Medford opens Oregon's largest municipal pickleball complex

SOU Student Film Festival showcases emerging filmmakers in Ashland

Audience at the Varsity Theatre in Ashland on June 1, 2026 for the 21st Annual Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/621a025/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2048x1366+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F23%2F8f%2F4a089491482d83dc27614bc0011b%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-audience.jpg]Audience at the Varsity Theatre in Ashland on June 1, 2026 for the 21st Annual Student Film Festival. (Marvin Walder) The 21st annual SOU Student Film Festival is showcasing the work of student filmmakers from Southern Oregon University's digital cinema program. The festival features 14 short films selected from 28 submissions and serves as the culmination of a course focused on film distribution and festival promotion. Festival Director Sophia Guerrero said she wanted the event to highlight the range of work being produced by students in the program. "I really wanted the festival to showcase all of the talented and creative work that people have been working on the past year and really show a diverse range of genre," Guerrero said. Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0a1cdf5/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F65%2Fb2d23d4d488a9bbc19e37752505f%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-best-cinematography-the-hollowing-1.png] Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival.(Southern Oregon University Student Film Festival ) The selected films span multiple genres, including horror, science fiction, drama and comedy. Among this year's award winners is Maddy Peterson, who received the Best Cinematography award for her work on the horror film "The Hollowing." Peterson said screening the film at the Varsity Theatre was a memorable experience. Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6a302a6/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2F40%2F9a0fe83c4d3786ff377caa904520%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-best-cinematography-the-hollowing-2.png] Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. (Southern Oregon University Student Film Festival ) "Seeing that film on the big screen for the first time and hearing everyone's reactions to the film was so just surreal," she said. In addition to showcasing student work, the festival connects filmmakers with industry professionals. Guerrero said a jury of 20 to 30 local media professionals participated in evaluating films and interacting with students. GUESTS * Sophia Guerrero, director, SOU Student Film Festival * Maddy Peterson, filmmaker, "The Hollowing" EVENT * The festival's final screening is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 11. JPR is licensed to Southern Oregon University, but our newsroom operates independently. Guided by our journalistic standards and ethics, we cover the university like any other organization in the region. No university official reviewed or edited this story before it was published.

Medford opens Oregon's largest municipal pickleball complex

Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Rich Rosenthal returns a shot while playing pickleball during the ribbon cutting celebration on June 5, 2026 for The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e0a348c/2147483647/strip/false/crop/3344x2251+0+0/resize/784x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fff%2Fac%2F1b6fad5a4b2ebcba6b80571e469f%2Fthe-courts3.jpg]Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Rich Rosenthal returns a shot while playing pickleball during the ribbon cutting celebration on June 5, 2026 for The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park. (Julia Moore / City of Medford) Medford has opened a new $2 million pickleball complex at Howard Memorial Sports Park. The 19-court facility is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon, according to city officials. Rich Rosenthal, director of Medford Parks and Recreation Facilities, said the project was driven by growing demand for dedicated pickleball courts. The city's recently updated strategic plan identified dedicated pickleball courts as a priority because of their potential community impact and use. Rosenthal said players prefer courts designed specifically for pickleball over courts shared with tennis. "If you are a dedicated pickleball player, you really want to have a dedicated court," Rosenthalk said. The facility was completed in 246 days through a public-private partnership. The Southern Oregon Pickleball Association helped raise $900,000 through its foundation, including a $500,000 naming-rights contribution from Lithia & Driveway. The Wes Howard Memorial Foundation provided the land and contributed more than $1 million toward development. Rosenthal said the project reflects the late Wes Howard's goal of creating recreational opportunities for local children and families. City officials hope the complex will attract regional and national tournaments while also serving local players. The courts are open for free drop-in play from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rosenthal said the closing time was established to minimize impacts on nearby residents. "We need to be good neighbors," he said. Rosenthal said he believes pickleball's popularity will continue because players of different ages and skill levels can compete together. "Someone who's seven can play with someone who's 77," he said. "That's why it's here to stay." GUEST * Rich Rosenthal, director, Medford Parks and Recreation Facilities The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park features 19 lighted courts and is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/380eedf/2147483647/strip/false/crop/6566x4378+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71%2F81%2Ff6ea7f654f8884d4d860d3a49687%2Fthe-courts6.jpg]The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park features 19 lighted courts and is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon. (Julia Moore / City of Medford )

