[Words From Webster] Medford Oregon | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2
Blogger
Medford Oregon | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 |
- Survey Aims To Build Trust With Latinos And Medford PD
- 5 Ways to Happiness: Find a Purpose
- Medford Woman Working To Keep JFK's Legacy Alive
- EXCLUSIVE: Pizza Shop Owner Shares Story on McVay Arrest
- Text messages revealed in murder trial
| Survey Aims To Build Trust With Latinos And Medford PD Posted: 22 Nov 2013 11:13 PM PST  Author:Roma Villavicencio MEDFORD, OR 30 men and women took a survey that they say hold the memory of 18-year-old Elias Ruiz. "In a very real sense this is Elias' legacy," says Pam Lucas. Medford police shot and killed Elias Ruiz 2012. They say in self defense. The teen's mother had called 911 for help but police say Ruiz charged officers with a knife. And ever since, Pam Lucas with the Medford Multicultural Commission says there's been a rift between police and Medford's Latinos, 14 percent of the city's population. "I would like the police department to give us better support we want to feel safer with them," says Anahe Cervantes. Friday, the Multicultural Commission and the Southern Oregon Education Service District called together a group of parents to fill out this survey. One of six survey sessions planned to try to bridge a gap. With questions for Latino parents like: How safe do you feel in your community? and Are you trusting of the Medford police department? Police say they're on board. "Hopefully the survey will actually explain that were not there only when bad things happen but we're here all the time and we don't just respond to the Latino community because there's something bad we respond to the Latino community to help them because they are also victims of crime," says Medford Deputy Chief Randy Sparciano. Parents hope the survey will help the department better understand their needs. An understanding they hope will prevent situations like the tragic death of Elias Ruiz. "I hope parents get enough information and hope they feel safer after this," says Maria Rodriguez. Oregon Health and Sciences University of Ashland will be collecting data from the surveys to determine a common theme. They hope to give the information back to the police department by next spring.           |
| 5 Ways to Happiness: Find a Purpose Posted: 22 Nov 2013 06:15 PM PST  Author:Christine Pitawanich Medford We've come a long way we are now to day number five in our special series, 5 Ways to Happiness. Bobby Benson is one of many men at the Medford Gospel Mission who have found their purpose in life. "I've become a member of the neighborhood church and the neighborhood church and this mission are my family now. And as a resident volunteer I get to serve God by serving others here and it's just been really rewarding to me," said Benson. A Long, Hard Road However, the road to happiness wasn't easy for Benson who found himself jobless and homeless in Medford. "I spent most of the summer, about six months, intoxicated in the sticker bushes until I came to my senses. Came into the mission and they just sucked me up like family." His story is similar to others at the mission. "I came here strung out on drugs and alcohol," began James Byrd, the Mens Coordinator at the Mission. "My marriage fell apart, I was asked to leave my house, my children wouldn't talk to me anymore," he said. "I ended up in a mental hospital because of depression and I was suicidal. I was really at my wits end," said Laurence Rose, another man who lives and works at the Medford Gospel Mission. Happiness Through Finding a Purpose Like his friends, Benson is finally happy because he's found purpose through working with people who he says are just as needy as he is. Benson has found meaning in religion and serving others. Figuring out a purpose in life, is the fifth way to happiness. "For some people that might be more of a spiritual connection," said Doug Smith, Associate Professor of Psychology at Southern Oregon University. But it doesn't have to involve religion or spirituality. It can be as simple as having a goal, like growing a garden, raising children or serving others. Those goals that can lead to a sense of purpose. "Doing things that bring good will to others, well being to others is a very significant pathway to your own happiness," said Smith. "I know most of the, at least a large percentage of the homeless people by their names and they know me and I get to see them everyday, see how they're doing and help them and it's just really fulfilling to me," said Benson. Making a difference by helping people just as in-need as he once was. Recapping the 5 Ways to Happiness Just to recap this week's series 5 Ways to Happiness, the first way is to choose to be happy and figure out those things you love or are good at and do them more often. Think of the things that bring zest to your life. Something as simple as more physical activity, eating the food you love or just decorating your office with colors that inspire you may do the trick The second way to a happier you, is to see the positives in situations that arise in life. Third, develop meaningful relationships with other people. The fourth way to be happy is to be thankful for what you have right now. Finally, the fifth way is to find a purpose in life. For some it's religion, or raising children, or making a difference by serving others. We sincerely hope this series has helped you become a happier person. One expert i spoke with says his research indicates that people are better off actively pursuing happiness than sitting back and waiting for happiness to come to them. So go ahead, chase happiness down and keep this week's 5 Ways to Happiness in your back pocket.      |
