Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 9/30 – Prepare for Seismic Emergency 1st Session in Eugene Today, Kotak Drazan Debate at UO Thursday & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

Lane County Sherrif’s Office Recruiting Adult Search and Rescue Volunteers!

In order to apply, you MUST attend one of the upcoming information sessions at Harris Hall, 125 E. 8th Ave., Eugene: – Thursday, Oct. 8th at 6 p.m. – Sunday, Oct. 11th at 6 p.m. – Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 6 p.m.  

We are looking for adults who have positive attitudes and want to serve their community. Volunteers must be willing to respond any time day or night, often in inclement weather and extreme conditions.   Volunteers who graduate from SAR academy are certified with the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.

Volunteers receive training in medical care, orienteering, outdoor survival, and other important skills. They also have the opportunity to work on teams including ground search, mountain rescue, search K9s, and special vehicles.   Questions? Need more info? Email our team at LCSOsar@lanecountyor.gov

Eugene Water & Electric Board and Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center – Prepare for Seismic Emergency Sessions in Eugene — First Session Today

 The Cascadia Subduction Zone is capable of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and strong shaking from smaller earthquakes. The magnitude of this earthquake and the accompanying tsunami pose significant challenges to the entire Pacific Northwest.

The session will be offered on the following dates at the Eugene Family YMCA: Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Wednesday, October 14, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Monday, October 26, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Community lifelines will be impacted. Utilities such as electricity, drinking water, and sewer services may be significantly impacted. Understanding what to expect during an earthquake is critical for response, recovery, and whole community preparedness.

That’s why EWEB, the Eugene Family YMCA, and the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center have partnered to break down the complexities of understanding and preparing for a seismic emergency.

Representatives from the UO’s Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center and Earth Science Department will present: – History of earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone – Why recurrence is likely – What an earthquake will feel like in the Eugene Metro area – What impacts are likely to affect the Eugene Metro area

Register today – spots are limited:https://www.eugeneymca.org/…/communi…/eweb-programming-y

Governor Tina Kotek and Republican Senator Christine Drazan will face off October 1 at the University of Oregon in their first debate ahead of the November 3 election

The university is partnering with KVAL, the Oregon Journalism Project and Lookout Eugene-Springfield for the event, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be live streamed.

Despite the debate taking place on UO’s campus, it will not feature a live audience.

UO’s School of Journalism and Communications will host a watch party in conjunction with the university’s Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, the City Club of Eugene and the Springfield City Club. 

Drazan and Kotek are set to debate two more times before the Nov. 3 election. KOBI and Southern Oregon University will hold a debate in Medford on Oct. 7. The pair will meet again Oct. 13 in Bend, at a debate hosted by KTVZ and The Source.

MECCA: Materials Exchange Center for the Community Arts – Object Afterlife Opening Friday

Have we got a show for you?! We are so excited to open our 17th annual Object Afterlife Art Challenge this Friday 10/2 from 5:30-7:30 at MECCA.

We’ll have guest judges, prizes, incredible art, snacks, friends, and music from talented artists from Community Supported Shelters Come see incredible art, meet the artists, hear good music, and be a part of our favorite upcycled art show.

And if you love the event as much as we do, you can vote for us in the Eugene Weekly Best of. We’re nominated for best arts and culture non profit, best art show, best place to buy fabric, and our very own, very talented Mitra Gruwell is s nominated for best designer. https://www.facebook.com/events/3786495698156321

Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff celebrates Food Waste Prevention Week Oct. 3

Two local chefs will race the clock to turn imperfect and commonly wasted foods into delicious dishes during the first Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff, beginning at noon Saturday, October 3, at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene).

Held in celebration of Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4), the free event is presented by Waste Wise Lane County (Lane County Waste Management) in partnership with City of Eugene Waste Prevention, Lane County Farmers Market, Burrito Brigade, Fossil Free Eugene, local chefs Garrett Kirsch (Seasoned) and Kathryn Nordgren (Sunriver Brewing Company) and market vendors—with sponsorship from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Just before this 20-minute competition begins, Kirsch and Nordgren will receive a surprise box of distressed, imperfect, or commonly wasted foods sourced with help from Lane County Farmers Market vendors. As the chefs cook, attendees will hear the stories behind the ingredients, learn simple ways to prevent food waste at home, and learn about local food resilience resources.

James Beard semifinalist Isaiah Martinez, chef and co-owner of Yardy Rum Bar, will emcee the event.

“Preventing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Daniel Hiestand, Lane County Waste Reduction outreach coordinator. “Sometimes it’s as simple as using what you already have, storing food so it lasts longer, or seeing possibility in something that doesn’t look perfect. This event gives us a fun way to bring those ideas to life while celebrating the incredible partners working throughout Lane County to keep good food from going to waste.”

Attendees can watch the competition (in person and streamed online via the @WasteWiseLaneCounty Facebook page), sample the finished dishes, and pick up practical tips for meal planning, food storage, freezing, using leftovers, and making the most of food already on hand. Learn more at wastewiselane.org/food.

Watch. Taste. Learn. Try it at home. — Food Waste Prevention Week highlights the environmental, economic and community benefits of preventing wasted food. When food goes uneaten, the resources used to grow, process, transport, refrigerate and prepare it are also wasted.