Activist Robin Greenfield takes on yearlong foraging challenge

Robin Greenfield displays his forested food pantry. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0dcc1d2/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1315x803+0+0/resize/792x484!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F50%2F50299b1b41609aea7f975dcf219c%2Frobin-greenfield-with-his-food-pantry.png] Robin Greenfield displays his forested food pantry.(https://www.robingreenfield.org/ ) Robin Greenfield is eight months into a yearlong challenge to forage all of his food and medicine. He describes the effort as an experiment in living more closely with his environmental values after concluding that his previous lifestyle contributed to ecological harm. Greenfield travels with a mobile pantry [https://www.robingreenfield.org/] containing more than 200 species of plants and other foods, including wild rice, stinging nettles, mushrooms and sea salt harvested from the ocean. He gathers food in places ranging from city parks and vacant lots to plants commonly considered weeds. While some question whether widespread foraging is practical, Greenfield argues that industrial food systems pose greater long-term risks. "We are on a path to extinction as a humanity through the food that we are currently eating," he said. At the center of his activism is what he calls the "Earth Code," a philosophy that prioritizes ecological stewardship over laws he believes fail to protect the environment. Greenfield sometimes harvests plants in areas where foraging is prohibited, arguing that environmental responsibility can justify acts of civil disobedience. Greenfield is also promoting the 1 Million Community Fruit Trees Initiative, a decentralized effort to plant fruit trees and other food-producing plants in communities nationwide. He said the challenge has strengthened his sense of connection to the natural world. "I'm feeling more and more that I am a part of all of this," Greenfield said. GUEST * Robin Greenfield, food forager and activist EVENTS * Greenfield will speak from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 13 at SOL Gratitude Village [https://www.montessorifarmforestschool.org/] in Mt. Shasta, California. * He will also speak from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 17 at Bellview Grange [https://www.grange.org/bellviewor759/] in Ashland, Oregon.