| Medford Woman Working To Keep JFK's Legacy Alive Posted: 22 Nov 2013 05:38 PM PST  Author:Craig SmullinIt's a dark day in American history. Fifty years ago today President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas as his motorcade drove through Dealey Plaza. In accordance with this sad anniversary... people are reflecting... both across the world and here at home. NBC-5's Craig Smullin reports on one local woman doing her best to keep JFK's memory alive.      |
| EXCLUSIVE: Pizza Shop Owner Shares Story on McVay Arrest Posted: 22 Nov 2013 05:32 PM PST  Tonight, the man who owns the White City pizza parlor where police took alleged District Attorney Office bomber, Alan McVay, into custody, is talking about the high profile arrest. He spoke of exclusively with NBC 5's Kyle Aevermann in the video above. You can also watch the raw exclusive surveillance video by clicking here.      |
| Text messages revealed in murder trial Posted: 22 Nov 2013 04:17 PM PST  Yreka We're just learning about deleted texts made between Patricia Maccallum and the husband she's accused of killing... medford man Michael Christopher Maccallum.      |
| You are subscribed to email updates from News RSS Feed | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
--
Posted By Blogger to Words From Webster at 11/23/2013 09:22:00 AM
Blogger
- David Grubbs' 26th Birthday to Benefit Ashland High School Music
- Liquor Stores Soon Might Not be the Only Place to buy Hard Alcohol
- Price of Stamps to Increase One Cent
| David Grubbs' 26th Birthday to Benefit Ashland High School Music Posted: 23 Nov 2013 07:06 PM PST Ashland "Happy Birthday David, I miss you and I love you." |
     |
| Liquor Stores Soon Might Not be the Only Place to buy Hard Alcohol Posted: 23 Nov 2013 06:59 PM PST  Medford For eighty years Oregon's Liquor Control Commission had banned the sale of liquor in grocery stores, but that could be changing. "They can get beer and wine in there, they don't need nothing more as far as I'm concerned." |
     |
| Price of Stamps to Increase One Cent Posted: 23 Nov 2013 06:41 PM PST  Ashland If you're an avid stamp user, you're going to be seeing an increase in stamp prices starting January 26th. "I think the one cent increase is alright, but in ten years the Post Office will be gone." The extra cent could total an extra 2 billion dollars for the mail service. |
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from News RSS Feed | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
--
Posted By Blogger to Words From Webster at 11/24/2013 09:32:00 AM
Blogger
| Memorial Held To Honor & Remember Ashland Man Posted: 24 Nov 2013 09:23 PM PST  Over a month has passed since Frank Damiano, also known to many as Tony Della Penna from Ashland was murdered in his mobile home in Ashland. On Sunday, friends and family gathered to celebrate a man they say was full of love. NBC 5's Roma Villavicencio has more in the video above |
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from News RSS Feed | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
--
Posted By Blogger to Words From Webster at 11/25/2013 09:32:00 AM
Blogger
- Women Forced to Have Sex for Money; Arrests Made
- Klamath Community Corrections Expanding Treatment Services
- Toxic Toys
| Women Forced to Have Sex for Money; Arrests Made Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:18 PM PST  Author:Christine Pitawanich Medford A two-month investigation leads police to two women they say were held against their will and forced to have sex for money. On Monday, police arrested 23-year-old Dennell Smith who has addresses in both Medford and the Bay area in California. Smith is behind bars at the Jackson County Jail, charged with compelling prostitution as well as two counts of promoting prostitution. His bail is set at $90,000. Authorities also arrested his girlfriend 49-year-old Rebecca Eilenberger. She is charged with two counts of promoting prostitution. She was cited and released. It All Started with a Tip Police said the investigation began when they received a tip. Someone calling from the east coast said their friend was being held against their will at a Medford hotel. However, when authorities went to investigate, they were confronted with a very different story. "The person assured me that the call was a mistake, that everything was fine, that the person she was with was someone she wanted to be with," recalled Detective Jim Williams with the Medford Police Department. Williams said he left his card and a couple weeks later, got a call from the woman asking for help. "They [the two women] knowingly came forward knowing they were going to be at risk," said Williams. One of the women is in her 40s and the other is 19-years-old. Police said both of them were brought to Oregon from out of state. "He was running her ads and having her engage in sexual contact with people," began Detective Williams. "The money that was made Dennell kept," he continued. It Happens All Too Often in Medford While unfortunate, police say women in the Medford area, every day, are forced to have sex for money. "In Medford this type of activity is happening everyday. I would tell you virtually every hour throughout the day." According to police, the