Rogue Valley News, Friday 4/5 – Activists Protest in Trees After Filing Lawsuit to Block Old Growth Logging on Southern Oregon BLM Land & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Friday,  April 5, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

Activists Protest in Trees After Filing Lawsuit to Block Old Growth Logging on Southern Oregon BLM Land

A coalition of conservation groups and activists have blocked a logging site and filed a legal complaint over another area with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management

A coalition of environmental groups and regional activists are attempting to stop the U.S. Bureau of Land Management from allowing old growth trees to be logged in southern Oregon by waging a complaint in court and sitting in trees slated to be cut. On Monday, activists from the environmental group Pacific Northwest Forest Defense climbed high into several Douglas fir trees in a 10,000-acre forested area near Grants Pass. The bureau calls it the “Poor Windy” project and has sold more than 2,200 acres in it to six companies to log. Activists say some of the trees due to be harvested are up to 400 years old. The protest comes a week after Oregon Wild in Portland and Eugene, Ashland-based Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Eugene-based Cascadia Wildlands filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Medford against the federal bureau for allowing “heavy commercial logging” in another southern Oregon area, Rogue Gold, that has old growth trees and acreage designated as a Late Successional Reserve. The designation is meant to protect old growth trees from being logged and to allow mature trees to become old growth stands. The area is also home to threatened and endangered species, the complaint said. Sarah Bennett, a spokesperson for the bureau in Oregon and Washington, said it is rare for officials to allow the sale of acreage with old growth trees and that environmental assessments have shown both contested harvest areas are low-risk for habitat destruction. “We are committed to protecting trees above the age and diameter limits established,” she said in an email. “Generally, those that are greater than 36 inches in diameter and established prior to 1850.” George Sexton, conservation director of Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, said the bureau is being dishonest. “BLM is saying we don’t log old growth trees. Well, they (protestors) are sitting in old-growth trees that the BLM wants to log,” he said. Sexton said allowing old growth trees to be cut is contrary to the Biden administration’s recent executive order to end old-growth logging on public lands by 2025. “The BLM should be implementing Biden’s executive order to protect old growth forests, and if the BLM wants to log those trees, the very least they should do is stop lying about it.” Most of the land designated as reserves — The federal land bureau’s forests in southwest Oregon are part of a 2.4 million-acre patchwork of federally owned forests across 18 Oregon counties that are governed by the Oregon and California Railroad Act of 1937. That act mandated that the bureau manage the lands for permanent timber production at sustainable levels. Bennett said 80% of those acres are considered reserve acres, and 20% are open for logging sales. But Sexton said the “reserve” designation doesn’t necessarily prohibit logging. “In the Medford district, they log the Late Successional Reserves just as heavily as they log in the harvest areas,” he said. Today annual harvests from the Oregon and California Railroad lands are, on average, about 60% smaller than those in the 1930s, according to bureau data, and this year reduced the volume of timber for sale by 25% across its Oregon and California Railroad Act lands. Bennett said the agency has begun to prioritize protecting more old growth trees following the Biden order. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management oversee about 278,000 square miles of forests across the country – an area about the size of Texas and Vermont combined. A recent inventory from the two agencies found that about 45% of those forests are considered “mature” and about 18% are considered “old growth.” Most old growth and mature forests that are left in the U.S. are in Western states such as Idaho, California, Montana and Oregon. (SOURCE)  

Overnight Rescue of a Group With 10 Children On Rogue River Trail

A group of 10 children and four adults got lost while hiking the Rogue River Trail in Curry County on Thursday, prompting an overnight rescue. The sheriff’s office received an SOS signal that the group was somewhere near Tucker Flats and the Rogue River Ranch just before 8 p.m. The signal had come from a Coos Bay man’s subscription to the Garmin GPS app. “Dispatch was able to gather information that the group were all wet and cold due to the inclement weather and that some of the boys had blisters on their feet and not able to continue,” officials said Deputies got into contact with a man who had been with the group but left early with one of the boys who wasn’t feeling well, but discovered the rescue would have to wait until morning. The next day, a rescue team deployed a boat to travel up the river to Gleason Bar, which was about four and a half miles from the Rogue River Ranch. The team found them and brought them back in two trips. The status of the group is unclear, though no injuries were reported.  