Pride Month books and summer reading recommendations from Oregon experts

These books are among a dozen recommended readings this summer by the books guides of JX Reads. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0769017/2147483647/strip/false/crop/3825x1579+0+0/resize/792x327!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2F05%2F9faeaa8349c49d9adf93b58e9024%2Fjx-reads-books-credit-megan-isser-owner-of-bloomsbury-books-in-ashland-oregon.jpg]These books are among a dozen recommended readings this summer by the books guides of JX Reads. (Megan Isser, owner, https://bloomsburyashland.com/) Looking for your next summer read? Librarians and booksellers from across Southern Oregon and the South Coast shared their favorite picks on the Jefferson Exchange, recommending everything from queer history and historical fiction to spy romances, dark satire and investigative nonfiction. With June marking Pride Month and summer vacation season underway, the panel highlighted books that explore LGBTQ+ history and identity alongside lighter reads perfect for a beach bag or relaxing afternoon. PRIDE MONTH PICKS "The Six Loves of James I [https://coosbay.catalog.coastlinelibraries.org/Record/1048544]" by Gareth Russell Sami Pierson, director of the Coos Bay Public Library, recommends this biography of King James I of England. Drawing on historical records, Russell examines the king's relationships with both women and men while exploring the political intrigue of the royal court. Pierson said the book remains fascinating even beyond its LGBTQ+ themes because of its portrait of power, ambition and manipulation among England's ruling elite. "Even if you removed his relationships out of this book, it is a fascinating book of just intrigue and paranoid personalities," Pierson said. "The Lilac People [https://catalog.jcls.org/GroupedWork/08cc5e23-d187-7bd6-3398-851b2e1becfb-eng/Home?searchId=26015424&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local&referred=resultIndex]" by Milo Todd Set in Nazi Germany, this historical novel follows a trans man who escapes persecution and struggles to survive through World War II. Ashland Public Library Branch Manager Kristen Anderson said the novel highlights an often-overlooked chapter of LGBTQ+ history. "Gayness and queerness have existed for centuries," Anderson said. The story also introduces readers to Magnus Hirschfeld, a pioneering researcher whose work studying gender and sexuality was largely destroyed by the Nazis. "The Einstein of Sex: Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, Visionary of Weimar Berlin [https://catalog.jcls.org/Record/411098?searchId=26015430&recordIndex=1&page=1&referred=resultIndex]" by Daniel Brook For readers interested in the real-life history behind The Lilac People, Anderson recommends Brook's biography of Hirschfeld. The book examines the life of the Jewish physician and sexologist whose research challenged binary ideas about gender and sexuality decades before such discussions became mainstream. Much of Hirschfeld's research was lost when the Nazis destroyed his institute. Anderson described it as a compelling nonfiction companion to Todd's novel. "Whistler [https://www.annpatchett.com/whistler]" by Anne Patchett Bloomsbury Books owner Megan Isser recommends Patchett's novel as both a Pride Month read and a comforting summer escape. The story explores family, memory and the consequences of secrets, including closeted sexuality. Isser said Patchett's steady storytelling style makes the novel particularly appealing during the hectic summer months. "With all of the intensity of the memories that happen in this book, the kindness and love is what just put my nerves at ease," Isser said. "Tuxedo Society [https://coosbay.catalog.coastlinelibraries.org/GroupedWork/1fad7796-f0d8-5b0b-b633-e8ae78fc3bc2-eng/Home?]" by Paul Rudnick Pierson describes this novel as a fast-paced mix of queer romance, comedy and espionage. "It's just a fun read, and a fast read that is perfect for relaxing and just kicking back," she said. The story follows an actor who unexpectedly finds himself drawn into the world of international spying while navigating a budding romance. Pierson said it is an ideal vacation read. SUMMER READS FOR THE BEACH — OR ANYWHERE ELSE "The Flatshare [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36478784-the-flatshare]" by Beth O'Leary Pierson recommends this popular romantic comedy about two strangers who share an apartment but never meet because they work opposite schedules. Their relationship begins through notes left for one another and gradually develops into something deeper. Pierson called it the kind of book that leaves readers feeling good after turning the final page. "We'll Prescribe You a Cat [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763041/well-prescribe-you-a-cat-by-syou-ishida-translated-by-e-madison-shimoda/]" by Syou Ishida Pierson also recommends this Japanese bestseller and its sequel, We'll Prescribe You Another Cat. She said the books are part of a growing trend of cat-themed Japanese fiction that offers gentle, uplifting stories and low-stress reading. "They're not demanding of you," Pierson said. "They're just light and easy to read." "Yesteryear [https://catalog.jcls.org/GroupedWork/8ea455b4-99d0-8e2f-b20a-5af7ba5bfdcf-eng/Home?searchId=26015418&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local&referred=resultIndex]" by Caro Claire Burke Anderson describes this dark satire as one of the books likely to generate conversation this summer. She calls it a "ping pong book" because it ricochets between the curated social media life of a modern-day trad-wife influencer and the realities of life in the 1800s. The novel serves as a critique of those who romanticize the past, and Anderson and Pierson praised its unpredictable plot and sharp social commentary. "It's billed as dark satire," Anderson said. "It's just got a crazy cool hook." Calamity Club [https://www.spiegelandgrau.com/the-calamity-club] by Kathryn Stockett The author of The Help returns with her first novel in roughly 15 years. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the book explores issues including eugenics, prostitution and forced sterilization while following a cast of interconnected characters. Anderson said the novel balances heavy subject matter with humor and memorable personalities. "It's the characters," Anderson said. "That's what drives the story." "London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704979/london-falling-by-patrick-radden-keefe/]" by Patrick Radden Keefe For nonfiction readers, Isser recommends this investigative account of a young man's death and the hidden networks of wealth and power surrounding the case. "If you want a thriller, a real-life thriller, this book is incredible," Isser said. She praised Keefe's reporting and said the book is a gripping investigation into family, secrecy and influence. GUESTS * Kristen Anderson, branch manager, Jackson County Library Services * Sami Pierson, director, Coos Bay Public Library * Megan Isser, owner, Bloomsbury Books Mike Green, host of The Jefferson Exchange, is with three book guides for JX Reads: (clockwise) Kristen Anderson of Jackson County Library Services, Sami Pierson of Coos Bay Public Library and Megan Isser, owner of Bloomsbury Books in Ashland. JPR student engineer, Morgan Ackley, is seen in the engineering booth. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c7ff414/2147483647/strip/false/crop/4096x1676+0+0/resize/792x324!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb5%2F2f%2Fd8497a3b47e2a682f9231a647b0d%2Fjx-reads-mike-green-kristin-anderson-sami-pierson-megan-isser-1.jpg]Mike Green, host of The Jefferson Exchange, is with three book guides for JX Reads: (clockwise) Kristen Anderson of Jackson County Library Services, Sami Pierson of Coos Bay Public Library and Megan Isser, owner of Bloomsbury Books in Ashland. JPR student engineer, Morgan Ackley, is seen in the engineering booth. (JPR Senior Producer Natalie Golay)

