Category: Oregon

Free the Snake River

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Free the Snake River

Free the Snake River

By D.S. Mitchell 

 

Continuous Legal Action

For nearly 40 years the Native American tribes, who consider the salmon part of their spiritual and cultural identity, conservation and fishing groups, and the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have waged a legal battle against the federal government to ensure protections for migrating salmon. The migrating salmon are killed in large numbers by the massive dams that have been constructed along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, most particularly four dams on the lower Snake River.

Biden Agreement

In 2023, things began to look up when in a landmark deal the Biden Administration paused the legal action in favor of finding long term solutions; in fact, promising to spend more than a billion dollars over the next decade to restore salmon viability while boosting tribal clean energy projects. The historic agreement was torpedoed in 2024 when Trump came back into office, declaring the agreement “radical environmentalism,” sending the multiple plaintiffs back to court.

Federal Judge Steps Up

On 2/25/26, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon, in Portland, Oregon, lamented what he described as “a disappointing history of government avoidance and manipulation instead of sincere efforts at solving the problem.” Oregon and other plaintiffs had asked Simon to lower the levels of reservoirs behind the dams, which proponents argue would help fish move through them faster and increase the amount of water spilling past them which can help the fish pass over the dams instead of through the dam’s turbines. The Trump administration on the other hand sought higher reservoir levels.

The Size of Texas

The Columbia River Basin is approximately the size of Texas and was once the world’s greatest salmon producing river system with 16 stocks of salmon and steelhead. Today, four are extinct and seven are threatened or endangered. Another iconic Northwest species, the Orca or killer whale, who are dependent on salmon are starving. Almost 50% of the chinook salmon in the Columbia River Basin previously came from the Snake River and her tributaries.

The Dams Are The Problem

Salmon habitats in the Snake River Basin remain in good shape. The dams are the problem, removing them is the single greatest opportunity to restore salmon to the NW. The habitats are there including over 5,500 miles of cool clean streams, many in protected wilderness areas. Federal fisheries experts concluded in 2022 that removing the lower Snake River dams is “essential” to any serious plan for salmon recovery.

How Dams Hurt Salmon Runs

The dams harm salmon in numerous ways, including forcing the salmon into turbines, warming the slow moving water in the reservoirs to intolerable high temperatures, while dramatically slowing the young salmon’s journey to the Pacific Ocean. Before the construction of the dams juvenile fish reached the Pacific in two or three days from the upper Snake River, pushed along by the river’s swift moving currents. Today, the journey past the eight dams literally takes weeks, during which time the young fish are exposed to multiple predators and other dangers.

What Experts Are Saying

Fishery experts from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington found that the removal of four dams on the lower Snake River and restoring the ecological health of that section of river “is the single largest step we can take to increase salmon abundance for orcas at critical times of the year.” These dams produce low value hydropower which can be replaced with renewable energy sources and energy conservation.

Popular Myths

There are five popular myths that keep coming up when discussing changes to these dams. The dams in question on the lower Snake River are Little Goose, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, and Lower Granite and on the Columbia River The Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day and McNary.

MYTH 1: We Need the Hydropower

Most all power produced by the Snake River dams is produced mostly in the spring when demand is low and lots of hydropower is available. Most of the year the Snake River Basin flows are much lower than in the Columbia River Basin because of drier regional conditions, thus producing very little energy in summer and winter when it is needed the most. Replacing the Snake River dams with renewable energy that generates power at crucial times could result in $69-$143 million per year of energy value above and beyond what the lower Snake River dams provide. Financially the removal makes sense. The hydropower turbines are 50 plus years old and need continuing and extensive maintenance; and will soon require replacement, estimated at more than a billion dollars. These pending upgrade costs add risk to BPA’s competitiveness and make no sense with the lower cost of renewable energy.

MYTH 2: We Need Them for Shipping

An early purpose of the dams was to facilitate barge navigation through the lower Snake River accommodating the shipment of grain and other agricultural commodities. What used to be is not today’s reality. Today the locks that allow passage through the lower Snake River dams are 5 decades old and need maintenance and rebuilding which makes no economic sense considering that river shipping has declined by over 70% in favor of rail transport.

