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Letters, June 9 By Mail Tribune readers Jun 09, 2022 12:00 AM A A Project would affect traffic The war by Pacific Retirement Services against residents and property owners in the neighborhoods around La Loma and Juanipero is in play again. The PRS plan calls for over 900 multi-story apartment units to be built along the south side of Juanipero and curving southward along the fence line behind Orchard Hill Elementary to Honor Drive. Secondly, Golf View Drive would be extended south to a new South Stage Road, and in effect be a short cut for traffic from Pacific Highway. The “new” Golf View would also be opened to Honor Drive, creating a direct path to La Loma Drive, an all-residential area. The road design alone would create an impact on the neighborhoods around La Loma, and especially traffic in and out of Orchard Hill Elementary. A Planning Commission hearing has been set for June 23 in the council chambers (agenda and staff report hidden until June 16). Because of Medford’s unfair noticing rules, most folks affected are not aware of this project and the negative impact it will have on our neighborhoods. The city only gives notice to property owners within 200 feet of the project boundary. So, do your homework before your neighborhood is ruined. Ted Krempa Medford Law protects kratom users Gov. Kate Brown recently signed into law the Oregon Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which took effect this month. This is vital legislation for Oregon and shapes the path for federal regulations of kratom, a popular herbal remedy, to keep all consumers safe. As a member of Gov. Brown’s Opioid Task Force, I have learned how damaging opioids can be on individuals and their families. After years of scientific research showing that kratom is a significantly safer product than opioids and other drugs, many of us are relieved that Gov. Brown has decided to take this step to protect Oregonians who rely on kratom. This passage marks a change in understanding of why protecting and regulating kratom is so important. One of my closest friends uses kratom to relieve the pain after she found opioids impacted her ability to be a mother. Thousands of Oregonians use kratom for numerous health and wellness purposes, including to taper off opioid medications. Kratom is a $1.3 billion industry nationally and countless business owners in Oregon will benefit from added regulations to ensure that their products are safe and that their customers have continued access to safe products. State Rep. David Brock Smith (R) Port Orford