California condor flies into Southern Oregon for first time in more than a century

Yurok Wildlife Department Technician Sandra Hahn releases B9 into the Northern California Condor Restoration Program’s (NCCRP) condor release and management facility. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ac2cc5a/2147483647/strip/false/crop/3000x1736+0+0/resize/792x458!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2F38%2F386f83424c12bd9752d51acd7b55%2Fcondor-b9.jpg]Yurok Wildlife Department Technician Sandra Hahn releases B9 into the Northern California Condor Restoration Program’s (NCCRP) condor release and management facility. (Matt Mais ) A young California condor has become the first of its species recorded in Southern Oregon in more than a century after completing a nearly 400-mile flight from Northern California, according to the Yurok Tribe's condor restoration program. The bird, known as B9, is a 2-year-old female released through the Northern California Condor Restoration Program [https://www.yuroktribe.org/yurok-condor-restoration-program]. Her journey took her from Northern California near Redding, across the Oregon border south of Medford, through the Cave Junction area and along the Southern Oregon Coast before returning home. B9's flight is believed to be the first documented visit by a California condor to Southern Oregon since the late 1800s or early 1900s. The sighting is being celebrated by the Yurok Tribe and conservation partners as evidence that the restored population is expanding its range. Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, said B9's flight reflects the natural curiosity of a young condor exploring its range. "She followed her instincts as a young, curious sort of creature," Williams-Claussen said. The flight marks a milestone for a restoration effort aimed at returning California condors to the region. The Yurok Tribe began working to restore the species in 2008 and released its first condors in partnership with Redwood National Park in 2022. Today, 23 condors are flying free in Northern California. Williams-Claussen said condors hold deep cultural significance for the Yurok people, who view them as an important part of ceremonies and world renewal traditions. She described the birds' return as helping restore both ecological and cultural connections that were lost when condors disappeared from the region. California condors are the largest birds in North America, with wingspans more than nine feet. They can travel 100 to 200 miles in a day and are known for soaring long distances on wind currents. Williams-Claussen said B9's journey also shows how younger birds are learning from older condors already established in the wild. "Every subsequent cohort of birds that we've brought out has been able to build on that original knowledge that those first four birds brought to expand the range farther and farther," she said. GUEST * Tiana Williams-Claussen, director, Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department [https://www.yuroktribe.org/wildlife]