopeful that individuals would continue their support of the festival, and that seats will be filled.
“As a nonprofit cultural organization,” Myers said in the release, “we are grateful for the continued support of our donors and audiences.”
Film trailers and tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Varsity Theatre or on the Coming Attractions website.
“We are reminded that Ashland boasts an energetic community of Oregon filmmakers,” said Local Shorts coordinator and filmmaker Kathy Roselli, in a news release. Roselli produced the trailer for the festival.
In addition to the film screenings at the Varsity, another six feature documentaries recommended by AIFF will be streamed on a special KINO NOW playlist from April 14 through April 28: “Calendar Girls,” “Framing Agnes,” “The Super 8 Years,” “The Olive Trees of Justice,” “Hello,” “Bookstore” and “Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power.”
Organizers shared a special thanks for the passion and persistence of an all-volunteer team of film enthusiasts and supporters, including co-producers Kirkaldy Myers and Lorraine Vail, program consultant Richard Herskowitz, associate programmers Dave Ferguson and Kathy Roselli, AIFF liaison Lisa Greene, and Coming Attractions Theatres.
A link to the six titles can be found at ashlandfilm.org. Kino Now films can be streamed via Roku, Apple TV, FireTV and at Kinonow.com. (SOURCE) MORE INFO: https://www.ashlandfilm.org/Page.asp?NavID=1071
Suspect Identity Sought Following Theft of Large Quantity of Jewelry from Grants Pass Business
Grants Pass Police are seeking assistance with identifying the female suspect captured on surveillance video while stealing a large quantity of jewelry from a business in the 300 block of SE 6th Street on Saturday afternoon.
Anyone with information related to the crime or the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Officer Pruitt at 541-450-6260 and reference case #23-11489. Information may also be shared via Facebook Messenger.
Burglary Suspect Confronted at Gunpoint by Homeowner Early Sunday Morning, Sheriff’s Deputies Track Down and Arrest Man for String of Burglaries, Thefts
JCSO Cases 23-1581, 23-1584, 23-1587, 23-1588 MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies received a call from Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911 Dispatch early Sunday morning after a man attempted to burglarize a rural Medford residence. The man snuck in through the doggy door of the garage before he was confronted at gunpoint by the homeowner. The crime occurred around 5:40 a.m. in the 200 block of Renault Avenue just outside the city limits of Medford. JCSO deputies responded to the scene and the suspect attempted to run. Deputies tracked down and arrested the man around 15 minutes later after a brief search of the area.
The suspect, Michael Caleb Baker, 37, a Medford area transient, left behind a trail of evidence and stolen property during his early Sunday morning crime spree. When contacted by JCSO deputies, he was in possession of stolen items from four nearby properties on Renault Avenue and the 200 block of Oak Grove Road. These items included a $5,000 mountain bike, tent, and coins. Upon thorough investigation, JCSO deputies were able to identify additional victims and locate further evidence of the crime spree.
Baker is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, two counts of second-degree theft, three counts of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, five counts of second-degree criminal trespass, and second-degree criminal mischief. Baker was on parole for second-degree burglary so was also charged with a parole violation. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Subjects Arrested in Connection to Recent Armed Robberies in Douglas County
ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals for their involvement in a series of armed robberies that occurred between February 9th and February 12th, 2023.
The Log Cabin Grocery was robbed on February 9th and then on February 12th, the Winchester Market and the Dillard Market were robbed. The Sheriff’s Office along with the Roseburg Police Department investigated the robberies. During the course of the investigation 33 year old Dillon Oden of Roseburg and 33 year old Aurelio Sandoval of Los Angeles were developed as suspects.
On March 12th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a disturbance in the Green area that involved stolen property and a firearm. During the course of that investigation, deputies arrested Oden and Sandoval on charges related to the disturbance. Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene and subsequently served a search warrant. Detectives identified 29 year old Sabastian Tucker of Myrtle Creek as a third suspect in the robberies.
On March 15th, all three suspects were arrested and charged with multiple charges relating to the armed robberies including First Degree Robbery.
House Passes Bill To Allow Oregonians To Pump Their Own Gas
The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would end Oregon’s reputation as one of just two states that bans self-service pumps in most settings.
Oregon drivers who for decades have been banned from touching gas pumps could soon have the right to fuel their own cars, under a bill the state House overwhelmingly approved Monday.
Only Oregon and New Jersey ban self-service gas, though Oregon in recent years allowed people to pump their own gas in some rural counties and during heat- and COVID-related emergencies declared by the governor. The state now has a patchwork of regulations that bipartisan supporters of House Bill 2426 say their proposal would simplify.
The measure, which passed the House on a 47-10 vote and now heads to the Senate, would allow gas stations to designate up to half of their pumps for self service. In 16 of Oregon’s more heavily populated counties, at least one attendant would need to be present to pump gas for customers who don’t want the self-service option. Customers in 20 rural counties would be able to pump their own gas at any time regardless of whether an attendant is on site.
Gas stations would have to charge the same amount for self-service and full-service gas. A 2022 effort hit a roadblock when the state fire marshal said it would need more than $500,000 to regulate, but the fire marshal and other agencies now report that it would have a “minimal” impact.
Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said the measure would give customers a choice, comparing it to self-checkout lanes at grocery stores. She usually opts to use checkout lanes with a cashier, but if she’s in a hurry and there are lines she’ll use a self-checkout lane.
“Our system regulating the dispensing of gasoline is complicated, and Oregonians are getting more and more familiar with pumping their own gas,” Fahey said.
Fahey and other supporters cited a 2021 survey from DHM Research and the Oregon Values and Belief Center that found that almost two-thirds of Oregonians supported changing the law to allow pumping their own gas.
But Rep. Jami Cate, R-Lebanon and one of the 10 lawmakers who voted against the measure, said she asked her constituents and was convinced to oppose it because many told her they feared a move toward self-service could prevent people from fueling up if they have a disability or don’t feel safe exiting their vehicle at night.
Reps. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas; Paul Evans, D-Monmouth; Pam Marsh, D-Ashland; Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene; Rob Nosse, D-Portland; Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham; Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland; Kim Wallan, R-Medford and Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay, joined Cate in voting against the measure.
Rep. Anna Scharf, R-Dallas, said it was a personal issue – her mother is so opposed to the idea of pumping her own gas that she threatened to stop giving her Christmas presents if she voted for the bill. But her constituents overwhelmingly want the option, she said.
“Mom, if you’re watching, please forgive me,” Scharf said as she voted for the bill. (The Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Oregon lawmakers are pursuing a package of firearm bills aimed at preventing gun violence and curbing the proliferation of untraceable guns.
They say the proposals are needed to stem gun violence and give law enforcement the necessary tools to address the issue.
The Democratic lawmakers have the support of House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, who asked the group to work on the issue, and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who is concerned about the rise of “ghost guns,” which are untraceable.
In 2020, 593 Oregonians died from homicide or suicide by firearms, state data shows. Of those, 110 cases involved homicide, up from 78 in 2019. The proposals follow the narrow passage by voters in November of Measure 114, which would require gun purchasers to go through safety training before obtaining a permit, ban the sale of magazines with more than 10 bullets and close a loophole that allows people to buy firearms without a background check. The law remains stalled in a Harney County court and is set for a trial in September.
The Oregon House is expected to vote today on a bill that would allow self-service gas statewide. Currently, self-serve gas is only allowed in counties with lower populations. Gas station owners say the low unemployment level makes it difficult for them to hire enough people to staff all of their pumps. This bill would require at least one attendant, and some of the pumps would continue to be served. The bill has bipartisan support.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Changed Little in February
In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment declined by 100 jobs in February, following a gain of 9,600 jobs in January. Job losses in February were largest in manufacturing (-1,300 jobs) and financial activities (-1,000). Gains were largest in construction (+1,400 jobs), private educational services (+1,000), and government (+700).
Nondurable goods manufacturing experienced more job cuts than normal in both January and February. The industry employed 57,800 in February, which was close to its February totals of the prior two years. Food manufacturing comprises about half of nondurable goods manufacturing employment and, at 27,800 jobs in February, was close to its February totals of each of the past seven years. Meanwhile, durable goods manufacturing hasn’t gained much ground lately, as it has hovered close to 137,000 jobs during the past eight months. Recent gains in machinery manufacturing have been offset by declines in computer and electronic product manufacturing.
Construction employment rose sharply in February, reaching another record high of 122,700. The industry added 7,500 jobs, or 6.5%, over the past 12 months. Since February 2022, all published components of construction are up between 3.8% and 9.3%. The component that grew the fastest was building equipment contractors, which added 3,000 jobs, or 9.3%, in that time. Both components within construction of buildings grew close to 4%, with residential building construction up 800 jobs, or 3.8%, and nonresidential building construction up 500 jobs, or 4.3%.
Government employment rebounded above to its pre-pandemic high of early 2020, as it rose to 302,100 jobs in February. Local government education rose to 139,100 jobs in February, which was 6,500 jobs above its year-ago figure, and is now nearly back to its February 2020 total of 141,900. Local government, excluding education slowly expanded over the past eight months; it employed 97,700 in February.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in February, little changed from 4.8% in January. Oregon’s unemployment rate averaged 4.8% over the past six months. In February, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.6%, from 3.4% in January.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the February county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, March 28, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March on Wednesday, April 19.
Gresham company recalling frozen strawberry products linked to hepatitis A cases in Washington
Oregon health officials are working with federal partners to determine whether product has caused any illnesses in Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore.— Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham is recalling frozen “Organic Strawberries” sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets, and frozen “Organic Tropical Fruit Blend” sold at Trader Joe’s, due to an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses.
Five outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Washington since March 13. The five cases occurred between November 11 and December 27, 2022, and two individuals required hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
Although no patients with hepatitis A in Oregon have been definitively linked to the consumption of these products, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) officials are monitoring the outbreak in Washington. In addition, OHA is interviewing persons diagnosed with hepatitis A to determine if any have consumed frozen berries.