The Faceoff also highlights the local partnerships that make food waste prevention possible. Burrito Brigade brings its experience in food rescue and community food access, while Lane County Farmers Market and participating vendors connect the competition to local food producers and ingredients. Fossil Free Eugene donated induction burners for the chefs, BRING created a trophy with used materials, while Lane County Waste Wise and City of Eugene Waste Prevention will provide education and resources residents can use to prevent food waste at home.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing financial sponsorship as part of Food Waste Prevention Week.

Event details

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon

Where: Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza

What: Live two-chef cooking competition featuring imperfect and commonly wasted foods, tastings, storytelling, and food-saving tips

Cost: Free

The event takes place during the Lane County Farmers Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the competing chefs and food waste prevention at wastewiselane.org/food.

About Food Waste Prevention Week — Food Waste Prevention Week brings together communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals around practical ways to prevent wasted food. Learn more at foodwastepreventionweek.com.

UPDATE: Subject Found Deceased in McKenzie River Identified as Missing Person

On September 25th at around 2:00 pm, The Lane County Sheriff’s Office along with Eugene Springifeild Fire personnel responded to a report of a person seen in the McKenzie River downstream from Armitage Park. 

Responders located a person deceased and recovered them from the river. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Gina Christina Piazza who was reported missing on September 20th. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank all who helped in the search effort.  The circumstances surrounding Piazza’s death remain under investigation but there is no ongoing threat to the community.

LCSO Case #26-4687 Deputies searching for missing woman near McKenzie View Drive and Coburg Road

On Sunday, September 20th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Gina Christina Piazza, 27, from Eugene, was missing. Evidence indicated she was likely near McKenzie View Drive and Coburg Road as recently as Friday evening. Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue, Marine Patrol, and Detectives responded to the area and began searching, without success. Eugene Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

Piazza is described as an Asian female with black hair and brown eyes, 5’2” tall and weighing 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a long sleeve tan shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Piazza also has a prosthetic right leg. Detectives and Search & Rescue are continuing the investigation and search. Anyone with information about Piazza’s whereabouts are asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

9/24/26 LCSO Deputies and SAR Recover Deceased Subject from McKenzie River

On September 25th at around 2:00 pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a subject seen in the McKenzie River, downstream from the Armitage Park boat launch.  Marine Patrol deputies, Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue staff and personnel with Eugene Springfield Fire all responded.

Using a jet boat, LCSO deputies were able to locate a subject down river.  Tragically the person was beyond aid and pronounced dead at the scene.  Deputies and fire personnel were able to safely extricate the subject from the river and bring them back to shore. 

The Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified, and the subject was transported to the Lane County Morgue for further investigation. This case is still being investigated and there is no additional information for release at this time.

Fire Season Continues in Lane County — No Set Date for Backyard Burning to Begin

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane and South Cascade Districts and the Lane Fire Defense Board (LFDB) want to remind Lane County residents it is still fire season. There is no fixed date when fire season will end, but ODF and LFDB say current conditions suggest it could run until mid-October at the earliest.

The end of fire season is based on factors like rainfall, temperatures, and fuel moisture returning to safe levels. Until the end of fire season, all backyard debris burning, regulated by the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA), remains prohibited for all of Lane County.

This summer was one of Oregon’s most severe fire seasons on record, with more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide. Recent rain and cooler temperatures have lowered the wildfire risk; however, there is not significant precipitation expected in the extended weather forecast.

“The rain in September was very welcomed given the record-breaking fire season. However, we will need more precipitation and better fuel conditions to end fire season,” said Ole Buch, ODF Western Lane District Forester. “Restrictions associated with fire season are in place as a fire prevention tool to protect Oregon’s natural resources and communities.”

Outdoor yard debris burning is always prohibited during an active fire season, even when fire danger is rated low. Residents who start a wildfire in Oregon can be held responsible for the cost of putting it out.

“Some people have the misperception that Oct. 1 is a hard start date for backyard burning,” said Matt Sorensen, LRAPA Public Affairs Manager. “It’s not — Oct. 1 is simply the earliest possible date LRAPA’s rules allow.”

Sorensen continued, “Wildfire smoke is the number one driver of poor air quality, and it only takes one escaped fire to cause really bad air quality impacts. That’s why ODF, the Lane Fire Defense Board, and LRAPA are asking everyone to be patient and wait for the end of fire season.”

Leaders at ODF and the Lane Fire Defense Board say the exact date for the end of fire season will be shared as soon as it is determined.

Even after fire season officially ends, residents should check local fire restrictions and fire danger levels (http://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx) before lighting any fire.

Wildfire prevention best practices:

•  Outdoor yard debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter. Visit beforeyouburn.net for real-time updates on burning regulations and safe burning practices.

•  Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire or warming fire.

•  Never leave a fire unattended.

•  Make sure your fire is OUT COLD. Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and repeat the process until it is cold to touch. Any warmth means it can reignite later.

For real-time burning regulations, visit beforeyouburn.net. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit keeporegongreen.org.

Coyote Creek Access at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Closed for Improvements Through April 2027

The Coyote Creek access site at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is fully closed to the public for safety during construction, which began in September. Closed areas include any walk-in access through April 1, 2027.

