Rogue Valley Pulse for 04/04/25
This week in the news: information on Medford’s Main Street revamp, details on Jackson County’s $660 million budget, and Ashland’s new fuel fees for new homes.
The community spotlight is the Pear Blossom Festival.
This weekend’s events include the NW Percussion festival, a wine and chocolate pairing and some good local music.
The music preview is from Chasing Keridwyn that will be playing this Saturday at Dunbar Farms.
Rogue Valley News
- Medford’s Main Street Revamp
The Medford city council is debating the future of Main Street, a project that has sparked both praise and criticism. The street was reconfigured in 2023 to include a two-way protected bike lane, reducing traffic lanes from three to two. However, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents finding the new layout confusing and […]
- Jackson County Unveils $660M Budget with Major Capital Investments
Jackson County, Oregon, has unveiled its proposed $660.1 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting a $20 million increase over the previous year. The budget prioritizes major infrastructure projects and public services while addressing rising personnel and insurance costs. Key projects include a $40.9 million allocation for the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport expansion to […]
- Fossil Fuel Fees for New Homes
The Ashland City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance imposing fees on the installation of fossil-fueled appliances in new residential construction, sparking both support and criticism from various community groups. The measure, supported by youth-led organizations like the Ashland Youth Electrification group, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of electric appliances. […]
Community Spotlight
- Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival
Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival: A Celebration of Tradition, Community, and Fun The Pear Blossom Festival began in 1954 as an idea inspired by Washington State’s apple festivals. It has since grown into Southern Oregon’s largest annual celebration. Today, it not only honors Medford’s pear orchards but also fosters community pride through scholarships for high school […]
Featured Events
- Apr 4th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PMFirst Friday Art Walk - Downtown Ashland
Join us for First Friday Art Walk! We’re excited to share a diverse array of wonderful artwork on display this month and created by our very talented artists.
- Apr 4th 7:30 PM - 5:00 PMNW Percussion Festival - SOU Music Recital Hall, Ashland
The Northwest Percussion Festival brings to Ashland a vibrant celebration of rhythmic and percussive sounds. Attendees can enjoy free concerts showcasing a wide variety of percussion styles, from traditional to experimental. The opening concert on Friday evening will feature regional ensembles, while during the weekend there will be performances by university students and professionals. This […]
- Apr 5th 1:00 PM - 4:00 PMWine & Chocolate Pairing Experience - Paschal Winery, Talent
Indulge in a sensory journey as Paschal Winery collaborates with local chocolatier Lillie Belle Farms to present an expertly guided wine and chocolate pairing experience. The event features five Paschal wines thoughtfully paired with artisanal chocolates, highlighting how different chocolate compositions enhance and complement various wine characteristics. Winery staff will lead guests through each pairing, […]
- Apr 5th 5:00 PM - 7:00 PMChasing Keridwyn at Dunbar Farms - Dunbar Farms, Ashland
Southern Oregon’s Chasing Keridwyn will perform at Dunbar Farms on Saturday night, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Known for their dynamic blend of traditional bluegrass and other genres, the band delivers intricate solos and rich harmonies that captivate audiences. Formed by seasoned musicians with years of collaboration, their music reflects a deep dedication to craftsmanship […]
- Apr 6th 5:00 PM - 6:00 PMJim Quinby at The Wild Goose - The Wild Goose, Ashland
Jim Quinby’s live performance at The Wild Goose is set to offer an intimate look at his signature blend of soulful vocals and nuanced guitar playing. With a background rich in both traditional folk and modern rock influences, Jim crafts a set that is both reflective and rhythmically engaging. His songs often tell tales of […]