BREAKING: Oregon Judge Strikes Down Kate Brown's Executive Lockdown Overreach

Oregon Judge Declares Pandemic Orders Null and Void May 18, 2020 Media Contact: Brad Dacus, 916-616-4126 (Spanish: 206-257-3239) Salem, OR — An Oregon judge ruled today that Gov. Kate Brown’s pandemic-related executive orders exceeded her authority. The case was filed by numerous churches and people of faith who were represented by the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). The orders resulted in church, business, and school closings and required the citizens in Oregon to remain under virtual house arrest. The Oregon law gives the Governor broad authority in emergency situations; however, that authority is of limited duration. The Governor did not go to the legislature to seek additional time as required by law. Brad Dacus, President of PJI, stated, “We are thrilled with this decision in Oregon and believe it upholds the rule of law by requiring the Governor to comply with clear limitation placed in the statutes.” Attorneys for the Governor are now vowing to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court. “Pacific Justice Institute is committed to seeing this case all the way through to its final conclusion,” Dacus said.   Ray Hacke, PJI’s Oregon-based staff attorney who argued the case on behalf of churches filing suit, commented, “Even in emergencies, there are limitations on the Governor’s power. The Governor exceeded those limitations and the Court rightly recognized that.” In his opinion Judge Matthew Shirtcliff found that without a restraining order churches will experience irreparable harm to their right to the free exercise of religion. Attorney Kevin Mannix of Salem represented businesses who intervened in the case. Mannix also presented oral arguments to the Court.

Gavin Hates OC: CA Governor Targets Orange County Beaches Exclusively

Already, Governor Gavin Newsom has backed off of his threat to shut down all the beaches in the state of California.

Still, he insisted on targeting Orange County.

This is even more ridiculous, since the governor is targeting once beach, one county.

This is patently unacceptable, and clearly unconstitutional.

Governor Newsom will lose this fight, big time.

We need to stand with Orange County and stand up against this agressive overreach by the Governor of California.

We need more people to speak up and say "Enough!"

Let our state open!

Let our people go!

Orange County Republicans - Gavin Newsom just targeted Orange County residents. Late last night a memo was sent that all California beaches and hiking trails would be closed starting May 1st. Just minutes ago Governor Newsom changed his mind and now only Orange County beaches will be closed. This is a clear attack on Orange County and revenge on our local elected officials pushing back on his draconian shut down measures. If it's safe to go to the beach in other counties with greater numbers of positive COVD-19 cases why is it unsafe in Orange County where we have been responsible and flattened the curve? Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel released a statement this morning as she will be looking into a response to the Governor's "overreaction and abuse of power." State Senator John Moorlach slammed the Governor "We need to trust people. If our citizens exercise proper social distancing, then we should allow access to the beaches. Let people have access to these facilities.” Where are the Orange County Democrats on this targeted harassment of Orange County residents? We call on State Senate candidate Dave Min and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris to stand up for residents.  Gavin Newsom isn't making decisions based on science any longer. He is engaging in petty politics. His misguided order will result in an unnecessary stand off and he will only have himself to blame. CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO OPEN OUR OC BEACHES