The project scope includes a major improvement from the existing walk-in site to a paved, fully ADA accessible non-motorized boat launch for paddlecraft. Improvements also include a vault toilet, paddlecraft launch dock with an ADA transfer bench, ADA picnic table, a life jacket loaner station/information kiosk and stormwater drainage.

Due to tight project timelines and for the public’s safety, visitors are advised not to disrupt construction contractors on site.

This project is funded by contributions from the Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access (Permit) Grants, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife via federal Sport Fish Restoration funds, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Trail Program funds, and the Oregon Wildlife Foundation.

The Marine Board is funded by boater-paid fees, marine fuel taxes and non-motorized boater-paid waterway access permits. The Marine Board does not receive any lottery or general fund tax dollars.  These funds support boating safety enforcement and education, environmental programs, and facility access improvements statewide.

ODFW’S mission is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fish Funds used on this project by ODFW are generated and allocated to states for boating projects from excise taxes paid by consumers on sport fishing equipment, electric trolling motors, fish finders, motorboat gas and import taxes on vessels.

McKenzie-Willamette Hospital Possible Reorganization

For-profit owner proposes financial surgery on the Quorum Health chain

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is a big deal in Lane County. It’s the region’s second-largest hospital. Last year, it handled nearly 60,000 emergency department visits. With 932 workers, it’s a major employer. It pays $1.7 million in property taxes a year to Springfield, the county and other jurisdictions on its $160 million Mohawk Boulevard campus.

And its future is way up in the air. The hospital is part of the Tennessee-based for-profit Quorum Health chain, which operates 11 financially struggling small-to-medium-sized hospitals around the country. Quorum’s majority owner is New York-based private-equity giant GoldenTree Asset Management. GoldenTree has tried to sell the hospitals, but failed, partly because the hospital chain is burdened by a financially crippling $1 billion in high-interest-rate debt, much of it owed to GoldenTree itself.

Now, GoldenTree is proposing a radical and unusual reorganization of Quorum. 

It wants to convert the chain into a nonprofit that would use its nonprofit status to refinance the debt with new lenders at lower interest rates — much like a homeowner might refinance a high-rate mortgage to get a lower rate and monthly payment.

The Oregon Health Authority is reviewing the plan to decide if it serves the public interest and should be approved.

The transformation would leave the newly minted nonprofit burdened with a ton of long-term debt — $1.26 billion — requiring it to pay out $105 million or more a year in interest to the lenders, Quorum’s filings with Oregon and California show.

But that interest payment would actually be less than Quorum’s current annual interest payment of about $136 million, Quorum says. That cost reduction would help revive all 11 hospitals, it says.

What does it mean for McKenzie-Willamette?

The hospital is financially weak. In 2025, it suffered an operating loss of $14 million on $273 million in operating revenues, following three years of barely breaking even on operations, its filings with the state show.

Under the reorganization, the hospital’s “existing leadership, employees, vendors, and day-to-day operations are expected to continue, preserving continuity for patients and the community,” Quorum told Oregon regulators.

Under a nonprofit structure, McKenzie-Willamette would have “increased opportunity to continue advancing” its plan to build a standalone $20 million emergency department in west Eugene, Quorum said in its filings. But Quorum gave no timeline or firm commitment. Eugene planning officials approved the project last spring. Since then, there has been no sign of progress. 

“Funding of the [emergency department] project will be in jeopardy” if OHA denies the conversion to non-profit status,” Quorum told OHA.

One critic, a nonprofit watchdog group that monitors private-equity companies, is scathing about the proposed reorganization.

The proposal is GoldenTree’s way of continuing to milk the 11 hospitals for financial gain, says Jim Baker, executive director of the Chicago-based Private Equity Stakeholder Project. The state should reject the proposed reorganization because the 11 hospitals would emerge “heavily indebted.” 

“GoldenTree Asset Management and other Quorum owners and lenders appear to be the main beneficiaries of the proposed transaction, relying on [the refinancing] to get a payout for Quorum hospitals they have been unable to sell,” Baker told regulators.

GoldenTree holds much of Quorum’s debt, on which GoldenTree receives hefty annual interest payments from Quorum, the filings show. With the reorganization, GoldenTree would get others to refinance Quorum and thereby let GoldenTree recoup what it is owed, Baker asserts. READ MORE: https://eugeneweekly.com/2026/09/17/mckenzie-willamette-hospital-on-the-operating-table/

Community Supported Shelters — The shelter site by Westmoreland Park in Eugene is set to close by the end of October as its operator, Community Supported Shelters (CSS), consolidates its shelter operations.

The closure of the 20-unit site has been underway for weeks, according to a press release. Residents are being relocated to other shelter communities operated by CSS, with some residents expected to move into permanent housing.

Heather Quaas-Annsa, co-executive director of CSS, said the process occurring at the Westmoreland site is a “thoughtful transition, not simply the closure of a shelter.”

“Our priority is making sure the people staying at Westmoreland have somewhere safe to go while also looking at how we can operate our shelter system more efficiently and sustainably for the long term,” Quaas-Annsa said.

The Westmoreland site was one of the larger shelter communities operated by CSS. The micro-shelter Conestoga huts provide shelter and security on sites designed to foster shared responsibility and provide navigational support for unhoused people.

