Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will be conducting a vehicle extrication demonstration for Cub Scout Day.  This week is a week long Cub Scout Camp introducing them to Emergency Services.  The demonstration will be Thursday June 30th from 12:30-1:30 at the Roseburg Rod & Gun Club.  875 Old Del Rio Rd, Roseburg, OR 97471 

Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded to a report of a male that fell approximately 30 feet into a well when attempting to fix the pump in the Green district. The first arriving crew confirmed the dispatch information and requested The Fire Districts technical rescue team to assist with removing the male from the well. 

Fire personnel set up a rope system to safely remove the male from the bottom of well. The male only sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene. 

Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded with 2 fire engines, 1 Technical rescue truck, 2 ambulances, and 1 command vehicle. 

Today's Topic: Summer Safety Tips for Parents and Kids 

Today’s children live in a world of rapidly evolving technology that sometimes even their parents struggle to understand.  Computers, mobile phones, and video games connect our children to the world, but also expose them to hidden dangers. Online predators, identity thieves, and cyber bullies use online gaming platforms, social media, and chat apps to target underage victims.  Summer is here, and the summer break is a time when kids tend to spend more time online where they can be exposed to these hidden dangers.  

Here are some tips for parents and kids this summer: 

Be involved and understand your child’s internet activity.   

Know the devices your child has access to and familiarize yourself with the social media sites, apps, and online games they use to communicate with their friends. Get involved in your kids’ online world to understand what they do online and who they communicate with. Parents should also be aware of their children’s access to the internet outside of the home. 

Set clear rules and closely monitor your child’s online activity.   

Take advantage of free parental control options and designate one place in the home where your children are allowed to access the internet.  

Teach appropriate and safe use of the internet.   

Discuss internet safety with children of all ages when they begin to engage in online activity and use internet enabled devices. The most important messages to teach are simple – many people online are not who they say they are, never communicate with people you don’t know, and be careful about what you share. Some adults use the internet to hide who they are by pretending to be an age-appropriate or relatable friend.   

Teach children to communicate only with people they know in real life – friends they see regularly and trusted relatives.   

Teach good cyber hygiene.  

Start with the basics. Teach children to use strong passwords, choose appropriate screen names, and adjust privacy settings to control who can view their profiles. Parents should also talk to their kids about the dangers of sharing personal information such as their home address, school, or class schedule, and the consequences of posting inappropriate content such revealing photos or videos or making hoax threats.   

It’s never too early to start these conversations.  

These conversations not only warn children about online dangers but can open lines of communication that make it easier for kids to approach their parents without fear of judgment or punishment.   

What should you do if your child does become a victim?  

Do not attempt to take matters into your own hands or communicate with the predator. Immediately contact local police, your local FBI Field Office, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Report the issue to the social media platform as well.   

By understanding your child’s internet activity and setting rules and expectations for them, you can help direct your child towards safer internet habits. You can’t always be there when they go online, but you can empower them with the right tools to navigate the Internet safely and avoid dangerous connections. 

Resources  

FBI's Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program   

NetSmartz Online Safety Education Program  

Protecting Your Kids  

JCSO Case 22-3671

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested a local Medford man yesterday after investigators discovered he possessed child exploitation images of a local 14-year-old Oregon girl. The suspect, Nicholas James Shaw, 35, of Medford, has been federally charged with two felony counts of possession, distribution, and receipt of child pornography. SOCET, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Medford, HSI Task Force Officers, Federal Protective Service (FPS), and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) served a search warrant yesterday afternoon at the suspect’s residence on the 100 block of South Orange Street in Medford.  

During the search warrant, investigators learned that in addition to possessing and distributing child pornography, the suspect had been in contact with at least one 14-year-old girl in Oregon and obtained self-produced images of the child. Investigators are concerned there may be more victims. If anyone has additional information on the suspect, please call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number.

While executing the search warrant, digital devices were seized and will be forensically examined by the SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation and other possible victims. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) started the investigation, which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence.  This investigation is being federally prosecuted in the District of Oregon. 

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The Jackson County Jail consistently reported the highest amount of releases due to overcrowding in the state of Oregon over the last six years. From 2016 through 2021, our community’s jail has averaged more than 5,300 overcrowding releases per year. These 30,900 forced releases are the most overcrowding related releases reported from any jail in Oregon during this time period.

Beginning this Wednesday, June 29^th the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) will provide updates on social media showing a snapshot of the people recently released from the Jackson County Jail due to overcrowding. This information can be accessed on Facebook and Instagram Story @JCSheriffOR. These “Stories” will include the total number of Adults-In-Custody (AIC) released that day as well as their individual charges.

The Jackson County Jail has an operational capacity of 300, although that number has been much lower the last couple years because of precautions put in place due to the Coronavirus. When the jail population exceeds that capacity, Jail Staff must release an individual with orders to appear in court at a later date. When releases are required, JCSO leadership utilizes a proven standardized assessment tool with the intention of releasing individuals who are at the lowest risk to re-offend while awaiting trial.

More than half of the jail’s population is ineligible for pre-trial release due to the nature of their charges. This population includes Measure 11 offenders awaiting trial for murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, and other serious crimes. 

To see the Jackson County Jail overcrowding releases social media updates go to the JCSO Facebook or Instagram account and click on our “Story” @JCSheriffOR

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Operation Copperhead, a non-compliant sex offender registration sweep concluded last week with a total of 32 arrests in the Jackson County area. The suspects arrested were charged with failure to report as a sex offender (ORS 163A.040). The operation ran for two weeks and also resulted in the registration of 34 out-of-compliance sex offenders. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives conducted the sweep using United States Marshal Service funded overtime. During the sweep JCSO detectives documented approximately 75 compliance checks with non-compliant sex offenders and cleared six additional active warrants. 

A major goal of these operations is to lower the risk non-compliant sex offenders pose to public safety. Sex offenders are required to report their current address, place of employment or school status, any change in name or residence, and any intended travel outside of the US. They must also participate in a sex offender risk assessment and submit to fingerprinting and photos of their face, and identifying scars, marks or tattoos. Compliance checks involve law enforcement contacting sex offenders or conducting research to confirm addresses.

Oregon State Police keeps an updated map of registered sex offenders at https://sexoffenders.oregon.gov/ 

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Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies received information of the illegal manufacture of numerous firearms and firearm parts at a residence in the 3600blk of Ambleside Dr. in Springfield.  Upon service of the warrant, deputies seized over 60 fully assembled firearms, dozens of homemade firearm suppressors, and enough various parts to assemble as many as a hundred more firearms.  Only five of the firearms seized had serial numbers and two of those firearms were reported as stolen.  Firearms that are assembled without serial numbered components are often referred to as “ghost guns”.  Several different illicit drugs were located at the residence including cocaine, methamphetamine, and pills suspected to be fentanyl.  The quantities of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine are considered “commercial amounts”, not just personal consumption quantities.  Additionally found at the location was equipment used to create the firearm parts including milling machines, 3D-printers and a large laser engraving machine. 

38 year old Andrew William Rogers was taken into custody. Rogers is a convicted felon.  He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Criminal trespass 2, Criminal Mischief 2, and Theft II.  The case remains under consideration by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

Correction

The truck and trailer were taken from the 91000blk of N. Coburg Rd.

-

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying leads related to the theft of a full-sized truck and trailer. 

Sometime over the night of 06/27/22 into the morning of 06/28/22, a gray Ford F-350 dually pickup and attached white 20ft. Pace America enclosed cargo trailer was stolen from a location in the 91000blk of Old Coburg Rd. The trailer contained a large volume of various animal health products when it was taken.  The involved truck is possibly displaying OR Plate #F171407 or OR Plate #637KXH.  The trailer may be displaying OR Plate #HV46632.

Anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of the truck and trailer are asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.  Reference LCSO Case #22-3480 when calling.

Please see attached notice from the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board.

Fire Agencies to begin Debris Burn Bans - Lincoln County, Oregon

With increased temperatures, decreased precipitation, and in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, several fire agencies in Lincoln County will soon be implementing bans on yard debris burning.

Agencies and Effective Dates:

• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue – July 10^th at dusk
• Depoe Bay Fire District – July 10^th at dusk
• Newport Fire Department – July 5^th 
• Seal Rock Fire District – July 5^th 
• Central Coast Fire & Rescue – July 5^th 
• Toledo Fire Department – July 5^th 
• Siletz Fire District – July 5^th 
• Yachats Fire District - July 10^th at dusk
• Oregon Department of Forestry – July 6^th at 00:01 am

This ban is specific to yard debris burning and does not include recreational campfires, portable propane/patio fireplaces, or charcoal BBQ grills.  Please check with your local fire agency for details specific to each jurisdiction. 

Reminder: Carelessness is the largest cause of wildfire.

Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage requiring efforts from a fire agency or multiple fire agencies, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused and for fire response recovery, per Oregon Revised Statue; 476.920 - Billing owner of property for cost of extinguishing fire.

Additional Resource Links:

• Lincoln County Public Safety Non-Emergency Contact Numbers
• ODF Public Regulated Restrictions Use

Fire Districts/Departments of Lincoln County and Oregon Department of Forestry:

• Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue
• Depoe Bay Rural Fire Protection Dist.
• Newport Fire Dept. & Rural Fire Protection Dist.
• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Dist. #1
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• Seal Rock Rural Fire Protection Dist.
• Siletz Valley Rural Fire Protection Dist.
• Toledo Fire Dept. & Rural Fire Protection Dist.
• Yachats Rural Fire Protection Dist.

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Respectfully submitted, 

Jenny Demaris, County Emergency Manager
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:           June 30, 2022                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:       Sheriff Curtis L. Landers

                   (541) 265-0654

                   lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                               FIREWORKS SAFETY

The Fourth of July is just a few days away which means fireworks and celebration. While this year Oregon and our local communities haven’t been encountering very dry conditions, it is still possible that the weather during these months will be a bit dryer in some areas. This increases the potential for fire hazard. Fireworks are recognized as a celebratory activity by many, however, there are some very important safety measures to consider while using and displaying them. Here are some important tips to remember to ensure a safe holiday celebration. 

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Illegal items in Oregon include any firework that flies into the air, explodes or behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredicted manner. Some examples include: Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, or any other article of similar construction or any article containing any explosive or inflammable compound. 

Any tablets or other device containing any explosive substances or inflammable compound are also not legal in Oregon without a permit. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use.

Pets are more sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights and strong smells. It is best to leave your pest safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. If you cannot leave your pet indoors, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag and possibly a microchip update with your current contact information. 

All fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and on ocean beaches.

Possession of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Fireworks are not toys. NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly. 

Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks. Be sure that people maintain a safe distance from where fireworks are ignited. Never light and throw any fireworks. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction and fire dangers due to current drought conditions. Please be mindful. 

Please have a safe Fourth of July.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

On Jun 26 , 2022 at approximately 10:05 PM deputies and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at the 4000 block of Lancaster and Ibex. Arriving responders located the pedestrian who was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

This area of Lancaster was closed for approximately 4 hours while members of the Marion County Sherriff's Office CRASH team conducted an investigation. 

The identity of the male pedestrian is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

The 19 year old male driver remained on scene; no citations or arrests have been made at this time.     

Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the crash to call our non-emergency number at 503-588-5032

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State University launched Oregon's Wildfire Risk Map. Some homes and properties identified within the map may be subject to future defensible space regulations the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and its partners are currently developing through an open public process. 

Through legislation, Senate Bill 762, which was passed and signed into law last summer, the OSFM was tasked with developing the Oregon Defensible Space Code. The code development process is currently underway and involves a wide range of stakeholders across Oregon. Senate Bill 762 outlines that the code must be completed by December 2022. The OSFM and its stakeholders are on track to meet that timeline. For context, the development of the Oregon Defensible Space Code is following the same process the OSFM uses to adopt and codify the Oregon Fire Code every three years.

The Oregon Defensible Space Code intends to protect life and property in the event of a wildfire. The code may apply to properties that meet two requirements. First, the home or property must be in the wildland-urban interface and at high or extreme risk on the Oregon Wildfire Risk Map. 

According to OSU and ODF, approximately 80,000 of the 120,276 tax lots in the wildland-urban interface and at high or extreme risk classifications currently have a structure that may be subject to new codes or standards. According to OSU and ODF, this figure represents approximately five percent of properties in Oregon.

The OSFM would like to stress the importance of defensible space and the added protection it could provide your family and home. The OSFM has developed several tools to help homeowners begin defensible space projects. More information and potential grant opportunities can be found on the OSFM's website, under Oregon Defensible Space Code. The Office welcomes public comments and feedback on the defensible space code through this form. 

"We know from decades of wildfires in Oregon that wildfire does not recognize map lines," said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. "Even if people find that they are not within the boundaries where future standards might apply, the majority of Oregon still has an elevated risk. We ask that all Oregonians take the necessary steps to create defensible space, no matter where they fall on the map. The more we do together to prepare our homes, the more resilient our communities will become against the rising threat of wildfire."

In the last year, the OSFM launched two initiatives to rise to the challenge of wildlife, Response Ready Oregon and Fire Adapted Oregon. We've set up special sections on our website to learn more about how these initiatives are already helping. 

Response Ready Oregon

Fire Adapted Oregon

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UPDATE: Photo of suspect

The booking photo of Andres Carrera-Garcia is being released due to the concern of unidentified victims and in the hope the photo will help families determine if their child had unsupervised contact with Carrera-Garcia. 

OSP detectives believe it is possible there are additional victims that have yet to be identified. If your child had unsupervised contact with Andres Carrera-Garcia please contact OSP Dispatch at (800)422-0776 or OSP (677) from your mobile phone. Reference case number SP22-026887.

____________________________________

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Oregon State Police Detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Crooked River Ranch in Jefferson County related to an investigation into Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. OSP was assisted by members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Redmond Police Department. 

Andres Carrera-Garcia (30) of Terrebonne, was found in possession of hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material, which were downloaded from the internet. During Garcia’s interview with law enforcement, he admitted to sexually molesting a child, who was 2 years old at the time, while babysitting him at his residence in Redmond, Oregon, in late 2020 and early 2021. Digital evidence was located supporting his admissions. 

Garcia was arrested for Sodomy I, Sodomy II, Sodomy III, Sexual Abuse I, Sexual Abuse III, Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor, Sexual Misconduct, Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse I, Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse II, Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse III. He was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. Additional charges are pending in Jefferson County for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. 

OSP detectives believe it is possible there are additional victims that have yet to be identified. If your child had unsupervised contact with Andres Carrera-Garcia please contact OSP Dispatch at (800)422-0776 or OSP (677) from your mobile phone. Reference case number SP22-026887.

On Thursday, June 30, 2022 at approximately 3:30 AM, Josephine County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 100 block of Browntown Road in southern Josephine County for a report of a person shot. Upon arrival it was learned the victim was deceased and the reporting person was the shooter. The Oregon State Police Major Crime Team was requested by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office to assume lead on the investigation.

Preliminary investigation revealed, William Illingworth (47) of Cave Junction, shot and killed a Jacob Benson (42) who had entered his home after an escalating verbal argument. The incident is still under investigation but is currently being investigated as a self-defense shooting. Illingworth has been cooperating with Detectives throughout the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the OSP Forensic Lab. 

On Thursday, June 30, 2022 at approximately 5:08 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 36 and Dorsey Lane. This is approximately 3 miles west of Junction City.

Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound red Jeep Renegade, operated by Evelyn Carder (91) of Eugene, was stopped on Dorsey Lane at the intersection of Hwy 36. Carder proceeded into the intersection and was struck by a westbound yellow Freightliner dump truck, operated by Fred Morgan Jr (67) of Cheshire. 

Carder sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Morgan received minor injuries. 

Hwy 36 was closed for approximately 4 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Junction City Police Department and ODOT. 

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at approximately 9:39 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near milepost 33, near Woodburn. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound gold Chevrolet Classic, operated by a 17-year-old male of Woodburn, passed another vehicle, lost control and collided with a northbound Indian motorcycle, operated by Jamil Nester (52) of Woodburn. The Chevrolet rolled multiple times and came to rest in the southbound ditch. 

A 13-year-old male was ejected during the collision. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seatbelt. The 17-year-old and Nester were transported to an area hospital with injuries. 

Hwy 99E was closed for approximately 7 hours while the scene was investigated. 

OSP was assisted by Hubbard Fire Department, Woodburn Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Hubbard Police Department and ODOT.

The investigation into this crash in on-going. 

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at approximately 2:23 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy 361 and Hwy 97. The area of the crash was approximately 1 mile south of Culver. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound blue Ford Thunderbird on Hwy 361, operated by Mario Villagomez (31) of Prineville, failed stop entering Hwy 97 and collided with a red Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, operated by Martin Fox (65) of Manson, WA, that was northbound.

Martin Fox sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. A passenger, Susan Fox (62) of Manson, WA, was critically injured and transported via air ambulance to St. Charles in Bend. Villagomez was transported with injuries to a local hospital. 

Hwy 97 and Hwy 361 were affected for approximately 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire & EMS, and ODOT. 

On June 27, 2022, at approximately 6:45 A.M., A semi-truck with a crane boom and a flatbed trailer was traveling eastbound on I-84 near milepost 42 when a tire blew. The truck, operated by Marvin Klopfenstein (37), plowed through the cement barrier into the east-bound lane where it jackknifed and rolled onto its side. The truck slid on the cement barrier and caught on fire. The driver escaped with only minor injuries.

I-84 remains closed in both directions. The Oregon Department of Transportation is diligently working with Gerlock towing and US Ecology on the cleanup. An estimated 200 gallons of fuel, oil, and antifreeze came from the vehicle. The pavement was gouged in places that will need to be repaired before the highway re-opening.

OSP was assisted by Multnomah County Sheriff’s office, ODOT, Cascade Locks Fire, Gerlock Towing, and Purdy’s towing. US Ecology responded for environmental cleanup.

