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Siuslaw News Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Florence, Oregon

Number 1 • 136 years

City responds to local activist Committee), and other public forums, including requests to declare a climate emergency, form a climate task force, develop a climate action plan, and establish a youth climate committee. While we acknowledge your persistence, we must be clear the City Council has not provided direction to form a climate action committee. The City Council has not provided direction to declare a climate emergency. The City Council has not provided direction to allocate staff time or resources to the specific topic of climate.” The letter goes on to say that the City’s work plan and

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

After years of asking the Florence City Council to take action on issues related to climate change, local climate activist Mike Allen finally received official correspondence from the City asserting that City staff and council will not be meeting with him on issues related to climate change. The letter reads in part, “Over the past several years, you have brought forward proposals to the City Council, EMAC (Environmental Management Advisory

budget decisions are made by the City Council.” Will you believe our actions and inactions, now including this letter, have provided adequate response. Therefore, City staff, including the City manager, will not be meeting with you on this special interest topic.” It said that while the City encourages Allen to continue his education and efforts independently, there will not be a City-lead, City-supported, or City-funded initiative to that regard. “While you may not agree with the City’s position, that See CITY, Page A4

In case you missed it: New laws for 2026 address hidden costs, consumer protections, health care access, and personal safety FROM THE OREGON SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE

New state laws rolling out Jan. 1 safeguard Oregonians’ rights as consumers and tenants, improve access to health care, and protect personal safety. Oregon House and Senate Democrats made these issues priorities in 2025, defending workers and families here, while

at the national level the Trump administration has shredded health care programs, rewarded huge corporations, and brought violence to innocent communities. “We began the legislative session in January as Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, a moment that only strengthened our commitment to defend Oregon

values,” said Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D – E Portland, Boring & Damascus). “The laws taking effect in 2026 show Oregon leaders stepping up for working families by protecting consumers, widening access to health care, and keeping people safe, even as the federal government prioritizes tax breaks for huge corporations and

grows more hostile to everyday people.” “Oregon families are being squeezed by rising costs, and these new laws will help people afford everything from rent to concert tickets to medical care,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D – Tigard, Metzger & South Beaverton). “Oregonians shouldn’t get stuck

paying hidden costs just to live their lives.” THESE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AMONG BILLS BECOMING LAW JAN. 1: Protecting Consumers and Household Stability House Bill 3167, the Fan Fairness and Transparency Act, bans the use of software “bots” to get around a ticket

seller’s limits and bans the resale of tickets obtained using those bots. It also prohibits look-alike websites that confuse buyers trying to purchase tickets directly from an entertainment venue’s website. Senate Bill 430 prohibits extra costs like “convenience charges” or “service fees” from See LAWS, Page A4

First Day Hikes set for New year’s Day 2026 Motorcyclist dies in crash

Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1. Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices. America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012. “Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends

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Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

FROM FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

First Day Hike at Shore Acres State Park. (Courtesy photo) kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption said. Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the

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list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including

Follow us for the latest news: /SiuslawNews@Siuslaw_News TheSiuslawNews.com To all of our subscribers, advertisers and supporters, thank you for your dedication to preserving the vital reporting that helps keep our communities and country informed and protected. Your trust and continued support are essential to the future of local newspapers!

Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock. See HIKES, Page A2

On Dec. 28 at 6 p.m., Florence Police Dept received a report of a motorcycle accident on Rhododendron Dr near Treewood Dr. Upon arrival it was discovered that the motorcycle had gone off the roadway and crashed. The operator, Marnie Vasquez, was severely injured and transported to Peace Harbor Hospital Emergency Room by WLFEA, where she was pronounced deceased. Vasquez was traveling with three other individuals who were riding their motorcycles north bound on Rhododendron Dr. On a slight curve near Treewood Dr, Vazquez’s motorcycle left the roadway and crashed. The Florence Police is working with the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office and this case is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding this crash, please call Sgt. Brandon Bailey at 541-997-3515.