The City of Eugene is working with CSS to increase shelter capacity at other appropriate locations and physically decommission and restore the site.

Due to rising costs and court orders blocking HUD funding, CSS may be forced to reduce programs that create pathways from homelessness to stability and independence. Your support helps us continue achieving life-changing outcomes for those with nowhere else to turn. Right now, your support can have twice the impact. Make a gift by September 30, and it will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000. Thank you for standing with Community Supported Shelters and believing everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild. Donate here: https://loom.ly/RVyMnz4

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) · It’s Winter Warmth Drive season! (Sept 21 – Oct 21)

As the weather turns colder, many of our neighbors are still without the warm clothing they need. You can help! We’re collecting new or gently used: Jackets & coats Sweatshirts & hoodies Kids’ clothing (all ages) Socks (new only, please) Underwear (new only, please) Men’s clothing

Every donation helps a family stay warm this winter. Find a donation site near you: ccslc.org/wwd Or drop off items at any CCS Community Service Center. Thank you for helping our community stay warm, one donation at a time.

Are you ready to run for your life? Join ShelterCare for this year’s Run for Your Life zombie 5k! 10/18 — Over 100 zombies will be hidden around the Alton Baker race course! This is a family-friendly event, complete with free spooky face painting! Register now at sheltercare.org/5k — https://sheltercare.org/5k/

Save the Date and prepare to Run for Your Life! On October 18th, ShelterCare will be partnering with Thrill the World Eugene to host a zombie-themed 5k with 100+ zombies hidden around the Alton Baker race course!

Help us spread the word by following the event on Facebook and inviting your friends HERE!

CLF Network Aims to Collect 2,000 Coats for Children in Need

A Lane County tradition returns and CLF Network has launched its annual Coats for Kids campaign. For more than 20 years, this community-wide event has brought community partners together to provide children in need with warm winter coats, helping ensure that local kids can face the colder months with the clothing they need to stay warm and healthy.  

This year, CLF Network is challenging the community to help make its biggest Coats for Kids campaign yet, with a goal of collecting 2,000 coats from community members across Lane County.  

From September 14 through October 12, community members can donate new or gently used insulted, weatherproof, winter coats for kids, sizing from 0-3 months all the way up to 3XL. Coats can be dropped off at more than 30 collection bins throughout the community, including nine at Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) locations and eight at UPS locations. 

Gently used coats will be professionally dry cleaned at one of our local dry cleaning partners who are generously donating their services for this project. Both new and used coats are then sorted again by size and distributed to the Network’s local partner organizations that support the needs of underprivileged children. 

CLF Network’s partner agencies receiving coats from this project include:

• Willagillespie Elementary School
• ShelterCare
• Peak Buck
• Parenting Now
• Mt. Vernon Elementary
• Looking Glass Community Services
• Junction City School District / Laurel Elementary
• Catholic Community Services of Lane County
• Bags of Love

The success of Coats for Kids would not be possible without the support of local partners. CLF Network is excited to welcome Oregon Community Credit Union and KEZI as the presenting sponsors of the Coats for Kids campaign. The other sponsors of this project include The UPS Store, Hi Tech Cleaners, The Cleanery, Lile Moving & Storage, and Michael Aguilar and Kelly Favero.  

The support of every sponsor will help the Network reach its goal of providing warm winter coats to children and families throughout Lane County.

With the support of local businesses, organizations, and community members, the Network hopes to set a new record while ensuring more local children have a warm coat to wear this winter.

About the Children’s Legacy Foundation Network – The Children’s Legacy Foundation Network is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of children in Lane County. Through fundraising, grantmaking, volunteer service, and community partnerships, CLF Network invests in programs that help children learn, grow, heal, and thrive. The organization has awarded $505,000 to local nonprofits during the past decade and continues a legacy of community service that spans nearly a century.

Ready to say “I do” to your boo? Lane County Clerk’s Office will host Halloween ‘scaremonies’ for couples looking to tie the knot with a twist

The Lane County Clerk’s Office will help couples celebrate their marriages in spooky style on Halloween again this year. Couples can begin registering now for a Halloween “scaremoney”. 

There are 35 slots available to schedule on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

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Burrito Brigade Buys Building to Create Community Food Hub

Burrito Brigade has bought the old Center for Appropriate Transport building at 455 West 1st Ave. in the Whiteaker neighborhood to create a new community food hub.

The organization is asking the community to help support building renovation goals. Burrito Brigade needs $300,000 more to fully complete a commercial kitchen installation, food storage infrastructure, ADA-compliant upgrades and critical improvements needed.

Jennifer Denson says “This project has always been community driven. Since Waste To Taste’s start in 2020 we have not looked back. We just keep rescuing more food and growing more organized and it’s incredible to watch the impact and difference we make when we work together,”

Hundreds of volunteer hours weekly are dedicated to rescuing more than half a million pounds of food annually from grocery stores, small businesses, institutions, large food generators and local farms. This community-powered food rescue serves fresh local vegetables and fruit alongside diet and culturally specific products.

The no-barrier access free grocery store, known as Waste-to-Taste, provides households the ability to supplement other systems of support that often have eligibility requirements. Waste-to-Taste serves more than 10,000 households annually.