For information regarding the highway reopening, visit www.tripcheck.com  

On June 26, 2022 at approximately 9:23 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 99E at SE Jennings Avenue in Milwaukie. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a northbound red Harley Davidson, operated by James Sheehan (57) of Portland, collided with a southbound silver Mazda MZ3, operated by David Norby (76) of Oregon City, that was turning left across traffic.  

Sheehan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Norby was uninjured. 

OSP was assisted by Gladstone Police Department, Clackamas Fire Department, AMR and ODOT. 

On June 25, 2022 at approximately 6:58 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle motorcycle crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 55, approximately 25 miles east of Sweet Home. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound blue Harley Davidson Electra Glide, operated by Mark Nelson (57) of Lebanon, lost control and crashed into the westbound embankment. 

Nelson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Sweet Home Fire Department and ODOT. 

At 1:26 a.m. on July 2, 2022, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 2435 NW Stewart Parkway.  Dispatched received several reports of smoke showing from the roof of the commercial structure that houses Del Taco on Stewart Parkway. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a significant amount of grey smoke coming from the soffits of the roof.  Firefighters worked throughout the night utilizing numerous engines and two ladder trucks to bring the fire under control.  Firefighters worked tirelessly to complete extensive overhaul into the early morning hours.  During the fire, a large section of Stewart Parkway was closed for safety reasons. 

A fire investigator is on scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.  The commercial structure suffered substantial damage and is estimated to be a total loss. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.

Numerous firefighters from both the Roseburg Fire Department and Douglas County Fire District #2 assisted with the firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Pacific Power, and Avista Utilities. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 1, 2022

Salem, Ore. — Detectives from the Salem Police Department Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) have brought charges against Phillip Thomas of Salem. 

Thomas was arrested, today, July 1, 2022, as part of an extensive drug investigation involving the distribution of polydrug tablets and other drugs.

The 30-year-old was found in possession of the following:

• 3,000 polydrug tablets, more commonly known as M30 pills containing fentanyl 
• Eight ounces of methamphetamine
• Three ounces of heroin
• A Glock 23 firearm with an extended magazine with ammunition loaded
• A .25 caliber automatic handgun
• Approximately $164,000 in cash

Thomas, who is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail on outstanding warrants in other unrelated cases, was arrested on the following charges:

• Possession and delivery of a controlled substance
• Possession of heroin
• Attempted delivery of heroin
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Attempted delivery of methamphetamine
• Possession of restricted weapon by a felon, three counts

Arraignment proceedings for Thomas will occur Tuesday, July 5, and as such, all case inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation which led to Thomas’ arrest was the result of the Salem Police specialty unit’s involvement in the Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other governmental agencies. The task force brings increased focus and federal resources to address narcotics trafficking and violent crime in Salem.

Since the first of the year, Safe Streets Task Force investigations have led to the seizure of nearly 20,000 fentanyl-laced tablets and more than 100 firearms in our community.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 28, 2022

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department is now participating in the Oregon Car Care Program, a project that focuses on improving traffic safety by helping drivers correct minor equipment violations with a discount voucher.

Effective today, officers will issue vouchers for infractions related to equipment which by law is required to function properly on a vehicle, such as lighting, rearview mirrors, windshield wipers, and fenders or mudguards. The vouchers, redeemable at various stores in the area, provide a 20% discount to the vehicle owner, making it easier for them to get the necessary equipment to drive safely. 

“With the Car Care program, we have an opportunity to address equipment violations through education and cooperation, rather than a citation,” said Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack. 

Improved traffic safety is highlighted in the Salem Police Department’s three-year strategic plan which includes developing efforts to direct traffic enforcement toward serious moving violations that result in collisions and away from mere equipment violations.

The Car Care Program was developed by the Oregon State Police in 2016 with the focus of assisting drivers who defer automobile maintenance costs. In 2019, the program was centralized through the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police as a way to extend the benefits to agencies throughout the state.

“For us, the program also offers another critical component to our community’s safety and that’s relationship-building and trust,” explained the police chief. “By expanding the approach to interactions with the public, officers also have a chance to offer some understanding to drivers who find themselves having to put off car upkeep, while also reminding drivers about the importance of traffic safety.”

Womack noted, “Having a conversation without a citation can go a long way to increased understanding, as well as building trust with the community.”

# # #

GRANTS PASS, OR (Jun 25, 2022) – Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members from Grants Pass Composite Squadron renewed the tradition of an annual Car Show known as Wings & Wheels at Josephine County’s Airport Days this past Saturday, June 25. Participants entered their vehicles in hopes of winning a 1st place or 2nd place trophy in their respective classes.

Over 95 vehicles registered for the event. Instead of just waiting around, they were “wowed” by static displays and low flying aircraft. Music was provided by the DD214’s Veteran’s group and there were food vendors providing ample snacks and refreshments. 

CAP cadets assisted Josephine County Airport with parking and directing airshow and car show participants, but their favorite part of the event was handing out the trophies. 

Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and more than 2,000 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 130 lives in fiscal 2020. CAP’s 54,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Members also serve as mentors to over 20,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. One of the premier public service organizations in America, CAP benefits the nation with an estimated economic impact of $209 million 

PORTLAND, Ore. – The 142nd Wing out of Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Oregon will conduct Independence Day flyovers for ceremonies and parades at locations throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

142nd Wing Commander, Colonel Todd Hofford, says the Wing is grateful to be able to support patriotic holidays such as these. “There's no greater honor for us to salute this great nation on its day of independence than to be present, visible, and heard with the air superiority of the F-15 Eagle. The 142nd Wing and your hometown Air Force is proud to serve and protect all of our communities in the Pacific Northwest.”

F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, July 4, 2022.

10:00 a.m. Lake Oswego, Ore.

10:07 a.m. Turner, Ore.

10:10 a.m. Monmouth, Ore.

10:35 a.m. Neskowin, Ore.

10:40 a.m. Rockaway Beach, Ore.

10:50 a.m. Clatskanie, Ore.

11:00 a.m. Camas, Wash.

11:06 a.m. Ridgefield, Wash.

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be cancelled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

These flights also double as valuable planning and flight training for Oregon Air National Guard pilots who serve Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

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About the 142nd Wing

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,400 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $130 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequaled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

Photo Caption:

An Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle, assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing, takes off from Nellis Air Force, Nev., on an afternoon sortie, June 8, 2017. Over 120 Oregon Air Guardsmen are supporting the Weapons Instructor Course during their three-week duty assignment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. - To fill staff shortages during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon State Hospital requested support from the Oregon National Guard for service member’s support. Beginning on Aug. 16, 2021, a total of 47 Oregon Guard members rotated through the hospital providing support, with the high hitting 32 members, as the mission concluded on June 30, 2022, with 12 Guardsmen assigned to the task.

The Guard service members initially worked with the mental health technician staff; later a small contingent of six members assisted in the kitchen and environmental services, and supporting patient care.

The mission commander, Oregon Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Jason Baldy said, "Our volunteer guard members did a great job, and most of them found it rewarding. In addition, the existing staff of the hospital liked working with our guard members because they already knew how to work and move as a unit which is important to keep each other safe."

The deployment of the National Guard members did not have a specified length of time when initially assigned, and several of the 47 members that served at the state hospital enjoyed the work so much that they applied for permanent civilian positions.

"Ten guard members have applied to work for the state hospital as the mission has ended, and the hospital has created a streamlined hiring process," said Baldy.

Throughout 2020 and well into 2022, the Oregon National Guard was called for domestic operations support across the state. Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen supported local communities with PPE distribution, mass vaccination support, and hospital operations, along with non-Covid support with both wildland fire and flooding support. The Oregon State Hospital assignment was the longest-running domestic operations mission in the state, lasting 318 days in total.

(U.S. Army National Guard story and photos by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Photos for release:

210923-Z-ZJ128-1001:
Oregon National Guard members on break from State Hospital training, in front of the entrance to Oregon State Hospital, Salem, Ore. Sept. 23, 2021. Guard members have been assigned to the Oregon State Hospital since Aug. 2021 to help with critical staffing shortages.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

220630-Z-ZJ128-1001:
Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, addresses guard members previously assigned to the Oregon State Hospital during a demobilization ceremony at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore. June 30, 2022. Guard members have been assigned to the Oregon State Hospital since Aug. 2021 to help with critical staffing shortages.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

210630-Z-ZJ128-1002:
Oregon Guard members stand at attention during a demobilization ceremony to mark the end of the Oregon State Hospital mission at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore. June 30, 2022. Guard members have been assigned to the Oregon State Hospital since Aug. 2021 to help with critical staffing shortages.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

210630-Z-ZJ128-1003:
Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, addresses guard members previously assigned to the Oregon State Hospital during a demobilization ceremony at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore. June 30, 2022. Guard members have been assigned to the Oregon State Hospital since Aug. 2021 to help with critical staffing shortages.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon area drug trafficker was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison today after being arrested with distribution quantities of methamphetamine and heroin and two handguns.

Chase Benjamin Russell-Brown, 31, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on November 5, 2019, officers from the Salem Police Department Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) were conducting surveillance at a Salem hotel known for drug activity. Officers observed Russell-Brown, who had twice been arrested in the prior two months for drug trafficking offenses, exit the hotel carrying a bag and leave in a vehicle with expired registration. When the officers attempted a traffic stop, Russell-Brown fled. 

Russell-Brown led officers into a crowded grocery store parking lot where the officers attempted to block him in a parking aisle. When officers positioned behind Russell-Brown’s vehicle approached on foot, Russell-Brown put his car into reverse, accelerated, and rammed a patrol car, nearly hitting the officers. After the collision, an officer in another patrol car drove forward and contacted Russell-Brown’s vehicle from the front, attempting to pin the vehicle in place. As officers approached on foot a second time, Russell-Brown continue to accelerate the vehicle trying to break free. Finally, officers were able to break the window of Russell-Brown’s vehicle and place him under arrest.

Officers found two loaded handguns on Russell-Brown’s person and several dozen grams of methamphetamine and heroin, drug packaging material, and additional ammunition and magazines in his vehicle. In total, approximately 380 grams of methamphetamine were seized from Russell-Brown during his three drug trafficking arrests.

On November 21, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count indictment charging Russell-Brown with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On September 16, 2020, Russell-Brown pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Salem Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A former Portland attorney pleaded guilty today to multiple felony charges after perpetrating a scheme to defraud her clients and use the proceeds to pay for personal expenses.

Lori E. Deveny, 56, pleaded guilty to mail, bank, and wire fraud; aggravated identity theft; money laundering; and filing a false tax return.

According to court documents, between April 2011 and May 2019, Deveny systematically stole funds she held in trust for her clients. The funds were derived from insurance proceeds due and payable to her clients. Deveny is accused of forging client signatures on settlement documents she sent to various insurance companies, making unauthorized transfers of funds to personal accounts and falsely telling clients that the insurance companies were to blame for delays in settling claims. Many of Deveny’s clients never received the insurance payout they were owed.

Deveny used the proceeds of her scheme to pay for personal credit card and loan payments, numerous big game hunting trips to Africa and the resulting taxidermy costs, other vacations, her husband’s photography business, home remodeling, expensive cigars and other expenses associated with a lavish lifestyle.

On May 7, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 24-count indictment charging Deveny with mail, bank, and wire fraud; aggravated identity theft; money laundering; and filing a false tax return.

Deveny will be sentenced on November 23, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman. 

As part of her plea agreement, Deveny has also agreed to pay restitution in full to her victims as determined by the government and ordered by the court.

Mail and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years. All three offenses carry maximum fines of $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense and three years’ supervised release. Bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years’ supervised release. Filing a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison, a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense, and one year of supervised released. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by up to two years in prison running consecutive to any other carceral sentence imposed.

U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS & TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Alexander at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.alexander@dpsst.oregon.gov. 

The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/ 

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Minutes

Approve minutes from the April 28, 2022, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – James Oeder, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Brett Andry DPSST #25852 (North Douglas County Fire & EMS and Fair Oaks Rural Fire Protection District) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on May 25, 2022.

B. Tammy Russell DPSST #41566 (Pilot Rock Rural Fire Protection District) – No Action

6 (six) to 1(one) vote, with one member abstaining, to recommend to the Board by the FPC on May 25, 2022.

C. Lemont Southworth DPSST #34547 (Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District) – No Action

Unanimous vote, with one member abstaining, to recommend to the Board by the FPC on May 25, 2022.

D. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-009-0125

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on May 25, 2022.

E. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062 and OAR 259-009-0065

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on May 25, 2022.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – John Teague, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Anson Alfonso DPSST #60285 (DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution) – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 10, 2022.

B. Alexandrea Cromwell DPSST #61072 (Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office) – Amend

Unanimous vote to have DPSST staff amend the staff report and resubmit the case to the August PPC as an administrative closure on May 19, 2022.

C. Ashley Dalton DPSST #59197 (Lake Oswego Police Department) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 19, 2022.

D. Eric Deitz DPSST #44402 (DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility) – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 10, 2022.

E. David Dominy DPSST #43910 (Lebanon Police Department) – No Action

10 (ten) to 1 (one) vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 19, 2022.

F. Oscar Estrada-Herrera DPSST #55548 (Washington County Community Corrections) – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 10, 2022.

G. Mauro Lopez-Pena DPSST #56695 (Malheur County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 19, 2022.

H. Juan Mendoza DPSST #60596 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on June 14, 2022.

I. Jeffrey Parnell DPSST #45693 (DOC/Oregon State Penitentiary) – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on May 10, 2022.

J. Daniel Rossetti DPSST #61472 (Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on May 4, 2022.

K. Michael Schaff DPSST #59573 (Burns Police Department) – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on May 19, 2022.

L. Committee Appointments

Telecommunications Policy Committee Appointments

Joshua Bowerman – Public Member, Appointment to the TPC; 1^st term effective 7/28/2022

Les Thomas – Oregon Fire Chief’s Association Representative, Appointment to the TPC; 1^st term effective 7/28/2022

Travis Ash – Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Representative, Appointment to the TPC; 1^st term effective 7/28/2022

e. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0069 (Tribal Law Enforcement)

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Thomas Thomas, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee Appointments

Samantha Schrantz – Private Investigator Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1^st term effective 7/28/2022

Arthur Apodaca – Hospitality Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1^st term effective 7/28/2022

Nate Nakasone – Unarmed Security Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1^st term effective 10/25/2022

6. Polygraph Licensing Advisory Committee Appointments - TBD

     Appointed by Acting Director Brian Henson

     Ratification required by the Board

7. Agency Updates – Acting Director Brian Henson

8. Next Meeting Date: October 27, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

SALEM, Ore. – July 1, 2022 – Effective today, Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is officially operating as the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. A result of House Bill (HB) 2927, passed in 2021, this transition establishes OEM as a stand-alone cabinet-level department reporting directly to the governor. The agency previously served as a division of the Oregon Military Department since its founding in 1981.

“For our communities, for our state, and for our economies to continue to thrive, Oregon must be resilient and ready to recover from natural disasters,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “By prioritizing emergency management, we are ensuring that Oregon is better prepared and ready for such events. Standing up the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will strengthen coordination and response between local, tribal, state and federal jurisdictions and communities, helping to save lives, protect our critical infrastructure and prepare Oregon communities across the state before the next catastrophic event occurs.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management will operate under the familiar acronym of OEM – Oregon Emergency Management – to continue building on the agency’s credibility and recognition. A rebranded logo prominently features the outline of the state to better represent all communities it serves. 

“The disasters of the last few years brought our agency – and emergency management as a whole – to the forefront in a way none of us could have anticipated,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “The 2021 legislative session clearly demonstrated support from Governor Brown and the legislature, especially Representative Paul Evans who was a chief sponsor of the legislation, of Oregon Emergency Management and the work we do. This establishment better positions our organization to prioritize risk reduction and mitigation efforts while maintaining local support statewide for managing the consequences of disasters.”

Becoming a stand-alone department coincides with unprecedented growth in state-level emergency management. Since the 2021 legislative session, OEM has more than doubled its staff and seen budgetary increases to fund the increased capacity. These investments have allowed for a restructure of the agency to better support local and tribal jurisdictions through all phases of disasters, including readiness, response, mitigation and recovery. Regional coordination teams now serve as dedicated local points of contact, bridging gaps and strengthening relationships with emergency management professionals. These coordinators are joined by a tribal liaison for Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes; and key roles to guide and implement inclusion, equity and accessibility initiatives unique to each community.

OEM has also expanded its mitigation capacity to assist and guide investments in risk reduction initiatives, looking forward at the shifting hazards to mitigate the risk of impacts caused by a changing climate. 

“Disasters are policy issues,” explained Phelps. “They are often a result of how we build, where we build, and the investments we choose to make. Expanding our mitigation efforts will help insure we are not preparing for the disaster we faced a decade ago, but for those we face today and in years to come.”

Recognizing that disasters have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, the department is prioritizing a comprehensive and equitable approach to emergency management. OEM will continue to evolve its policies and programs to better support all communities in the state, with intentional focus on those historically marginalized and underserved. Identifying and mitigating factors contributing to existing disparities is key to ensuring programs and resources are equitable, inclusive and accessible.

HB2927 also transferred the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) call staff from the Department of State Police to OEM in the 2023 biennium; and transferred the Oregon Homeland Security Council from OEM to the Governor’s Office. Additionally, HB 2927 created two advisory councils to provide recommendations to the Governor’s Office and OEM on emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery: The Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council on which OEM has a seat, and the Local Government Emergency Management Advisory Council, for which OEM will provide staff support.

“This transition has been in motion since July 1 of last year and we are excited the day has finally arrived,” said Phelps. “All of us at OEM are eager to continue partnering with the communities we serve to modernize emergency management and build a culture of preparedness in Oregon – one that empowers individuals, families and communities to be disaster survivors rather than victims.

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Caption: Oregon Department of Emergency Management's rebranded logo prominently features the outline of the state to better represent all communities the agency serves.

(Salem) – Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) invites Oregonians to apply to serve on a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) that will update administrative rules governing vocational rehabilitation services.  

