Spanning the State: Let the sunshine in, Edition

Carla Axtman

It's been a gorgeous fall in Oregon. We've had extended periods of sunshine and trees have been showing off popping autumn colors like crazy. Last Friday, I stopped by Washington Park for a brief walk and soaked up a bit of that all important Vitamin D:

And now, let's Span the State!

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Local officials in Medford and Myrtle Creek are challenging Oregon's marijuana dispensary law. In Medford, the city council has decided that business licenses could be revoked for any violation of the law, including federal marijuana laws. Myrtle Creek's police chief and mayor both say they oppose dispensaries within city limits.

The Oregon Water Resources Department recently lowered water flows in the Deschutes River to keep more water in the Wickiup Reservoir in anticipation of next year's growing season. This left a side channel with hundreds of dying fish in shallow pools of oxygen-starved water. Kim Brannock and her family organized a rescue, and along with two Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife employees was able to save about 500-600 fish. It's common practice to lower flows around this time of year to save water for those who have water rights.

Ever since I can remember, parking has been a problem in the city of Salem. The city still uses the old style coin operated parking meters in areas around the Capitol. I've found myself many a time rifling my purse or scrounging through my car in an attempt to avoid a parking ticket, and the city police are vigilant about handing them out. The Downtown Parking District (where there's lots of retail) is ending their two hour parking limit. But the city is concerned that parking will be taken up by employees, rather than customers. Given that the city has allocated 3.5 FTE worth of officers to patrol that downtown core, I suspect the municipal coffers will be now be fed by employees having trouble finding a place to park elsewhere.

The City of Wilsonville is aiming to make itself a tourist destination, but not with the traditional golf course/amusement park/fancy retail way that is often seen in other places. Wilsonville is looking to go the "equine tourism" route. City leaders have pulled together a task force that will make recommendations that could be built around the Wilsonville Horse Country initiative launched several years ago by the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Oregon Horse Country promotes equestrian tourism and activities around the state, holding events in what they call " some of the most beautiful facilities and settings in the northwest."

By Carla Axtman Oct. 21, 2013