Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2003)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, May 21, 2003 Continuing with last week’s abbreviated story of Bob’s Excellent Nostalgia Adventure in San Diego, we find El Jefe sweating and strolling along Tamarack Beach in Carls- bad, thoroughly enjoying the shore birds dashing in jagged formations along the edge of the foaming surf lines. And I had to stop picking up shells and rocks because the weight in my left jacket pocket was causing me to list to port. I had planned to wear shorts to the beach, but discovered that my white Oregon legs would have blinded everyone, and so wore a light sweat suit instead. Besides lots of sea birds looking for lunch, there were many surfers of many ages, all wearing black wet suits. Close up the surfers all have burned noses, salt water eyes and excellent biceps. One highlight of my five-day outing (Jan stayed home to take care of our menagerie) was taking my mother out for Mother’s Day with daughter Vicki, son-in-law Matt and se- riously teething granddaughter, Natalie Emma, coming right up on the 9-month-old mark. We had a good time at brunch, plus I got to visit my mom every day that I was in San Diego, except the day I left. On my arrival Vicki and Natalie picked me up at San Diego International Lindbergh Field, and we immediately drove to my desired location: Cabrillo National Monument, past the always-impressive Fort Rosecrans National Ceme- tery at the end of Point Loma with its ordered rows and rows of white crosses. Although I was “joking” last week, it’s possible that Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, credited with being the first Euro- pean to set foot on what’s now the West Coast of the United States on Sept. 28, 1542, is a relative. I mean, it could be? Right? Right. Anyway, as a young child and even into my 20s I spent many hours at the old Point Loma lighthouse, which still stands, although it’s no longer possible to climb the winding staircase to the top from the inside. The view from the visitor center there, added several years ago below the lighthouse, provides a wonderful view of the San Diego skyline, North Island Naval Station, Coro- nado and the Silver Strand, and the mighty Pacific Ocean, which lived up to its peaceful name the day I was there. Another addition, besides the visitor center, is a display in a separate building, providing a look at the men of the 19th Coast Artillery, who staffed Fort Rosecrans from 1936 through ‘47. There were fears of the coast being attacked, and so two 16-inch guns and a fire control bunker were in- stalled on the seaward side of Point Loma. I remember see- ing the concrete and metal enclosures in the hillsides as a boy. But I never knew that those guns could lob their shells nearly 30 miles. The fort also included a number of 155mm guns, and several guns protecting the mouth of the harbor. The latter weapons consisted of 37mm cannon each with two .50- caliber machine guns mounted below. I was glad to finally gain new knowledge about items I had wondered about for the past 50-plus years. The display also included informa- tion about camouflage netting that was placed over Pacific Hwy. at the aircraft plants during World War II. I knew about that, as my late dad had worked in one of them, but again it was an eye-opener to read more detailed info. After getting my fill of the military display, I headed for Vicki’s car, where she was feeding Natalie. As I started down the trail to the parking lot, the red-and-gold banner of the 19th Coast Artillery was flapping strongly in the breeze at the top of its pole. I took a long look at my hometown San Diego, recalling many memories, and stopped. Then I stood at attention, faced the banner, and gave it a sharp salute. (Next week: Bob continues to stumble around his old haunts.) Illinois Valley News An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (Bob) and Jan Rodriguez Bob Rodriguez, Editor El Jefe Entered as second class matter June 11, 1937 at Post Office as Official Newspaper for Josephine County and Josephine County Three Rivers School District, published at 321 S. Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523 Periodicals postage paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523 Post Office Box 1370 USPS 258-820 Telephone (541) 592-2541, FAX (541) 592-4330 (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary expressed in letters to the editor are strictly those of the letter- writers. * * * Typed, double-spaced letters are acceptable for consideration. Hand- written letters that are double-spaced and highly legible also can be con- sidered for publication. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters.) * * * ‘No spray’ From Janet Hill Cave Junction As a resident of Illinois Valley, I was concerned when I found out recently that there may soon be herbicide spray- ing on wildlands near Baby- foot Lake. Apparently there is a spot of spotted knapweed along a U.S. Forest Service road in the Onion Camp area, and after the Biscuit Fire, conditions are right for it to spread rapidly and threaten many area wild- flowers and rare plants. The forest service is working on a management program to eradicate the knap- weed which includes the pos- sibility of using herbicides (picloram or glyphosate). I eat area produce and drink well water as do many others in the valley. I know many wonderful families who are raising children here. And of course there is wildlife and fish to be considered. The her- bicide situation seems like a frightening threat to the health and safety of myself and my friends. As I thought further about the situation, my worry gave way to excitement. What a great opportunity to build community. People around here care about their land and JoCo sets initial budget The $107.5 million budget for Josephine County was ap- proved by the county’s budget committee Tuesday, May 13. Approximately $31 mil- lion will be allocated for the general fund when the fiscal year begins July 1. However, because of ris- ing