Vocational Rehabilitation is a program within the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). VR provides a wide variety of employment services to people with disabilities to get and keep jobs that match their skills, interests and abilities. VR also serves businesses to find ready-to-work applicants with a wide range of skills and abilities and to access work incentive programs that can help businesses save money.  

The Rules Advisory Committee will advise VR on how its rules affect people with disabilities who want to seek, maintain employment and advance in their careers. It will also consider how the rules contribute to equity. VR prioritizes applications from individuals who have experienced barriers to employment related to a disability or know about employment and persons with disabilities. 

More information on the workgroup and how to apply to participate is provided below. 

Committee scope of work 

The VR Rules Advisory Committee gives feedback and recommendations on administrative rules that govern vocational rehabilitation services. Committee members will discuss: 

• Are the rules clear and understandable? 
• What impact will the rules have on Vocational Rehabilitation clients? 
• Rule impact on business, particularly small businesses.  
• Rule impact on racial equity.  

Timeline and commitment 

The VR Rules Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on the fourth Monday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. The committee meets once a month, for an hour. The meeting might be extended depending on the work to be done. Committee members can anticipate spending one to two hours before the meeting to read and review proposed rules. 

How to apply 

Are you interested in being on Vocational Rehabilitation Rules Advisory Committee? You can apply by: 

• Completing this short application electronically  
• Call or email Robin Brandt for assistance at 503-507-5226 or obin.l.brandt@dhsoha.state.or.us">robin.l.brandt@dhsoha.state.or.us.  

Applications are accepted year-round.  

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About Vocational Rehabilitation: ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job or advance in their career that matches their skills, interests, and abilities. VR staff work in partnership with the community and businesses to provide services that are individualized to help each eligible person receive services that are essential to their employment success 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Phoenyx Cannon, she/her, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Troutdale, Oregon on May 9, 2022. She is believed to be in danger. 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Phoenyx and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her. 

Phoenyx is suspected to be in the Portland, Oregon region, specifically Troutdale, downtown Portland, or Gresham. She is known to spend time at parks, Portland downtown area and homeless encampments.  

Name: Phoenyx Cannon 
Pronouns: she/her 
Date of birth: May 1, 2007  
Height: 5-foot-9 
Weight: 240 pounds  
Hair: Brown 
Eye color: Brown  
Other identifying information: Phoenyx was last seen in a white T-shirt, basketball shorts and Nike slides.  
Portland Police Bureau report number #2022-118456 
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1451077 

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety. Media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.  

Salem – Oregon will receive nearly $1 million as part of a multi-state settlement with cryptocurrency financial institution BlockFi. 

Following investigations led by a group of state securities regulators and the SEC, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) brought legal action against BlockFi for violations of the Oregon Securities Law. As part of its settlement with securities regulators, BlockFi agreed to pay a total of $100 million, half of which would go to the SEC and the other half to state securities regulators. BlockFi further agreed to stop offering BlockFi Interest Accounts (BIAs) in the U.S., and stop accepting additional deposits from U.S. customers to accounts that were already open.

BlockFi offered and sold securities in Oregon without being properly registered. In addition, BlockFi offered and sold BIAs to the public. Through BIAs, investors lent crypto assets to BlockFi in exchange for the company’s promise to provide a variable monthly interest payment. Investors deposited cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum into accounts. BlockFi promised monthly interest rates of 6.2 percent, compounded each month with the possibility of earning up to 9.5 percent, depending on the type and size of investment. BlockFi told investors that loans were overcollateralized – having more collateral than is needed in order to reduce the risk to the investors – when, in fact, they were not. Approximately 24 percent of institutional digital asset loans made in 2019 were overcollateralized, 16 percent in 2020 and 17 percent through June 30, 2021. As a result, BlockFi materially overstated the degree to which it secured protection from defaults by institutional borrowers through collateral.

“Financial services powered by cryptocurrencies must be held accountable just like any other financial institution,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “I am happy with the outcome here and we will continue to monitor businesses that try to take advantage of Oregonians or do business here illegally.”

The settlement, which was finalized between BlockFi and DFR last week, orders BlockFi to stop offering or selling BIAs or any security that is not registered, qualified, or exempt to new investors in Oregon, to stop accepting further investments or funds in the BIAs by current Oregon investors, and to pay $943,396 to DFR. 

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and dfr.oregon.gov.​​

SALEM, Ore. – The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee will meet virtually Friday, July 8 at 2 p.m. Items on the committee’s agenda include:

• Formulating testimony for the July 20 Board of Forestry meeting

This meeting is open to the public. The Zoom log-in is https://odf.zoom.us/j/91982691451. The meeting agenda with links to reference materials will be posted on the department’s website.

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comment sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comment submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comment is not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF.

Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.

SALEM, Ore.—Press conference scheduled at 3:30 p.m., July 5.

The Oregon Department of Forestry will hold a press availability on July 5 at 3:30 p.m. to share details and answer questions about the recently released wildland-urban interface (WUI) and statewide wildfire risk map.

The map, available through the Oregon Explorer, is a tool to help inform decision making and planning related to mitigating wildfire risk for communities throughout Oregon. 

ODF Fire Protection Chief Mike Shaw, Wildfire Programs Director Doug Grafe, and others will be on hand to answer questions about the map’s function, purpose, and potential defensible space requirements.  

Members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP by 3 p.m., July 1, by emailing facilitator Derek Gasperini at ek.gasperini@odf.oregon.gov">derek.gasperini@odf.oregon.gov. An RSVP confirmation email will include the Zoom link for the event and login information.

ESTACADA, Ore. – David Bugni and his wife, Mary Ann, believe in leaving the forest on their land near Estacada in Clackamas County better than they found it. The Bugnis’ careful stewardship has earned them the 2022 Oregon Tree Farmer of the Year title.

The award was bestowed last week by the non-profit Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS). Runners up were Linn County landowners Mike and Jo Barsotti. 

Steve and Wylda Cafferata are co-chairs of the OTFS Board. They said, “The Oregon Tree Farm System's membership is proud of Mary Ann and David Bugni's stewardship. We celebrate it both as an excellent example of active management and as representative of the good work all dedicated small woodland owners do to promote forest health and the values of wood, water, wildlife and recreation. Mary Ann and David ably fulfill the OTFS purpose of making Oregon better, one acre at a time.”

For more than a decade, the Bugnis have planted about 500 tree seedlings of diverse native species each year on their property. In 2014, the Bugnis thinned a 20-acre parcel of 60-year-old Douglas-fir on their property. The harvest generated 238,000 board feet of saw logs along with 258 tons of pulp. They followed up by planting 2,000 Douglas-fir seedlings as replacements and 1,000 western redcedar in shadier areas. They also work to protect the native ecosystem by keeping out invasive species, such as holly, blackberry and reed canary grass.

To benefit wildlife, each year they girdle seven trees to create snags. Many birds and mammals, build nests in the dead trees or use them as hunting perches. The snags are also food for a variety of insects eaten by woodpeckers. 

Improving fish habitat is also important to the Bugnis. They are involved with the Clackamas River Basin Council’s “Shade Our Streams” program. As part of that program, they have planted over 6,000 native deciduous and conifer trees and shrubs along over 1,800 feet of Suter Creek, which runs through their land. In 2015, David obtained a grant from PGE ($295,660 plus $83,403 of in-kind donations of services and materials) to replace two, 6-foot diameter twin, fish-blocking culverts within Suter Creek with a new, precast concrete bridge. The following year he received the Cole Gardiner Stewardship Award from CRBC for “Outstanding efforts in stewardship of the Clackamas River watershed.”

“The Bugnis model a responsible, sustainable approach to forest management,” said Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto. Their work provides great examples for other landowners who want to manage for both wood products and the environmental benefits forests provide.”

In 2019, David secured a large grant from PGE’s Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (over $207,000 plus $48,550 of in-kind donations). The grant paid for the placement of 95 logs (via helicopter due to lack of road access) along about one mile of Suter Creek. Bugni got agreement from four different property owners for the project. Combined, the two projects have restored two miles of Suter Creek and opened up over five miles of creek to migrating salmon and steelhead. 

David shares his knowledge of practical forest management in articles for the Clackamas County Farm Forestry Association, whose board of directors he has been on since 2019. He also lets students from the Fisheries Technology Program at Mt. Hood Community College perform their term-long capstone research project on his land, allowing them to collect data on stream and woodland conditions.

Prior to the pandemic he presented information about stream-crossings for woodland owners at the Tree School held at Clackamas Community College. And he was co-presenter in 2020 with Dave Stewart from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on fish habitat restoration for forestland owners. 

Rick Zenn, Director of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association, summed up the Bugnis’ impact: “The greater community is very well served by the Bugnis' effort to educate the public and share their work. They are excellent representatives of family forest owners, demonstrating the public benefits that forest stewardship provides. Their ongoing efforts are yielding good outcomes. They are true community leaders.” 

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SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually Thursday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. To join the virtual meeting, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment at this virtual meeting, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Presentation plan to Board of Forestry
• Small Forestland Grant Program update
• SB762 projects to date discussion
• Recruitment for Northwest Oregon region committee member

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

SALEM, Ore.—The wildland-urban interface (WUI) and statewide wildfire risk map will be available through the Oregon Explorer online tool June 30, as required by Senate Bill 762 (2021). The map is a tool to help inform decision making and planning related to mitigating wildfire risk for communities throughout Oregon.

Oregon State University is producing the map based on administrative rules adopted by the Board of Forestry at their June 8 meeting. The rules—developed in consultation with a rulemaking advisory committee comprised of 26 members representing a wide variety of stakeholder interests—outline:

• boundary criteria for the WUI, 
• how each of five wildfire risk classes are assigned to individual properties, 
• how property owners in the extreme and high risk classes are to be notified, and
• how property owners may appeal their assigned risk class.

With the rules in place, OSU has been working diligently to create the map and have it available June 30. Out of a total number of 1.8 million tax lots in Oregon, ODF and OSU currently estimate the map will identify:

• 4.4% of Oregon’s land area is in the wildland-urban interface, which includes 956,496 tax lots. 
• 8% of total tax lots in Oregon are in the wildland-urban interface and in high or extreme risk classifications, which is 120,276 tax lots.
• Approximately 80,000 of the 120,276 tax lots in the WUI and high or extreme risk classifications currently have a structure that may be subject to new codes or standards, which is about 5% of tax lots. 

Property owners in the high and extreme risk classes will receive written notice from ODF indicating the property’s risk class and whether it’s in the wildland urban interface. The notice will inform them if they may be subject to future defensible space or building code requirements and how to find information on those requirements. It will also provide information on the process to appeal a property’s risk classification.

While property owners in the high and extreme risk classes will receive letters about their property, anyone can use the online risk map to get information on where they live. 

ODF will soon announce information sessions to address questions about the map’s function and purpose and help Oregonians understand the process to appeal their risk class.  

For properties in the WUI and a risk classification of high or extreme, Senate Bill 762 requires actions to help mitigate the risk of wildfire through adoption of defensible space and home hardening building codes. Oregon State Fire Marshal is passing defensible space code requirements through a public process. Code adoption of defensible space requirements will occur December 2022, after the map validation and appeals period is closed. Those requirements won’t apply until later. Visit OSFM’s website for more information. Building Codes Division (BCD) will adopt home hardening building codes through a public process. Building codes will be adopted October 1, 2022 and will be effective April 1, 2023. Visit BCD’s website for more information.

ARCH CAPE, Ore. —The Arch Cape Domestic Water Supply District realized the vision of connecting the community to its drinking-water source with the purchase of roughly 1,500 acres of forestland. The purchase, finalized in June 2022, was made possible with $5.5 million in federal funding and $250,000 in Clatsop County funding. It will establish the publicly owned Arch Cape Forest.

The district finalized the acquisition with the current owner, Ecotrust Forests II LLC, on June 9 for $4.7 million. Purchasing the watershed, which is next to both Oswald West State Park and Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, will permanently protect the source of Arch Cape’s drinking water from the headwaters to the tap. 

“The health and resilience of the surrounding forest directly controls both the quantity     and the quality of our domestic drinking water,” said Phil Chick, District Manager, Arch Cape Domestic Water Supply District. “The acquisition of the forest permits watershed management primarily for the protection of our water, while providing potential conservation, recreation, and economic benefits.”

A healthy forest with diverse streamside vegetation is vital to holding soil in place, preventing erosion, and improving downstream water quality. All of the water consumed in Arch Cape arrives first as rain falling on spruce, hemlock and cedar trees in the upper reaches of the watershed. The headlands rise nearly 3,000 feet in the two miles between the Pacific Ocean and Onion Peak, the second highest peak in Clatsop County and one of the taller peaks in the Oregon Coast Range. Ultimately, this water makes its way down Shark and Asbury creeks to be used as a community drinking water supply. 

Funding for the project came from a variety of sources, including approximately $3.5 million from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. Another $2 million came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through Business Oregon.

Amy Singh, an administrator with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Forest Legacy Program, explained that $3.5 million for this purchase came from the USDA Forest Service through its Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports the nationally competitive Forest Legacy Program. 

“ODF partners with the Forest Service to evaluate worthwhile projects in Oregon where local people want to keep forestlands intact to benefit their community and economy,” said Singh. “Arch Cape is a great example of how the program does that while benefitting the environment and protecting the forested character of the area.”

Business Oregon provided $2 million in funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to help secure the land. North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) used the land value of a portion of the Rainforest Reserve as an in-kind match to help meet requirements of the Forest Legacy grants. Remaining match requirements were met by $250,000 from Clatsop County and nearly $300,000 from community contributions.

Attorneys Greg Fullem and Janna Davydova provided legal counsel through the pro-bono program at the Portland-based firm of Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt.

A shared vision for the north coast

“Although the Arch Cape Forest and Rainforest Reserve are two unique projects, they have a shared vision: protecting our forest, improving water quality, and sustaining a higher quality of life for the people, plants and wildlife that inhabit the northern Oregon Coast,” said NCLC Executive Director Katie Voelke. 

The Water District will remain the owner of the property and is advised by a community advisory committee. Sustainable Northwest, a regional nonprofit, provided strategic planning and project management to the core group of local volunteers and leaders over the course of the 5-year campaign.

In 2019, representatives of the Water District board, district staff, consultants, and community members with extensive financial and timber industry experience assembled a baseline financial plan that confirmed the feasibility for the purchase and long-term management of the property. 

In 2021, a seven-member community advisory committee voted to adopt a set of forest management policies created through a dialogue with the consulting forester, Springboard Forestry, LLC. Going forward, the community advisory committee will engage the broader public before drafting a 10-year operating plan. 

“The community forest governance model ensures that local people enjoy secure and reliable access to the ecological, social, and economic benefits produced by forests,” said Ben Dair Rothfuss, Conservation Finance Senior Manager for Sustainable Northwest. “The residents and community leaders in Arch Cape volunteered hundreds of hours to make this project possible. We believe that local engagement and ownership will make for a durable and balanced outcome as the community becomes the long-term stewards of the forest.” 

The water district is currently working with NCLC and the Nuveen Natural Capital property management staff at Lewis & Clark Timberlands’ Gearhart office, with support from consulting planners at the NPS Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, to outline a thoughtful and balanced approach to public access that will allow people to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest while preserving its ecological value. 

A broad public stakeholder engagement process is set to begin in July.

For more information on the Arch Cape Forest, visit www.archcapeforest.org/ and archcapewater.org

Santiam Horse Camp in the Santiam State Forest re-opens to campers starting Friday, July 1, with opportunities to book reservations opening today.

Santiam Horse Camp was damaged in the 2020 Labor Day fires, and was closed for the 2021 camping season. You can make a reservation for dates after July 1, 2022. Santiam Horse Camp is primarily for people camping with horses, and some spots are reserved exclusively for equestrians. To make a reservation, visit reserveamerica.com and search for Santiam Horse Camp.

Maps, closure areas, and anticipated re-opening timelines for popular areas are posted to the Santiam State Forest recovery site at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/Pages/santiam-state-forest.aspx. Re-openings will also be announced on ODF’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Visitors to the area are likely to see a patchwork of fire effects from the 2020 Labor Day fires. Most trees in the camp area survived, but staff and volunteers had to rebuild corrals and other infrastructure. Other areas close to the camp were heavily damaged. Visitors are asked to respect all closures and take particular caution in burned areas.

No matter where you go, outdoor activity comes with some level of risk. Here are some safety tips:

• Do not enter closed areas.
• Take extra caution when recreating in burned areas.
• Be careful when driving on single-lane gravel roads in the forest. Active recovery and logging operations are underway. Keep to the right and anticipate oncoming traffic such as trucks, heavy equipment, and other vehicles.
• Many forest roads cross multiple ownerships, and levels of road maintenance can vary accordingly.
• Respect all land closures, public and private.

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of State Lands is seeking public comment on rulemaking that would establish distinct administrative rules for communication site facility leases.

The Department manages leases for communication site facilities located on school lands – lands owned by the people of Oregon that generate revenue for the state’s Common School Fund. Communication site leases allow entities to place communication facilities on school lands. These facilities support wireless cellular service, internet service, emergency communications, cable and radio broadcast, and local radio users.

Currently, communication site leases are authorized through the Department’s special use administrative rules, OAR 141-125. The proposed rulemaking would create a new set of rules, OAR 141-126, to address the unique nature of communication site lessees and sub-lessees, while removing management of communication sites from OAR 141-125.

The rule change would enable DSL to manage communication site leases more efficiently, while updating rates and fees to be consistent with market rates. The rules include an updated lease rate and fee structure, developed based on communications site leases managed by other western states and the Bureau of Land Management. A rule advisory committee comprised of industry and tribal representatives, as well as Common School Fund beneficiaries, evaluated the proposed rates and fees and determined they were consistent with industry standards.

A draft of the rule change is available on the DSL website.

Comment on the Proposed Rulemaking

Feedback on the proposed rules can be provided during a remote public meeting on July 21 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute information session, followed by an hour-long public hearing. Meeting links and call-in information are on the DSL website.

Written comments may also be submitted by online form, emailed to ules@dsl.oregon.gov">dsl.rules@dsl.oregon.gov, or mailed to DSL at 775 Summer Street NE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301.