BLM releases new draft plan for managing Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

Draft Monument plan protects region’s exceptional biodiversity, responds to fire risk MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today released a draft update to the management plan for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Monument, which sits at the intersection of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southwest Oregon and Northern California, is the first U.S. national monument set aside primarily for the preservation of biodiversity. Originally established by Presidential Proclamation in 2000, Cascade-Siskiyou was expanded in 2017. The Monument is managed under BLM’s National Conservation Lands. The BLM’s draft plan will allow the BLM to consolidate management of the Monument, currently addressed under three separate management plans, providing consistency for the BLM and the public. The draft plan updates Bureau management for the entire Monument to protect important biological, historic, and public resources, including objects of scientific interest, while addressing important resource issues, such as fire and fuels, wildlife, livestock grazing, and recreation. The draft also proposes to designate two areas of critical environmental concern within the Monument, covering roughly 354 acres. “We appreciate how unique and important this landscape is, not just for Oregon, but for the entire United States,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We look forward to hearing from the public about how we might better manage this landscape. Your input is essential as we work to refine this updated and expanded management plan.” A Notice of Availability for the draft resource management plan update publishes in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 90-day public comment period for the draft plan and associated draft environmental impact statement. BLM will host one virtual and three in-person public meetings on the proposed plan. Members of the public will have an opportunity to meet with specialists to learn more about the draft plan and provide substantive comments. More information regarding the public meetings will be posted to the events section of BLM’s website when available. Interested parties may also submit written comments to BLM through the following methods: Online via the “participate now” feature at the BLM National NEPA Register. By mail to BLM Medford District Office, ATTN: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Planning, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504. The comment period closes on July 5, 2024, or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. For more information or questions, contact the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument RMP Team at 458-246-8861 or blm_csnm_rmp@blm.gov. -BLM- The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.  

Medford Man Indicted in Federal Court for Illegally Selling Explosives

MEDFORD, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment today charging a local man with illegally possessing and selling explosives. Wesley Allen Armstrong, Jr., 56, a Medford resident, has been charged with distributing explosives by a non-licensee, possessing with intent to distribute and distributing fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, in March 2024, detectives from the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE) notified special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) of Armstrong’s alleged possession of and desire to sell explosives. On March 27, 2024, Armstrong was arrested after selling eight cast explosives, seven non-electric shock tube detonators, and a small quantity of fentanyl. Investigators executed a search warrant on Armstrong’s vehicle and located and seized a loaded pistol and an additional quantity of fentanyl. On March 28, 2024, Armstrong was charged by federal criminal complaint with dealing explosives without a license, possessing stolen explosives, possessing explosives as a convicted felon, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; made his first appearance in federal court; and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. He will be arraigned on today’s indictment at a later date. This case was investigated by ATF and MADGE. It is being prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. MADGE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, the Jackson County Community Corrections, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including MADGE. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Red Cross and Jackson County Fire District 3 to Install 300 Free Smoke Alarms During Sound the Alarm Event in White City

   

Efforts to Locate Glide Teacher Rachel Merchant-Ly Continue

𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐘𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊, 𝐎𝐫𝐞. – Search and Rescue efforts continue in the search for Rachel Merchant-Ly, a Glide Elementary kindergarten teacher whose vehicle was found crashed in the North Umpqua River. Merchant-Ly was reported missing on Thursday, February 29th when she didn’t arrive at school. A Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy located signs of a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E. On Friday, March 1, 2024, Merchant-Ly’s vehicle was recovered from the North Umpqua River, but she was not found inside. Since that time, nearly 300 hours volunteer hours of searching has taken place. Douglas County Search and Rescue has been using various methods of searching to include drone, ground and K9. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol has conducted water searches as well. Volunteers have searched along the riverbank from the crash site to Idleyld Park Trading Post; approximately 21 miles. “We all want to find Mrs. Merchant-Ly and return her to her family,” Sheriff John Hanlin said. “Our deputies are in constant communication with her family and providing them with updates as to our efforts. We will continue searching and using all means necessary to accomplish our mission,” Hanlin added. In addition to the efforts of DCSO and Search and Rescue volunteers, several community members have been actively looking for Merchant-Ly. “We are aware of rafting guides and groups of rafters who have been launching all in an attempt to assist in finding her. We have also been contacting community members who are walking along the North Umpqua Trail and the highway,” Hanlin said. “As always this community steps forward to care for each other.” As the weather turns more springlike, the Sheriff’s Office encourages those recreating around the area to be aware Merchant-Ly is still missing and to report anything which may assist in concluding this missing person case.