personnel costs and a smaller general fund the county will face a $1.8 million deficit. The majority of funding from the discretionary revenue in the budget was allocated to the sheriff’s office, which re- ceived 48 percent. Community corrections received 13.2 percent. The district attorney was allocated 9.4 percent and the planning dept. received 8.4 percent. Public health received 5 per- cent. Cash strapped govern- mental departments did not get any extra funding they requested during the two day hearing before the committee. The lone exception was $200,000 allocated from the county’s contingency fund to pay for repairs to the Dim- mick Bldg. in Grants Pass. The emergency repairs to the building’s roof will give public health employees a new home after two years of plan- ning to make the move from a neighboring building. Parks and community ser- vices programs were com- pletely absent from general fund allocations. The budget passed by a 5- 1 vote. The final budget is ex- pected to be adopted by the end of June after going to the county commissioners for fi- nal approval. see a revitalization of life; the flowers are blooming, we can see baby animals in the fields, and we talk about the kind of garden we’re going to grow this summer. Life is thriving all around us. One of our pregnant women has begun labor, and a new life is about to be intro- duced. Some days, the most pre- cious sound is a baby’s laugh- ter and the most beautiful sight is a baby’s smile. It’s great to be part of the welcoming committee -- the joys that are in store for this family and community are immeasurable. water; it shouldn’t be too hard for folks to get together and find a local, grass-roots, non- toxic solution to the knapweed problem. Spotted knapweed has been pulled by hand with great success in many places, including the valley. If enough people are will- ing to volunteer, and it would- n’t take a lot, we can offer the forest service a viable alterna- tive to spraying. Isn’t our wa- ter, health and communities worth a little of our time? ‘New beginning’ From Mary Lefner, Liv- ing Alternatives director Cave Junction Spring is a time when we CONE TEN POTTERY Decorative Tile Making Workshop starts June 4 Summer Classes start June 24 Clay and Pottery Tools for Sale 360 Caves Highway 592-4646 The I.V. Lions Club wishes to thank James Zeigler, owner/operator of A thru Z Land Improvements & More and David Potticary for the great job they did in removing a stump for the club. The I.V. Lions recommends you give A thru Z and their new stump grinder a try. JOINT busts GP meth lab Josephine Interagency Narcotics Team (JOINT) de- tectives made a dent in Grants Pass’ methamphetamine pro- duction last week. JOINT detectives served a search warrant on Thursday, May 15, at the home of Rowen Allen Grisham, 53, of 1761 Rogue River Hwy. unit No. 2 in Grants Pass. According to JOINT, in- vestigators located and seized clandestine lab equipment and precursor chemicals inside three vehicles owned by Grisham. A small quantity of methamphetamine was also found in Grisham’s apartment. Grisham was arrested and cited on charges of manufac- turing/possession/delivery of a controlled substance, posses- sion of precursors and endan- gering the welfare of a minor. JOINT had received and developed citizen information that Grisham had been in- volved in the manufacture, sales and delivery of metham- phetamine which lead to the issuance of the search warrant. Also living at the location was Grisham’s 17-year-old daughter, and wife. The wife’s involvement to this case is being investigated and may result in additional charges. A special thank you to all who attended the memorial for Jan Miles and shared their thoughts of her. Thank you to everyone for the flowers, cards, love and support you have all shown me. A special thank you to my daughter, Kathy, for all she has done. Sincerely, Ray Buckley Know how to do good a little at a time, and often. - Baltasar Gracian Volume 66, No. 9 Staff: Cindy Newton, Britt Fairchild, Chris Robertson, Steve Fairchild & Becky Loudon Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association DEADLINES: News, Classified & Display Ads, Announcements & Letters 3 P.M. FRIDAY (Classified ads & uncomplicated display ads can be accepted until Noon, Monday with an additional charge.) POLICY ON LETTERS: ‘Illinois Valley News’ welcomes letters to the editor provided they are of general interest, in good taste, legible and not libelous. All letters must be signed, using complete name, and contain the writer’s address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The ‘News’ reserves the right to edit letters. One letter per person per month. Letters are used at the discretion of the publisher. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the editor's opinion. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $20.80 One year in Jackson and Douglas Counties - $24.40 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state -$28 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR. 97523 Illinois Valley Blackberry Festival Committee meeting Friday, May 23 - 6 p.m. Cave Junction County Building IVHS Activities Calendar Brought to you by the folks at 592-3556 Cave Jct . 469-7545 Brookings/ Harbor 471-RIVR Taylor’s 1/2 or whole Hams… $1.79 lb. **********May Events: 7-10 p.m.********** THURSDAY, MAY 22 *Scholarship Awards Night 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 23 *District track at SOSU 11 a.m. SATURDAY, MAY 24 *District track at SOSU MONDAY, MAY 26 *No classes TUESDAY, MAY 27 *Key Club meeting - lunch Room 14 WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 *Spring Sports Award Night - 6:30 p.m. *OSSOM meeting - ROTC Lunch *Friday, May 23 - Libby Goines Folk – Jazz Dinner special Sushi - $5 per roll *Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 Dale & the Siskiyou Mountain Boys *Thursdays - UBA-Star open mic with Jake Thompson and SCRABBLE COMPETITION *DINNERS SERVED* Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 5 p.m. Prepared by Chef Michael Smith