The comment deadline is July 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

###

http://www.oregon.gov/dsl

July 1, 2022

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843,ica.J.Heartquist@dhsoha.state.or.us">Erica.J.Heartquist@dhsoha.state.or.us

Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139,Jonathan.N.Modie@dhsoha.state.or.us

Recreational use advisory issued for areas around Eagle Point in Upper Klamath Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for areas around Eagle Point in Upper Klamath Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are, as the major risk of exposure is from ingesting water. These toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities you may get a puffy red rash.

Due to very hot weather between the time samples were collected and when OHA received results, people should be aware that the bloom and associated toxins may have spread beyond the area around Eagle Point. OHA recommends that people keep an eye out for visible signs of bloom in other areas of the lake and stay out of the water in locations with visible scum.

People are encouraged to visit Upper Klamath Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. If you do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area you are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and levels of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after swimming, seek veterinary treatment as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks. Fat, skin and organs should be removed before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at971-673-0482. Learn more here.

June 30, 2022

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, ica.J.Heartquist@dhsoha.state.or.us">Erica.J.Heartquist@dhsoha.state.or.us

Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, Jonathan.N.Modie@dhsoha.state.or.us

Stay safe from summer hazards as you head out for Fourth of July

OHA offers tips on keeping summer from being a bummer during activities

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is offering tips on staying safe and healthy as people head out for family gatherings, camping trips and other outdoor activities during the Fourth of July holiday.

“Here in Oregon, summer doesn’t really kick off until Independence Day, when we finally start seeing those regular stretches of sunny weather,” said Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “But with those long, hot days comes health hazards people should be aware of, and take steps to protect themselves.”

When summertime arrives, many people in Oregon head to lakes, rivers and beaches to cool off and recreate. There can be health risks related to summer fun such as harmful algal blooms at lakes, unpredictably cold water at rivers that can lead to hypothermia, and fecal bacteria at beaches. People camping and enjoying other outdoor activities can often encounter mosquitoes, ticks, bats and other wildlife that can carry diseases, and picnics with unrefrigerated food can be sources of foodborne illnesses.

There also are climate change-related summer risks, such as extreme heat and smoke from wildfires. And summertime activities may put some people at risk for excessive alcohol use or misuse of prescription pain killers or illicit opioids.

“Summer doesn’t have to be a bummer,” Sidelinger said. “All that’s required is simple preparation and a little bit of common sense.”

Here are links to tips for staying safe from summer’s common health risks:

• Drowning prevention: Oregon’s lakes, river and beaches – not to mention backyard and community swimming pools – are great places to cool off and enjoy the water when the weather turns warm, but doing so means being mindful of ways to stay safe and prevent drownings and other injuries.
  • Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
  • Enter water feet first to reduce your risk of head and spinal injury, and paralysis.
  • Young and weaker swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket for swimming and boating; never use swimming aids such as water wings, noodles or other water toys in place of a life jacket.
  • Swim with someone else and avoid swimming in bad weather.
  • Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Take the time to learn CPR at your local hospital, fire department or recreation department.
  • Visit Safe Kids Worldwide’s swimming safety website.
• Wildfires, wildfire smoke: Gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material can be dangerous if inhaled. Carbon monoxide is mainly a risk to people (like wildland firefighters) who work near smoldering areas. Smoke can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. The amount and length of smoke exposure, as well as a person’s age and health conditions, play a role in determining if someone will experience smoke-related health problems.
  • Avoid vigorous outdoor activity when wildfire smoke is in the air.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible and create cleaner air spaces.
  • If you have a central air system, purchase and install a MERV-13 or better filter before wildfire season set your system to recycle or recirculate the air.
  • No central air conditioning? Create a cleaner air space in at least one room in your home by purchasing an air filtration device or building your own do-it-yourself device with a box fan and HVAC filters. Don’t wait until smoke is near and stores are out of fans and filters.
  • When driving, run your car’s air conditioner on the recirculate setting.
  • Reduce other sources of indoor smoke and dust. These can be burning cigarettes, candles, gas, propane, and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, and vacuuming.
  • Visit OregonSmoke.org (Spanish site: OregonHumo.org) to find the current air quality.
  • If you have heart or lung disease or respiratory illnesses such as asthma, follow your health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
  • Visit OHA’s Wildfires and Smoke website.
• Mosquitoes: West Nile virus (WNV) is carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, and birds. Humans can only get the virus from the bite of an infected mosquito; the disease does not spread from other animals to humans, or from person to person. Most infections are mild, with fever and flu-like symptoms, but severe infections may cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and rarely, death.
  • Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
  • Protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
  • Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
  • Visit OHA’s West Nile Virus Prevention and Education website.
• Ticks: Oregon is home to at least three species of ticks. East of the Cascades, the most common is the Rocky Mountain wood tick, which transmits Colorado tick fever, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. West of the Cascades, there’s the brown dog tick, which also spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and the blacklegged tick or deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, an emerging infection called Borrelia miyamotoi, and several other diseases.
  
  • Avoid tick-prone areas such as brushy or wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter during the peak time of year—late March to mid-October.
  • Wear tick repellent that contains permethrin or DEET. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that permethrin-treated clothing can prevent tick bites by disrupting the insect’s normal movement.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into the tops of socks or boots.
  • Wear light-colored clothes to make it easier to spot ticks.
  • Frequently check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks, and remove them promptly.
  • After you get home, check your body for ticks, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside your belly button, on the backs of your knees, in and around your head, between your legs and around the waist.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ticks website.
• Cyanobacteria (harmful algal) blooms in lakes, reservoirs and rivers: Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. Although cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing, or swimming in or around a bloom.
  • Stay out of water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like pea-green or blue-green paint, or where brownish-red mats are present, and keep pets away, too.
  • Avoid high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water.
  • If you are unsure, follow OHA’s guidance of “When in doubt, stay out.”
  • Toxins are not absorbed through the skin, but those with skin sensitivities may experience a puffy red rash after exposure to water where there is a bloom.
  • Water activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching can still be enjoyed when an algal bloom advisory is in effect. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray that can lead to a risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
  • Visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
• Beach bacteria: Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
  • When an OHA beach advisory is in effect, the beach is still open to the public. The advisory is to inform visitors to avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water.
  • Avoid any activities during which you might swallow water, such as swimming, surfing, diving and kayaking.
  • Stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before eating if playing in or around water that has above normal bacteria levels.
  • Keep pets out of the water during an advisory to prevent them from drinking the water.
  • Avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm even if there is no advisory in effect.
  • Visit OHA’s Monitoring Beach Water Quality website.
• Rabies: Bats and other small animals, such as foxes, play a valuable role in nature, but they can carry rabies. This viral disease of mammals attacks an infected animal’s nervous system. Typically, other animals acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat.
  • Stay away from bats and do not handle them.
  • If you find a sick bat or other sick wildlife, contact your local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office. Take children and pets indoors and do not handle the bat or animal without protection.
  • Use a disposable container with a lid to scoop a dead animal into the containers and dispose of it in the trash.
  • If a bat has had contact with a human or an animal, call your health department or animal services for guidance.
  • Vaccinate pets (dogs and cats) against rabies.
  • Watch wildlife from a distance. Don’t approach or attempt to handle wild animals.
  • Do not feed wild animals.
  • Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife.
  • Feed pets indoors.
  • Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife.
  • Visit OHA’s Bats and Rabies website.
• Foodborne illnesses: Warmer weather makes it easier for food to spoil. Cooking meats to a proper internal temperature, and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cool helps reduce foodborne bacteria from growing.
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after cooking, and after handling fish and meats.
  • Keep meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Don’t leave food out for more than two to three hours.
  • To prevent foodborne illness, don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
  • Cook meats to minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria; 145 °F for beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steak and chops); 160 °F for ground meats; 165 °F for poultry.
  • Visit OHA’s Food Safety for the Public website.
• Extreme heat: Excessive heat conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These high temperatures can seriously affect the health of the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.
  • Stay cool
    • Stay in air-conditioned places when temperatures are high, if possible.
    • Limit outdoor exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and avoid direct sunlight. Try to schedule outdoor activities in the morning and evening.
    • While it is cool, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate, especially during morning and evening hours, and close shades on west-facing windows during the afternoon hours.
    • Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air to help reduce indoor temperatures.
    • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing to keep cool and protect your skin from the sun, and dress infants and children the same way.
    • Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths to lower your body temperature.
    • Avoid hot foods and heavy meals; they add heat to the body.
    • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
    • Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness, too.
    • Avoid sunburns. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when going outside.
    • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
  • Stay hydrated
    • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
    • Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty and especially when working outside.
    • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Stay informed
    • Stay updated on the temperature and heat index when planning your activities so you can find ways to stay cool and hydrated. The heat index measures how hot it feels outside when factoring in humidity with the actual air temperature.
    • Learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat-related illnesses.
    • Visit OHA’s Extreme Heat website.
• Alcohol, opioid misuse: Substance use, including excessive alcohol use and opioid misuse, can be a problem as people gather for summer activities.
  • When using alcohol:
    • Don’t drink and drive a car or boat. Plan for alternative rides or designated drivers.
    • Set limits. Decide how many days a week you plan to drink and how many drinks you plan to have. For instance, you might decide to only drink on a Friday night or Saturday night and have one drink. Schedule alcohol-free days every week. Create a plan with this interactive screening tool.
    • Count your drinks. Use an app on your mobile device to help. Understanding how much alcohol counts as a “standard” drink may also help.
    • Manage your “triggers,” such as certain people, places or activities that tempt you to drink more than you planned. For example, instead of a happy hour event with co-workers, suggest catching up at lunch instead. You may also want to remove certain alcohol products from your home.
    • Find support. Ask for support from a friend, family member, health care provider, or someone else who will support your choice to drink less. Call 1-800-923-4357 for free confidential support.
  • If you or someone you know uses prescription or illicit opioids:
    • Don’t use alone and always have naloxone on hand. Naloxone is an easy-to-use, life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time.
    • Stagger your illicit drug use; don’t use all at once in case there is fentanyl in your drugs and people fall into overdose.
    • Unless a pharmacist directly hands you a prescription pill, assume that it is counterfeit and contains fentanyl.
    • If you are in treatment for substance use, ask your counselor for help getting naloxone. You might get naloxone at no cost from a local program.
    • If you want to have naloxone on hand for someone else, ask your pharmacist for a prescription.
    • If you are actively using opioids and involved with a syringe exchange or other harm-reduction services, you can get naloxone at no cost.
    • If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. Oregon’s Good Samaritan law will protect you against criminal charges.
  • Visit CDC’s Drink Less, Be Your Best website or see OHA’s Administering Naloxone During COVID-19 fact sheet. Also visit the Never Use Alone website

June 30, 2022

Contact: Philip Schmidt, 503-383-6079, PHILIP.SCHMIDT@dhsoha.state.or.us  (media inquiries)

Jaime Taylor, 503.689.7926, jaime.taylor@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Health Care Workforce Committee to meet July 6th via Zoom meeting

What: A public meeting of the Health Care Workforce Committee.

When: Wednesday, July 6^th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30pm. Public comment will be heard at 9:40-9:50 am.

Where: Virtual Meeting Only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line. To join via Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603656532?pwd=Vk9mTlFMUld6aWg0RUlMUWNRV1pxUT09

To dial in via audio only into the meeting on a mobile device, use the following number:

+16692545252,,1603656532#,,,,994911# US (San Jose)

Agenda: Convene HCWF Committee, Approval of the May 2022 Meeting Summary, Public Comment, OHPB and OHA Updates, Update: HB 4003 Nursing Workforce Shortage Study, Update and Presentation: Future Ready Oregon, Update and Discussion: Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative, Timing and Planning on Upcoming Reports, Presentation and Discussion: Planning Efforts around the Long-Term Care Workforce, Adjourn

For more information, please visit the committee’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP-HCW/Pages/Meetings.aspx.

  The committee is particularly interested in hearing from community members on the matters discussed by the committee and other topics the public wishes the committee to consider.  The committee sets aside a portion of the meeting to hear directly from the public.  If you wish to offer public comment, we appreciate you letting Jaime Taylor know in advance of the meeting, at Jaime.taylor@dhsoha.state.or.us. Advance notice is not required in order to offer public comment at the meeting.  

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jaime Taylor at 503.689.7926, 711 TTY, jaime.taylor@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

June 30, 2022

Contacts: Philip Schmidt, 503-383-6079,  philip.schmidt@dhsoha.state.or.us  (media inquiries)

Tara Chetock, 971-304-9917, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Oregon Health Policy Board meets July 5 via Zoom

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board.

When: July 5, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Virtual meeting only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line. To join via Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604737337?pwd=WEJFeWJick9oVCsrT0RwcjEwaWdWZz09

To call in to the meeting on a mobile device, use the following number:

+16692545252,, 1604737337#,,,,,,0#,, 136235#

Proposed topics for the meeting agenda are listed below. The final meeting agenda and supporting materials will be posted on the OHPB website prior to the meeting. 

Agenda:

1. Roll Call, Welcome & Minutes Approval;
2. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Updates;
3. Oregon Health Plan Redeterminations;
4. OHA Health Policy & Analytics Division Update;
5. Public Comment;
6. OHA Behavioral Health Updates;
7. OHA Ombuds 2021 Annual Report;
8. Closing Comments & Meeting Adjourn;

To provide public comment, please submit your request for public comment at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OHPB-Public-Comment

For more information and meeting materials, please visit the OHPB meeting webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/index.aspx

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation)
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Tara Chetock at 971-304-9917, 711 TTY, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

June 29, 2022

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA releases biweekly COVID-19 reports

The COVID-19 Biweekly Data Report, released today, shows a decrease in COVID-19-related cases, hospitalizations and deaths since the previous biweekly period.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 20,451 new cases of COVID-19 from June 12 to June 25, a 2.8% decrease over the previous biweekly total of 21,038. Over the last six weeks, reported hospitalizations and deaths have increased slightly.

During the two-week period of June 12 to June 25, test positivity was 13.6%, up from 12.3% in the previous two-week period.

Today’s COVID-19 Biweekly Outbreak Report shows 193 active outbreaks in care facilities, senior living communities and congregate care living settings with three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more COVID-19-related deaths.

Reporting of hospital capacity data moves to weekly schedule

The cadence of OHA’s COVID-19 hospitalization and hospital capacity reporting will change starting July 1. Data on the COVID-19 hospital capacity dashboards, as well as counts of current COVID-19-positive hospitalized patients published on the COVID-19 Update dashboard and on social media, will be updated weekly on Wednesdays. The first weekly update to the COVID-19 hospital capacity dashboards, scheduled for July 6, will also feature enhancements to make the dashboards accessible to more users.

Updates made to Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard

Starting today, OHA’s Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard will show the proportion of staff and residents who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination and residents who have received a second booster dose. The dashboard already provides existing information about primary series vaccination. The updates allow OHA to continue to track vaccination efforts at nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities licensed by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. The dashboard will continue to be updated on a weekly basis.

Long-term care facilities are required to report COVID-19 vaccination data to the state, effective June 1, 2021.

During the week of June 6 – June 12, 50% of staff and 73% of residents were reported as up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. For residents, 26% were reported as receiving a second booster dose. For this reporting, persons are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines when they have received all doses in the primary series and one booster dose, when eligible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network. This definition is expected to incorporate recommended second boosters to be considered up to date, in the next quarter.

Progress has been made by Oregon long-term care facilities in surpassing the state 80% benchmark for COVID-19 primary series vaccination, especially among staff, with 87% of staff completing their primary vaccine series compared to 62% last year. However, given residents and staff are ever-changing, OHA and ODHS continue to collaborate with facilities, labor, trade associations and pharmacies to promote receipt of initial series and booster doses for long-term care staff and residents who are eligible.

OHA updates population data

Starting today, OHA has updated rates published in COVID-19 reports using 2021 population data from Portland State University’s (PSU) Population Research Center and 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). These changes affected the Biweekly Data Report and COVID-19 Tableau dashboards.

OHA had previously been using 2020 population data from PSU and 2019 data from the ACS to calculate rates.

Case rates by the following demographic groups will be affected:

• Sex
• Age group
• Race
• Ethnicity
• County

Vaccination rates by the following demographic groups will be affected:

• Sex
• Age group
• County
• ZIP code tabulation area

Population estimates by rarest race and ethnicity, which are only used for COVID-19 vaccination rates, will be updated at a future date.

This update will ensure that OHA is displaying and sharing the most up-to-date and accurate information available for case, testing and vaccination rates in specific populations that have changed in the last year. Case, testing and vaccination rates may shift slightly because of this change.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized and dying. The CDC recommends a COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. For more information on where to get a vaccine or your booster dose in Oregon, click here. 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

June 29, 2022

Media contact: Aria Seligmann, 503-910-9239, ia.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">aria.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council holds public meeting July 6, 2022

What: A public meeting of the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council

Agenda: The council will vote on BHRN applications. Agenda will be posted on the Oversight and Accountability Council web page prior to the meeting.

When: Wednesday, July 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual https://youtu.be/dgkVXiIWdoU

Purpose: The Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council oversees the establishment of Behavioral Health Resource Networks throughout Oregon. The OAC holds regular meetings to accomplish the necessary steps to fund and set up the networks.

Read more about the OAC. Read more about Measure 110.

Questions? Contact e110@dhsoha.state.or.us">OHA.Measure110@dhsoha.state.or.us

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jessica Carroll at 503-580-9883, 711 TTY or roll@dhsoha.state.or.us">jessica.a.carroll@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

June 29, 2022

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@odhsoha.oregon.gov

OHA accepting applications for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division is seeking applicants for the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMRC).

OHA invites applications from individuals who meet the criteria outlined in ORS 432.600. Applicants can find information about the Oregon MMRC, including a link to the full 2018 house bill text, at: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/DATAREPORTS/Pages/Maternal-Mortality-Morbidity-Review-Committee.aspx

Board members are appointed by the Governor and members serve terms of four years each. To apply, complete the electronic application process by Aug. 10, 2022, at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx.