women are safe outside of Medford now. However, police say they're following up to make sure the women stay safe...even if Smith posts bail. "I've stayed in daily contact, either via e-mail or telephone calls with the victims in this case and will continue to do that to make sure they are safe," said Williams. Similar Cases Prove Tough to Prosecute He said typically it's extremely difficult to find enough evidence to move forward in the investigation like this one. "[The women are] so indoctrinated to not talking to the police that it's a huge stumbling block for us to be able to proceed," Williams said. "Getting the trafficked victims to trust law enforcement [...] is very difficult," he continued. A Paradigm Shift for Police In the past, police have approached prostitution in a different way. While the act itself is still a crime, Williams said police are now in the middle of a paradigm shift where people who are forced against their will to work as prostitutes are viewed more as victims. Williams likened the mental state of victims to domestic violence. We're told Eilenberger was also involved with renting rooms and transporting the women to and from sexual contacts. Police believe she may have been manipulated by Smith to believe they were in a relationship. Detective Jim Williams said his investigation suggests there are more victims out there. He says if you want out or you know someone who does, call him at 541-774-2232. Other resources that could provide help for trafficking victims include Redemption Ridge and Community Works.
|
     |
| Klamath Community Corrections Expanding Treatment Services Posted: 26 Nov 2013 05:20 PM PST  Author:Lyle AhrensIt's now a little easier for people on parole or probation in Klamath County to get treatment services, as Klamath County Community Corrections is re-opening a wing that had been closed due to funding cuts. Community Corrections Director Kiki Parker-Rose says the former Work Release Center has re-opened for a new use... "We'll be able to provide on-site services for all of our offenders that are in need of everything from alcohol and drug treatment, mental health services, employment, education, and those types of things." "We have created sort of a one stop shop with many of the community partners and providers." Adds Program Manager Christina Eddy. Parker-Rose notes that funding cuts have left Community Corrections with limited resources to watch over 780 convicted felons... "In 2011, we went from an agency of 39 employees down to 17." But new state funding, and local support is helping to fill some of the gaps. Program Manager Eddy says those needing treatment are now getting it... "Right now I think we probably have between 50 to 100 have come through in the last 3 weeks." Parker-Rose adds that similar services will soon be available next door at the Klamath County Jail... "We're going to be in a position that we can open 'C' pod, we will be opening that in partnership with the Klamath County Jail, Lieutenant Davidson on Monday." It's hoped that improving access to treatment will have a long-term benefit of improving public safety.
Over 170 thousand dollars was earmarked for Klamath County. |
     |
| Posted: 26 Nov 2013 01:58 PM PST  Author:Jennifer Elliott Ashland Buyer beware: Toxic toys are making their way onto store shelves. OSPIRG's 28th toy report is now out. For a full rundown of items you should avoid this holiday season visit: saferproducts.org |
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from News RSS Feed | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
--
Posted By Blogger to Words From Webster at 11/27/2013 09:29:00 AM
Blogger
- Shoppers Camp Out For Brown Thursday
- The Secretive World of Forced Prostitution; Victim Speaks Out
- Man Who Accidentally Shot & Killed 5-year-old Girl Sentenced Today
- Pet Talk Pet Of The Week: November 27th
| Shoppers Camp Out For Brown Thursday Posted: 28 Nov 2013 12:14 AM PST |
Author:Roma Villavicencio MEDFORD, OR |
Their tents are up and heaters are out. Shoppers are camping out earlier this Holiday season because of what's now being called Brown Thursday. Stores like Target and Best Buy are opening their doors earlier then they ever have on Thanksgiving day. NBC 5's Roma Villavicencio files this report. |
     |
| The Secretive World of Forced Prostitution; Victim Speaks Out Posted: 27 Nov 2013 06:12 PM PST  Author:Christine Pitawanich Medford Earlier this week, police arrested two people who allegedly played roles in forcing two women to have sex for money and holding them against their will. Now we're getting a glimpse into the secretive world of prostitution, from a woman who lived a similar nightmare and got out. 23-year-old Staysha Hackmann still struggles to get past, her past. Looking in the Mirror Means Painful Memories A large tattoo on her neck is visible. She said it was put there by a man she once trusted as her boyfriend. After roughly six months, he eventually became her captor. She was only 19. "It's a branding. He wanted everybody to know that I belonged to him. It's his stamp," explained Staysha. In the beginning she says he stretched her boundaries and eventually told her since she was having sex already, she may as well help them both make money. "It was do it, or get beat." At first, she wasn't comfortable with the idea, but he eventually convinced her. However, after the reality set in, she says she wanted out...but was unable to leave. "It was do it or get beat [...] there was no other