Anti-fluoride referendum qualifies for ballot
In May 2014, an anti-fluoride referendum will be added to the Portland ballot, according to The Oregonian. Clean Water Portland, an interest group to prevent the Portland initiative adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water, gathered approximately 33,000 signatures of the 19,000 needed to place the referendum on the ballot.
Clean Water Portland is also pushing for an initiative to stop officials from adding fluoride to Bull Run water, which provides drinking water to a quarter of Oregon.
“Portlandia” returns for third season, set to air promotional winter episode
Independent Film Channel reported Thursday that season three of the quirky, Portland-based television show, “Portlandia,” is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 4, 2013. 
IFC will also be airing a promotional winter episode called “Winter in Portlandia” on Dec. 14, according to The Oregonian. The episode will follow a Portland couple struggling with winter weight gain and a man’s visit to the feminist bookstore.
Oregon may vote on same-sex marriage in 2014
Encouraged by the passage of same-sex marriage in three states Tuesday night, Oregon gay rights activists say it is likely they will push to place a similar measure on the Oregon ballot in 2014. According to Basic Rights Oregon, the largest gay rights organization in the state, no firm decision has been made, though leaders believe the state could be the first to overturn its constitution’s ban on same-sex marriage.
According to The Oregonian, spokespeople for the organization added that it may be easier for the measure to pass in 2016, which would have a higher voter turnout due to presidential elections.
Portland students gather to protest police use of pepper spray
A group of about 20 Portland high school and college students gathered outside Portland City Hall Thursday to protest police use of pepper spray during an Occupy Portland demonstration on Saturday, The Oregonian reports.
At least 10 students, who were taking part in the demonstration to protest budget cuts, were hit by the pepper spray the police department used when the protestors took a turn off the demonstration’s marked route.
The students said they may file formal complaints and will continue to seek out ways to peacefully protest school budget cuts.
Authorities investigate property associated with medical marijuana farm

The federal government is taking action to seize properties in Jackson County that have been associated with medical marijuana growth and distribution. One of the properties being sought by authorities is High Hopes Farm in Southern Oregon, which provides medical marijuana to patients. The owner, James Bowman, has not been charged with a crime, according to The Oregonian.
The federal operation is part of an effort to investigate marijuana growth and distribution.
Authorities have been monitoring High Hopes Farm since 2008. The Oregonian reports that the farm was on track to produce the most marijuana for medical patients in the state.