ODF says dropping insurance won’t affect wildfire response
The Oregon Department of Forestry is ditching its wildfire insurance policy, which the agency says has lost its usefulness as fire seasons grow longer and more complex. Lloyds of London this year offered a plan with a $78.5 million deductible that would pay out a maximum of $25 million. ODF spokesperson Jessica Prakke said it’s unlikely the agency would meet its deductible, so it opted to put the $4 million it would have spent on insurance toward wildfire prevention efforts. (Karen Richards/KLCC)
Related: A major utility is on trial for its alleged role in Oregon's 2020 Labor Day fires ⚖
Trans employee sues Oregon DHS over demotion
A transgender state employee is suing the Oregon Department of Human Services, claiming that he was demoted and denied multiple opportunities to advance within the department due to his gender identity despite multiple meetings with supervisors about his qualifications and experience. Alex Pelusi claims in the lawsuit that Ashley Carson Cottingham, who interviewed him, became hostile and belittling as Pelusi started to visibly transition. He alleges that Carson Cottingham eventually gave him the option of demotion or immediate firing in a one-on-one meeting. (Dianne Lugo/Salem Statesman Journal)
Portland middle schools seek district help on bullying, violence
Principals at Portland middle schools are calling on the school board to provide additional help to confront problems ranging from bullying and violence to alleged drug trafficking on campuses. The letter requests an additional staff member at each school to address safety, campus climate or restorative justice. Portland Public Schools’ budget, proposed this week, would cut 90 positions from schools, including 11 staff from comprehensive middle schools. As the board considers the budget, the letter presses for “serious consideration” to help students the principals describe as “in crisis.” The school leaders say that having to choose between providing instructional support, reducing class size and addressing student behavior is not tenable. (Rob Manning/OPB)
Related: Why Portland Public Schools is facing budget cuts 🏫
Oregon investigates election complaint against North Coast vacation rental group
The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office has opened an investigation into a complaint filed against a group opposed to a ballot measure in the May election that could threaten vacation rentals in most unincorporated parts of Clatsop County. The complaint alleges that in the process of opposing Measure 4-221, Marie Gwydir-Moore and the group Everyone For The North Oregon Coast failed to register as a political action committee and file campaign finance transactions. The group formed last year to support the rights of vacation rental owners. (Nicole Bales/The Astorian)
Vancouver draws the line between what’s a warehouse and what isn’t
The Vancouver City Council voted in December to put in place a six-month moratorium on new warehouse projects over 100,000 square feet. In February, it was eased to 250,000 square feet. Warehouse applications flowing through the city’s planning process have slowed to more of a trickle since the moratorium was put into place. But developments have still been proposed, primarily as light industrial buildings rather than warehouses. This leads to the question: What is the difference? (Sarah Wolf/The Columbian)