Options for Education —  Education Expo

WHEN: April 13, 2024 (rescheduled because of weather from March 2) WHERE: Oregon Futbol Academy building @ 144 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR Options for Education promotes school choice options for southern Oregon families through a variety of free services: Education Expo, Educational Entrepreneur Events for networking and training, referrals and individual support. Approximately half of vendors at in this year’s Education Expo offer full course loads while the remaining are supplemental program: individual classes and workshops, tutoring, internships, clubs, art, music, athletics, field trips, or curriculum. Some organizations, like Options for Education and the newly established Rogue Valley Independent Educators, PTA, serve the education community at large. “Every child deserves to learn in an environment where their values are respected,” said Shannon, “The goal of this event is that every parent find the right fit for their child OR is inspired to start their own!” Photo opportunities: 3:20pm before, during and 6:30 after the event. Options for Education was founded in 2019 by Brettani Shannon and established as a 5013(C) non-profit in 2022. www.OptionsforEducations.com 541.660.4054  

David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active

The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation encourages consumers to check with their insurance carriers about lowering premiums if credit improves

Oregon agency fines State Farm $200K, urges consumers to check with insurers about rerate that can lower premiums The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued a $200,000 fine against State Farm after the company failed to send notices over the past six years informing its insureds of their ability to request an annual credit check, which could affect their premiums. Half of the total fine will be suspended and waived after three years if State Farm complies with all terms of the final order. This case serves as an important reminder that Oregon law allows consumers to request an annual rerate from their insurer, which could lead to lower premiums, but will not increase them. State Farm self-reported the violations to DFR in July 2023, informing the division that notices were not sent out due to a system error. Because of that error, the notification required by ORS 746.650(5) and OAR 836-080-0438 were not sent to customers purchasing new automobile insurance policies between Dec. 5, 2017, and Feb. 23, 2023. Specifically, State Farm did not notify the affected consumers at the inception of their coverage that they may have received a lower rate if their credit history or the credit factors used in their credit-based insurance score were more favorable, and that they had the right to request a rerate of the policy no more than once annually. State Farm notified the division that the issue was corrected on Feb. 23, 2023, for any customers purchasing new policies after that date. As part of DFR’s final order, State Farm agreed to send a notification to all affected consumers who remain customers of State Farm, approximately 134,690 consumers. State Farm began sending notices on Jan. 2, 2024, through a mailing that is separate and apart from the annual policy renewal documents or any other communication. The mailing also includes a statement that Oregon law requires State Farm to provide a notification to customers at the inception of the policy. All mailings must be completed no later than June 30, 2024. The division, part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), encourages all consumers to check with their insurance agent or company to see if a credit check would lower their insurance premiums. Consumers are allowed to do a rerate once a year and if their credit improves, their insurance rates may as well. Rerating due to credit may result in either improving or no change to a consumer’s insurance costs, but will not negatively affect it. “We commend State Farm for self-reporting this violation and taking steps to rectify the situation,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon’s insurance commissioner and DCBS director. “It is important that Oregon consumers know their rights. State law permits insurance companies to use an individual’s credit history to determine how much they pay for insurance, so it is critically important that consumers know they have the ability to lower their insurance premiums with positive credit.” Consumers with questions or complaints can contact DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insuranchelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insuranchelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. Consumers can look at their credit reports each calendar year for free by accessing it online, by phone at 877-322-8228 (toll-free), or by completing and mailing the Annual Credit Report Request Form. If any errors are identified, consumers have the right to correct incomplete or inaccurate information with the credit reporting agent that provided the information. ### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

Oregonians Urged to Avoid Digging Into Trouble With New Statewide Proclamation

On average, it happens 3.85 times every single day in Oregon – homeowners and professional excavators damage underground utilities while digging on their property or jobsite. In some cases, the results can be catastrophic. Joining the national observance during the month of April, Governor Tina Kotek has signed a proclamation designating National Safe Digging Month in Oregon.

The statewide proclamation underscores the importance of requesting underground utility locates through Oregon’s free notification system, available by calling 811 or going to Oregon811.com at least two business days before digging. Requests can be made anytime and on any day for no cost.

