State Fire Marshal Clears Up Misinformation Regarding CA Wildfire Strike Team Delays

The Oregon State Fire Marshal wants to clear up confusion about state firefighters and equipment sent to Southern California last week to help with the wildfires. There has been some misinformation spreading on social media and from some news outlets claiming the deployed equipment had to pass California emissions tests, and that Oregon crews and equipment were turned away or delayed. Oregon firefighters left the state last Wednesday from various locations in the state -- including Southern Oregon. These strike teams traveled to Sacramento where they stayed the night. Early Thursday morning, they went through a routine safety check with Cal Fire to make sure the engines were technically sound. Oregon strike teams were scheduled to arrive in the Los Angeles area on Thursday. There was no delay in the process or travel. Firefighting equipment is held to the highest standards to ensure the safety of firefighters. No Oregon engine was turned away. All 15 teams completed the safety checks and they all arrived in Southern California on Thursday to begin their 24-hour shifts early Friday morning. ...Read more

GP Police and Firefighters Logged Busy Week of Protecting Citizens in Community

Grants Pass police officers and firefighters logged another busy week of activity while protecting the community. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 533 calls for service along with 260 officer-initiated calls last week that resulted in 52 arrests, 38 citations, 25 warnings and four highly-intoxicated people being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 61 traffic stops in the city and they made 14 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) made a total of 155 contacts with potential troublemakers while arresting five people, citing three more and warning 25 others. The CRT unit also trespassed seven individuals, posted 134 transient camps and removed trash from three campsites. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 89 calls last week including 37 for emergency medical service, 9 reports of fire or smoke, 14 lift assists, 11 rescue situations, 5 assists to other agencies and 6 false alarms. The Grants Pass 9-1-1 Communications Center fielded a total of 1,083 emergency calls. ...Read more

Chamber of Commerce Calls for Fair Process in Grants Pass Library Lease Negotiations

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce stands in full support of the Community Library and urges the Board of Commissioners to engage in positive collaboration and uphold a fair process in any negotiations concerning the lease of the Grants Pass branch library building. The Board of Commissioners recently voted unanimously to terminate the existing lease with the local library district for the property located at 200 NW C Street, citing maintenance costs for the building and other county properties like the jail. The Chamber recognizes the vital role that Josephine Community Library plays in providing essential services including access to information, educational programs and community engagement opportunities. Libraries are cornerstones of thriving communities, contributing to economic development, literacy and quality of life. The Chamber also acknowledges the Commissioners' commitment to fiscal responsibility, but believes concerns around these topics must be addressed through a deliberative process to ensure the well-being of the community. ...Read more