“Since these products were available in Oregon stores, we want to let people know about them so they can take steps to protect themselves and their families,” said Ann Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., a public health physician in OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “At this point, OHA is carefully investigating any new cases of hepatitis A virus to determine if they are associated with the outbreak, but we have not yet been able to link any Oregon cases to these products.”
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company continue their investigation into what caused the problem. In addition, the company is removing all inventories of the affected lot from sale.
“The company is voluntarily recalling the affected products and cooperating with the FDA,” said Karel Smit, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Program manager. “The purpose of the recall is to remove the products from commerce and prevent the public from consuming potentially affected products.”
Although no hepatitis A virus has been found in the products, consumers should stop eating the product, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or throw it away. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com.
Thomas said, “People who believe they’ve gotten sick from consuming frozen strawberries purchased at Costco or Trader Joe’s should contact a health care provider.”
Since 2014, Oregon has seen an average of 20 cases a year, with 2020 having the highest number at 29. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (frequent watery bowel movements), dark urine, and light-colored bowel movements.
The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have a mild illness that can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can be highly infectious. People with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately, even if symptoms are mild.
For information about the national hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen strawberries, visit the CDC website. General information about hepatitis A is available on OHA’s and CDC’s websites.
Oregon Psilocybin Services issues state’s first licenses
PORTLAND, Ore. –Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued the state’s first psilocybin license as part of the nation’s first regulatory framework for psilocybin services. The manufacturer license was issued to a woman-owned business, Satori Farms PDX LLC, owned by Tori Armbrust. As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, this woman-owned business will bring communities one step closer towards accessing psilocybin services in Oregon.
“We congratulate Tori Armbrust of Satori Farms PDX LLC for being issued the first psilocybin license in Oregon’s history and for representing women leading the way for the emerging psilocybin ecosystem,” says Oregon Psilocybin Services Section Manager Angie Allbee. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive partnership with our regulated community to ensure safe, effective and equitable psilocybin services throughout the state.”
The role of Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) is to license psilocybin facilitators, manufacturers, service centers and laboratories, while ensuring that those licensees and their workers comply with Oregon law. OPS began accepting applications for the four license types on January 2, 2023. OPS expects to issue additional licenses to laboratories, service centers and facilitators in the coming months.
Anyone interested in accessing psilocybin services can find service centers and facilitators once they are licensed on the OPS Licensee Directory website. The directory will contain licensee names and contact details for all licensees that have requested to have their information published. This may also provide opportunities for licensed psilocybin businesses to connect.
Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) has also begun publishing a Weekly Report on Applications for Licenses and Worker Permits. The new weekly report includes information about total number of applications received by type and status. OPS will update the report on a weekly basis.
OPS encourages the public to visit the OPS website for more information and to sign up for updates on the section’s work.
For the latest updates, subscribe to the Oregon Psilocybin Services distribution list at: oregon.gov/psilocybin
Spring Break Brings Popular Wildlife Program and Extended Hours to High Desert Museum
BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum celebrates spring break with special programs and extended hours beginning Saturday, March 25 through Sunday, April 2, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Visitors pay winter rates with summer hours through Friday, March 31. It’s made possible by Oregon College Savings Plan.
The popular indoor flight demonstration Sky Hunters returns to the E.L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors can experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace. The program runs from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 with demonstrations daily at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions. Museum members receive a 20 percent discount.
The Museum is excited to welcome special guests from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife from Thursday, March 30 – Saturday, April 1. Visitors can find them at the Autzen Otter Exhibit sharing information and biofacts about sea otters and Pacific lamprey.
Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The newest original exhibition is Creations of Spirit. Native artists created artwork to be used in Native communities before arriving at the Museum, and the art will be available to Native communities for use once again after the exhibition. It features acclaimed artists Joe Feddersen (Colville), RYAN! Feddersen (Colville), Natalie Kirk (Warm Springs), H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk (Wasco, Warm Springs, Diné), Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Cayuse, Nez Perce), Jefferson Greene (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) and Kelli Palmer (Wasco, Warm Springs). Creations of Spirit is a one-of-a-kind, celebratory experience featuring the stories of living works of art. highdesertmuseum.org/creations-of-spirit
Other temporary exhibitions include the original effort, Under the Snow. The exhibit, offered in English and Spanish, reveals the hidden world beneath the snow, called the subnivium. In this environment, animals create a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter’s frigid temperatures and hide from the predators that lurk above. The exhibit is filled with animations of animals and immerses the visitor in the winter landscape. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-the-snow.
And In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo, will be open through June 25. Through the lens of San Francisco Bay area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, the exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/in-the-arena.
Living history characters in period dress will be present during spring break, as well, from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. They will share how they lived and supported themselves in the High Desert in 1904 and offer visitors opportunities to help with chores and play games. The encounters will take place outdoors at the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill or indoors in the Spirit of the West exhibit. The location is weather-dependent, and visitors are encouraged to check with Admissions upon arrival.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy two daily talks during spring break, the Natural History Walk and Otter Encounter. Other daily programs that usually take place in the pavilion will resume on Sunday, April 2.
More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
