Signature gathering campaign to recall Oregon state representative has lackluster returns
One of Oregon’s largest labor unions hit a speed bump in their effort to recall a Lane County lawmaker this week. Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers union are hoping to force a recall of one of the state’s most labor-friendly lawmakers, state Rep. Paul Holvey, a Democrat from Eugene. Union officials said they believe Holvey has forgotten his progressive roots and they are upset he didn’t do more to support an effort allowing cannabis workers to unionize. The union submitted more than 6,600 signatures, but the secretary of state’s office said only about 2,600 were valid. That’s unusual for an experienced political group. The union needs another 2,000 valid signatures to get their recall effort on the ballot. They have until Aug. 21 to do so. (Lauren Dake/OPB)
Beaver bill impacts on Central Oregon vary depending on area
Oregon’s so-called Beaver Believer Bill brings good news for Central Oregon’s beaver population. The bill, HB 3464, which is on Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk, provides increased protections for beavers on private property by shifting their management from agricultural regulators to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Opponents of the bill, however, say beaver dams are destructive to agricultural areas and that removing them from private property protects valuable crops. (Michael Kohn/The Bulletin)
Lane County joins statewide emergency alert system
Lane County will join a statewide emergency alert system that connects residents via text, email and phone call with information about evacuation notices, severe weather, flooding and police activity. Users can choose to receive alerts by text, email and phone call. Lane County spokesperson Devon Ashbridge said the new system allows people to sign up for alerts about multiple locations. ”I have an elderly family member who, you know, doesn’t necessarily navigate this kind of technology well,” she said. “And I put her address in there as a third location.” (Chrissy Ewald/KLCC)
Drought returns to 51% of Washington state
Washington has the largest percentage of its area in a drought among the 11 western states, which is a major reversal from last year when the state escaped what some scientists called a “megadrought” in the West. The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies 51% of Washington in a drought. Oregon and Idaho are second and third, with 48% and 24%, respectively. (Don Jenkins/Capital Press)