Rescued food is also redirected through other sustainable distribution channels. Food scraps and spoiled food are diverted to feed farm animals like chickens, goats and pigs, sanctuary animals at a local emu ranch and wolf rescue, and even a mealworm farm.

According to Burrito Brigade, the community connection and creativity around food in the kitchen includes partners in many mutual aid food projects facilitating hot meals, food preservation, community-led cooking classes, food micro-entrepreneurs and youth workforce training. The new community food hub will open its doors to the public in 2027. You can DONATE here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-us-build-a-food-hub

Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.

“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.

For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:

Food Finder

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

Every weekend, the volunteer crew at Burrito Brigade rolls hundreds of delicious vegan burritos to help close the hunger gap here in Eugene. Each box of tortillas — just $18.95 — helps feed 120 neighbors.

Could you spare $18.95 to help? Even better — could you make it a monthly donation to keep those burritos rolling all year long?

Every dollar makes a difference in these times of need. Thank you for being part of the Brigade. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation…/we-rise-by-lifting-others Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714)

White Bird Clinic

This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/

Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

Oregon Department of Human Services – Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Could you qualify for an exemption to SNAP work or activity rules? Contact us so we can talk about your situation and your options! Common reasons people might qualify include:- You’re pregnant.- You’re physically or mentally unable to work.- You’re already working enough hours to meet the requirement.- You’re participating in a qualifying education or training program.- You have moved to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.- You are responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Learn more about exemptions in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/many-oregonians-may-qualify…Or visit https://oregon.gov/snapworkrules to find information about SNAP work rules and more.

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

9/30/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Oregon, the 2026 General Elections Voter’s Pamphlet is now available to preview online at oregonvotes.gov/voterspamphlet. The Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet is a source of information about candidates, measures, and voting rules.

Translated copies will be published Friday, October 9, and printed pamphlets will be delivered between October 7 and October 9.

Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Christine Drazan, R-Canby, will face off October 1 at the University of Oregon in their first debate ahead of the November 3 election

The university is partnering with KVAL, the Oregon Journalism Project and Lookout Eugene-Springfield for the event, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be live streamed.

Despite the debate taking place on UO’s campus, it will not feature a live audience.

UO’s School of Journalism and Communications will host a watch party in conjunction with the university’s Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, the City Club of Eugene and the Springfield City Club. 

Drazan and Kotek are set to debate two more times before the Nov. 3 election. KOBI and Southern Oregon University will hold a debate in Medford on Oct. 7. The pair will meet again Oct. 13 in Bend, at a debate hosted by KTVZ and The Source.

2026 Preparedness Events — Ready Fair

To cap off Preparedness Month, OEM invites the public to attend the Ready Fair on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Salem. This free, family-friendly event is designed to help our communities build resilience and preparedness.

The Ready Fair will bring together subject-matter experts and community partners to share practical tips and resources aligned with OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program. 

What to Expect: 

• Expert-Led Booths on emergency alerts, food and water planning, sanitation, and more 
• Interactive Activitiesincluding a fun, earthquake-themed escape room and shake simulator. 
• Preparedness for All Ageswith kid-friendly stations and hands-on learning. 
• Food Trucksand a chance to win a fully stocked emergency go-bag for your family. 

Event Details: 

• Date:Saturday, October 10, 2026 
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Location:3930 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 
• Cost:FREE and open to the public 

In addition to the Ready Fair, OEM is encouraging people to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut: October 15, 2026, at 10:16 AM (local time). Join millions of people across Oregon to practice earthquake safety. The ShakeOut is a fast, simple drill to help you learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

And the Great Oregon Camp-In: October 16–18, 2026. Held the weekend after the ShakeOut, the Camp-In is an at-home preparedness exercise where households practice living without utilities, refine emergency plans and test their supplies. Participate for a few hours or the entire weekend.

“Community preparedness is strongest when people feel informed, supported, and empowered,” OEM’s Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, said. “Our goal is to meet Oregonians where they are, provide accessible resources, and encourage everyday steps that build resilience long before an emergency happens.”

For more information on Preparedness Month and the Be 2 Weeks Ready campaign, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.  

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE

The 2026 Oregon wildfire season has officially broken historical records, burning 2.1 million acres across the state and costing an estimated $1.4 billion in suppression efforts. While the peak of this extreme season has concluded, minor local incidents, regional containment efforts, and prescribed fall burning remain active.

Fire Activity & Containment Updates

• Grasshopper Fire & Austin Fire: Major containment milestones have been reached. Both the Grasshopper Fire (93,972 acres near Dufur) and the Austin Fire (12,889 acres near Estacada) are now 98% contained. Daily updates for these incidents are concluding as management transitions down to local Type 3 incident teams.
• Hatch Grade Fire (Border Incident): Just across the Oregon/Washington border, southwestern Walla Walla County is actively battling the Hatch Grade Fire, which rapidly expanded overnight to 5,000 acres. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were expanded for the Reese, Touchet, and Gardena areas, with state mobilization authorized.
• Prescribed Burn Kickoff: Due to shifting seasonal weather, regional fire teams are transitioning to fuel-reduction efforts. The Deschutes National Forest and Malheur National Forest have initiated fall prescribed burn units, including the Starr 33 project area in Bear Valley.