MYTH 3: We Need Them for Irrigation 

These dams provide minimal irrigation. Only one of the four dams even provides water for irrigation, and for only a handful of irrigators; 92% of the irrigated lands are managed by only nine land owners. Irrigation options are available, such as adjusting intake pipes to pump water from river level rather than reservoir level and increasing depths of current wells.

MYTH 4: The Dams Provide Flood Control

The lower Snake River dams are all “run-of-river” dams and are not designed for flood control. It is true that many of the Columbia River Basin dams provide important and necessary flood control for risky areas like Portland, Oregon. However, the Snake River dams in question do not provide flood control and were never intended to provide flood control.

MYTH 5: The Dams are Needed for the Economy

The fact is that there are many more benefits from removing the dams than keeping them. (1)The restoration of Snake River salmon will be a big help for NW fishing economics. Experts estimate an added 1 million spring chinook salmon annually. (2) The native peoples paid a big price when these dams flooded tribal lands and choked off fisheries. It would be a good time to honor tribal treaties and restore the cultural and economic value the tribes surrendered when the dams were built. (3) Hydropower should be replaced with modern solar and wind generation, energy efficiency, along with demand-response technologies that will create jobs. (4) Local investment to reduce the impact of the dams removal; such investments include added rail capacity for grain shipping and riverfront improvements in Clarkston, WA, Lewiston, ID, and other effected communities.

Support For Salmon Recovery Is Growing

Leadership for salmon recovery in the Snake and Columbia Rivers is growing exponentially. It is time to remove these Snake River dams and allow the Snake River restoration. Unfortunately, as long as Trump is in office that is an unlikely scenario. When we vote it is important to include environmental activity in our voting calculus.

Sources: Portland Oregonian, February 26, 2026 and the Sierra Club Restoration Campaign Bulletin 2024.

 

 

Stoner Brain Isn’t A Bad Thing

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Stoner Brain Isn’t A Bad Thing

Stoner Brain Isn’t A Bad Thing

Editor: New studies are shedding light on the effects of long time Cannabis use, and despite the images from pop culture of the lazy, foggy brained, and  unmotivated stoner, stuck someplace between his last hit and his next one, is being dispelled by new science. Yes, folks it seems the “stoner brain” is mere myth.

 

By D.S. Mitchell

Introduction

My first introduction to pot was when I was 16 years old. I was invited to stop by a friend’s house and when I arrived I was directed to the basement party room. When I got to the bottom of the stairs I could smell something in the air, but I wasn’t sure what the stinky smell was. So…still on my own, I wandered into the party room looking for my friend and found her and at least 12 of our little crowd sitting in a gigantic circle. A space was made for me in the circle, next to Suzie, and I quickly settled cross legged onto the carpeted floor, curious as to what was up. There was significant giggling and laughter amongst the group.

Thai Stick

Suzie leaned close and whispered, “It’s Thai Stick. John (her older brother) smuggled it back from Thailand.” My only response, was “oh-h-h-h,” as I watched the doobie move around the circle on its way to me. “Holy fuck,” I whispered, mostly to myself. What was I going to do I worried. My parents would be horrified if they ever found out I’d been smoking pot, but I couldn’t say no, everyone in my network was there, I’d look like a “pussy,” if I refused to smoke the iconic weed. I took my turn at the doobie, trying to look as cool as I could manage, before I started to cough and giggle. Nearly 60 years later I’m still smoking and giggling.

Jail Time

That day in 1962, possession of marijuana in Oregon was a big time offense under the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 2 t0 10 years for a first offense and a potential $20,000 fine. This was reflective of the intense War on Drugs policies of the era. Our little harmless party could have gotten us all in big trouble, not only with our parents but state law.

