Homelessness

Emotions ran high as the council debated the new code, which will limit how unhoused people can camp in Bend.

Oregon Gov.-elect Tina Kotek says solving homelessness in the state will be her top priority.

In other news, the recent bout of frigid November temperatures has further shrunk an already light apple harvest in Washington and the Bandon Hatchery and Coquille Tribe are excited with the replenished Chinook salmon numbers following years of dwindling returns.

Last week Portland City Council’s voted 4-1 to enforce its street camping ban and create mass campsites where people can get shelter and services. The city's plan would create six large camping sites and build 20,000 units of affordable housing.

Portland leaders approved a controversial plan Thursday to ban unsanctioned camping in the city as constituents seethe over the region’s unabated homeless crisis.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will delay giving $1 billion in funding to local governments because he says they are not being aggressive enough in curbing homelessness.

People who are living outdoors in Portland tell Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Dan Ryan they don't like the idea of a camping ban. Several said sites of potentially hundreds of people would invite problems.

Alongside Commissioner Dan Ryan, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's office has crafted a series of resolutions that aim to build at least three large city-sanctioned camping sites and ban other homeless camping across Portland. The Portland City Council will hear public comment Wednesday afternoon.

In other news, a prescribed burn gone awry led to 20-40 acres of private land being burned and the arrest of a U.S. Forest Service firefighter; and recent rain, snow and low temps have brought the beginning of studded-tire season for better traction.

It’s not clear how much it will cost or if Wheeler and other city leaders have the support they say they need from the county board and local prosecutors.