Although regional precipitation has reduced active perimeters, forest and fire officials warn that fire season is not officially over. Backyard burning remains strictly prohibited in several fire districts across Oregon to prevent new human-caused ignitions. You can cross-reference local fire footprints using the interactive Wildfire Explorer Fire Map.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation keeps pause on cancellations in place by extending wildfire emergency order another 30 days

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has extended the wildfire emergency order and bulletin a second time for 30 days to Oct. 29. The order was set to expire Sept. 29. The division initially issued the order in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation and extended it 30 days in late August.

The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.  As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas.

The order: • Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals 

• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas

• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications

• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims 

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information. ### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov. 

Last Day for The public (9/30) to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal. Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan > here.

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

Oregon Department of Administrative Services Announces Maximum Rent Increases for Landlords

Today, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the annual maximum rent increases allowed by law for calendar year 2027.

The maximum allowable rent increase percentage in 2027 for tenancies subject to ORS 90.324(b) is 10%.

Per ORS 90.324, “no later than September 30th of each year, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall calculate the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed for the following calendar year:

• For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities* with more than 30 spaces, as six percent.”
• “For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities* with 30 or fewer spaces or for tenancy types subject to ORS 90.323, percentage is the lesser of:
  • Ten percent; or
  • Seven percent plus Consumer Price Index (CPI).”

To view the methodology, calculation and Consumer Price Index data, refer to the Maximum Annual Rent Increase 2027 (Excel file).

The allowable rent increase percentage for calendar year 2026 was 9.5%.

Questions related to the administration of the maximum allowable rent increase and other landlord-tenant concerns can be directed to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

*”Facilities” is defined as manufactured dwellings and marinas.

Local Action, Regional Impact: Volunteers Clean Beaches, Rivers and Community Spaces

From September 18 through September 27, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup.

During a 10-day volunteer effort, 1,553 volunteers participated in 96 cleanup and restoration projects across 15 counties, contributing more than 3,100 hours of service.

Projects took place in Clackamas, Clark, Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

Together, volunteers removed nearly 9,000 pounds of litter and debris, helping prevent pollution from traveling through local waterways to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers also cleared over 9,450 square feet of invasive species, an area larger than three tennis courts, and mulched 300 plants to support healthier habitats and more resilient landscapes.

“Every year, Beach & Riverside Cleanup shows what is possible when people unite to care for the places they call home,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “This year, we saw that community action take many forms, from cleaning beaches and rivers to removing invasive plants and caring for neighborhood spaces. These local efforts add up to a meaningful regional impact.”

Oregon Coast: Cleaning Up for People and Wildlife – Along the Oregon Coast, 25 cleanup events from Astoria/Warrenton to Gold Beach invited volunteers to remove litter and marine debris from beaches, shorelines and coastal recreation areas.

Several projects connected cleanup efforts directly to wildlife protection. At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers helped remove marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting habitat, while other coastal projects focused on keeping beaches and coastal recreation areas clean and safe for wildlife and visitors. In Gold Beach, Paws for Nature combined a community beach cleanup with a dog walk, giving people and their four-legged companions a chance to care for the coastline.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners – SOLVE extends its gratitude to the volunteers, event leaders, business partners and organizations who made the 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup possible. Their time and effort helped make a visible difference across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

To learn more about SOLVE and find upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit solve.org.

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

Classified employees at Oregon’s seven public universities have successfully negotiated a tentative labor contract with the state’s higher education institutions.

SEIU 503 announced this development early Monday, just hours before a planned picket, effectively canceling the strike. The union, which represents a diverse group of workers including custodians, dining hall staff, and administrative personnel across various universities such as Oregon State and the University of Oregon, celebrated the agreement with festivities on multiple campuses, featuring pizza parties and coffee gatherings.

The proposed contract includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for this year and the next, alongside updated policies regarding layoff protections and health insurance. However, SEIU officials indicated that the full details of the tentative agreement will not be available for public review for several days.

Asante and the nurses’ union at Rogue Regional Medical Center are working towards finalizing a new multi-year contract by the end of the month.

The two parties are scheduled to meet for the ninth time this Thursday, continuing negotiations that began in July, as their current agreement is set to expire at the end of September.

Following their meeting on September 10, both sides issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of nurse scheduling, noting that their discussions enhanced mutual understanding of the complexities involved and highlighted the significance of scheduling in promoting a sustainable work environment for nurses while supporting the community.

A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was officially unveiled at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Sunday, September 27, 2026

The dedication ceremony honored the profound sacrifices of Oregon’s 6,000+ Gold Star Families—those who have lost loved ones in military service to the nation. The monument project was spearheaded by local volunteers, including Nancy Menagh, president emeritus of Gold Star Wives of America, in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation. Attendees at the emotional dedication included grieving family members like Linda Gibson, whose son, Army Sgt. Brennan Gibson, was killed in action in Iraq.

• Location: Nestled within the grounds of the Willamette National Cemetery at 11800 SE Scott Blvd, Portland, OR.
• Design & Symbolism: These monuments typically feature a two-sided black granite design. One side honors the fallen heroes, while the other pays tribute to the families they left behind, featuring four panels representing Homeland, Family, Patriotism, and Sacrifice.
• Purpose: It provides a permanent, dedicated space for grieving relatives to gather, reflect, and find community support.