Times Change

By 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize cannabis, making the possession of a small amount of weed  a violation rather than a crime. More like a traffic ticket. Governor Tom McCall signed legislation that abolished criminal penalties for possessing up to an ounce (28.3 grams) of cannabis, shifting penalties from jail time to fines of from $500 to $1,000. The intent was to divert minor marijuana offenses from crimes to simple violations. Growers, traffickers, and dealers still faced tough sentencing laws.
Medical Maryjane
As time passed and medical marijuana was legalized; the view of cannabis use changed and became much more acceptable. In fact, when my mother asked me about my pot use, I told her I had smoked it and would probably keep smoking it. She laughed and gave me a hug, “Please, whatever you do just stay away from alcohol. It’s the curse that destroys families.” I knew she was speaking from personal experience. My beloved father had a ‘sipping’ problem. I personally never drank much, because I too, had seen the damage done to my dad, my best friend’s parents, my half-brother, friends from school, and an ex-husband, and understood that for some people although alcohol is legal it is one of the most dangerous of drugs.

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Portland, Oregon-My Home Town

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Portland, OR-My Home Town

A couple of my friends waiting for the riots to start, but we’ve got no riots here. What we have here, in Portland, Oregon, are concerned citizens, loving their country, speaking out against a lawless president and his gang of masked thugs.

 

Worker’s Over Billionaires Protest

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Worker’s Over Billionaires Protest

Worker’s Over Billionaires Protest

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”                                                                                                                                                  

By David L. Shadrick

This was our fourth protest in a season of protests. As usual Darlene, Vajra, John, and myself parked ourselves on our favorite bench under our favorite shade tree on 6th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon, kitty corner from the county courthouse. The turnout for the Worker’s over Billionaires rally was good, but not great.

I can also report that the opposition turnout, in deep red southern Oregon, was close to microscopic. I counted two rabid Trumpers in the crowd; one flipped me off and the other one, a jogger, stopped in front of my wheelchair and called me a “horrible person” and then accelerated his pace and headed to the safety of 7th street. Other than than those two events things were cool. We got lots of positive comments on our signs, in fact several folks stopped to take a selfie with me.

INDIVISIBLE came through with a new stereo system for our rally. It was cool being able to actually hear the speakers and some great music.  John and Vajra wandered through the crowd checking things out; they told us about a group way up on the other side of the street out of our field of vision that were causing a ruckus. It seems they wanted to protest FOR pedophilia. Holy smokes, I can see why that might cause a fight or two. I suspect they were just a bunch of Trump supporters being A-holes, trying to stir up some shit.

Despite the smaller size of the Labor Day protest in our little town, I will admit that in Grants Pass it was very hot and there were a lot of folks out of town for the last week-end get-away before school started.  With that said, we need to increase the pressure on Trump and his allies. We need to tell ‘ol Donnie Boy we are not going to stand for his masked thugs disappearing people from American streets, putting billionaires on the government dole when poor Americans are having health care and even food benefits snatched away. This isn’t ‘effin Russia, yet.

If these protests are going to have the intended impact they need to be getting bigger and bigger not smaller.  In my mind, turnout is imperative to keeping Trump’s attention. We can’t weaken or tire now; we have another 3 and a 1/2 years of  the Trump despot show. We can’t give in, give up or surrender to this lawless president and his corrupt allies; our freedom is literally at stake.

**Quote by Edmund Burke

Politics, A Dirty Affair

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Politics, a Dirty Affair

Politics, a Dirty Affair

D. S. Mitchell

The Bloggisphere

Writing for Calamity News and Politics gives me a platform to discuss headline events and political policy. It also provides me a place to vent,  fume, and stomp my feet. If somebody doesn’t like the drum I’m beating, they are fully able, and encouraged to move on; to a site that better satisfies their social view of the world.

My Son

“Don’t get so wound up, it’s just politics”, my son recently told me.  Well, whether I’m saying it to my son, or to a potential reader, or to a neighbor, that is the wrong attitude. In the end, politics is policy, and policy effects everything in our lives. The schools, the hospitals, the parks, the highways, the airports, the waterways, international trade, health care, military defense and social justice.  Nearly every part of our daily life is effected in someway by the policies that our elected officials enact in Washington, D.C., or our state capitols. Got it?

