vernonia prevention coalition
Be a Piece of the Puzzle: Rave Reviews and Lessons to Learn
On April 8,
there was a circus
in town that had
been marketed as
family-friendly
and open to all for
a cover charge of
$5. Just like the old days, people came
from all over-- coming from Eugene,
Portland, Corvallis and the coast.
Hundreds of young people, most under
the age of 25, gathered on a private
residence to listen to live music. Most
people from Vernonia missed it, but that
was the point. This event was actually a
Rave.
According
to
the
U.S.
Department of Justice, “Rave parties
are dance parties that feature fast-
paced, repetitive electronic music and
accompanying light shows. Raves are
the focus of youth-oriented subculture
that blends music, art and social ideals.”
It was a well-organized event through
a social media outlet and 800+ people
RSVP’d to attend, including Vernonia
teens and young adults.
Unfortunately, while in itself
not harmful, the culture surrounding
it is devastating: youth having access
to alcohol, drugs such as ecstasy,
marijuana, GHB (date rape drug) and
heroin. Or further yet, an opportunity
for a youth to become a victim of a
faceless stranger who will then leave
on Sunday. U.S. Department of Justice
describes that, “Rave culture all entails
the use of a range of licit and illicit drugs.
Drug use is intended to enhance Ravers’
sensations and boost their energy so they
can dance for long periods.”
The local expectation was
that county and state law enforcement
would be able to go in and stop it. In
reality, it was unsafe for officers to
attempt a shutdown due to its sheer
size. But more importantly, there was
concern for the minors and others who
would have attempted to elude police by
running into the night. This would have
caused emergency personnel to respond
to an out-of-control situation, putting
themselves and minors in harm’s way.
Despite the frustration, proactive
citizens called the Sheriff, wrote County
Commissioners, and emailed county
clerks to ask about the policy, codes and
ordinances of hosting large events in
rural areas. Using the actual procedures
in which to report and follow up with
documentation was very beneficial in
getting movement, if not resolution.
While not stopping the April 8-12 event,
collectively, citizens have given good
cause in halting future ones.
In Vernonia, we have ordinances
that help mitigate these types of large
gatherings. However, much like the
county, they are not as proactive in
enforcement nor have they been revised
for years to include references to events
that attract youth in large numbers while
providing alcohol. Further, there is not
an ordinance that speaks to contacting
the land owner(s) of the documented
criminal activity on their property. The
owners or custodians of the Keasey
property knew nothing of the past year’s
events and were appalled when contacted
by the County.
Ordinances are just the beginning
to keeping our community safe. We
need to enforce and obtain restitution for
the violation of ordinances to help offset
the cost of enforcement. But
we need clear expectations of
resolution and of enforcement
of them. Some questions we
should all ask ourselves are,
“What are my expectations
What Counts as Cyberbullying?
of law enforcement in the
• Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target
City?” “Does City Council
“Sticks and stones indeed break bones.
BUT texts and phones wound also.”
april26
2011
15
have that same expectation?” “Have I
articulated my expectation to my city
representative?” And finally, “Are we
funding to those expectations?”
Until expectations are defined,
these costs are mounting and our
liability is ever-increasing. The lack of
enforcement of simple ordinances such
as property maintenance, leash laws,
building codes, helmet laws, nuisance
abatements, alcohol and tobacco use on
city and school property, causes a general
breakdown of compliance. Individually
minor, but together they are eroding the
positive social norms we strive to have
in Vernonia. Types of events, such as
raves or UAD parties are organized in
rural areas because they know they have
limited police presence and questionable
enforcement action.
It is time to
speak to what we can do to limit our
liability as a city and citizens during
these permitted or unplanned events.
Know your ordinances-- both city and
county:
City of Vernonia
Park Ord. 761 (Rules and Alcohol Policy)
Public Protection Ord. 313 (Curfew)
Public Protection Ord. 582 (Drinking in
public places/Unnecessary Noise)
Large Assemblies Ord. 457 & 767 (Security,
Permitting and Public safety)
Columbia County
Noise Control Ord. 91-8
Outdoor Mass Gathering Ord. 2006-9
(Permitting, Security, Public Safety)
another person. Online threats or “flames” (rude texts, IMs, or messages) count. So
does posting personal information or videos designed to hurt or embarrass some-
one else.
• Online bullying can be easier to commit than other acts of bullying because the
bully doesn’t have to confront the victim in person. Some cyberbullies probably
don’t realize just how hurtful their actions are.
• By definition, cyberbullying involves young people. If an adult sends the messages
or notes, it may meet the legal definition of cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking.
If you miss
this date come
see us at the
Health Fair - May 7
at VCLC
National Suicide
Prevention
Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Are you feeling desperate, alone
or hopeless? Call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline a
free, 24-hour hotline available
to anyone in suicidal crisis or
emotional distress. Your call will
be routed to the nearest crisis
center to you.
Veterans Suicide Prevention
Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Press 1
5th Tuesday Community 
Coalition Meeting
at the VCLC 6:30-8:00 PM
May 31st
August 30th
November 29th
For more information contact:  
DeAnna Pearl, VPC Director  
503-369-7370
DeAnna@vernonia-or.gov