Pepper Trail: “This stretch of Interstate-5 in Southern Oregon is a known killing field for wildlife and dangerous for motorists. The highway cuts through a critical connection for wildlife moving between two mountain ranges and home to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which is the only national monument specifically established for the protection of its rich biodiversity.”
If passed as is, an ordinance put forward by the Rogue Action Climate Team on Tuesday would prohibit the construction of any new buildings with fossil fuel infrastructure in Ashland. If passed, the ordinance would require the city to deny any permit applications that include piping for fossil fuels, primarily natural gas.
During a visit to Central Point Sunday, Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, announced $21 million was on its way to Oregon to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Joining her were U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and Mike Shaw, chief of fire protection at ODF.
Rep. Pam Marsh of Ashland is among Oregon lawmakers and climate advocates pushing for legislative action to build more efficient homes and office buildings to protect the environment and reduce long-term homeowner costs.
Several hundred Ashland High School students and other community members participated in the Ashland Youth Climate Walkout and Rally on Friday, March 10, to demand that adults, local elected officials and community leaders join them in taking immediate action to address the climate crisis and announced the launch of the Ashland Youth for Electrification Campaign.
Immediate action on the climate crisis is necessary, prompting a group of Ashland High School students to walk out of school at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 10, and march down Siskiyou Boulevard to Ashland Plaza for a community rally starting about 11 a.m., according to a news release issued by the Rogue Climate organization.
Climate Spotlight: It’s possible to avoid volatile gas prices while still keeping your home cozy. Heat pump heating-and-cooling systems run on electricity rather than methane — and thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, these appliances are increasingly affordable.
The Ashland City Council will receive an update on Climate Friendly & Equitable Communities during a special business meeting Feb. 22 as local and state administrators consider related land use proposals. Updates may include the potential creation of focus groups among area residents.
How can chemistry be utilized to understand human impacts on the environment? That question will be answered during a Friday science seminar hosted by Southern Oregon University assistant professor Chris Babayco, Ph.D., organizers have announced.
Officials from Ashland, Medford and Talent will host a public discussion on Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 2, on how Oregon’s new rules for “Climate-Friendly Communities” will affect urban development policy in the Southern Rogue Valley.
Ashlanders and other Rogue Valley residents take part in a monthly video call with residents of Ukraine. Ivan Muts of Ukraine said during Friday’s call his country is grateful for all the support from the United States and other countries.
Obituary: Hermine “Helena” Louise Lentfer Sohl passed peacefully, surrounded by loving family on March 4, 2023 in Ashland. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at Ashland Congregational United Church of Christ, 717 Siskiyou Blvd.
The federal government is sending nearly $50 million to Oregon nonprofits, counties and other entities to address homelessness, including $54,778 for Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA).
Semitrailers and other vehicles awaiting the reopening of Interstate 5 are lining the highway and some surface streets in Ashland on Tuesday. Southbound traffic on the road was diverted off the highway starting about 7 a.m. due to severe winter conditions in Northern California.
Training is available for those interested in helping others prepare tax returns, a free service offered by the AARP Foundation Tax Aide service currently offering help on Wednesdays and Fridays at The Grove in Ashland.
Pepper Trail: “This stretch of Interstate-5 in Southern Oregon is a known killing field for wildlife and dangerous for motorists. The highway cuts through a critical connection for wildlife moving between two mountain ranges and home to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which is the only national monument specifically established for the protection of its rich biodiversity.”
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