During public participation on Sept. 25, a resident asked the commission to retain an ordinance that restricts fortune-telling and divination in downtown Ashland, saying the practice can harm vulnerable people and young people in particular.

Why it matters: The comment addresses a rumored consideration to repeal a local restriction on divination and fortune-telling in the downtown area; the transcript did not record any commission action to repeal the ordinance at this meeting.

Monique Howard of Second Street told commissioners she had researched the issue and described fortune-telling and divination as a practice she characterized as linked to cognitive distortions and potential financial and emotional harm. Howard said she had sources and case studies indicating negative outcomes, described clients as often women and girls, and said the practice can lead to anxiety, depression and financial exploitation. She asked commissioners not to allow businesses of that nature to locate downtown.

Staff and commissioners did not record any ordinance amendment or repeal during the meeting; Howard’s remarks were made during the public-comment period. The commission did not deliberate a formal repeal on the record during the session.

Discussion vs. decision: The item was public comment only; no formal commission decision or vote on repeal occurred at the meeting.

Next steps: None recorded in the transcript; commissioners did not state any follow-up action during the public-comment period.