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The Spectacular Oregon Coast

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The Spectacular Oregon Coast

Editor:  At a recent town hall with Oregon Democratic U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley I picked up a magazine entitled, “The Oregon Treasures Quest.” The magazine is printed and published by Jeff Merkley’s team. The magazine is available through his office and at his town halls. Jeff, a lifetime Oregonian drew from his life in Oregon to put together a magazine that  highlights one significant landmark from each Oregon county with great pictures and a short blurb on each site. After enjoying Jeff’s publication I thought I should spend a few minutes talking about Oregon’s iconic coastal landmarks. I have been fortunate enough to spend many years living and exploring Oregon’s Pacific coast. Below I’ve listed several highlights of Oregon’s Hwy 101.

D. S. Mitchell

A Bit of History

The Pacific Coast of the United States is magical. Massive  rock formations,  dramatic vistas, magnificent bridges, and miles of expansive beaches.  I was born in this “Pacific Wonderland” and every once in a while I like to tell my friends around the world about this amazing place I call home. I grew up in Portland, Oregon. Went to Shattuck grade school, Lincoln High School, and Portland State University. I remember long lazy summer vacations at my family’s beach shack at Rockaway Beach.  Our little surf shack was the hub of activity for many summers of happy memories. We would take short trips around the area, roast marshmallows, fish the coastal streams, dig clams on brisk mornings, build sand castles and access quiet picnic spots along the beautiful beaches of the central Oregon coast.

Until very recently I was a full time coastal resident.  I lived at a spectacular spot between Gearhart and Warrenton, called Surf Pines.  It’s a delightful place with wide views of the Pacific, small lakes, and wildlife galore. It was such an exciting place to live, a delight of both man and nature made wonders. Driving Sunset Beach up to the Peter Iredale watching the spectacular 4th of July fireworks. Ahh, what a life.

Since I lived just south of that gritty river town Astoria, once called the “evilest place on earth”  it is a good place to start.  I love Astoria and its spectacular setting, and conversely its seedy edginess.  A town of hills and stairs.  A river town where many men are still fisherman and loggers. Where upscale cannabis shops and day spas co-exist with topless bars and closed storefronts. Astoria is both charming and seamy. Astoria is slowly shifting from blue-collar working class to professional class.  A place where Victorian houses both grand and simple cling to a rocky hillside at the convergence of bay, river and ocean.  A town quietly searching for its future.

“The Bridge” is the Astoria-Megler bridge. Starting in California, and all up the coast you will see many beautiful historic bridges, but it isn’t until you reach Astoria, Oregon that you see the spectacular grand jewel of coastal river bridges.  At Astoria the Columbia River joins the ocean.  “The bridge” spans 4 miles across one of the nation’s greatest river systems, joining Oregon with her northern sister state, Washington. The Columbia bar was long known as the “grave yard of the Pacific” because so many ships sank off its coast as they attempted to cross the bar into the greatest river of the west.  A drive across this landmark structure literally takes your breath away.

The Astoria Column is a 125 foot column.  Half a million visitors tour the site annually. The column stands on a cleared hilltop that rises 600 feet above sea level.  The column is one of the most recognizable monuments on the Oregon coast. Dedicated in 1926 the column was modeled after Trajan’s column in Rome, Italy.  The Astoria column is decorated with a detailed spiral frieze of Astoria’s history. The column was treated to a much-needed restoration a couple of years ago, but that inner spiral staircase is still stomach turning, if you get up that damn thing, the views from the top are heart stopping; Young’s River and Bay, the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment. Jaw dropping.

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NO KINGS PROTEST

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NO KINGS PROTEST

NO KINGS Protest

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

                                                                                                                              Steve Jobs

Work in Progress-Setting Up the New Studio

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Setting Up the New Studio 

Work in Progress

Setting up the new Calamity studio

The guys have been busy sweeping, mopping, and cleaning out the area for the new Calamity News Studio. They have been working almost tirelessly getting the big unveil ready for the viewing public. There’s a lot more hard work in front of them, but there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Stop by for a visit and see the progress.