Note that only completed applications will be processed and considered for appointment. The application site lists items needed to apply, including:

• Uploaded cover letter and resume (PDF only).
• Uploaded short personal bio referencing applicant’s community, professional and/or lived experience related to maternal health promotion (PDF only).
• Responses to the general application and background questions.

Those unable to complete the form electronically should contact the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov for assistance.

For more information, email the OHA Public Health Division at ox@state.or.us">mchsection.mailbox@state.or.us or call 971-990-9893.

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June 28, 2022

Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, Jonathan.N.Modie@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA supporting Gilliam County as it takes over public health services July 1

Transition follows county’s withdrawal from North Central Public Health District

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is supporting Gilliam County as it begins providing public health services as the local public health authority July 1, following the county’s withdrawal from North Central Public Health District.

North Central Public Health District will continue to be the local public health authority for Wasco and Sherman counties.

Over the past six months, OHA convened a workgroup of Public Health Division staff from across the division to support the new Gilliam County public health team with its preparation for the transition. Public Health Division staff have met regularly to plan for and communicate about the change, including sharing information with local partners, clients and the general public.

Gilliam County Public Health will be responsible for the following LPHA programs and services:

• Communicable disease prevention and control
• Sexually transmitted diseases client services
• Public health emergency preparedness and response
• Tobacco prevention and education
• Alcohol and drug prevention and education
• Immunization services
• Reproductive health services
• Nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC)
• Maternal, child and adolescent services
• Licensing and inspection of food, pool and lodging facilities

OHA will be responsible for safe drinking water services in Gilliam County.

WIC participants will continue to be served by their current agency through September. Once the transfer of WIC services to Gilliam County is completed – which could happen prior to September – OHA will announce it to the public and let county residents know how to connect with the WIC Program in Gilliam. Until then, those with questions about WIC services can contact their current WIC agency or the state WIC Program at 971-673-0040 or https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HealthyPeopleFamilies/wic/Pages/index.aspx.

Last December, Gilliam County announced it had passed a resolution requesting its withdrawal from an intergovernmental agreement with Wasco and Sherman counties that created the North Central Public Health District in October 2009. Gilliam County also passed an ordinance requesting to enter into a new intergovernmental agreement with OHA for the financing of public health services to be delivered by the county as the local public health authority.

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June 24, 2022

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022. The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. You can find all meeting materials on our website.

Webinar Meeting Only

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0gaTLc20SYSFgConBPN2kw 

AGENDA:

9:00: Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05: Public Comment

9:30: Report of the Chair

9:45: Report of the Director

10:00: Affordable Rental Housing Division (pg. 05)

             Natasha Detweiler-Daby, interim director, Affordable Rental Housing

• MF Housing Transaction Recommendations: Tai Dunson-Strane, Production Manager [updated]
  • 5020 N Interstate
  • Nestucca Ocean Apartments
• Champion Park: Preservation Recommendation: Martin Jarvis, State Tax Credit Program Analyst
• Market Cost Offset: Affordability Term Alignment: Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Interim Director Affordable Rental Housing
• CARE Initiative; Co-Location of Affordable Rental with Early Learning: Rick Ruzicka, Interim Assistant Director Planning and Policy
• ANOAH Pilot: Acquisition of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Funds: Mitch Hannoosh, Senior Operations and Policy Analyst; Trinity Kerr, Operations and Policy Analyst
• 4% LIHTC and Private Activity Bond Framework Introduction:  Roberto Franco, Assistant Director Development Resources & Production; Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Interim Director Affordable Rental Housing
• Reference memo in packet (not prioritized for discussion):
  • Market Cost Offset Fund

11:30: 15 min break

11:45: Homeownership Division (pg. 49) 

             Emese Perfecto, director, Homeownership

• Homeownership Market Cost Offset Fund: Emese Perfecto, Director, Talia Kahn-Kravis, Operations & Policy Analyst

12:15: 2023 DRAFT Legislative Agenda (pg. 54)

• Updates & Stakeholder Survey Results: Nicole Stingh, Assistant Director of Government Relations, Chelsea Bunch, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

1:15: Housing Stabilization Division (pg. 70)

            Jill Smith, Interim Director, Housing Stabilization

• Rent Assistance for Youth Pilot program: Jill Smith, Interim Director, Housing Stabilization, Lauren Dressen, Interim Manager of Housing Retention Programs

1:30: Central Services Division (pg. 75) 

            Sarah Roth, Central Services Administrator

• Reference memo in packet (not prioritized for discussion):
  •  HR Report on Staffing Demographics                   

1:45: Meeting Adjourned

June 30, 2022

Media Contact: Delia Hernández                        

equests@hcs.oregon.gov">HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov 

Sharon Nickleberry Rogers appointed to the Oregon Housing Stability Council

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that Sharon Nickleberry Rogers, CPA, is newly appointed to serve on the Oregon Housing Stability Council. The council works to establish OHCS’ strategic direction to meet the housing and services needs of low- and moderate-income Oregonians, as well as reviews and sets policy for the development and financing of affordable housing in the state.

“Councilmember Nickleberry Rogers brings impressive professional experience and a passion for serving communities facing barriers to housing access,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We need voices like Sharon’s in our council to support our mission of building and preserving affordable housing in all forms, shapes and sizes for Oregon renters and homeowners.”

Nickleberry Rogers is a native Portland resident who is passionate about serving the community and making a difference for individuals who lack adequate or affordable housing. She is honored to serve on the Housing Stability Council. 

“My compassion for housing stems from my childhood when my parents provided housing for family members relocating to Portland,” Nickleberry Rogers said. “I recognized early on the importance of housing and knew having a safe place to call home was special. My parents’ commitment to helping others ignited my interest in helping others.”

She is a public servant employed as a financial analyst with the City of Portland. She has over 20 years of experience in various financial roles with the Internal Revenue Service, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NE Community Development Corporation, Harsch Investment Properties, and Home Forward. She is also a licensed and certified public accountant in Oregon. 

Nickleberry Rogers received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and two master’s degrees from Portland State University in business and taxation. She lives in northeast Portland with her husband and has a daughter attending college. A photo of Nickleberry Rogers can be found on the OHCS website, along with additional information about her background and experience.

Nickleberry Rogers will serve a three-year term and will have the option to serve additional terms. Housing Stability Council meetings are held on the first Friday of the month with additional meetings as needed. To watch an upcoming meeting and stay updated about the events of the council, visit oregon.gov/ohcs/hsc.

June 30, 2022

Media Contact: 

Delia Hernández                                                  

equests@hcs.oregon.gov">HCS.mediarequests@hcs.oregon.gov 

State continues paying out Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications to renters and landlords across Oregon

More than 60,000 Oregon households facing pandemic hardship receive over $386 million in rental assistance relief

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is processing applications for payment submitted through the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) portal which stopped accepting applications on March 21, 2022. As of today, the agency has paid out $386.66 million in emergency rental assistance to 60,166 households. The funding successfully helped more than 100,000 Oregonians stay in their homes.

OHCS is ahead of schedule to meet the deadlines established by U.S. Treasury for federal funds and has obligated the $100 million allocated by the Oregon Legislature during the December 2021 Special Session. Oregon has provided the highest percentage of assistance according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, ranking Oregon first in the nation in the percentage of emergency rental assistance funds paid out and obligated.

OERAP is continuing to accept and process recertification applications from eligible tenants who previously applied and have unpaid rental balances or need additional months of assistance. Rental assistance also remains available at the local level. To access those funds, tenants can call 2-1-1 or visit oregonrentalassistance.org.

Today is the deadline for tenants to initiate SB 891 protections from eviction for nonpayment of rent until their rental assistance application is closed or September 2022, whichever is first. Tenants must submit rental assistance applications to local programs or apply for recertification through OERAP, if eligible, as well as provide proof of application submission to their landlord by 11:59 p.m. on June 30. Households with pending rental assistance applications that have not provided documentation of submission to their landlord will not have protection from eviction beginning July 1, 2022.

Individuals who have received an eviction notice should: 

• Apply for local rental assistance immediately
• Provide their landlord with proof of application (before June 30 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Contact Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project for further legal support 

Landlords can be reimbursed for eligible non-payment costs such as rent and late fees incurred during the “safe harbor” period by applying to the Landlord Guarantee Program.

Oregon Eviction Diversion and Prevention Program

OHCS’ top priority in addressing homelessness is preventing people from experiencing it all together. As part of the additional $100 million in Eviction Prevention funding OHCS received in December 2021, OHCS developed the Oregon Eviction Diversion and Prevention (ORE-DAP) Program. ORE-DAP aims to quickly assist Oregonians facing displacement by delivering rental assistance and other critical eviction and housing-related resources. This program is being administered statewide by community action agencies in partnership with culturally responsive organizations. To access ORE-DAP resources, tenants may contact their community action agencies. 

 

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Marine law enforcement officers across the state will be partnering with the Oregon State Marine Board and the US Coast Guard to enforce Oregon’s Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII) laws this July 4th weekend. 

“Our message is simple. If you boat impaired, you are endangering your life and the lives of others on the water,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager with the Oregon State Marine Board. “There’s a huge risk with no reward, and often innocent people become the victims.” 

Marine officers will specifically be looking for impaired boat operators over the holiday weekend as part of the national Operation Dry Water Campaign. Many marine officers have completed specialized training to recognize alcohol and drug impairment. This includes prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any other substance that impairs a person’s ability to make good judgment and safely operate any boat. The effects of drugs and alcohol are also amplified on the water with the combination of sun glare, wind, waves, and other environmental stressors. Alcohol also dehydrates the body making sudden immersion into cold water at an even greater risk of drowning. 

Impaired boaters can expect to be arrested or face serious penalties. In Oregon, the consequences of being convicted of BUII include the possibility of jail time, $6,250 in fines, loss of boating privileges, and a one-to-three-year suspension of the boater education card. Marine officers can arrest boaters on observed impairment and can legally obtain blood, breath, or urine if a boater fails standardized field sobriety testing. 

“Recreating responsibly doesn’t just mean boating sober. Be a courteous boater, and wear your lifejacket,” Paulsen adds. “Waterways are becoming more crowded with a variety of mixed boating and other activities, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on around you and for everyone to follow the navigation rules of the road.” 

“If boaters changed two things; wear life jackets and abstain from impairing substances, boating fatalities would be reduced by more than half,” says Paulsen. “Oregon’s waters can be challenging enough to navigate for a sober boater.”  

If you see an impaired operator or someone who is operating in a way that threatens others’ safety, call 911 and report it.  Paulsen says, “We can work together to save lives. See something, say something.”   

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

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The following enforcement partners are participating in Operation Dry Water 2022: Baker County Sheriff's Office, Coos County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Klamath County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Linn County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, USCG Sector North Bend, USCG Station Chetco River, USCG Station Coos Bay, USCG Station Depoe Bay, USCG Station Portland, USCG Station Siuslaw River, USCG Station Tillamook Bay, and USCG Station Yaquina Bay.

Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 20 grants totaling $293,900 for historic properties and archaeology projects. Six of the grants were awarded in the Diamonds in the Rough category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of the property. The other 14 grants were in the Preserving Oregon category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and for archaeology projects.

Funded projects:

• Façade restoration grants in Albany, Condon, Eugene, Spray, Stayton, and Tillamook.
• Two archaeology projects:
  • Forests Forever, Inc for research on a site in Clackamas County. 
  • Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center for a National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former Maxville site in Wallowa County.
• Preservation of 12 historic properties:
  • Applegate House Heritage Arts and Education, Yoncalla
  • Billy Webb Elks Lodge, Portland
  • City of Madras Municipal Airport WWII Hangar, Madras
  • Friends of Old Fort Stevens, Hammond
  • Lake Oswego Hunt, Lake Oswego
  • Malheur Historical Project Rinehart Stone House Museum, Vale
  • Pacific Railroad Preservation Association, Portland
  • Seaport Masonic Lodge #7, Astoria
  • Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, Hillsboro
  • Wallowa History Center, Wallowa
  • Willamette Community and Grange Hall Historical Building Foundation, Benton County

These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archaeology and other related disciplines.

For more information about the grant program, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

# # # 

Salem, OR--The Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) Advisory Committee will hold public meetings to review grant applications July 11-14 via Zoom, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Applicants will present their proposed projects for acquiring, planning, developing and rehabilitating outdoor recreation facilities. The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be forwarded to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

A schedule listing applicants and their specific presentation times is posted on the Local Government Grant Program web page at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx#2 . A link to view the Zoom meeting is also posted at the site.

The LGGP Advisory Committee consists of eleven members who represent cities, counties, park and recreation districts, port districts, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The LGGP was established in 1999 to direct a portion of state lottery revenue to award grants to eligible applicants for outdoor park and recreation projects. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the LGGP, visit oprdgrants.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2022

Commissioners Honor Michael & Janice Williams as Volunteers of the Month

            (Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County Commissioners, Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress honored Michael & Janice Williams with the Douglas County Senior Services Volunteer of the Month award for June 2022.  The commissioners surprised the couple with the award at the annual Senior Services Volunteer BBQ held at River Forks Park earlier this month.

            “It was my pleasure to be able to present, not one, but two Senior Volunteer of the Month awards for June.  We honored the service of dynamic delivery duo, Michael & Janice Williams. Many thanks to the couple for making a difference in the lives of the seniors on their route.” – Commissioner Kress

            Darla Hilburn, Food Service Coordinator for Douglas County Senior Services, nominated the Williams as Douglas County Senior Services Volunteers of the Month for June. She said, “Michael & Janice never miss a day. They’re 100% dependable and so very nice. They have especially taken the time to become friends with each person on their route, which was very important to them.” 

            Michael and Janice moved to the Green area seven years ago after living in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada for several decades where they owned and operated Klulane Lake Lodge – ‘way out in the bush’.  The Williams opted to make their home in Douglas County after falling in love with its ideal location – halfway between their son in Canada and their daughter in California. Married 65 years, the couple does most things together, and they’ve been serving as a dynamic delivery duo for the Meals on Wheels program through the Bistro Sixty Winston Dining Site since 2018. They say their favorite part is conversing and visiting with the clients on their route. 

Janice said, “She’s not the talkative one, that’s Michael! He has been able to make those who are shut in and feeling cantankerous, ‘un-cantankerous!’ It is a good feeling to look forward to seeing everyone on our route regularly. We are usually the last drivers to return because we don’t rush visiting time. We don’t leave the delivery until the clients are finished visiting us!”

The couple faithfully delivers 12-15 hot meals to senior clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Winston area.  When they are not volunteering at the Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site in Winston, the couple spends time volunteering for the Umpqua Fisherman’s Association.   

            Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site in Winston currently prepares meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Winston Community Center, located at 440 SE Grape Avenue in Winston. There are three Meals on Wheels routes delivering meals twice a week to forty-five households in the Winston area. Bistro Sixty Winston is in dire need of volunteers, a driver for much-needed fourth route and food service workers to serve up dine-in service to approximately twenty guests each time.  Douglas County Senior Services staff know there are others in the Winston-Dillard communities who could benefit from their Meals on Wheels delivery program and meals at their Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Site in Winston.  If residents know of friends or family who are unable to drive, need assistance with daily living activities, would benefit from meal delivery or a hot meal or other help, they are encouraged to call the Aging & Disabilities Resource Connection in the Douglas County Senior Services Department at (541) 440-3677 or by sending an email to c@co.douglas.or.us">adrc@co.douglas.or.us. 

            “We really appreciate our Bistro Sixty volunteers. We consider the work they do some of the most important work we do in County government – caring for our seniors is absolutely vital and volunteers like Michael and Janice continue to make our program so successful.”  – Commissioner Freeman

            Douglas County’s seven rural Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels programs are managed by Douglas County Senior Services staff, but the programs are successful because of the dedication of volunteers like Michael & Janice. To get involved with Douglas County Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels programs or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Darla Hilburn at the Douglas County Senior Services Department via email at dahilbur@co.douglas.or.us or by calling (541) 440-3677.

            Thank you, Michael & Janice! You truly are a blessing to our program and your community!

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DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 28, 2022

NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Observance of Independence Day Holiday

Monday, July 4, 2022

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Fairgrounds Office, Douglas County Museum and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Monday, July 4, 2022, in observance of the American Independence Day Holiday.

Please note, a few other closures and openings for the Fourth of July Holiday:

• The Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum, located in Winchester Bay, will be open for visitors on Monday, July 4, 2022, for normal business hours.

• All Douglas County operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public the entire Fourth of July weekend. For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001

or online https://douglascounty-oregon.us/265/Parks.

• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022,

our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471.

This year we celebrate the 246th - Fourth of July, also known as American Independence Day. It has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century with the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy Fourth of July holiday. They encourage citizens to safely and responsibly participate in Independence Day celebrations that honor our great nation, celebrate our freedoms and that demonstrate patriotism for the land that we love. Happy Birthday, America! #hbamerica; #July4th2022

A second case of Monkeypox (hMPXV) has been identified in an adult who lives in Lane County. At this time an epidemiological link between this second case and the first has not been established.

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EUGENE,OR--Lane County Public Health (LCPH) is reporting the first presumed case of monkeypox virus infection in a person who lives in Lane County, identified by testing at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. The test sample has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for final confirmation. The patient is an adult and did not have a travel history to an area with known cases.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious, viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over. Illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last two to four weeks. 

"The number of monkeypox cases has been growing in the U.S.," said Dr. Lisandra Guzman, Lane County Deputy Public Health Officer. "Though this is the first confirmed case in Lane County, we know there are likely other cases. We are encouraging doctors to consider this in people who have a rash or skin lesion that looks like monkeypox."

LCPH is working closely with the Oregon Health Authority and working to identify and notify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while they were infectious. Monkeypox is typically spread by skin-to-skin contact. The person is currently isolating at home. No further information will be shared about this case to protect the patient’s privacy. 

