California Earthquake
A 7.3 earthquake off the coast of northern California yesterday raised some eyebrows in the Florence area as national reports of a Tsunami warning rang out. Coast Radio received a deluge of calls following the 10:44 am event, many with panic in their voices as they wanted to know if they should pack up and head for higher ground. The fear was increased further as the Oregon Parks and Recreation closed beaches along the entire coast. The warning ended at the Douglas/Lane county line south of Florence and never reached a “warning” or “threat” status. The quake with dozens of aftershocks did little damage near the epicenter and alert was eventually lifted for the entire coast at noon. Potential dangers from an off shore earthquake are possible and area residents should be aware of how the information is disseminated. Florence has a tsunami warning siren that will go off if the area is in immediate danger. EAS warnings on local radio and television stations would also be triggered in the case of a dangerous event. Also, if you have signed up with Lane Alerts, be sure that the location information you submit is correct so as to insure that you get the proper notifications. Western Lane emergency Operations Group also asks residents to have at least a 2 week supply of food, water and fuel. While yesterday’s event was not a danger for Florence, it did reminds us of the possibility.
Immigration Woes
As word has spread about President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans, advocates for immigrants in Oregon are working to educate people about their rights. Oregon has the longest-standing sanctuary laws in the nation, and they prevent local and state law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities without a signed order from a judge. Johanna Costa, with the Oregon Department of Justice, notes while undocumented residents have greater protection in Oregon, these laws are not foolproof.
“Oregon sanctuary law does not stop deportations from occurring. It does not stop federal prosecutions for crimes like unlawful reentry.”
While they don’t block federal immigration authorities like ICE from operating in the state, Costa says Oregon is the only state in the country that offers a hotline to report violations of the sanctuary laws. Oregon is also the only state tracking and making this data public. Research shows undocumented immigrants are a boon to Oregon’s economy, paying over 350-million dollars in state and local taxes this year.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands Coalition is having a community social health event on Saturday December 14th. Feliz Navidad is a celebration of the latin culture here in the Florence area. The event will offer holiday food, latin music, dancing, toys, games and contests. It is open to the public and will be held at the Fellowship Hall of the Community Baptist Church on Highway 101 from 7-9 pm.
Weekend Holiday Activities
This weekend the Florence area is filled with events and entertainment for the whole family. This evening the Holly Jolly Follies will premiere at the Florence Events Center with performances continuing tomorrow evening and Sunday afternoon. The Empty Bowls event to benefit the Florence Food Share will also take place this weekend at the FEC along with the FRAA Art Show and Sale. The City of Florence partners with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce for the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 on Saturday with hay rides and local non-profits and organizations hosting a tented area at the junction of Laurel and Bay street. Information is available on the chamber website at florencechamber.com.