This tribute follows the dedication of Oregon’s very first Gold Star Families monument, which was established earlier this year in February 2026 at Pfc. Ryan J. Hill Memorial Park in Keizer, Oregon

Oregon Secretary of State Encourages Voters to Verify Authenticity of Election Mail 

As Oregon officials begin to send ballots out for the upcoming November election, the state’s top elections officer is encouraging voters to verify whether their election-related mail comes from an official source. 

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office recommended in a recent press release that Oregonians look for an official election photo, consider that third-party groups creating fake mail often use outdated or incorrect data and make sure their registration is correct using the oregonvotes.gov website. The office said the most accurate and up-to-date voter registration information will be with people’s local election offices. 

“We’re already getting reports about misleading mail going out to voters, so I want Oregonians to have the tools to be able to tell fact from fiction,” Read said in a statement. “The good news is, it’s pretty simple: If you receive something in the mail about voter registration or your ability to participate in the upcoming election, look for the official election mail logo to verify that it’s from an official source.”

A logo for official election mail will come with a note clarifying that it is authorized by the U.S. Postal Service, and it is used for materials such as ballots, voter registration cards and voter reply mail. It features the stars and stripes of the America flag and the words “Official Election Mail” and “Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service.” It comes in black or specific shades of blue or red. 

Read’s office encouraged Oregon voters seeking more information about election-related mail to contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division at ​elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE. He also recommended people contact their local county clerks, who are listed on the secretary of state’s website. (SOURCE)

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 26-26 on September 23, 2026, establishing new safety and oversight standards for how state government agencies procure and use advanced “frontier” artificial intelligence models.

Key Details of Executive Order 26-26

• Third-Party Review: Directs the state chief information officer (CIO) to set qualifications and criteria for an independent third-party reviewer to assess AI safety before state acquisition.
• Defining “Frontier” AI: Orders the state CIO to establish a clear technical definition for the most advanced artificial intelligence software subject to these new rules.
• Kill Switch Assessment: Requires the state to evaluate the feasibility and viability of incorporating an emergency “kill switch” to shut down unsafe AI systems.
• Timeline and Review: The order takes effect immediately, with the state CIO given 90 days to submit an implementation proposal. Governor Kotek will reassess the necessity of the order every three months.

Governor Kotek stated that the action was necessary due to regulatory gaps and evolving risks surrounding advanced technology, serving as an interim safeguard until federal or state legislative standards are enacted. You can read the full text and official updates through the State of Oregon Newsroom.

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Oregon lawmakers could ban Flock, automated license plate reading cameras in 2027

The move may draw stern opposition from local law enforcement leaders who have long said the technology is crucial to fighting crime despite growing civil liberties concerns.

Oregon lawmakers took action earlier this year to regulate the use of an increasingly bipartisan focus of anti-surveillance advocates nationwide: Flock cameras. Now, they could be on the verge of outlawing the technology altogether.

The push for more legislation in 2027 comes as reports of the technology’s misuse have gained bipartisan condemnation nationwide.

At a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday, those concerns were on full display as lawmakers heard from a Florida woman testifying about her experience spending 13 days in jail after a Flock camera misidentified her vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run case. 

Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based company behind the cameras, is one of many providers of automated license plate reader technology. It has drawn particular ire from civil rights groups nationwide over concerns that the camera data has falsely implicated individuals in crimes, allowed police to stalk their ex-partners and assisted immigration enforcement. In Oregon, several cities have stopped using Flock cameras over the past year, though private businesses and companies also use them. 

“My constituents have been clear with me that they want to be able to go about their lives without being surveilled, and we are quickly moving into a new age in which everything we do is being tracked,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, a Portland Democrat who serves as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “People don’t like it, they find it creepy, and they want to make sure that we’re protecting our rights to privacy.”

The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported on the push by Chotzen and Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, to introduce the legislation in 2027. Skarlatos did not respond to an email or phone call seeking comment. 

This year’s law, Senate Bill 1516, was part of a larger omnibus public safety package, allowing Oregonians to sue vendors of automated license plate readers and limiting the amount of time police may hold onto the data to 30 days unless linked to a criminal inquiry or court proceeding. The regulations won the support of law enforcement leaders who cautioned that concerns over a single vendor should not outweigh the importance of the technology at large. 

“The ability to share and query ALPR information in these clearly permissible scenarios strengthens interagency coordination, improves case outcomes, and enhances community safety while fully respecting Oregon’s legal boundaries and protected activities,” presidents of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and Oregon Association Chiefs of Police wrote in a February 2026 letter.

It’s still too early to tell exactly how either of those groups will mobilize in response to the legislation, though they are likely to make the case that the technology is valuable to their law enforcement duties. Their executive directors did not respond to the Capital Chronicle’s request for comment. 

Andrew Smith, a Flock spokesperson, defended the technology in the wake of Oregon lawmakers’ potential action. 

“A blanket ban would take a proven investigative tool away from communities and officers who rely on it,” Smith said in a statement. “We supported the last session’s thoughtful, bipartisan legislation that put strong privacy, transparency and accountability guardrails in place — while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use technology responsibly to keep people safe.”