Since May 2022, 396 monkeypox cases have been identified in the United States, this case being the second in Oregon. There have been no deaths related to this outbreak. Epidemiologic investigation of these cases is ongoing. Information about U.S. cases is available from the CDC and information about cases in Oregon as a whole is available from the Oregon Health Authority.

Monkeypox is transmitted person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex. While many initial cases were identified amongst men who have sex with men, it is important to note that anyone can get monkeypox. 

People can take basic steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox. If you have an unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms, see your health care provider — if you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out. Standard household cleaners and detergents are effective at cleaning environmental surfaces and linens.

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EUGENE, OR—Lane County Public Health (LCPH) in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority have opened a vaccine storefront at the Valley River Mall aimed at reducing barriers in the way of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The clinic will offer all three COVID-19 vaccines, including booster and pediatric doses, is walk-in only with no appointment necessary, and is free of charge. 
 

 “Access is one of our guiding principles in public health and this clinic was conceived around making getting your shot as easy as possible,” said Lane County Public Health Manager, Dr. Jocelyn Warren. “Community members can ride public transportation, couple their trip with shopping or entertainment, and enjoy air conditioning, all while improving their own, their family‘s, and their community’s health.”
 

The clinic is located at The Valley River Center (293 Valley River Center) is located between Round 1 and the Department of Motor Vehicles and is open Thursday-Saturday, 12PM-7-PM, and on Sundays from 11 AM-4-PM. 

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The Lane County Planning Commission is conducting a work session and public hearing regarding proposed code amendments that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in rural residential zones. 

The work session and public hearing is Tuesday, July 19. The work session begins at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing begins at 7:00 p.m. People can attend in-person at the Lane County Customer Service Center’s Goodpasture Room (3050 N. Delta Highway, Eugene) or they can use the log-in link located on the meeting agenda to attend remotely. 

The code amendments authorize ADUs on properties zoned Rural Residential and at least two acres in size. The ADU must be accessory to a single family dwelling on the property, as well as several other standards and conditions. This project also includes codifying an allowance to convert an historic single-family dwelling to an ADU when the single-family dwelling is replaced, subject to certain conditions.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation and the proposed amendments will be considered for adoption by the Board of County Commissioners later this year. There will be additional opportunities for public comment before the Board of County Commissioners. 

The code amendments that will be discussed at the work session are available to review in person at the Lane County Public Works Customer Service Center (3050 N. Delta Highway, Eugene) or online here.

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Practical tips empower consumers to make the most of the travel season without breaking the bank.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 29, 2022 —Many Americans are ready to vacation after two years of the pandemic, yet they are now coping with rapidly rising prices for travel. Travel costs have risen nearly 19% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (according to the Travel Price Index from the U.S. Travel Association), forcing nearly seven out of 10 Americans to say they are changing their summer travel plans by taking fewer trips or staying closer to home. To help individuals and families make the most of summer travel opportunities, OnPoint Community Credit Union released today a list of Smart Money Tips for Summer Travel that can help people maximize their budgets while minimizing surprise expenses.

“Members of our community are eager to return to travel, but soaring prices are creating a new set of obstacles,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We can’t control gas or grocery prices, but we can empower people with tools that give them more control over their budget so they can make the most of their travel plans this summer, and beyond.”

Smart Money Tips for Summer Travel:

• Fine-tune your budget: Scrub your recurring expenses by analyzing your bank statements and credit cards to see where you can cut back. New entertainment and convenience subscriptions that made sense during the pandemic may not be as critical now. Consider canceling a streaming app or food delivery service and divert that money into an expanded travel budget. Saving $15/month for three months could be enough to cover the increase in gas costs for a road trip.
• Save for travel with a system: You can build up your travel funds by implementing a systematic approach like a 52-week savings challenge. It works by saving the dollar amount that corresponds with the week of the year. For the first week of January, you’ll save $1. By the last week of December, you’re putting away $52. Keep that up all year long, and you will have saved about $1,400 without making a huge change in your spending habits. We recommend creating a separate savings account without debit or ATM card access for this fund, so you are not tempted to make withdrawals.
• Track flights and be flexible: If you booked a flight during the first two years of the pandemic, you may have enjoyed unusually low fares. Those days are over. According to Hopper, airfare has skyrocketed 40% since the start of the year and is 7% higher than pre-pandemic levels because of record jet fuel prices. If you can be flexible on your travel dates and destination of choice and do your research, you can still find decent prices. Ensure you are getting a good deal by tracking the price of preferred flights. Google offers a 60-day history of flights, which can show you if you are getting a good deal or not.
• Make a food plan: The cost of meals and snacks can strain a travel budget, especially in these days of rising food prices. Allow time to stop at the store for snacks before you travel to avoid paying for premium-priced meals at the airport or on the airplane. Search for grocery stores near your rental home or hotel and stock up on easy ingredients and snacks. Try to prepare as many meals as possible from your home base.
• Know before you go: As you rent your car and make sight-seeing reservations, research how your financial institution manages international travel. Does your bank charge a foreign transaction fee on credit and debit cards? Check the current foreign exchange rates so you know how much that keychain will cost you in U.S. dollars. Find out what tools your bank or credit union offers for travelers. OnPoint offers online tools that allow members to add their own travel notices, put a freeze on their credit card and find the closest ATM.
• Take care of the basics: In the days before your departure, notify your financial institution that you will be leaving town, so your card is not blocked due to unusual activity. Check with hotels, airlines or destinations to see if you will have internet access for online banking and withdraw some cash in the currency of the country you are visiting. By ensuring your financial resources are ready for travel, you avoid unexpected, costly hassles.

If you need additional support creating a dedicated budget for travel, managing through this era of inflation or have any other financial questions, you can seek out guidance at one of OnPoint’s 55 branches.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 483,000 members and with assets of $9.3 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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ROSEBURG, Ore., July 1, 2022 — Umpqua Community College transfer student Justin Helgren, from Elkton, received the Oregon State University Forestry Program Harold Bowerman Leadership Award. This marks three years in a row that UCC students have been recognized in the OSU annual forestry award program. Last year, Ashley Backen was the Outstanding Forestry Student of the Year, preceded by Wade Christiansen in 2021. 

Helgren was selected to receive the OSU Harold Bowerman Leadership Award by a committee comprised of a representative from each department in the OSU forestry program. The criteria for the selected students includes demonstrated leadership, outstanding contributions, and participation in student club activities and collegiate programs.

“What I’m most excited about in the field of forestry is the sustainability of this valuable resource. Safe and effective forestry practices allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier and cleaner planet,” Helgren said.

“Many of our local students from UCC have gone on to OSU, the number one forestry program in the nation, according to the Center for World University Rankings. The frosting on the cake is that after they graduate, most of them return to Douglas County or western Oregon to take one of the in-demand forestry jobs,” said Mark Buckbee, chair of the UCC Forestry Program Advisory Committee.

While still a student at UCC, Helgren worked for the log scaling bureau and started his own small logging business. He then worked for Sierra Pacific Industries in Anderson, Calif. as a forestry technician before transferring to complete his bachelor’s degree in forestry at Oregon State University. He has also worked for Weyerhaeuser in Oregon, served as president of the Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and was active in both the Student Chapter of SAF and the Forestry Club.  

Justin has returned home to Douglas County to work as a forest engineer for Roseburg Forest Products. He says, “It is a tremendous opportunity to be able to come home and work for a company that cares so deeply about the community of Douglas County and couldn’t have picked a better place to work,” he added.

About UCC
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at umpqua.edu.

WILSONVILLE, Ore. — Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) will be the only school in Oregon to join hundreds of sites across the country to celebrate the release of the first science images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope — the largest and most complex space science telescope ever built — on Tuesday, July 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to join this historic event for free at 30485 SW Boones Ferry Rd., #202, in Wilsonville (open to the first 100 registrants) or virtually (open to the first 1,000 registrants). Register here. 
 

In a continuation of ORCA’s ongoing efforts to provide its students with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) enrichment, the University of Oregon’s physics department will make an appearance at the event, armed with special-lensed telescopes to assist attendees while they view the sun (weather permitting). 

“Igniting interest in STEM is imperative to ORCA,” said Dan Vasen, principal of ORCA STEM programs and champion of the school’s NASA club. “Providing special opportunities through events like these can stimulate the type of learning that creates passion, while at the same time helping students process classroom topics and their relevance to real world applications.” 

ORCA’s NASA club has been bringing monthly live streams from various NASA space centers to ORCA students for three years. The club also provides virtual reality apps, programs that connect with coding space rovers, and much more. In February, over 90 ORCA students and staff watched the James Webb Telescope reach its final destination, and now students and other science enthusiasts can celebrate the results. 
 

“The NASA club is just one of the many STEM programs at ORCA,” said Vasen. “In an effort to take remote learning to the next level, we’ll be partnering with more space centers next year to increase the number of virtual events and the scope of educational enrichment materials provided to ORCA students.”  

ORCA is one of only seven organizations throughout Oregon selected to participate in this historic viewing. Additional organizations include: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Evergreen Air and Science Museum, Airway Science for Kids and ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum. Each organization will host viewing events on varying days and times.
 

ABOUT THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most complex space science telescope ever built — the premier observatory of the next decade. This international mission, led by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, launched Dec. 25, 2021. After unfolding in space into its final form, Webb successfully arrived at its destination nearly 1 million miles from Earth and began preparing for science operations. The observatory, which is designed to see the universe in the infrared, will push the field of astronomy into a new era. Webb will be able to study light from distant parts of the universe for the very first time and give us insight into how our universe formed. 
 

It will also peer into dusty stellar nurseries to explore distant worlds orbiting other stars, as well as observe objects in our own solar system. Webb will extend the scientific discoveries of other NASA missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.
 

To learn more about the Webb telescope, visit webb.nasa.gov and webbtelescope.org or view the media kit. 
 

ABOUT OREGON CHARTER ACADEMY

The Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), is a tuition-free online public charter school that has been serving K - 12 students successfully for 17 years. Combining twenty-first century learning with standards-based curriculum, ORCA is the only school in Ore., Wash., and Calif. to be recognized as a 2021 Cognia School of Distinction; and placed as Best Charter School and Best Overall Leadership within the Statesman Journal awards. ORCA provides students with approximately 40 student clubs, over 200 field trips each year, career and technical education programs, college credit options, teen parent programs, AVID implementation, and monthly learning sessions with NASA.
 

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Signature fundraiser helps support Museum educational programs

BEND, OR — For the first time since 2019, the High Desert Museum’s signature fundraiser, High Desert Rendezvous, will take place in person at the Museum on Saturday, August 27 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This marks the 33^rd year of the High Desert Rendezvous, making it one of the longest-running fundraisers in Central Oregon.

“Returning in person after two years makes this a very special High Desert Rendezvous,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We will gather together again, celebrate the Museum’s 40^th anniversary and the accomplishments of the past year, and raise a glass to our generous community.”

In addition to dinner, a raffle and entertainment, Rendezvous is also a chance to bid on art by traditional and contemporary artists in the juried exhibition and silent auction Art in the West, which opens at the Museum on Saturday, July 23. A gallery guide of the artwork in the exhibition will be available on the Museum’s website on July 18 at highdesertmuseum.org/aiw.

An individual ticket for Rendezvous is $150 for members and $200 for nonmembers, and for a couple the event costs $300 for members and $350 for nonmembers. Sponsorship tables are available for parties of eight or 10. A list of sponsor benefits including VIP perks and community recognition can be viewed at highdesertmuseum.org/hdr. 

The 2022 Rendezvous Honoree is Cameron Kerr. The wife of Museum founder Don Kerr and a self-described “lifetime volunteer,” she has been an active and stalwart supporter since the institution opened in 1982. Today, she is a Museum Trustee and Collections 

Committee Chair, and she can be seen regularly in the Museum’s collections department helping volunteers and supporting staff. 

“Cameron is a treasured friend of the Museum and a meaningful Honoree for our 40^th year,” Whitelaw said. “She has supported the staff, volunteers and visitors since the very beginning and through four decades of growth.”

This year’s High Desert Rendezvous silent auction will take place online. It’s packed with luxurious items and one-of-a-kind experiences, from wine tastings in California to stays at your favorite Central Oregon resorts. Online bidding opens Friday, August 19 and ends on Monday, August 29. 

We are grateful to all the generous businesses and organizations that donate items and experiences to our silent auction. Those interested in donating items to be featured in the High Desert Rendezvous silent auction may contact Senior Donor Relations Manager Megan Kantrim at im@highdesertmuseum.org">mkantrim@highdesertmuseum.org or call 541-382-4754 ext. 332. 

The High Desert Rendezvous helps support the Museum’s educational programs, ensuring the Museum continues to be a place where people and the landscape thrive together.

The 33^rd annual High Desert Rendezvous is presented by First Interstate Bank. 

Learn more about and register for the High Desert Rendezvous at highdesertmuseum.org/hdr. 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Spring 2022 Grants Report which can be viewed here (full URL below):

• The report details 76 grants to nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest totaling $32.5 million. A full list of grantees by state can be found here (full URL below).
• This includes 27 grants to nonprofits serving Oregon communities totaling $11.3 million.
• Also, the Murdock Trust published its 2021 Annual Report on Friday which details 466 grants awarded totaling $90 million (a record for the nonprofit foundation).

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Spring 2022 Quarterly Grants Report: https://murdocktrust.org/2022/06/spring-2022-quarterly-grants-report-stewarding-the-mission/

List of Spring 2022 Grantees by state: https://murdocktrust.org/app/uploads/2022/06/Quarterly-Grants-Report-Spring-2022.pdf

2021 Annual Report: https://murdocktrust.org/annualreport/

TUALATIN, OR – The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities is thrilled to welcome five new Board of Trustees to its membership. Each college and university embarked on an extensive process – involving input and deliberation from a wide range of constituents and stakeholders – allowing them to choose the best leader for each of their unique institutions. These dedicated higher education professionals bring decades of experience, a long-standing commitment to the liberal arts, and dynamic leadership skills to each of their distinct institutions.

The Alliance is grateful to add their immense knowledge and passion to the Board of Trustees, as we continue to advocate for, represent, and foster collaboration between the needs and expertise of member institutions, industry leaders, and government.

Corban University, Acting President Tom Cornman

Dr. Tom Cornman came to Corban in 2019 after serving in previous roles as Vice President and Dean of the Undergraduate School at Moody Bible Institute (2001–2009), Vice President for Academics and Chief Academic Officer at Cedarville University (2009–2015), and Senior Vice President for Academic Administration and Dean of Trinity College and Graduate School at Trinity International University (2015–2019).

Lewis & Clark College, President Robin Holmes-Sullivan

A respected higher education leader with three decades of experience at universities and colleges in Oregon and California, Holmes-Sullivan was previously the vice president for student life and dean of students at Lewis & Clark and has been credited for her pivotal role during the COVID pandemic of devising creative approaches that helped keep students safe and progressing toward their degrees.

Multnomah University, President Eric Anthony Joseph

Dr. Joseph has over three decades of experience in higher education and Christian ministry and has served as a voice of wisdom to university leaders and U.S. Presidents alike. His work as a consultant spans political affiliations, Christian denominations, and university landscapes. He is the founder CEO of Eric Anthony Joseph (EAJ) Ministries and Consulting Enterprise, LLC. Dr. Joseph’s faith-based and community engagement initiatives have made a lasting impact across the nation.

Pacific University, President Jenny Coyle

Previously dean of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, Dr. Coyle earned her bachelor of vision science in 1990, doctor of optometry in 1993, and master of science in vision science in 2000, all from Pacific. She also completed a residency in contact lenses in 1993-1994 at Pacific and taught in the College of Optometry starting in 1994. She served as associate dean from 2006 to 2008 and as dean from 2008 to 2019.

University of Portland, President Robert Kelly

Dr. Kelly holds a PhD in Philosophy, Education Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland; a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont; and a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Political Science from Loyola University Maryland. The Pacific Northwest is already familiar territory for Kelly after having served as Vice President for Student Development and adjunct professor of Education at Seattle University.

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The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (“The Alliance”) is comprised of 13 private, nonprofit, independent colleges and universities in the state of Oregon. These institutions deliver high-quality experiential learning with high-impact teaching strategies. The Alliance is the collective voice of Oregon’s independent, nonprofit higher education sector. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org.

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Pummeled by Omicron and rising labor and other costs, negative margins come despite full patient loads 

Lake Oswego, Ore. – June 30, 2022 – The bleak hospital financial picture from 2021 worsened in the first quarter of 2022, as a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations from the Omicron wave and rising labor and other costs combined to produce a dismal fiscal quarter that saw 58 percent of Oregon’s hospitals post a negative margin.

Hospitals lost a collective $103 million in Q1 2022 (hospitals posted an average gain of $190 million per quarter in 2019). 

Median Operating Margin saw a sharp decline in Q1 to -2.5 percent, dropping below the staggering lows seen in the earliest stages of the pandemic. The full report is attached. While over half of Oregon hospitals posted a negative margin last quarter, some of the negative margins were in the double digits. 

“These sobering numbers come after two years of really bad financial performance,” said Becky Hultberg, OAHHS President and CEO. “We are concerned about some of these community organizations’ ability to provide life-saving and preventative services in their communities if the financial picture does not improve.” 

Simply put, hospital revenue is not covering the cost of patient care. Net Patient Revenue (NPR) again fell short of Total Operating Expenses (TOE) in Q1 2022, and the gap is growing wider. Over the past four quarters, NPR has been flat while expenses have risen 10.2 percent. 

One significant driver of this is higher costs for labor (up nearly 20 percent over the last four quarters and up 26% since 2019) as hospitals raise wages to compete for scarce workers and have had to hire contract labor to ensure ongoing patient care. Labor accounts for at least half of a hospital’s cost, so even a small increase in labor cost has a big impact. 

Other hospital costs have risen as well: other expenses such as supplies, housekeeping, IT, utilities, and insurance have risen 18 percent since 2019. 

