Boiler Bay Beacon
TOLEDO — On a cold but calm evening Monday, community members gathered outside Toledo City Hall for a candlelight vigil in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in memory of those harmed or lost to domestic abuse.
City Councilor Frank Silvia organized the event after the recent killing of Tasha Rodriguez-Anderson, a teacher and volleyball coach at Toledo Elementary School. Rodriguez-Anderson was shot and killed on October 4; her husband has been charged and remains in custody pending his next court appearance on November 17. According to a probable cause affidavit, he was “on a meth binge” at the time of the shooting.
“This was our first homicide in 44 years,” Silvia said. “After we lost Tasha, I looked around and realized no city in Lincoln County was holding an event like this during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I brought it to the council, and they unanimously approved it. Even if we reach one person—if we give one person hope—it’s worth it.” Silvia said the city plans to continue the vigil annually in early October, before the heavy fall rains.
Toledo Mayor Rod Cross opened the event, noting that one in three women will experience physical violence in their lifetimes, and that the majority of survivors never report abuse. “If you experience it at home, or hear it in your neighborhood, speak up,” Cross said. “You might save a life.”
Amber Wishoff-Martin, Executive Director of My Sister’s Place, spoke about available local resources for survivors and encouraged attendees to take informational packets and share them widely (see below). Of particular note is the Paid Leave Oregon program, offering financial assistance to victims.
Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace closed the program, emphasizing that survivors who come forward will be believed. Wallace highlighted her office’s unblemished record of securing convictions in domestic violence cases that have gone to trial. She spoke passionately about providing support for victims and ensuring accountability for offenders.
Also in attendance was County Commissioner Casey Miller, who spoke with participants before and after the vigil. Commissioners Walter Chuck and Claire Hall did not attend.