option," she said. "It's no longer a choice once you realize that this is not something you want to do." Staysha said she was able to escape when her captor was put in jail for a different crime. She is just one of the many people in Medford who find themselves living a life of prostitution...one they desperately want out of. Abuse Behind Closed Doors "You don't see the emotional, mental and physical abuse that's happening behind closed doors that's making me afraid to leave, afraid to go anywhere else because this person has threatened my life many times. This person has told me if I leave they'll hunt me down and kill my family," said Hackmann. That kind of control keeps victims silent and makes cases difficult for police to prosecute. It's not good, when police and Staysha say many victims are still out there. "In Medford alone, on the two major websites that are available for that, on any given day, there's at least 20 girls posted," she said. According to Staysha, that's not even counting girls who walk the streets or take car dates. A Different World Operating in Front of Our Eyes "People don't think it's happening in Medford because people don't want to know it's happening. People don't want to know it's happening everywhere in their backyard," said Staysha. However, even while police have said it happens virtually every hour of every day in Medford, few victims come forward. Many of them even believing they love their captor. "I had this feeling of loyalty to him. So when he would beat me and he would bring me down, I truly believed that it was my fault that I did something wrong to deserve that," Staysha recalled. History of Abuse Plays Role in Continued Victimization "Not only was I in a vulnerable place, I was young. I had been an abused child, I had gone through a lot of different struggles in my life. So I craved that human love and compassion." In addition, Staysha said many women are afraid to come forward because they believe police will treat them like criminals. "It's scary because they're talking to you like you did something wrong until they realize that you're in a bad situation and that you don't want to be there anymore," she explained. According to Detective Williams with the Medford Police Department, police are going through a paradigm shift. Previously, it was common for authorities to arrest prostitutes and treat them like criminals, however now police are beginning to view them more as victims. Williams said more and more investigators are realizing that most prostitution cases involve people who have a history of victimization. Trying to Move Forward Meanwhile, Staysha said she still suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression. But she's taking life one day at a time. "I'm going to school now and I'm actually studying psychology so I can help future women who have been victims become survivors." She's thankful she got out and now hoping she'll help others do the same. Have a Family Member Who's Been Forced into Prostitution? According to Staysha maintaining family ties are extremely important. "If you have somebody that's in that lifestyle then try to be there for them because that's what they need the most. If your family turns you away because they think that you're disgusting, then what else does that person have. That person has no hope at that point." Staysha's Message to Girls Stuck Having Sex for Money: You're Worth More Staysha wanted to send a message to girls who are still living a nightmare that she was fortunately able to escape. "As dangerous as it can be to start looking for [help], your life is worth more. Do it. Find someone to help you. Call the police. Get out, because there's help out there for you. You're not going to be treated as a criminal if you come forward as a victim," said Staysha. Additional Resources If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Detective Jim Williams with the Medford Police Department at 541-774-2232. Redemption Ridge is a Medford-based organization that helps minors who have been victims of sex trafficking. Their phone number is 1-888-256-7921. More information is on the following website: http://www.redemptionridge.com/ You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center 24-hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. They allow phone calls, or text messages to 1-888-373-7888. Their website: http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/national-human-trafficking-hotline/the-nhtrc/overview |
     |
| Man Who Accidentally Shot & Killed 5-year-old Girl Sentenced Today Posted: 27 Nov 2013 06:03 PM PST  Author:Craig SmullinJon Andrew Meyer Jr. will spend the next six years in jail, a judge handed-down his sentence today. |
     |
| Pet Talk Pet Of The Week: November 27th Posted: 27 Nov 2013 09:44 AM PST  This week we have a bundle of Chihuahuas. Beige Chihuahuas are the number two most returned pet in the country, and we are trying to change this. This week we are having a black and tan weekend Friday November 29th to Sunday December 1st. All black dogs and cats are 50% off, and all tan Chihuahuas are 50% off as well. If you'd like to see any of the pets up for adoption, please contact the Southern Oregon Humane Society at (541)779-3215 or you can visit their website at http://www.sohumane.org |
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from News RSS Feed | KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
--
Posted By Blogger to Words From Webster at 11/28/2013 09:16:00 AM