The exact meaning of a November verdict granting public access to the city’s private namesake lake remains a point of contention between public access proponents and Lake Oswego attorneys.
The public cannot be prevented from jumping into the water at the edge of Millennium Park Plaza, according to Circuit Judge Kathie Steele’s order, but the issue of execution is clouding the situation.
A private lake plaque that is anchored to the ground, together with a row of jagged metal reeds and pebbles that form a secondary barrier to the rest of the lake, should be removed by the city, according to access activists.
The lawyers for a local swimmer and kayaker have stated that such improvements should be finished within 180 days of the judge’s decision in the case.
However, lawyers for the Lake Oswego Corporation and Lake Oswego City Hall contend that the decision does not require a proactive obligation to upgrade current access points, therefore the boulders and reeds may remain.
Additionally, they request that the judge put a halt to enforcement until the corporation and city can develop a safety plan for people who wish to swim or boat in the lake. Judge Steele will now choose between the two proposed rulings or draft her own after final briefings ended on Tuesday.
She has not provided a deadline for her decision.
Judge opts for probation for woman, 74, who shot abusive ex-husband in the jaw
A Multnomah County court decided that a woman who pleaded no contest to shooting her husband would receive two years of probation, which is a rare sentencing without a plea agreement already in place.
On February 22, 2024, Lana Strand, aged 74, was in court after shooting her ex-husband Kenneth Strand in the neck and jaw while she was paying him a visit at the senior living facility in St. Anthony Village.
Since Kenneth Strand died of unrelated causes and Lana Strand claimed self-defense, no one could testify against her in the witness box if the case went to trial.
Family members of Kenneth Strand gathered to support his ex-wife, claiming that he had abused Lana Strand physically and emotionally for many years.
Circuit Judge Kelly Skye stated that the mandated minimum sentence of seven and a half years for attempted murder was excessively rigid, citing Lana Strand’s personal limitations.
“I think everyone agrees that a trial would be too risky for you, given the mandatory minimum prison sentence, your age, and your health,” she stated.
Hillsboro man guilty of raping 12-year-old, shooting at deputy
A Hillsboro man, 31, was convicted by two Washington County juries of drugging and raping a 12-year-old girl in October 2023, followed by shooting at deputies.
During the two trials in February, James L. Tijerina was found guilty of a number of counts, including attempted murder and second-degree rape.
After Tijerina overdosed on fentanyl and he contacted 911, it was discovered that she had sexually abused the 12-year-old. Although she lived, deputies later discovered that he had given acid to another little girl.
On October 10, 2023, Tijerina skipped her first court date, which resulted in a 100 mph pursuit close to the city of Gaston. A chasing police officer was so near that he caught a glimpse of Tijerina’s gun’s muzzle flash.
At a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 10, prosecutors are requesting a 50-year sentence.
In other news:
The 36-year-old Chanise N. Brookins was given a two-year prison sentence for shooting an unidentified lady in the finger on October 30, 2024, at the Hattie Redmond apartments in Portland.
Gavin E. Wallis, 23, was given a five-year jail sentence by a Clackamas County judge for the drunk driving incident that killed Giovanny Avila, 21, of The Dalles, on September 23, 2023.
After reportedly firing three shots at Lofton Lane from across the parking lot of the Lemonnade PDX Dispensary on Northeast Columbia Boulevard on June 29, 2024, Jeray Bridges, 34, was taken into custody last month.
For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Zane Sparling reports on court proceedings and breaking news. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-319-7083, or pdxzane.
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