“We say ‘safety is in your hands,’ because everyone has the responsibility to prevent service interruptions, costly repairs, environmental damage, injuries, and worse,” said Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center. “Contacting 811 first helps avoid having to contact 911 later.” The timing of National Safe Digging Month unofficially marks the start of “dig season” – the most active months of the year for excavation projects. According to the Oregon Utility Notification Center, there were 342,061 requests in 2023, prompting 1,869,969 utility locates in Oregon. In the most recent damage report, there were 1,405 reported incidents, continuing a downward five-year trend statewide. Common Ground Alliance reports that more than half of U.S. homeowners plan to dig without requesting utility locates. This is mostly attributable to lack of awareness and shallow digging projects. The estimated annual cost of damages to underground utilities nationally is $30 billion. As an acknowledgement of the National Safe Digging Month observance, and in support of the 811 notification system, this proclamation is supported by the Oregon Utility Notification Center, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division, and Oregon Public Utility Commission. READ MORE : Proclamation # # # In 1995, the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC) to establish a statewide notification system to reduce damages to underground facilities and to promote public safety related to excavation issues (ORS 757.547). The free service ensures that operators of underground facilities are notified of proposed excavation so the utilities can be located and marked in advance. For more information about the OUNC or the statewide notification system, go to Oregon811.com. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc. Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules, and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

April is Oregon Safe Digging Month and NW Natural wants to remind people to “Call Before You Dig”

Locating utility lines is free and the law.

NW Natural, Oregon’s largest gas utility company and one of the state’s oldest companies, wants to remind people to Call Before You Dig as the weather warms up and more people are working in their yards. For yard improvement and garden projects that involve digging, it’s important to know where underground lines for natural gas, water and other important utilities are located. Fortunately, NW Natural is part of a free “Call Before You Dig” service to avoid striking lines and provide peace of mind before starting a project. Locating utility lines is free and the law. Call 8-1-1 at least two days prior to digging. You can also make this request via digsafelyoregon.com in Oregon or callbeforeyoudig.org/washington/ in Washington. Our crews respond to hundreds of dig-ins or damages each year in our service territory, illustrating why it’s important to call 8-1-1 at least two business days before digging. For an interview with a NW Natural damage prevention specialist contact: ryant.Clerkley@nwnatural.com“>Bryant.Clerkley@nwnatural.com or 636-634-8090. About NW Natural NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately two million people (about twice the population of Hawaii) in more than 140 communities through more than 800,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for more than 160 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.

This April: U Drive. U Text. U Pay National High Visibility Enforcement Mobilization

U Drive. U Text. U Pay is a campaign Oregon Department of Transportation is bringing to the state. April is Oregon Impact’s “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” and Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit and others across the state will be conducting special enforcement this April to make the roads safer and reinforce safer driving behavior. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Eugene Police, in alignment with this, will be providing education and enforcement to focus on how dangerous it is to drive distracted. Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit will conduct several enforcements in April and will be posting for overtime enforcement throughout the month to support these efforts. When someone diverts their attention from driving to something else, they are in the danger zone – for crashes, and for citations. It is illegal in Oregon to drive while holding or using an electronic device (e.g. cell phone, tablet, GPS, laptop). There are some exceptions, but for the most part, it’s best just to turn off your device when you are driving. Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers are not just a threat to themselves; they are a danger to everyone else on the road. The national distracted driving effort focuses on ways to change the behavior of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness, and education. Resource page: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/…/u-drive-u-text… Here are a few cases where the law does not apply: • When using hands-free or built-in devices, if you are 18 years of age or older. • Use of a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device. • When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. – However, it is NOT legal to use the device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign, in traffic, etc. • While providing or summoning medical help and no one else is available to make the call. • Police, fire, EMS providers in the scope of employment, (can include when in a personal vehicle if, for example, when responding to an emergency call). • To truck or bus drivers following the federal rules for CDL holders. • When using a two-way radio if you are a CB user, school bus driver, utility truck driver in scope of employment. • If you are a HAM radio operator age 18 years or older. Violations: A first offense that doesn’t contribute to a crash is a Class B violation and the Eugene fine is $300 or maximum fine of $1,000. A second offense, or if the first offense contributes to a crash, is Class A violation with a fine of $500 or maximum fine of $2,500. A third offense in ten years is a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a $6,250 fine and up to one year in jail. For a first offense that does not contribute to a crash, the court may suspend the fine* if the driver completes an approved distracted driving avoidance class, and shows proof to the court, within four months. *Only the fine is suspended – the violation will still be recorded on the offender’s driving record.