In combination with expenses, hospitals continued to deal with historic patient care volumes. Omicron-fueled COVID-19 patient loads peaked at 1,134 (just short of the Delta wave peak). During the pandemic hospitals have often been unable to discharge patients to a more appropriate level of care at a long-term care or behavioral health setting, meaning on any given day hundreds of patients are either “boarding” in the emergency department or in a hospital bed waiting for a placement in the community. 

“Let’s be clear, the current state of hospital finances can’t continue. The math no longer works,” said Hultberg. 

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About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care delivery system.

Apprise Health Insights is the most reliable and complete source of hospital data in Oregon. As the data subsidiary of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS), Apprise staff have gathered and analyzed data about Oregon hospitals and health systems since 1985. We strive to provide data, tools, and expertise to help hospitals understand the healthcare landscape in the Pacific Northwest. 

Oregon Community Foundation Taps Nationally Recognized Community Development Finance Leader as Next CEO

Lisa Mensah returns home and brings a background in rural development and economic justice to OCF as she steps into chief executive role

PORTLAND, Ore. – June 28, 2022, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) Board of Directors announced today that they have named a national expert in economic opportunity and security, Lisa Mensah, to be the Foundation’s next Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Mensah will be OCF’s fourth CEO in its nearly 50-year history, succeeding Max Williams, who is transitioning out of his role after a decade of leadership. 

Lisa Mensah is widely considered an expert on access to capital in distressed and low-wealth communities and on the role of finance in social, economic, and racial justice. As president and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), Ms. Mensah currently heads one of the nation’s leading networks of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Since joining OFN in 2017, Lisa Mensah has brought new visibility and investment to the CDFI field. Most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was a forceful advocate for America’s most vulnerable small businesses and microbusinesses, helping safeguard them by bringing new capital and partners to the CDFI industry. In 2020, Google partnered with OFN to invest $180 million in corporate and philanthropic capital into CDFIs through OFN as the lending intermediary. The same year, OFN launched the Finance Justice Fund, which strives to raise a fresh $1 billion of socially responsible capital, with Twitter as the Fund’s first investor.

Born and raised in Oregon, Ms. Mensah is returning to her home state following an illustrious career that has taken her from working on rural poverty with the Ford Foundation to serving as Undersecretary for Rural Development at the USDA in the Obama Administration, managing a $215 billion loan portfolio, to currently leading Opportunity Finance Network.

“I am excited to return to my roots here in Oregon; to leverage my expertise and the sum of my experiences,” said Lisa Mensah, OCF’s incoming president and CEO.  “In this moment, I feel very fortunate to join hands with a 50-year tradition at Oregon Community Foundation, working to help this state and its people flourish.”

“Oregon Community Foundation catalyzes community-led solutions in support of a healthy, thriving Oregon. We look forward to welcoming Lisa Mensah back home in this new leadership role to help advance this great work, and all that will be accomplished together in the years ahead.” said Kimberly Cooper, Board Chair, Oregon Community Foundation.

Lisa Mensah begins her official role as president and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation in September 2022. She will oversee the development of the Foundation’s next strategic plan and OCF’s 50^th anniversary in 2023. Until her arrival, Max Williams continues in the top leadership role.

About Lisa Afua Serwah Mensah

Lisa Mensah holds an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. from Harvard University and has led Opportunity Finance Network since March 2017, bringing expertise in both public and private sector financial tools to improve economic security. She serves on the Board of Ecotrust, as well as the FDIC Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion, Bank of America National Community Advisory Committee; Morgan Stanley Community Development Advisory Committee; Capital One Community Advisory Council; and Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Advisory Council. She also sits on the boards of Fidelity Bank of Ghana and Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa-USA and the Gaia Impact Fund Advisory Council.

Ms. Mensah has previously served as USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development during the Obama Administration; founded the Initiative on Financial Security at The Aspen Institute; and held leadership positions at the Ford Foundation. She began her career in commercial banking.

To learn more, please visit: https://oregoncf.org/mensah/

OCF Board Applauds Williams’ Decade of Service and Legacy of Impact

Oregon Community Foundation’s outgoing leader, Max Williams was at the helm of OCF for one of the most interesting periods of growth, complexity, and impact for the foundation. In response to cascading crises of the past two years Williams oversaw the deployment of resources at an unprecedented rate, granting $560 million to benefit every community in Oregon.

Williams leaves a legacy of impact that includes growing OCF’s endowment to $3.7 billion, creating a $30 million Oregon Impact Fund, and stewarding some of the largest charitable gifts in Oregon’s history.

“The mark of a good leader is to leave a place better than when you found it. The mark of a great leader is to ensure that the place continues its path to betterment even after you’re gone,” said OCF Board Chair Kimberly Cooper. “As his predecessor did for him, Max Williams is opening the door to a new voice and experienced leader who will amplify and accelerate a trajectory of impact for decades to come,” she added.

“OCF is an amazing network of generous donors, volunteers and community members working together to make Oregon a better place for everyone,” said Williams. “I am excited about Lisa’s experience, her background and her Oregon roots. I have confidence that Lisa will expand OCF’s impact as we enter the next 50 years of OCF’s service to community.”

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) works with donors and volunteers to award grants and scholarships to every county in Oregon. From 2020 to 2021, OCF distributed more than $560 million, supporting more than 4,000 nonprofits and 6,000 students. With OCF, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds that meet the needs of diverse communities statewide. Since its founding in 1973, OCF has distributed more than $2 billion toward advancing its mission to improve lives for all Oregonians. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.

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Portland, OR — July 1, 2022 — For centuries, beeswax and Chinese porcelain have washed ashore on Nehalem Spit, on the north Oregon Coast. After years of research in archives around the world in combination with archaeological evidence, scholars were able to point to the Santo Cristo de Burgos, a seventeenth-century Manila galleon owned by the kingdom of Spain, as the mysterious vessel commonly known today as the “Beeswax Wreck.” On June 16, National Geographic announced that state officials had confirmed the recovery of timbers from the Santo Cristo de Burgos near Manzanita. In summer 2018, the Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) scholarly journal, the Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ), published a ground-breaking special issue on this research, a powerful combination of archaeological and archival evidence solving this centuries-old mystery. In light of the recent discovery of remains from the wreck, OHS has recently made this special issue of OHQ, “Oregon’s Manila Galleon,” available for free online.

“Our understanding of the history of the Beeswax Wreck is because of the knowledge and scholarship shared by dedicated individuals from across disciplines and centuries; everything from Native oral tradition to archival research to maritime archaeology has brought new information to the public about one of Oregon’s most fascinating mysteries,” said Oregon Historical Quarterly Editor Eliza E. Canty-Jones. “With this exciting discovery of timbers from the ship itself, OHS is proud to make this scholarship accessible to all to provide a more complete narrative of this fascinating piece of Oregon history.”

Stories of a very large shipwreck began circulating during the earliest days of Euro- American presence in the Pacific Northwest, as fur traders and explorers learned from Native people that a large ship had long ago wrecked on Nehalem Spit, with survivors and cargo that included beeswax. The stories, shrouded by speculation and often contradictory Euro-American folklore, captivated treasure-hunters who searched for a century and a half on nearby Neahkahnie Mountain and the adjacent beaches. 

The archaeologist-led team of the Beeswax Wreck Project used geology, archaeology, and porcelain analysis, combined with documentation from Spanish archives, to pinpoint the ship’s likely identity. Beeswax stamped with Spanish shippers’ marks confirmed the wreck’s origin, and patterns on Chinese porcelain sherds allowed researchers to narrow the date range. 

The Spanish Manila galleon trade was the first global network, and close to 300 galleons left the Philippines for Acapulco carrying Asian goods during its 250-year span. The Project determined that the Beeswax Wreck was one of two galleons that vanished without a trace: the Santo Cristo de Burgos, which sailed in 1693, or the San Francisco Xavier, which left Manila in 1705. Mapping the location of beeswax deposits allowed Project members to assert with confidence that the ship almost certainly wrecked before the 1700 Cascadia earthquake and tsunami.

Cameron La Follette and her team of archivists then undertook wide-ranging research in the archives of Spain, the Philippines, and Mexico to locate all available information about the Santo Cristo de Burgos of 1693. They discovered the history of the ship’s Captain, Don Bernardo Iñiguez del Bayo; a complete crew and passenger list; and highly important facts about the cargo. Researchers now know that the Santo Cristo de Burgos — which was built at the Solsogón shipyard on Bagato Island in the Philippines — was carrying 2.5 tons of liquid mercury. Public reports at this time do not indicate whether mercury testing has been completed on the recovered timbers. 

After many years of work to solve this multi-century mystery, La Follette’s research team and the Beeswax Wreck Project group published their findings in this special issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly. La Follette is executive director of Oregon Coast Alliance and lead author on the special issue. By day she advocates for coastal conservation, and by night she writes poetry, which is archived at the University of Oregon’s Special Collections and University Archives. 

The Oregon Historical Quarterly (OHQ) is a peer-reviewed public history journal published by the Oregon Historical Society that brings history about Oregon and the Pacific Northwest to both scholars and general readers. OHQ is one of the largest state historical society journals in the United States and is a recognized and respected source for the history of the Pacific Northwest region. 

The Summer 2018 issue of the Oregon Historical Quarterly is now available to read for free online, and print copies are also available for purchase in the Oregon Historical Society Museum Store for $10. A subscription to OHQ is a benefit of Oregon Historical Society membership. 

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

Portland, OR — On special exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) for this weekend only are two unique objects from OHS’s museum collection. From July 1 through July 5, visitors will have the rare opportunity to view the Afro-American Heritage Bicentennial Commemorative Quilt and what is believed to be the first U.S. flag raised in Portland after Oregon became a state.

The Afro-American Heritage Bicentennial Commemorative Quilt was last on view at OHS in October 2020, in a special display developed in partnership with Portland Textile Month. Each square of the quilt, crafted from 1974 to 1976 in honor of the American Bicentennial, honors a Black individual or moment in history. Fifteen Black women from Portland sewed the quilt, who later donated it to OHS and entrusted it to the Society’s care. Less than a week after it had been put on public view, on October 11, 2020, vandals shattered windows in OHS’s pavilion and stole the quilt from its display. Police found it and returned it the next morning, stained and soaking wet from the rain. 

OHS collections staff immediately laid out the drenched textile on top of clean, cotton, undyed towels on a flat surface to stabilize this important piece of Oregon history. While the quilt fortunately had not suffered major structural damage (rips, areas of fabric loss, etc.), there was significant, red-colored staining either due to the red fabric bleeding from moisture or from contact from the red paint protestors had used. Once the quilt was dry and stabilized, collections staff sent it to Textile Conservation Workshop (TCW) to begin conservation of the quilt to work to restore it to its original condition. The process was time-consuming and costly and required the quilt to be disassembled — each quilt block removed from the backing, batting, and binding. TCW only used conservation-quality products and materials and took the time to sew along the original stitch lines with all the quilt blocks in their original locations, and the newly restored quilt that visitors will see this weekend is beautiful.

OHS is also thrilled to exhibit for the first time in nearly a decade what is believed to be the very first American flag raised in Portland after Oregon became a state. Ann Elizabeth Bills, who sewed the flag, and her husband, Cincinnati Bills, traveled from Indiana to Oregon in 1853. Mr. Bills started Portland’s first hauling business, which became the Oregon Transfer Company. In 1861, Mrs. Bills was asked to sew an American flag to celebrate Independence Day. The flag, which was last displayed at OHS in 2013, has been well-preserved by museum collections staff since it was first flown on 4th Avenue in Portland on July 4, 1861.  

For those unable to visit the museum in person, the Afro-American Heritage Bicentennial Commemorative Quilt (064797fhttps://museumcollection.ohs.org/argus/ohs/Portal/portal.aspx?component=AAAI&record=addb5928-9e79-4eb0-8e72-a8eab064797f">OHS Museum, 77-57.1) and the Bills flag (OHS Museum, 61-133) are available to view on OHS’s Museum Collection Portal (museumcollection.ohs.org) — a public, online database highlighting the incredible objects in the museum’s care. OHS’s museum preserves over 75,000 objects that document the history of the region, which includes clothing and textiles, Native American belongings, artworks, vehicles, equipment, and everyday items. When the Portal launched in January 2022, in provided access to the records for over 10,000 of these objects, with new records being added regularly. 

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum hours this weekend are 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 5pm Sunday, and 10am to 5pm Tuesday (closed Monday in observance of the July 4 holiday). Admission to view these objects is free, while regular museum admission applies to visit OHS’s other current exhibitions.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that 46 middle and high school students from across the state of Oregon participated in this year’s virtual National History Day® (NHD) contest, presenting individual or group projects in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Four Oregon entries made it to the Finals Round and ranked among the top 10 in the nation, with two projects placing second and third in their categories. These high-quality entries advanced to compete against more than 2,700 students from across the country after placing first or second in the virtual Oregon History Day contest.

Longtime NHD participant Anja Jolin, a senior at St. Mary’s Academy, placed second in the nation for her senior paper, “Delegitimizing Diplomacy: The Berlin West Africa Conference.” Having competed in NHD since 8th grade, this paper is the capstone of an incredibly impressive career in the contest, with previous projects winning the national affiliate awards for Oregon and placing as high as 8th in the nation. Jolin has used her NHD projects to explore a wide variety of topics over the years, including South Africa’s transition to democracy, policewomen breaking barriers in Portland, and the legal impacts of the Berhanu v. Metzger trial. 

For her 2022 paper, Jolin found that “primary sources from the African perspective were particularly difficult to find because of limited written documentation from this time period and the destruction of historical artifacts that occurred under European colonial systems.” She therefore “relied on primary source quotes and excerpts contained within secondary sources” and was able to successfully make the “historical argument . . . that under the guise of diplomacy, European leaders at the Berlin Conference established rules for the occupation of Africa that ignored the rights and interests of Africans. The resulting partition of Africa into European-controlled colonies left a legacy of economic and political instability that persists to this day.”

Sunset High School freshman Jasper Gu’s senior individual exhibit, The Orphan Drug Act: How Debate and Diplomacy Improved Healthcare for Orphan Disease Patients, placed third in the nation after having previously finished second at this year’s Oregon History Day contest. Gu’s exhibit was exceptional in that he interviewed Henry Waxman, the congressman credited with creating the Orphan Drug Act who was the chair of the Health and Environment Subcommittee at the time (1983). Gu first competed in History Day as a middle school student with his exhibit Rosalind Franklin: The Discovery of DNA’s Structure and the Impact on Women in STEM. Judges remarked that they learned a lot from his 2022 National History Day project and that he used a “great application of data to illustrate [the] points being made.” 

Three additional entries also earned special awards for their excellent work. McKenzie Rose of Echo School was honored by the National Museum of American History for the second consecutive year by having her senior individual exhibit, The Debatable Trent Affair: How Strategic Diplomacy Prevented War, included in the Smithsonian Learning Lab’s virtual showcase. One student project is nominated by the state coordinator for this honor, and Rose’s project stood out thanks to her thorough research and excellent design. Her exhibit was also honored with the United States Naval and Maritime History: Preserve, Promote, and Celebrate Award for Oregon this year.

The ACCESS Academy team of Alexa Buckley, Franka Gronke, Hazel Miranda Zellnik, Jolee Ray, and Fiona Snyder and Helix School’s MayaBella Texior earned the Outstanding Affiliate Award at the junior and senior level respectively. Both projects placed among the top ten in the nation and were created by students who were participating in History Day for the first time. In the award-winning junior group performance, The 1912 Oregon Suffrage Vote: How Tactics Make and Break Debates, the students argued that a major factor in the success of the Oregon suffrage movement was the mass advertising campaigns deployed to promote the movement. One judge at the national contest noted of Texidor’s senior individual documentary, EXCOMM: The Internal Debates of Kennedy's Secret Council, “that this documentary was your first attempt at video-making is astonishing to me. I sincerely hope it won’t be your last.” Judges also commended Texidor for focusing her project on EXCOMM, rather than the larger Cuban Missile Crisis. 

“Each year, we are inspired by students’ History Day projects, which continue to show us that there are no limits to the questions we can ask of the past and the insights we can gain from exploring those questions,” said Eliza E. Canty-Jones, OHS Chief Program Officer.

OHS is proud of the hard work and countless hours these students and their teachers spent on these projects and wish to congratulate them along with all the students who participated in the Oregon History Day program this year. A big thank you to the Oregon volunteer judges as well for their excellent input, which helped students improve their projects ahead of their national debut. OHS is eager to see what students create for next year’s contest around the theme “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.”

About Oregon History Day:

Oregon History Day, part of National History Day^®, is a renowned, evidence-based middle and high school program. Facilitated by the Oregon Historical Society, this culturally responsive program invites students to interpret a historical event that connects to the annual theme by creating a website, paper, performance, exhibit, or documentary.

Oregon History Day is a highly adaptable program. Students can select their own topic to research, or teachers can choose a broad category to guide their students’ projects. With the assistance of educators, librarians, and online resources, students analyze primary and secondary sources to develop and support their thesis. Creating an Oregon History Day project is immensely rewarding for students, many of whom participate over consecutive years. Oregon History Day meets the state standards in multiple subjects and can support the teaching of standards related to Ethnic Studies, Tribal History / Shared History, and Holocaust and Genocide education.

Educators are encouraged to contact the Oregon Historical Society by emailing y.day@ohs.org">history.day@ohs.org if they are interested in bringing this program to their classroom. For more information on National History Day®, visit www.nhd.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is happy and proud to announce a continuing partnership with the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to provide the highest quality objective and safe vision screening for students in the Cow Creek Umpqua service area.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation was founded in 1997 and on June 23, 2022 announced its most recent round of giving equaled $649,930 to 61 non-profits serving Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane Counties.

CCUIF’s funding includes continuing support for the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation’s “20/20 Vision” School Vision Screening Program in the CCUIF’s service counties. During the 2021-2022 school year, OLSHF provided vision screening to almost 52,000 students in the seven county area.