Chotzen and Skarlatos will likely also need to win over State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Prozanski, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, has noted that more legislation would likely come in future sessions but has yet to commit to specifics. 

“I value the tool for legitimate, lawful law enforcement purposes,” he said in January. “But I also believe that there needs to be safeguards and guardrails.”

Bipartisan opposition growing – Since the law’s passage, some progressive activists and civil rights groups warned the law didn’t go far enough and have hoped to capitalize upon opposition to Flock growing across the political spectrum nationwide. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in August ordered that Flock cameras be removed from the state’s highway system. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused state funding for the cameras. 

Law enforcement, meanwhile, are defending their experience with the technology and note that Flock isn’t the only name in the game. Privacy advocates contend that many other license plate readers are subject to the same flaws as Flock.

The Portland Police Bureau, for instance, has five automated license plate readers created by the Chicago-based tech company Motorola Solutions. They are installed on vehicles in the agency’s east precinct rather than stoplights or intersections, according to Terri Strauss, a spokesperson for the bureau. The agency has used license plate reading technology for more than a decade, Strauss said.

“ALPR alerts do not provide independent authority to stop a vehicle; officers must confirm an alert and establish their own reasonable suspicion or probable cause before making a stop,” Strauss wrote in an email. “All ALPR data is owned by the city of Portland, securely stored in compliance with Criminal Justice Information System requirements, accessible only to Oregon law enforcement, and cannot legally be shared with immigration authorities.”

Chotzen said there are “real tradeoffs” between privacy and security, but that his community wants more action when it comes to combatting surveillance. He pointed to the actions of Democrats and Republicans across the country as evidence.

“They’re asking for us to swing the pendulum back toward more privacy,” he said. “And we’re seeing across the country folks are doing the same.” (SOURCE)

Chronic Elude Suspect Arrested; Search Warrants Reveal Loaded Firearm, Large Quantities Fentanyl, Heroin, Meth, Drug Dealing Supplies

JCSO Case 26-4161, CPPD Case 26-5423 — JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A drug dealer is in jail after multiple attempted eludes throughout Jackson County. The suspect, Ismael Garcia-Nava Jr., 32, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail after crashing on September 19 while attempting to elude Central Point Police Department (CPPD). Garcia-Nava was originally arrested August 12 after crashing during an attempted elude with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). Due to jail overcrowding he was force released on August 22 before a search uncovered the drugs and firearm in his vehicle.

Multiple search warrants revealed more than 100g of fentanyl, nearly 400g of heroin, 28g of methamphetamines, scales, packaging material, and a loaded firearm. Garcia-Nava’s charges include unlawful possession, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances, felon in possession of a firearm, multiple counts of elude, and reckless driving.

On August 12, JCSO deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The vehicle eluded into an industrial area, where the deputy lost sight of it. Medford Police Department (MPD) officers located the vehicle and it continued to elude, ultimately crashing on Elk Street in Medford.

MPD assisted JCSO in establishing a perimeter and deploying a drone. The driver, Garcia-Nava, was spotted fleeing on foot and jumping fences within the perimeter and taken into custody without further incident. Garcia-Nava was found to have an active warrant for an unlawful delivery of heroin parole violation. He was lodged at jail and his vehicle was taken under a seizure warrant for further investigation.

On August 23, JCSO deputies executed a search warrant on the suspect’s vehicle and located 41g of fentanyl, 26g of methamphetamine, 93g of marijuana, packaging, a digital scale, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun. JCSO filed the additional charges and entered a warrant for Garcia-Nava’s arrest.

On September 19, Garcia-Nava attempted to elude a CPPD traffic stop near Hanley Road and West Pine Street in Central Point.  After the pursuit was terminated, Garcia-Nava continued to drive recklessly through heavy traffic before crashing at the corner of North Front Street and Laurel Street. Garcia-Nava continued to elude on foot, discarding a shoulder bag before CPPD arrested him without incident.

On September 24, a search warrant was granted to search the discarded shoulder bag. Upon searching, CPPD officers located 396g of heroin, 64g of fentanyl, and 2.5g of meth as well as a digital scale, and drug packaging.

This case remains open. There is no further information available for release at this time

DFR warns of “self-funded” limited-partner health plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

ODVA invites Oregonians to Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at Capitol

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites Oregonians to join in honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.

The annual ceremony will feature remarks from state leaders and special guests, along with traditional ceremonial elements honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The ceremony will be held on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Veterans Day Events — ODVA also maintains a Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations throughout Oregon. To find an event near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

Organizations hosting Veterans Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-699-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

The Junction City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing and possibly endangered person.

62-year-old Wade Felton Lloyd, of Junction City, was reported missing on November 20, 2025.  Mr. Lloyd was last seen on November 16^th in the area of Birch Street and 2^nd Avenue in Junction City. 

Mr. Lloyd normally stays close to the Junction City area, has close ties to his family, and his only transportation is an older motorized bicycle, which is also missing.

Mr. Lloyd is a slender white male, standing 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Mr. Lloyd is without his cell phone, wallet, and his medications.  

The Junction City Police have exhausted all leads as to his whereabouts and is hoping that the community might recognize him or recall where they last saw Mr. Lloyd.   If you have information regarding Mr. Lloyd or have seen him on or after November 16^th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

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