Local Communities Connect to Prevent Food Waste in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is once again excited to recognize National Food Waste Prevention Week. This year’s observance will span the week of April 1-7, 2024 and will feature a dynamic schedule of virtual and in-person educational events for a variety of audiences. Events include workshops, student art contests, food waste trivia and quizzes, upcycled food events, and a new video contest open to all kindergarten-12^th grade students and teachers in the State of Oregon. Partner organizations have the opportunity to utilize a robust communications toolkit with digital advertising materials, event and messaging templates, and more. This year’s partner resources also include many materials in Spanish. “We’re so pleased to continue to support this major national event highlighting an issue of importance in the State of Oregon,” said Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Senior Policy and Program Analyst, Elaine Blatt. “The resources available through Food Waste Prevention Week really help us augment our outreach efforts for food waste education.” The inaugural Food Heroes: Save Food, Save the Planet Video Contest will accept video entries until May 10, 2024. Students and teachers will create short videos with messages related to food waste and how to prevent waste in their communities and upload the video to an approved streaming platform through DEQ’s dontletgoodfoodgobad.org/contest website. Prizes for submissions include a $100 gift card for individuals, a $200 gift card for groups, and a $300 gift card for classrooms. Additional virtual and in-person events around the State of Oregon will include, but are not limited to:

• Bread to Tap Event hosted by No Food Left Behind Corvallis, Old World Deli, Oregon Trails Brewery
  • Date: April 6, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Old World Deli: 341 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis, OR 97333
• Food Waste Prevention Week Storytime hosted by the City of Gresham
  • Date: April 6, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: Maggie Mae’s Bookshop: 50 NW 1^st St, Gresham, OR 97030
• Food Waste Prevention Week Lane County Farmers Market Booth hosted by Lane County and City of Eugene
  • Date: April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Lane County Farmer’s Market, 85 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
• Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market Booth hosted by Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Valley Farm to School, HealTerra & Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market
  • Date: April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Umpqua Valley Farmers Market, 1771 W Harvard Ave, Roseburg, OR 97471
• Thrifty Gardening Workshop
  • Date: April 13, 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Roseburg Senior Center, 1614 SE Stephens St, Roseburg, OR 97470
• Vermicomposting Workshop hosted by Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Valley Farm to School, HealTerra & Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market
  • Date: April 19, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: HealTerra, 13921 Glide Disposal Site Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470
• The Green Fork Initiative, a short film by Chef Andre Uribe of Rebel Root Films, hosted by Hillsboro Farmer’s Markets and Washington County
  • Date/Location: Individuals can use the link to view the film on Vimeo throughout Food Waste Prevention Week

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony to Commemorate ‘Historic’ Campaign Finance Reform Bill

Legislators and advocates joined the Governor to mark the signing of House Bill 4024 Governor Kotek on Wednesday signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of money that individuals and groups can contribute to Oregon political campaigns starting in 2027. The law is historic for Oregon, which has seen increasingly large sums of money poured into campaigns. Kotek and lawmakers of both parties praised each other for achieving compromise on the bill during this year’s legislative session.

“Often, the word ‘historic’ can feel overused. But I know for a fact that there were many people – including myself at times – who thought getting campaign contribution limits through the legislature would never happen,” Governor Kotek said. “But, we are here today to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts that have led to House Bill 4024 in this year’s legislative session, bringing Oregon into the company of 45 other states that have campaign contribution limits.” The bill cleared the Legislature with overwhelming support from both parties and support from good government groups, labor unions and business groups, which negotiated the details of the bill. The law restricts contributions from individuals and corporations to political campaigns to $3,300 per election and establishes limits on how much money political parties, caucus committees and other politically-affiliated groups can accept from various groups. It also requires so-called dark money groups that spend independently on candidate campaigns to disclose their significant donors.

Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade Launches Public Information Campaign for May Primary Election

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office is expanding its program to reduce election misinformation.  The legislature allocated $150,000 for this year’s public service campaign, which you’ll see on social media.   Messages highlight efforts the state takes to keep elections accurate, safe and secure.  It encourages people to visit  http://OregonVotes.gov for accurate election information. With the May Primary Election right around the corner, the Secretary of State’s Office is launching a public information campaign aimed at providing Oregon voters with accurate and trusted information about elections. “False information is as prolific as ever, meaning it’s more important than ever that Oregonians know where to get accurate information from a trusted source,” said Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. “Voting in Oregon feels good, and this is just one way we’re spreading the word.” This campaign is part of a larger initiative with the Secretary’s In Oregon, this campaign includes:

1. Continuing the success of our public service announcements done in partnership with Happylucky, a Portland-based design firm. These include animated videos, radio spots, and graphics for print and social media in the most commonly spoken languages in Oregon.