OLSHF’s “20/20 Vision” School Vision Screening Program is recognized as the premier school based student vision screening program in the US. OLSHF uses current technology to safely and effectively screen students for 8 conditions that effect learning in a matter of seconds. Full classes of students are screened in less than 5 minutes, thus minimally impacting the learning day. Secure and encrypted reports are returned to the school in a week along with resources for underserved student families for low cost/no cost vision exams and eyeglasses.

The mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer assistance in youth education, strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of life for people in southwestern Oregon. 

To date, CCUIF has awarded $21,539,146 to non-profits in the seven southwestern Oregon counties from which it accepts grant requests. 

Carma Mornarich, the Executive Director of the CCUIF stated, in part: “I want to commend our partners in the nonprofit world for your work and tenacity.  It has made a huge difference in many, many lives.”

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation and the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation are proud to have partnered in this important effort for years and both are happy to serve the diverse communities of Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane Counties. Both Foundations understand that the future of all of these communities lies in their youth.

To learn more about School Vision Screening and help support our program, please visit www.olshf.org 

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You Buy One, We Plant One campaign donates $1 from every purchase to plant one tree

Once again, four leading Oregon craft beverage producers are teaming up with Oregon Parks Forever to raise funds to replant 25,000 trees in Oregon’s parks and forests.

Between record breaking fires caused by a freak windstorm to an extreme heat event that set the stage for another bad fire year, Oregon has seen unusually severe tree damage the past two years. 

As we embark on summer activities, fire officials are warning that we are heading for another challenging fire season this summer.

So, once again, sustainability-minded craft beverage producers Canned Oregon by Stoller Wine Group, Fort George Brewery, Portland Cider Company, and Sunriver Brewing are collaborating to help Oregon Parks Forever’s effort to replant one million trees so that Oregon’s forests will once again be green and lush for future generations. 

For all of July and August, at all Oregon retailers, $1 from select 6-pack of cans of Sunriver Brewing and Fort George beer, Portland Cider Company cider, and 375mL cans of Canned Oregon wine by Stoller Wine Group sold will be donated to Oregon Parks Forever as part of their tree replanting campaign. Each dollar collected will cover the cost of planting one tree. You buy one. We plant one.      

"We are thrilled to have the continuing support of these fine craft beverage producers toward this important project. With the help of these fine craft beverage makers, and many others, we were able to fund the planting of over a half a million trees last year. Trees provide the very necessities of life,” said Seth Miller, Oregon Parks Forever executive director. “They clear our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy communities and feed our souls.  Our forests provide critical wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.  They sequester carbon and help reduce soil erosion by stabilizing slopes and preventing landslides.” 

Oregon Parks Forever has set a goal of planting at least a million trees. So far, they have funded the replanting of more than half a million trees!  You can support their efforts by donating directly, or buying the participating products from these craft beverage producers at your local retailer this summer. 

###

About Oregon Parks Forever

Since 1995, Oregon Parks Forever has been raising funds to help fund programs and projects that enhance the experience of using Oregon’s parks & forests. Emphasis is placed on projects that protect existing facilities and amenities, increase park accessibility, provide healthy activities and educate the future stewards of our public lands. Oregon Parks Forever is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission includes working with federal, state, local and tribal public land managers to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in all Oregon parks.

For more information, visit orparksforever.org/

Contact: Seth Miller, Executive Director, 503- 913-8672

About Stoller Wine Group

Stoller Wine Group is a family of wine brands from Oregon wine pioneer, Bill Stoller. Its brands and products are based on various price points and distribution models. They include Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Winery, History, Canned Oregon, and Chemistry. Fun, fast-paced, and progressive, the Stoller Wine Group is always seeking to improve its brands, and company, with a lens towards sustainability and its B Corp values. For more information, visit stollerwinegroup.com

Contact: Michelle Kaufmann, Vice President of Communications, 503-864-3404

About Sunriver Brewing

Sunriver Brewing Company’s pub in the Village at Sunriver opened to rave reviews in the summer of 2012. Recognizing that the original pub would not accommodate demand, a 13,000-square foot building was purchased in the Business Park in 2014. Since that time, Sunriver Brewing Company has garnered many national and international awards for their craft beer. In February of 2016, Sunriver opened its second pub location on Galveston Avenue in Bend Oregon. The year of 2017 included a major national accomplishment with winning Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. In 2019 Sunriver opened its third pub in the Oakway Center located in Eugene, Oregon. For more information, visit sunriverbrewingcompany.com

Contact: Ryan Duley, Director of Stuff & Things, 541-728-3453

About Fort George Brewery

Fort George Brewery is a family-owned and operated craft brewery in Astoria, Oregon. They have been making beer in Astoria for over 15 years. What started out as an 8.5 barrel system in the back of a pub has grown to become so much more than a brewery. Fort George is proud to be a member of a thriving community on the coast, operating 2 restaurants for the hungry people, a taproom for the thirsty ones, 2 smaller scale research and development breweries, one large scale production facility, and a craft-focused distributor representing a handsome portfolio of over 200 similarly-minded breweries, wineries and cideries. They distribute their original beers across the Pacific Northwest but the heart of Fort George is in Astoria. Fort George makes beer for a stronger community.

Contact:       Brian Bovenizer, Marketing Director, 503-791-2323

About PortlandCider Company

Portland Cider Company was founded in 2013 to bring hand-crafted, award-winning cider to the Northwest. The company recognizes Portland and her bold spirit as the inspiration behind their innovative ciders, and promises the cleanest, tastiest and most enjoyable cider-drinking experience the city has to offer. Portland Cider has two taproom locations in the Portland Metro Area, where they encourage all to visit, sample, and expect more from the cider they drink. For more information, visit portlandcider.com

Contact: Helen Lewis, Marketing Director, 503-305-0877

From June 2–11, 2022, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ values and beliefs, including attitudes and perceptions about wildfires in Oregon. The question numbers in this document correspond with the survey questionnaire (Q1-9). 

Oregonians Agree: Wildfire is a Concern

As Oregonians often struggle to bridge ideological divides, there is widespread common ground when it comes to concerns about the effects of wildfire in Oregon, regardless of political party, income, education, or age. 

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The majority of Oregonians expect wildfires to increase over the next 10 years (88% of respondents) (Q3A).

People from all areas of Oregon are in strong agreement on this prediction, with 88% of those living in the Tri County area, 88% in the Willamette Valley, and 86% of those living in the rest of the state expecting increased wildfires over the next ten years.

Oregonians with and without school-aged children are also in agreement (88%, 87%). 

“Wildfires have been crazy the past few years and it scares me.”

Woman, age 30-44, Polk County, Asian and White

People are More Concerned About the Threat to Other People Living in Oregon, Than Their Own Personal Risk
 

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Oregonians are most concerned about the risk wildfires pose to people living in Oregon in general, with nine in ten Oregonians saying they see wildfires as a serious threat (92%) (Q1C).

Comparatively, only six in ten Oregonians see wildfire as a very or somewhat serious threat to their local community (60%) (Q1B). five in ten of those polled see wildfires as a direct threat to themselves and their families (53%) (Q1A).

Oregonians are less likely to see wildfire as a direct threat to themselves or their family, although more than half say this is a very or somewhat serious threat (53%) (Q1A).

High Level of Concern is the Same as Last Year

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The high level of concern for the risk of wildfires in Oregon, broadly, did not budge over the past year, with 92% of Oregonians in May of 2021data://9296823F-7B74-4C5C-8D62-26A36D2A5100#_ftn1">^[1] and 93% in June of 2022 seeing wildfires as a threat to people living in the state. 

Considering the extremely wet spring, it is not a major surprise that when asked about their area of Oregon, Oregonians’ concern for wildfire has decreased a bit since May of last year. 

In May of 2021, 58% said they saw wildfire as a threat to themselves and their families. This was 5 points higher than responses from June 2022 (53%). 
A year ago, 68% of Oregonians saw wildfires as a threat to their local community, which was eight points higher than how people feel this year (60%). 

In addition to wildfires, 79% of Oregonians also believe that, over the next ten years, there will be a significant loss to the states forests because of heat and drought (Q3C). Women predict loss of forests from drought and heat at a higher rate than men (85% compared to 72%). 

Wildfire Concerns: Health and Wildlife are Most Important

When presented with a list of potential negative impacts from wildfire, Oregonians’ values appear to align mostly in maintaining our natural resources, health, and wellbeing, with less concern about impacts to recreation or personal property (Q7A-H).Oregonians are most concerned about the health effects of smoke from wildfires (83% of respondents) (Q7E).

When it comes to concerns about smoke, there is no noteworthy difference between those who have school-aged children in their household and those who do not (85%, 83%). Although both women and men are greatly concerned about the health effects of smoke, women are slightly more so (88% compared to 79%).

Loss of wildlife and fish habitat is the possible effect with the second-highest level of concern, with a striking 82% of Oregonians indicating great or moderate concern (Q7C). All Oregonians within the various age groups, political affiliations, counties, education levels, incomes, housing situations, and genders range between 74% and 88% in saying they are concerned about loss of wildlife and fish habitat from wildfires.

Loss of Public Forestland is Also a Top Concern

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Oregonians share a similar level of concern about uncontrolled and high-severity wildfires and loss of public forestland as a result of wildfires (80% and 78%) (Q7D,Q7F).

Concern about uncontrolled and high-severity wildfires remains relatively stable regardless of identity or area of residence, but women are slightly more concerned than men about the loss of public forestland (81% compared to 74%).

Slightly more than six in ten Oregonians worry about lost or diminished recreational opportunities and the cost of firefighting that might result from wildfires (65% and 63%) (Q7B,Q7G).

The lowest levels of concern were for damage to personal property (51%), and reductions in tourism (49%) (Q7A,Q7H).

• Interestingly, and perhaps reflecting the current housing shortage, those who rent and those who own their home are equally concerned when it comes to wildfire-related damage to personal property (Q7A).
• For those who live in rural areas of Oregon, there is more concern about the effects of wildfire-related damage to property than those who live in an urban area (61% compared to 47%) (Q7A).
• When it comes to concerns about the effects of wildfires on tourism, there were no noteworthy response variations between those who live in different areas of Oregon (Q7H).

“Controlled burns and allowing natural caused fires to burn is essential, just because humans are encroaching on nature doesn’t mean people should risk life and limb to protect material possession.”

Man, age 65-74, Deschutes County, White

Strong Support for Protecting Wilderness from Fire

A strong majority of Oregonians (75%) believe that attempts should be made to fight wildfires that break out in wilderness areas far from homes (Q4). 

Those who live in the Willamette Valley show the strongest level of support for fighting wildfires in wilderness areas (83%) compared to the Tri County area (67%) and the rest of Oregon (77%). Those with school-aged children are more supportive of fighting wildfires in wilderness areas than those who do not have school-aged children (81%, 72%). 

Oregonians are in support of fighting the fire particularly if it is human-caused: 

“We can’t just let our state burn to the ground.”

Woman, age 30-44, Polk County, Asian and White

“Every bit of damage we are responsible for and should intervene. We constantly hurt the forest, so letting nature do its thing is not an option.”

Non-binary, age 18-29, Yamhill County, Black or African American and White

“Protect human life. Fires can spread very, very fast.”

Man, age 65-74, Deschutes County, Prefer not to answer race/ethnicity

“I would say if it’s naturally caused and far from homes then let it burn, but only up to a limit, control it and make sure it doesn’t destroy too much land area. And if it’s human causes, fight it.”

Prefer not to share gender, Age 18-29, Deschutes County, Prefer not to answer race/ethnicity

Should Some Wildfires be Left to Burn?

Those Oregonians who believe some wildfires should be left to burn, while in the minority, express a belief that not all fires are bad for the ecosystem. They also say they fear finite resources being used unnecessarily:

“As long as no homes/businesses are affected, then let nature take its course. Fires are good/healthy for forests, so we should let it happen. Also, it would help thin out the forests so that a massive wildfire can be avoided in future years, at least for a while.”

Woman, age 45-54, Tri County, Hispanic/Latino/a/x

“Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem. it clears out undergrowth that fuels future fires. it gets rid of dead, diseased trees. Everything I’ve read suggests that it is a waste of resources and the result of poor management to continue throwing resources–especially manpower–to fight fires that don’t respond very well to the efforts to control.”

Woman, age 75+, Lincoln County, Prefer not to answer race/ethnicity

“Resources and personnel are finite and cannot be everywhere, so they must be focused where they matter.”

Non-binary, age 45-54, Clackamas County, Asian and White

Management of Wildfires

Less than half of Oregonians approve of how wildfires are being managed, either by individual landowners or the government. However, approval numbers for private land management are higher than those of the state or federal government.

Of those polled, just 46% of Oregonians say they believe private landowners are managing their land well to prevent wildfires (Q2A). When asked how well the state is managing state-owned lands to prevent wildfires, the approval rating drops to 39% (Q2B). The lowest approval rating among Oregonians is at 31% when asked about the federal government’s effectiveness in managing federally owned lands to prevent wildfires (Q2C).

“Timber companies do not want to log weak, sick, damaged trees in dense forest. Timber companies do not want to log trees killed by fire. They want access to log the large, old healthy trees that survived fire and density. There is no profit for them in small, destroyed trees. A trees ability to survive (or come back) from a fire is greatly underestimated in the logging debate.”

Man, age 65-74, Multnomah County, White and Other race or ethnicity

Wildfire Reduction Methods

When polled on different wildfire reduction methods, Oregonians generally support a range of different methods (Q5A-H).  

• Wildfire reduction methods that specifically address the danger wildfire poses to homes are the most popular among Oregonians, with 89% in support of clearing space around homes of flame-spread vegetation and 85% supporting hardening and preparing homes to be more fire resistant (Q5E,Q5A).
• A large majority of Oregonians (78%) think there should be periodic controlled burns of “ground fuels,” although it is worth noting 16% answered “don’t know,” indicating an opportunity for further study and clarification (Q5B).
• For the most part, less popular solutions still see strong support, with 71% of Oregonians in support of more public purchase of firefighting equipment, and 68% hoping Oregon will limit construction of new homes in fire-prone areas (Q5G,Q5F).
• The wildfire reduction strategy with the lowest level of support is more logging across the forested landscape (36% support) (Q5D).
  • It is worth noting that when asked about removing smaller, weaker, and poorer quality of trees in crowded forests, support increases to 76% (Q5C).

Evacuations due to Wildfire

One in five Oregonians say they have had to evacuate their area of Oregon due to a wildfire (Q6). Of those who have had to evacuate, 60% say they felt like they had the support they needed to evacuate (Q6A). Of those who haven’t yet had to evacuate their area because of a wildfire, 62% say they feel they currently have the support and resources they need in order to do so (Q6B).

Women are more likely than men to be concerned about wildfires, and less likely than men to feel that they have the resources or support to evacuate their area should they need to. When asked about the next ten years, women were more likely than men to predict an increase in wildfires (91% vs. 83%) (Q3A). Of those polled, 58% of women see wildfire as a direct threat to themselves and their families compared to 46% of men (Q1A).

Among those who have not had to evacuate because of wildfires, 53% of women say they feel they have the support and resources they need to suddenly evacuate their homes vs. 70% of men who say the same thing (Q6B). 

Although not statistically significant, among Oregonians who have had to evacuate because of wildfires, once again, women were less likely than men to say they got the support they needed (57% compared to 66%) (Q6A).

Demographic Trends

Identifying what unites us, understanding what divides us.

Reported below are statistically significant subgroup differences between BIPOC and white Oregonians, urban and rural Oregonians, and age groups. Many of these differences are not major and are presented to inform public education and communications initiatives.  

While there appears to be a consensus amongst Oregonians that wildfires are a serious issue, those in rural areas are more likely to see wildfires as a direct threat to themselves and their families (Q1A).

67% of Oregonians in rural counties are concerned about the threat of wildfires to themselves and their families compared to 45% of those in urban areas (Q1A).

Part of this may be due to more personal experiences with wildfires, with 27% of Oregonians in rural communities saying they have already had to evacuate their homes due to a wildfire compared to 16% of those living in urban areas (Q6).

“Living in rural Oregon near forests, there is now constant fear of another wildfire. There is also the seemingly constant amount of smoke in the air now, all the time; it is ridiculous.” 

Woman, age 45-54, Marion County, White

While BIPOC and white Oregonians have similar feelings about wildfire, it is worth noting that among those who have not had to evacuate, 56% of BIPOC respondents say they feel they have the support and resources they need to evacuate their homes, compared to 64% of white respondents (Q6B). 

Older Oregonians are generally less concerned than younger Oregonians about wildfires in their area of Oregon.

Just 32% of those 75 or older feel that wildfires are a risk to themselves and their family, compared to 49-58% of the other age groups (Q1A). 

When asked about the risk of wildfires to folks living in their community, once again, older Oregonians reported concern at a lower rate (42% compared to 56-66% of other age groups) (Q1B). 

Of those 18-29, nearly seven in ten believe wildfire is a serious threat to people living in their community (66%), the highest level of concern among all age groups. 

When it comes to concerns around wildfire to Oregon in general, there is much more alignment among Oregonians of all ages that it is a serious threat (88-96%) (Q1C). 

There is agreement among all age groups that Oregon will likely experience an increase in the number of wildfires over the next ten years (83-92%) (Q3A). 

Methodology: The online survey consisted of 1,446 Oregon residents ages 18+ and took approximately 15 minutes to complete. Respondents were contacted by using professionally maintained online panels. In gathering responses, a variety of quality control measures were employed, including questionnaire pre-testing, validation, and real-time monitoring of responses. To ensure a representative sample, demographic quotas were set, and data weighted by area of the state, gender, age, and education.

Statement of Limitations: Based on a 95% confidence interval, this survey’s margin of error for the full sample ±2.5%. Due to rounding or multiple answer questions, response percentages may not add up to 100%.

This survey uses aggregated data to analyze the opinions of BIPOC residents in comparison to the opinions of residents who identify as white and not another race. BIPOC residents are not a monolith; the grouping represents a wide diversity of races and ethnicities. The findings included in this memo should not be construed such that all people of color are believed to share the same opinions. Disaggregated race data will be provided when sample sizes permit reliability.