News as hot as a driver-cyclist fight.

[July 16th, 2008]

• In the beef between PacifiCorp and Oregon’s solar industry (see “Blocking Out the Sun,” WW, June 11, 2008), the sun is now shining on the industry. On July 11, the Public Utility Commission staff adopted solar proponents’ argument, saying “the Legislature expressly chose to allow companies to sell electricity from solar and wind resources with minimal regulation. ” The PUC is expected to rule by month’s end on whether to agree with staff and allow unfettered solar development.

• May we suggest air-raid sirens ? The Portland Office of Emergency Management is seeking bids from anyone experienced in “bridging emergency communication barriers with the region’s homeless population.” The solicitation is part of an effort to make sure everyone knows what to do after a terrorist attack, earthquake or airborne toxic event. Interested? Make an offer by Aug. 4.

• The Portland City Council appears set to adopt a new “sustainable procurement” policy July 16. The new policy wouldn’t explicitly ban anything but encourages “balance” between environmental, “social equity” and financial factors in city purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, the city fleet is set to buy a new hybrid sedan, plus two diesel SUVs and eight pickup trucks—for balance’s sake.

• Portland Public Schools is playing dodgeball with a couple high-profile high-school administrators. Julie Howland, an administrator at Madison who pissed off students and teachers last year by taking aim at a popular guidance counselor, is moving to a vice principal’s job at Benson. Longtime Jefferson athletic director and boys hoops coach Marshall Haskins is moving to a VP job at Wilson.

• Here’s the latest round in the local skirmish between Scientology and an anonymous worldwide group of masked protesters: Demonstrator Jacob Mercy told Murmurs at last weekend’s sixth monthly demonstration outside the church’s downtown location that he’s now unmasked because Scientologists “have already photographed my face.” Church officials filmed the three-hour “Operation Snow White” demonstration of 20-some protesters. So did WW. The photos are on WWire.

• The “Pitchfork Rebellion” comes to Pioneer Square for a demonstration July 27 against a federal plan it says could increase clear-cutting of Oregon’s publicly owned forests by sevenfold. The Lane County-based group has been raising hell in Eugene, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to monitor its rallies.