These PSAs are a fun way to inform voters with accurate information from an official, trusted source. In 2022, the campaign generated a 259% increase in the number of people visiting OregonVotes.gov. Research shows this approach can limit the impact of false information. The latest PSA highlights all the ways we work to keep elections accurate, safe, and secure. Previous PSAs have shared information about closed primaries and the postmark rule. The Elections Division encourages media outlets to air these materials as part of the effort to combat false information. The Legislature allocated $150,000 for the 2024 PSA campaign. The Secretary of State’s Office is working with Gard Communications on the PSAs, which launched today.

1. A social media campaign designed to reach voters with accurate information in easy to understand — and easy to share — formats. You can follow the campaign on the Election Division’s Facebook and Twitter.

The Elections Division continues to share plain language information on how elections in Oregon work and debunking common myths. The division’s website, OregonVotes.gov, is the best source of accurate information from a trusted source that strives to keep Oregonians informed and answer any questions. What you need to know about the May 2024 primary election

• The deadline to register to vote, update your voter registration, or register with a political party is April 30, 2024.
• Both the Republican and Democratic parties in Oregon choose to hold closed primaries. That means you won’t see those candidates on your ballot unless you are a registered member of the party.
• Ballots will be sent out starting May 1, 2024.
• Election Day is May 21, 2024. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. or postmarked on this day to be counted.
• Return your ballot in the mail, at a county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote for processing.
• The postmark rule, passed in 2021, allows ballots postmarked on or before Election Day to count even if they are received up to seven days later. These ballots are not late — they were cast on time and will be counted alongside every other vote cast before 8 p.m. on Election Day. For this reason, election results may be delayed because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted.
• Preliminary results will be available on the Secretary of State website starting at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• The last day for the Secretary to certify election results is June 27, 2024.
• The 2024 elections will be the most secure elections in history. Learn all the ways we protect your vote at OregonVotes.gov/Integrity

Oregon to get portion of $21 billion for early and postsecondary education allocated by Congress

Education agencies, institutions and nonprofits in Oregon are slated to a portion of more than $21.3 billion from Congress for the current year. The money is part of a $1.2 trillion federal spending package recently approved by Congress. It includes billions for child care, preschool, special education and higher education programs, as well as money for bolstering the workforce and health care projects, including in Oregon. A news release from Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden said the money is aimed to help rural, coastal, and underserved communities in particular. The funding follows the state’s short session that ended with little new money for education programs. Oregon’s 197 school districts got $30 million to fund summer school – $20 million less than Gov. Tina Kotek had requested – and $171 million for a program to help working parents afford childcare – $50 million less than what advocates had hoped. As part of the federal spending package, Oregon will get a portion of more than $8.7 billion in grants for child care centers and to help families with children younger than 6 – and whose income falls below 85% of the state’s median income – afford child care. In Oregon that would apply to household income of up to about $65,000 a year. More than $12 billion will go to federal Head Start and Early Head Start child care and preschool programs for low-income families nationwide. The programs will get an additional $315 million to grow all manner of preschool programs. Nearly $376 million will be funneled into nonprofits, community colleges and universities to provide scholarships for migrant students and seasonal farmworkers and their children to pursue higher education or earn their GED, an alternative to a four-year high school diploma. In Oregon, money will flow to Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College, Portland Community College and Treasure Valley Community College. More than $14 billion is allocated for special education programs nationwide. It’s $20 million more than the Congress allocated during the 2023 fiscal year. Still, advocates said, it’s less than what is needed. “While a $20 million increase in federal funding is welcome, the funding falls far short of what Congress promised in 1975 and what children with disabilities need today,” Jake Cornett, executive director of Disability Rights Oregon, said in an email. “When Congress passed the federal special education law it set a target of funding 40% of the average per-pupil cost, yet $14.2 billion in funding only represents 12%. Congress has got a long way to go to make good on their 40% goal.” About $1.2 billion will go to federal TRIO programs that support first-generation college students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as low-income and homeless students. Merkley, a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee since 2013, noted in the news release that he’s the first in his family with a college degree. “Merkley knows firsthand the value of this type of support and has been a fierce advocate for the funding,” the news release said. (SOURCE)

Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 7th, 2024

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

SOLVE invites volunteers to register for their annual Earth Day celebration: The Oregon Spring Cleanup

From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open. Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings. With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations. As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: ” PGE proudly supports SOLVE’s efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We’re excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state.” said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric. For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment. For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet. Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo. About SOLVE – SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848